Homeschooling with Therapy: 10 Strategies

Blend homeschooling and therapy to create a tailored learning experience for your special needs child. Here's how:

Schedule therapy as a core subject
Use a flexible daily plan
Integrate therapy goals into lessons
Incorporate therapy tools in learning
Collaborate with therapists
Set up a therapy-friendly learning space
Use multi-sensory teaching methods
Add regular therapy breaks
Track progress and challenges
Practice self-care and seek support

Quick comparison of teaching methods:

Method	Best for	Example
Visual	Picture learners	The Good and the Beautiful curriculum
Auditory	Sound-based learners	Greg Landry Homeschool Science
Reading/Writing	Text-focused learners	Sonlight curriculum
Kinesthetic	Hands-on learners	Timberdoodle curriculum

By combining homeschooling with therapy, you can create a personalized education plan that meets your child's unique needs and helps them thrive.

1. Make Therapy Sessions a Key Part of the Schedule

Therapy isn't just an extra - it's a core subject. Treat it like math or reading in your homeschool plan.

Here's how:

Prioritize therapy: It's non-negotiable. Less academics on busy therapy days? That's okay.
Plan around it: Block out therapy times first, then fit in other subjects.
Find learning opportunities: Listen to audiobooks during therapy drives.

Cindy Rinna, a homeschooling parent, says:

"What if you looked at it as just another subject, like math or reading?"

This mindset helps blend therapy into your routine.

Homeschooling's flexibility is perfect for special needs kids. As Melissa, another homeschool mom, notes:

"Homeschooling offers great flexibility for your special needs child, which is even more important when you're taxed with getting your children all the therapy and medical appointments they may need."

Remember: Your schedule should work for your child, not the other way around.

2. Use a Schedule That Can Change

Homeschooling with therapy needs a flexible plan. Here's how to make one:

List your must-dos
Set loose time blocks
Plan for peak times
Add buffer time
Use digital tools
Review daily
Be ready to change

Your schedule might not look like a typical school day. That's OK. Find what works for your family.

"Therapies 'count' as homeschool learning." - Author, Different By Design Learning

Remember: therapy is learning too. Don't feel bad about spending time on it.

Start simple. Begin with one subject and build from there. This way, you can adjust without feeling swamped.

3. Mix Therapy Goals with Lessons

Blending therapy goals with everyday lessons? It's a smart move. Here's how:

Match subjects with therapy targets

Pick school activities that fit your child's therapy needs:

Use reading tasks to work on speech sounds
Practice social skills through history role-plays
Build fine motor skills with science experiments

Make therapy part of your curriculum

Treat therapy like a core subject. Plan for it just like math or reading.

Use daily tasks as learning chances

Work on therapy goals during regular activities:

Practice following directions while cooking
Do math while sorting laundry
Improve speech clarity during bedtime stories

Team up with therapists

Ask therapists for ideas to include therapy goals in lessons.

Track progress

Keep a simple log of your child's progress. It helps you see what's working.

"Therapies 'count' as homeschool learning." - Author, Different By Design Learning

This approach takes planning, but it's worth it. You'll create a more effective learning experience for your child.

4. Use Therapy Tools in Learning

Let's spice up your child's learning with some therapy tools. Here's the scoop:

Sensory aids: These help your kid focus and stay engaged.

Create a chill-out corner with fidget toys and bubble poppers. It's like a mini-spa for your child's brain! Try a weighted neck pillow - it's comfy and easy to clean. And don't forget the write-and-chill lap pad. It's perfect for doodling and practicing letters.

Communication devices: Make these your new best friends.

Keep that AAC device close by. Use it yourself to show how it's done. Stick to core words, not just situation-specific ones. Create chat opportunities all day:

"Want more snacks? Hit that 'more' button!" "Ball time! Press 'my turn' when you want to play." "Music time! Can you turn it 'on' and 'off'?"

Educational tools: These are your secret weapons.

Grab a 20-sided die for number fun. It's like math meets Dungeons & Dragons! Writing grips can turn messy scribbles into neat letters. And don't forget visual aids for non-verbal learning. Desktop screens and writing slopes? They're like mini-offices for better focus.

5. Work with Therapists

Teaming up with therapists can supercharge your homeschooling efforts. Here's how:

Set up monthly check-ins with your child's therapists. Use these meetings to review progress, tweak goals, and plan new activities.

Blend therapy into daily lessons. For example:

Use speech therapy techniques during reading time or work occupational therapy into handwriting practice.

Ask therapists for classroom tips. They might suggest:

Focus-boosting techniques from an occupational therapist
Communication strategies from a speech therapist

Bring therapy tools home. These could include fidget toys for concentration or visual aids for non-verbal learning.

Don't forget about school resources. Even as a homeschooler, you can:

Request an Admission Review Dismissal (ARD) from your local district
Join the review committee to determine available services

6. Set Up a Learning Space That Works for Therapy Too

Creating a space for both learning and therapy is crucial for homeschooling kids with special needs. Here's how to do it:

Lighting

Ditch harsh overhead lights. Go for:

Dimmer switches
Table or floor lamps
Natural light when possible

Good lighting cuts eyestrain and calms light-sensitive students.

Sound Control

Keep it quiet:

Use noise-canceling headphones
Add rugs or curtains to absorb sound
Make a quiet corner with cushions

Seating

Pick chairs that support posture and allow movement:

Wobble cushions
Yoga balls
Beanbag chairs

A 10th-grader named Jermaine found that using a beanbag chair during independent work boosted his focus and cut down on headaches.

Organization

Keep it tidy:

Use labeled bins
Clear surfaces
Put up a visual schedule

Sensory Tools

Add items for sensory needs:

Fidget toys
Weighted blankets
Textured items

Movement Space

Make room for physical activity:

Clear area for stretching
Mini-trampoline for breaks
Balance boards during lessons

7. Use Different Ways to Teach

Kids with special needs often learn best with a mix of methods. Here's how to shake things up:

Mix Up Your Senses

Combine sight, sound, and touch in your lessons. For example:

Show letter pictures
Sing the ABC song
Write letters in sand

Try Music

Music helps kids remember facts and learn language. It's perfect for out-of-the-box learners.

"Music makes learning fun and enjoyable." - Jamie, Author and Homeschooling Parent

Use Sign Language

Programs like Signing Time blend touch, hearing, and seeing. This can boost communication skills.

Add Movement

Let kids move while they learn:

Stomp on flashcards
Use a mini-trampoline during lessons
Tap fingers while saying sounds

Make It Hands-On

Hands-on activities can speed up learning:

Form letters with Play-Doh
Write spelling words with soapy water on the sidewalk
Use wooden Montessori letters for spelling

Pick the Right Tools

Choose tools based on your child's learning style:

Learning Style	Good Tools
Visual	Picture-heavy curricula (The Good and the Beautiful)
Auditory	Programs with audio (Greg Landry Homeschool Science)
Reading/Writing	Literature-based curricula (Sonlight)
Kinesthetic	Hands-on curricula (Timberdoodle)

8. Add Therapy Breaks

Homeschooling can be tough. Therapy breaks can help everyone stay focused. Here's how:

Schedule Regular Breaks

Plan short breaks throughout the day:

Ages 3-9: Break every 15 minutes
Older kids: Break every 45 minutes

Make Breaks Count

Use break time for therapy activities:

Deep breathing: Try "belly breathing"
Mindful movement: Move like animals
Sensory activities: Jump on a trampoline or do animal walks

Tailor Activities to Your Child

Work with an occupational therapist to create a "sensory diet":

Sensory Need	Activities
Proprioceptive	Climbing, yoga, pushing furniture
Vestibular	Swinging, spinning, rolling
Tactile	Playing with sand, using therapy putty

Keep It Consistent

Make therapy breaks a regular part of your day. It helps your child know what to expect.

"Without a break you will find that your children's ability to concentrate will suffer." - Supercharged Science

9. Keep Track of Progress and Problems

Tracking your child's progress is crucial for successful homeschooling with therapy. Here's how to do it:

1. Use a digital tool

Homeschool Tracker is an online tool for record keeping, planning, and reporting. It helps you log daily activities and track progress over time.

2. Create a portfolio

Collect your child's work samples, activity logs, and field trip descriptions. This visual overview shows their learning and growth.

3. Make a goal checklist

Set up a list of therapy and academic targets. Check them off as your child achieves them.

4. Keep a daily journal

Jot down observations about your child's activities, mood, and challenges. This helps you spot patterns and adjust your approach.

5. Work with therapists

Get regular progress reports from your child's therapists. Add these to your records for a complete picture of your child's development.

6. Use simple rubrics

Create basic checklists to evaluate your child's performance on specific tasks. It's a quick way to track progress.

Here's a sample progress tracking table:

Area	Goal	Progress	Notes
Reading	Read 10 pages daily	8/10 days	Struggles with longer words
OT	Use scissors correctly	Improving	Can cut straight lines now
Math	Learn multiplication tables	5/12 tables mastered	Needs more practice with 7s and 8s

Tracking isn't about grading. It's about understanding your child's journey and planning next steps. As Elizabeth Y. Hanson, an author on homeschooling, says:

"Grading is for a larger classroom when the teacher cannot possibly work individually with each student."

10. Take Care of Yourself and Get Help

Homeschooling while managing therapy is tough. Don't forget about your own needs. Here's how to look after yourself:

Join a support group: Connect with other homeschooling parents through the Washington Homeschool Organization (WHO).
Set aside "me time": Schedule 10-20 minutes daily for yourself.
Stay healthy: Eat well and take breaks to avoid burnout.
Find your tribe: Look for like-minded parents online or in-person.

"It takes a village. Being a homeschool mom can be lonely at times. It is so important to find your tribe, whether that be online or in person." - Catherine Wilde, homeschool mom and yoga teacher

Ask for help: Reach out to friends and family when you need support.
Consider professional help: If you're constantly overwhelmed, it's okay to seek help from a mental health professional.

Conclusion

Mixing homeschooling and therapy can work wonders for kids with special needs. Here's why:

Kids learn at their own speed
Less stress means better mental health
Education and therapy blend smoothly

Parents who've tried it? They're seeing big results:

"My autistic son's been with Paige for almost 2 years. Amazing experience." - Nash's parent

"Truitt's weekly speech therapy with Miss Allison? Incredible progress in just 3 months." - Truitt's parent

These stories show how powerful this combo can be.

You're not alone in this. There's help out there:

Online groups
Local meetups
Pros when you need them

Use the tips from this article to build a learning space that fits your child. It might take time to get it right, but it's worth it.

Your work matters. A lot. As you start, go easy on yourself and your kid. Every little win? That's worth a party.