There are a number of technology tools for ADHD learners that might help with homeschooling.
Sometimes, the way you are doing things with your ADHD learner just aren’t working.
This might be a time to try some unconventional methods with your student.
Start with audio books.
If you find that your child loses focus or is unable to sustain reading for a long period of time, try audio books. Allow them to do something with their hands (something quiet like legos) while they listen.
If your child is overwhelmed by their math book and what seems like pages full of problems, try an online math program.
Often the student is given just one problem to work at a time and once the problem is solved, a new problem will pop up. The problems are usually given in small batches of 5 to 10 problems at a time with feedback after each batch. This can take the overwhelm out of what feels like endless problems to your child.
If writing is an issue, try speech to text software.
The student dictates to the computer and as they dictate, the text appears on the screen.
This is a great way to write papers and take notes. With speech to text, the stress of writing and spelling is removed, and the focus can be on demonstrating what she knows. There are a number of programs out there but it would be a good idea to do some research or ask around for recommendations. Be careful of cheap copycat software.
If spelling is an issue, word prediction software can help.
The software predicts the word entered and can help with spelling and expanding vocabulary. There are also programs out there that can assist with grammar.
Oversight is likely needed when using this type of software until your child becomes versed in how to use it. Also, monitor the frustration factor if words entered are consistently wrong.
This type of technology is designed to help, not add to the stress of writing. It might not be for everyone.
In addition to technology tools, there are also many subjects that are online. A number of reading programs have online components that feel like games to the student but are actually learn to read programs.
Be careful not to simply switch over to online learning exclusively as a balance of both online and in person learning is optimal.
As in day to day life with a student who has unique learning needs, trial and error is always necessary. Don’t be afraid to try new things and think out of the box when it comes to school work.
As you try different options, your child can help you decide what works. Keep in mind that it is ok for school work to be hard sometimes, that’s how they grow as a student and learns to persevere even when faced with difficult situations.
The trick is to balance so not everything is hard (or stressful, or overwhelming) all the time!