Many parents are making the change to homeschooling. It can be a challenge, especially if you’re a father or mother with a disability. I’m sharing some of the tips and helpful resources I’ve found about distance learning from home, homeschooling, and more for parents with a spinal cord injury or other disabilities.
Options for Distance Learning and Homeschooling
First, let’s review the options for learning at home for your child.
- If your child is already attending a local public school, there may be an option for online learning. Check with the school to see if they provide laptops or other necessary equipment for learning from home if this is an option.
- Online public school is also an option, and you won’t have to pay any fees for your child to attend classes.
- Online private schools may cost more, but they will provide all the necessary learning materials and curriculum, and your child will have access to a teacher during the day if they have trouble completing their work.
- Traditional homeschooling will involve you or a private tutor taking on the role of a learning coach for your child, so you would be responsible for making sure your child is working on all the core subjects for their age and grade level.
Homeschooling Tips for Parents with a Spinal Cord Injury
I started talking to other moms I knew who were also living with a disability and had been homeschooling their children since before the pandemic began. When it came to their disability, they adapted and conquered as if it was another barrier they had to break. It gave me much comfort to know I could do this, too.
Here are some tips I’ve learned about homeschooling as a parent with a spinal cord injury.
1. Create a schedule and stick to it.
I have heard this more than once from the other parents I spoke to. To maintain a sense of security and normalcy, it’s a good idea to schedule the hours of your child’s as well as your own.
2. Start out your day alone.
As a parent with a disability, you still need to make time for yourself. Try to get up early before your child and take some time to reflect on your day. Have a morning breakfast by yourself or with your spouse and prepare for the day. Think about how you would like to see your day progress. You can even meditate or pray.
3. Create a workspace for your child’s school day.
Your child needs an area for learning at home that they can call their own. Set up a desk in your home where you can keep your computer and supplies. You can make this an adventure rather than a task by having your child help you organize and decorate it. Let them make it their own special space.
Whether you choose traditional homeschooling or online private or public school, your child will have a daily or weekly lesson plan. Make sure to tack that to the wall where your child’s desk will be, or hang it on the fridge. Ensure they know they’ve got to stick to that schedule and can come to you if they have trouble with anything. Be sure to find out how your child’s school plans for standardized testing, too.
4. Make learning fun.
Make sure your child gets to still have some fun and enjoy what they’re being taught. You might want to get a library card to check out some helpful local resources. Consider checking out some educational smartphone apps and online games that can help assist with the learning process. You can even take some fun virtual field trips together.
I have included some links in the Resources section below.
5. Carve out some family time outside of the school schedule.
It’s important to still make your house feel like a home. At my home, we’ve been coming together as a family to clean and cook. I taught my youngest how to make his breakfast and lunch. We even did a fun DIY project and painted our kitchen cabinets together.
6. Lastly, give yourself some grace.
This is my favorite tip. It means honoring this time and space you have with your children. This year has given you extra time that you normally wouldn’t get to have. Use this time to talk to your children and learn more about them. Let them know more about you, too.
Give yourself some grace. As a parent with a disability, homeschooling may be tiring at times. However, remember you are already equipped with inner strength and perseverance. Remind yourself that this time will go quickly, and before you know it, they’ll be all grown up.
Resources for Homeschooling
The Homeschool Mom has many helpful resources, including homeschooling styles, state resources, standardized test preps, and more.
Connections Academy will help you find a tuition-free online public school in your state, or you can learn more about online private schools at K12.
Librivox offers free public-domain audiobooks, which can be fun for you and your child to listen to in the evenings while making dinner or completing chores. Not only will you likely find some books on your child’s curriculum, but you may also find a new favorite story.
Libby is a fantastic smartphone app that allows you to borrow and read ebooks and audiobooks from your local public library for free. This is a great way to encourage your child to read at any age without spending extra money.
Million Mile Secrets has a comprehensive guide of free virtual field trip activities for kids that can stimulate them socially and educationally.
Duolingo isn’t just for adults wanting to learn another language. It’s also great for kids! It can be easily downloaded as an app on your phone or as a full website. Learning another language can be helpful for improving memory and concentration, whether it is part of your child’s school curriculum or not.
Khan Academy is a popular nonprofit resource for teachers and parents, too. Your child between the ages of 4 to 18 can learn and practice at their own pace with lessons in math, science, and more. Plus, Khan Academy offers daily schedules if you’re having difficulty keeping the school day structured and scheduled.
Good Housekeeping compiled a list of virtual field trips you can take with your child, including aquariums, museums, and even the M&M factory.
