Homeschooling struggling learners

Danny sat in the back of the classroom with his hoodie up. He slouched against the wall with his laptop still unopened while the other students around him were clicking away on their keyboards. As word after word appeared on their screens, he stared out the window.

In the public education system, unfortunately, this is a common scene. I have seen teachers handle this situation in three different ways:

• Teacher A ignores Danny just glad that he is quiet and not disturbing the other students.

• Teacher B yells at Danny to “START YOUR ESSAY” from across the room assuming he’s being defiant.

• Teacher C approaches Danny, gets to his eye level, and asks, “Are you okay? How can I help?”

Teacher A and Teacher B’s approach are rarely successful because it assumes the wrong thing. Too often, we misread a student’s inactivity as defiance. If he isn’t doing what he was asked to do, then the assumption is that he is being noncompliant and needs behavior intervention. I have too often seen teachers take that behavior personal and become corrective more often than supportive.

It’s hard enough dealing with a Danny in a classroom full of other students, but I think it’s so much more difficult when Danny is your child sitting at the kitchen table unable to start his home school work for the day. Emotions are higher and patience, sometimes, more limited. However, there’s hope! I promise.

I have taught so many Danny’s in my career, and I have to tell you - they are the students I remember the most because they became my favorites! It wasn’t always easy working with them because I had to unlock what was keeping them from starting the task. As it turns out, though, there are common themes for these “unmotivated” students:

• Academic Reasons - lack of skill, lack of confidence to do the skill

• Mental Health Reasons - overwhelmed with the task

When we know the reason (or suspect it!), we know how to support it! If you are struggling with this at home, here are somethings to consider:

• Break the task down into smaller, more manageable tasks.

• Create a schedule or checklist to help them monitor progress.

• Reteach or refer back to times they have had success with this skill.

There are just a few of the reasons why students get “stuck” when they have to complete assignments. Obviously, each situation is unique which is why Home School Consultants is here to help! We can help you determine the “why” and figure out the “what’s next.”

You don’t have to do this alone.

-Kristin