What are some tips/curriculums for a homeschooled middle school child with ADHD... details?

Question

Right now he hates doing schoolwork and isn't learning well. He is very behind grade level. I know he is smart but I don’t know how to bring it out. He won't independently read textbooks but likes regular books as long as they keep his interest. He hates handwriting but it is legible if he doesn't hurry. He has low comprehension and gets frustrated and overwhelmed easily. We are on a budget so I need ideas that won't break the bank.

Thank you

Answer 1

I agree with melissa - unschooling and/or unit studies are the way to go.  It's non-traditional and can be a bit scary for the parent at first, but both work well for reluctant learners.

It's not that he can't learn...it's that what he's tried so far hasn't worked for him, and he's probably decided that he can't learn.  Let him explore, do hands-on projects, listen to audio books, and do activities both in nature and on the computer.    You'll notice a little reluctance at first, but soon you'll notice his love of learning return.

Also...many boys who are simply kinesthetic learners are "diagnosed" as ADHD because their learning style doesn't fit how a classroom has to be taught.  Some actually do have a brain chemical imbalance that causes them to have trouble focusing, but kinesthetic learners simply need to move in order to learn.  If this description fits your son, try letting him move while listening to things and letting him do more hands-on learning.  Likely, you'll find his retention and motivation will increase.  :)

Answer 2

www.unschooling.com

He needs hands-on, meaningful work that creates associations between what he is learning and all the extras. Follow his lead, find 'regular' books that fill his education needs, and drop the textbooks. Once you stop buying those, you'll have the extra cash to get museum and zoo memberships. Get those and STAY there as much as he wants. No agenda, just allow him to learn from that environment. Added bonus is that with memberships, you get free or reduced price classes. Stimulate his interests by visiting new places, not just museums or libraries, but new stores...a variety of places, state or national parks. Anything could start an interest...leading to an extraordinary amount of learning.

If his handwriting is legible, stop forcing him to write. In this day and age, you don't have to write more than to sign your name on a debit slip or fill out a job app (and many places you can do that online even)

If he gets overwhelmed easily, stop doing so much. You're homeschooling so that he doesn't HAVE to follow the school's agenda...so don't do it at home!  My children have various and sundry issues, including aspergers, autism, adhd, and sad. Homeschooling is such an effective and wonderful way to sustain their innate love of learning.