The Freedom of Homeschooling a Child with Diverse Leaning Needs

By Mary Winfield We chose to homeschool because we believed it was the best option for our family—especially for our child with special needs. One of the biggest reasons many of us make this choice is to allow our children to learn in the way that works best for them. And for many children, movement is a key ingredient in successful learning. You may have heard of the DIR/Floortime method, which focuses on developmental levels, individual preferences and needs, and relationship-based learning. Today, I want to highlight the "I"—individual preferences and needs—and explore how incorporating movement into learning can make a difference. Everyone learns differently, but one thing remains the same: we learn best when we engage our whole body and multiple senses. Using Movement as Motivation When I worked at a private school that followed the DIR method to teach children on the autism spectrum, movement was an essential part of our classroom. Each student had unique sensory needs, but two children in particular stand out. Cody loved riding his scooter. He would often bring one to school and ride it whenever we had gym or outdoor time. To help him stay engaged in learning, we incorporated his passion into math lessons. When working on simple addition, he would answer a problem, and if he got it right, he could ride his scooter around the gym that many times. This kept him focused and eager to participate, making math much more engaging than simply completing a worksheet. Nick preferred swinging. We had a sensory swing in our classroom, and often, he would learn best while using it. One day, we had a challenging testing session ahead, and he was struggling to stay engaged. Once we allowed him to take the test while swinging, he completed it faster than expected. The movement helped him focus and regulate his emotions, making the process much smoother. In my own homeschool, I’ve seen similar results. My son is currently learning fractions, and using a play dough pizza set has made a huge difference. The ability to touch, squish, and engage his senses while working with fractions helped him grasp the concept much faster than if he had only used a workbook. Using Movement Breaks to Improve Learning Each child has a unique sensory profile. Some love spinning in circles, while others avoid fast movement. Some seek out bright lights, while others find them overwhelming. Understanding your child’s sensory preferences is crucial to creating a learning environment that works for them. Homeschooling provides the flexibility to schedule learning at times when your child is most regulated. If running outside helps your child stay calm, consider scheduling lessons immediately afterward. If physical activity tends to energize rather than calm them, it may be better to do lessons before active play. Providing movement breaks at the right times can help your child stay engaged and prevent frustration. Using Movement in Therapy Movement isn’t just for physical or occupational therapy—it can also enhance communication and emotional regulation. I once worked with a nonverbal 10-year-old girl who was struggling to use PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). She loved swinging, so we took the learning outside. Using "yes" and "no" picture cards, I would stop the swing and ask, "Do you want to swing?" She quickly learned to select the "yes" card to communicate her desire. By integrating movement with learning, the concept clicked for her, and she was able to apply it in other areas as well. Another student struggled with meltdowns when people didn’t finish their sentences. Once calm, we played a "what if" game in a sensory swing. I would start a sentence, pause, and ask him to guess how it might end. Over time, this game helped him develop coping strategies and guess what others might say instead of panicking when he didn’t hear a sentence completed. Finding What Works for Your Family Every homeschool looks different, just like every child has different learning and sensory needs. By paying attention to what your child’s body needs, you can create an environment that fosters both learning and self-regulation. How do you already incorporate movement into learning in your homeschool? What strategies do you think would be a great addition? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

By Dyana Robbins, M.Ed. As summer begins and kids return home for long, sun-drenched days, many parents find themselves reflecting on what kind of education truly fits their child and family. Without the rush of school drop-offs and packed evening routines, this season offers the space to imagine new possibilities—like homeschooling. If you're wondering whether this might be the year to try something different, you’re not alone. Each summer, thousands of families begin exploring home education. The idea can feel overwhelming at first—believe me, I’ve been there. But after eleven years of homeschooling, I want to encourage you: not only is homeschooling doable, it might be the most freeing and fulfilling decision you make for your family. Here are five reasons our family chose to homeschool—and why I believe now is the best time for families to consider this customizable, life-giving form of education. 1. Childhood Deserves Room to Breathe Today’s culture can be relentless. In many places, children are expected to stay busy, perform, and keep up with a pace that even adults struggle to maintain. We felt this pressure early on and decided to take a step back. When we created a slower, more intentional lifestyle for our children, we saw them come alive. They were happier, more curious, and better rested. This led us to reconsider our educational path—seeking one that supported a joyful, well-rounded childhood. Homeschooling gave us that space to grow, learn, and live at a rhythm that actually fits children. 2. We Wanted a Stronger Family Life Between commuting, activities, and homework, families often have little unrushed time together. We wanted more for ours—more shared meals, conversations, travel, and spiritual growth. Homeschooling has given us that. Over the years, we’ve created beautiful memories, traveled widely, and spent hours talking about life, faith, and the world around us. While we’re far from perfect, we’ve grown closer through this lifestyle—and I credit homeschooling for giving us the time and connection we craved. 3. Our Kids Needed a Different Way to Learn Despite positive early experiences in preschool, our sons struggled to truly absorb what they were being taught. Even with excellent teachers and support, the traditional classroom setting didn’t work for them. When we received diagnoses of learning and developmental challenges, we hoped for better accommodations—but they didn’t come. For us, homeschooling wasn’t just a preference—it became a lifeline. With personalized teaching, flexibility, and lots of love and patience, our children began to thrive in ways that experts hadn’t predicted. Homeschooling gave them the gift of learning at their own pace, with the supports they actually needed. 4. Our Faith Informed Our Choice For our family, faith plays a central role in how we live and learn. We wanted a curriculum that reflected our beliefs, but we also wanted our children to think critically about the world—including value systems different from our own. Homeschooling allowed us to combine both—teaching from a faith-based perspective while still exposing our kids to other ideas and encouraging respectful, thoughtful discussion. We’ve also had the freedom to serve others and live our values in daily life, in ways that rigid school schedules often don’t allow. 5. Homeschooling Is a Grand Adventure If you’re nervous about diving into homeschooling, you’re in good company. We were too. Can we really do this? Will our kids thrive? Will we survive? But here’s what I’ve learned: those questions are part of the adventure. Every great journey requires courage and carries a bit of risk. Homeschooling is no exception. But it also offers unmatched rewards—growth, connection, confidence, and joy. Whether you homeschool for one year or a lifetime, you’ll gain a perspective and experience that deeply shapes your family. You Don’t Have to Know Everything to Get Started If homeschooling is on your heart this summer, know that you don’t need a perfect plan to begin. You just need a willingness to explore—and the courage to believe that you can shape your child’s education around who they truly are. The world of homeschooling is bigger and more diverse than ever. You can customize learning to fit your child’s needs, your family’s lifestyle, and your educational goals. Support networks, curriculum options, co-ops, and online programs abound. The resources are there. The freedom is real. The possibilities are endless. So if you're curious, lean in. Ask questions. Read stories. And maybe—just maybe—take that leap. You’ll be surprised what a beautiful journey it can be.