Yesterday, March 12, 2020, was our first day at attempting social distancing, and I have to say, it was not easy!! We are already “officially” homeschoolers, but both of my kids attend private schools 2 day per week and are also involved in classes, extracurriculars, and therapies literally every single day. So homeschooling does not equal social distancing on a regular basis for us.
The fortunate thing about us already homeschooling, of course, is that we didn’t have to scramble to figure out flex work schedules, child care, or working from home. And we already have curriculums and educational materials stocked up. I can’t imagine the amount of overwhelm many families are experiencing right now trying to figure out how to have their children home from school unexpectedly for anywhere from a week to the remainder of the school year.
I am hoping that this short guide can be helpful as you get started, especially if you are having to weather this change with neurodivergent children.
1. Talk to you children about what is going on. I have attached a social narrative to help explain the situation. Here is a BrainPop video about Coronavirus, as well. https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/ . And here is info to help quell anxiety from a resource that I really love: https://gozen.com/coronavirus-anxiety/.
2. Take the time to make a plan. It can be very simple, but most neurodiverse kids NEED a plan. Think through your own priorities and needs and construct a simple daily schedule that you can post visibly for your kids. It is OK if you can’t replicate anything close to your child’s current school schedule. No need to do that. Just give them something they can depend on so that they have a structure in their mind of what they can expect. This will help alleviate stress from everyone and help the day go much more smoothly. I have attached a sample daily schedule, but whatever you come up with that works for your family is FINE!
3. For kids with AD/HD (and any other kids who need lots of stimulation/input throughout the day): These kids can pose a unique challenge in a “stuck-at-home” situation because they sometimes need more activity and sensory input than the average child. These are often the kids who express that they feel “bored” all day long and are literally climbing up the walls and are begging to go somewhere or play with friends. These kids NEED lots of engagement. I have one of these kids, and here are a few things that might make your days go more smoothly.
a. Divide the time with this child between family members, when possible. These kids often do better when they are working with someone else. So they might have an hour assigned to playing with a younger sibling, an hour working with an older sibling, an hour playing games and doing math with Parent A, and an hour reading and doing yoga with Parent B. (I know that there are not always multiple family members available, but this can work when there are.)
b. Provide short, exciting “stations” for your child to engage with in between the (possibly less exciting) academic activities that you’ve assigned to them. This can also help when they need to be self-engaged while you work from home. I like to set out only a few of the toys/activities we own at a time, making them more novel when they are out and accessible. Today, the magnetic tiles are out. Tomorrow, it might be the marble run or a box of pipe cleaners. Some children can use these items in an open ended way, while others may need you to encourage them to complete a challenge, such as designing and building a car or seeing how high they can build a tower. Here are some ideas: https://frugalfun4boys.com/awesome-stem-challenges/, and here are Lego challenge cards that you can print. https://thestemlaboratory.com/lego-challenge-cards/
c. Include as much physical activity as possible into their day. Depending on where you live, you should still be able to go hiking or biking on nice days. If you are stuck indoors, try having dance breaks, challenge your child to build an obstacle course and race through it, or look up yoga videos on youtube to do together.
Here are ideas that support sensory integration and help to keep your child regulated, content, and learning to the best of their abilities. https://www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/sensory-integration-activities.html
Also, this is new to me, but the apps GoNoodle and GoNoodle Games are free and full of movement videos and games designed to help kids burn some energy. I just downloaded them today and reviewed them briefly, and they seem great for days that it’s impossible to get outside and move.
4. For kids with Anxiety and/or Autism: For the anxious or rigid child, abruptly having school cancelled is a HUGE change. Their schedule is different, they are not seeing their teachers, their routines at home are not even the same. That is hard!! Here are some ways to help them through this time.
a. Go back to step 1. Discuss the reasons for school closures, and continue to reassure them that they are safe, and all is well. Answer their questions calmly.
b. Go back to step 2. Have a plan. Write it down. Post it where they can see it. I cannot tell you how reassuring this is for an autistic or anxious child. Some children may need a visual schedule, and here is a program that you can use to create one: https://goboardmaker.com/
c. Try to create a rhythm or routine that can become regular and dependable for the child. Basically, whatever schedule you create, stick to it! (whenever possible)
d. Include a grounding and anxiety-reducing activity into your morning routine, such as mindfulness, meditation, prayer, or yoga. Here are some yoga and mindfulness cards that we use at our house: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=yoga+cards&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss_1.
You can also do anything that feels more natural to you, if those things seem confusing or out of reach. Just sing a few songs you all like together before you start your day. Or take the dog on a walk while discussing any worries and also discussing the schedule and expectations for the day.
e. Take this opportunity to teach your child some ways to calm themselves, such as breathing techniques or self-talk. I highly recommend GoZen (www.gozen.com) for children ages 8-10 and up; it is an on-line program that helps kids learn to combat anxiety.
f. Use whatever accommodations are necessary to reduce sensory overwhelm. My daughter wears headphones with her favorite music while doing schoolwork to block out sibling noises. We also make sure that work spaces are clear and comfortable before having a child begin an assignment. Finally, make sure that instructions are simple and direct to avoid a frustrated, confused, and overwhelmed child.
g. This could be a great opportunity to utilize your child’s special interest areas and increase their love of learning. Does your child love LEGOs? Have them “build a story” with them, then write it down. Are they obsessed with Pokemon? They can do Pokemon math, read books about Pokemon, design new Pokemon characters, etc. The options are literally endless, and it can be a way that your child can gain confidence and really enjoy their learning time at home.
Resource List
Here are some curriculums and programs that can be a good fit for neurodivergent families.
Khan Acadamy: Free on-line covering most subject areas. Some families use this as their primary curriculum; others use it to supplement. Lessons are video based, and students take assessments to achieve mastery as they progress. They recently added a program geared at younger children, as well. https://www.khanacademy.org
Epic: On-line Books and Read Alouds. https://www.getepic.com/
Beast Academy: https://beastacademy.com/ This is a paid subscription, and it can be used as a main math curriculum or as enrichment.
Prodigy: Fun, online math enrichment game. https://www.prodigygame.com/
Math U See: This is a math curriculum that many families with neurodivergent kids like. It uses manipulatives and takes an easy-to-follow step by step approach to teaching.
www.mathusee.com
Teach Your Monster to Read: Free (and fun!) phonics and reading practice for Pre-K-2nd graders. https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/
GoZen: On-line program to teach kids to cope with anxiety. https://gozen.com/
All About Reading: This is a fantastic curriculum that takes a multi-sensory, phonics based approach to teaching reading. It is not online, so it requires 1 on 1 teaching by the parent or caregiver. Great for students with dyslexia or AD/HD.
Handwriting Without Tears: This is a curriculum used by homeschoolers, schools, and occupational therapists. It is great for children with dysgraphia or any child who needs multi-sensory instruction. Pre-k and up.
Waldock Way Passports to Adventure: This is a fun curriculum that can be used with the whole family. It covers all subjects except math and can work with multi-ages (up to around ages 10-12). You might want to add some phonics with the younger kids. You can pick a Magic Treehouse book every week or 2 weeks, and the curriculum is full of fun hands-on activities and games to go along with the book. Easy to implement and good for a wide variety of learning styles and needs. Waldock Way also has other fun theme-based curriculums, such as Harry Potter, Who Was?, and the Bear Grylls Survival series. https://www.thewaldockway.com/
Mystery Science: These are short, well-laid out science lessons that hold my kids’ interests. They are in the form of videos and are very engaging. They also include activities and print-outs that the parent or teacher can do with the students after watching the videos. https://mysterydoug.com/ (short, free weekly videos) and https://mysteryscience.com/ (paid lessons)
Outschool: On-line, small group classes with live teachers offering a wide-array of subjects. Students get to interact with peers, as well, unless you sign up for a video recorded class. There are one-time classes on many interesting subjects, as well as full semester courses in core subjects, such as math and language arts. https://outschool.com/
Scholastic Resources: This is something new that we might add to our day. Lots of videos, articles, and ideas for each day that schools are closed.
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/teaching-tools/articles/resources/scholastic-learn-at-home--free-resources-for-school-closures.html
Brain Pop: Fun videos and lesson on many topics: www.brainpop.com
Moby Max: Engaging, on-line lessons in many subject areas. https://www.mobymax.com/
Visual Schedule Maker: www.goboardmakeronline.com
Varsity Tutors: We just discovered these FREE interactive, online classes and summer camps. There are so many great options for all school ages, covering a wide variety of interest areas. https://www.varsitytutors.com/virtual-summer-camps.
Wild Math: This is a great hands-on math curriculum for K-4th. It consists of read aloud books about math, games, and fun, outdoor learning activities. Great for active and creative children!
https://www.wildmathcurriculum.com/
Winston Grammar: This multi-sensory, systemic approach to teaching grammar is great for students with executive function issues, dyslexia, and writing learning disabilities.
https://www.winstongrammar.com/
Oak Meadow: Oak Meadow is a provider of full, Waldorf-inspired curriculum for grades K-12. They provide flexible weekly lesson plans, and there is an emphasis on holistic education, including stories, art, and nature. Great for creative and free-spirited kids. It’s also a more slowly paced curriculum so not frustration-inducing for children with learning differences.
Zones of Regulation: This is a great curriculum written by an occupational therapist that helps teach your child about self-regulation. Great for children who need support with emotional or sensory regulation. https://www.zonesofregulation.com
Sample Schedule for an Elementary Child Learning at Home
8 am- Breakfast
8:30- Morning Meeting- Mindfulness and/or Yoga Activity and Review the Daily Schedule
OR Walk and Talk
8:45- Math Work- Use curriculum of your choice to have student complete lesson for the day. Practice math facts or other skills with games or other hands-on activities.
9:30- Movement Activity and/or Fast-Paced Cleaning Time with Music
10:00- Family Read Aloud and Discussion -You can choose books that cover science and history topics within your child’s interest area or use the Waldock Way curriculum that uses the Magic Tree House books.
10:30- Writing Activity and Literacy Time- This can include free/creative writing time, response to read aloud, handwriting and/or spelling practice, grammar worksheets or activities, etc.
11:15/11:30- “Recess” (play time) while parent preps lunch, tidies house, plans for afternoon, etc.
12:00- Lunch
1:00- Independent Reading Time, Educational Apps, and/or Watch a Documentary
1:40- STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and/or Mathematics) Hands-on Activity-Just google STEM or STEAM activities, and you’ll find LOTS of fun options. Or you can use the Mystery Science curriculum on some days, and do art activities on the other days.
2:30- Outdoor Play, if possible
3:00- Art, Poetry, and Music Tea Time- Listen to classical music, read poetry, and discuss art while having snacks and tea. OR Board Game Time- There are many board games that are both fun and highly educational.
*** This is only a sample schedule and can be adapted to fit your family’s personal needs. Don’t feel like you have to do it all. As long as you are covering the foundational skills of math, reading, and writing, anything else is a bonus.
For parents working from home, you can substitute on-line programs for most of the above activities. Here is an article about how to do that:
https://www.neurodiversityempowerment.com/neurodiversity-blog-support-for-living-parenting-and-learning-in-a-neurodiverse-world/homeschool-resources-and-schedule-for-families-needing-their-children-to-learn-independently