Homeschool...need some advice?

Question

Hello, i am kind of down because i feel as though i am not doing something right. My son just made 7 years old but is still having trouble reading...he is pretty good in math though. I am debating on whether or not i should send him back to school, i wanted to try homeschooling him again the second go round but i fear that i am doing something wrong. Does anyone else have this problem? Is there hope? I would hate to put him back into school and he is behind. I would also like to know if anyone knows of a good method as to when to introduce different (new) subjects...i try to focus on one subject at a time and make sure that he is ok in that certain area before i move on. Reading is the biggest challenge so far. I am not forcing him to learn his words, i am being very patient with him. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Have you had him tested for a learning disability?  My oldest daughter was having the same problem and turned out to be dyslexic.  There are curriculum that build on reading skills slowly.  We use the Voyager Universal Literacy System and it is working great.  There are also workbooks that are the complete curriculum for the year that is based  on grade level.  THese can be found at places like Hastings, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, or Sams Club and aren't too expensive.  If there is a learning disability, check to see if you have a Scottish Rite Center in your area.  They offer classes for children and teachers that teaches techniques and tricks to help overcome reading problems.  Another option is to check on your state's education agency website and print out the last years standerized reading test.  A good language arts website for unit studies is learningpage.com.  If your child has a learning disability, let him work at his own pace, it's okay if he is a grade behind in one subject but at or above grade level in everything else if he is trying his best.  It will to less frustration and a better grasp of the information when he does master it. My advice is don't give up on homeschooling, he will be better prepared for life if he is homeschooled.  Good luck.

Answer 2

I knew a kid who was behind in homeschooling so the mom put him back in regular school and to help get him up to speed with the other kids she hired a retired teacher for a year to tutor him. It worked really well - he went from having C's and D's to B's and a couple A's.