Homeschooling and Dyslexia: How One-on-One Teaching Helped My Son Excel

When we decided to homeschool our youngest son, one of our primary concerns was his dyslexia. Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that affects reading, writing, and spelling. Without the intervention and support of his public school teacher, we might not have realized the extent of his challenges. For this, we are truly grateful. However, the transition to homeschooling has provided him with the individualized attention he needed to not only catch up to his peers but also excel in reading. Homeschooling any child has its difficulties but homeschooling a child with dyslexia has been both difficult and rewarding.

Our Dyslexia Journey

Our son’s public school teacher first noticed his struggle with reading and suggested we have him tested for dyslexia. The diagnosis was both a relief and a new source of worry. How could we ensure he received the help he needed? Initially, he dreaded reading, often coming home from school in tears, embarrassed by his inability to keep up with his classmates. Reading aloud in class was a source of anxiety, and his self-esteem took a significant hit.

The public school did a fantastic job of working with him and laying a strong foundation in his reading and learning journey. However, he needed to be pulled out of his “regular” classes often for special education. This presented a new source of anxiety and embarrassment for him. He loved his special ed teacher but hated feeling like he was missing out on what was happening with his peers in the other classroom.

The Transition to Homeschooling a Child with Dyslexia

Deciding to homeschool a child with dyslexia was not an easy choice, but we felt it was the best way to give our son the one-on-one support he needed. Working closely with him, I was able to tailor our approach to fit his unique learning style. We can work reading practice into almost every aspect of his daily life without him noticing or feeling like he has been put on the spot. Another way we encourage reading is by having him read labels at the grocery store, menus when we go out to eat, and street signs while we are in the truck. We also read with him or to him every single night for no less than 30 minutes.

The progress has been remarkable. Programs like Hooked on Phonics, specifically their Hooked on Reading and Math series, have been instrumental in his development. These programs provided a structured yet flexible framework that catered to his pace and learning needs. We also implemented a reward system for him. Every time he reads a whole book he gets to put a marble in a jar. When the marble is full he gets to pick an activity to do. We have taken him to The Texas Ranger Museum, gone bowling, taken him to the movies, and enjoyed a fun pool day, just to name a few rewards.

A Remarkable Transformation

One of the most significant milestones in our journey came when our son, who used to cry at the thought of reading aloud, started volunteering to read at home and even at church. This transformation from a child who feared reading to one who now embraces it with confidence is nothing short of miraculous. His willingness to read aloud is a testament to his hard work and the effectiveness of our homeschooling approach. I cannot fully describe the pride we have all felt as he has reached and exceeded his reading goals.

I hope that our journey can bring you hope for your own child with dyslexia. Dyslexia shouldn’t be a “bad word” or a source of shame or anxiety for your child. They may have to work harder to reach their reading or educational goals but with patience and hard work they can overcome every obstacle! In fact, some very famous and successful people also have dyslexia! Here are a few:

1. Albert Einstein – Renowned physicist and Nobel Prize winner.
2. Walt Disney – Founder of Disney Studios and creator of Mickey Mouse.
3. Agatha Christie – Best-selling author known for her mystery novels.
4. Steven Spielberg – Award-winning filmmaker and director.
5. Richard Branson – Founder of the Virgin Group.
6. Whoopi Goldberg – Actress, comedian, and television host.
7. Leonardo da Vinci – Renowned artist, scientist, and inventor.
8. Tom Cruise – Actor and producer.
9. Keira Knightley – Actress known for roles in “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Pride & Prejudice.”
10. Jamie Oliver – Celebrity chef and television personality.
11. Anderson Cooper – Journalist and television host.
12. Henry Winkler – Actor, director, and author.
13. Orlando Bloom – Actor known for roles in “The Lord of the Rings” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
14. Jennifer Aniston – Actress known for her role in “Friends.”
15. Octavia Spencer – Academy Award-winning actress.

Resources for Families Homeschooling Children with Dyslexia

For families navigating dyslexia, there are numerous resources and programs that can help:

1. International Dyslexia Association (IDA) – Offers a wealth of information on dyslexia, including resources for parents and educators.
2. Understood.org – Provides support for people with learning and thinking differences, including dyslexia.
3. Hooked on Phonics – Programs like Hooked on Reading and Hooked on Math that have been incredibly beneficial for our son.
4. Learning Ally – Provides audiobooks and other resources for students with dyslexia.
5. Dyslexia Help at the University of Michigan – Offers tools and strategies for managing dyslexia.

Homeschooling may not be the right fit for every child with dyslexia, but for us, it has made a world of difference. The one-on-one attention, combined with tailored programs and a lot of patience, has helped our son thrive. If you are considering this path, know that there are many resources and a supportive community available to help you and your child succeed.

If you enjoyed this blog be sure to check out our other posts about homeschooling here.