I am new to homeschooling and Heart of Dakota. I am sooo excited to get started, but have some placement questions. I have 2 boys, they will be 7 and 8.5 when we get started next year (in public school they will move into 2nd and 3rd grade next year). They are both on the autistic spectrum, and both have scattered skills, fine motor delays, extreme focus issues, and almost zero oral recall ability. That being said, in many areas my younger son is working way above grade level in reading, science, and a little above in math. My oldest is more delayed and struggles in almost every area, but is roughly at a 2nd grade level. I am thinking of placing them both in Beyond, and modifying it as necessary, especially with the writing. Even though my oldest son will have completed 2nd grade, I think stepping back and slowing down to let his skills even out will be beneficial in the long run. He will be at the top of the age recommendation, but I feel this is a good fit. Has anyone used Beyond with special needs kiddos? Am I easily able to adapt? Would Bigger be the better fit? I'm very comfortable with my oldest graduating a little older (on this track, he'd be 19), and might even add an extra year of life skills to my younger son's High School or Junior High to give him a little time to mature. Can you tell I like to plan???
Now on to math!
I am going to try Singapore, I like how it is introduced in small pieces with the review built in. With their fine motor delays, less is usually best. Has anyone used Singapore with kids on the Spectrum? Your thoughts, comments, concerns are appreciated. Both kids usually "get" the concept, but are unable to put it into practice or apply it to any different situations. I like the fact that Singapore stresses mental math and word problems as this is their weakest areas. Even though it will be way easy for them, I am considering starting at 1A and working from there. That way, I know exactly where the break down is, and I'll know they are getting it from the ground up. And I wouldn't mind an easier year next year as we all adjust to a very different lifestyle.They have been in the public school system since they were 3 years old. I have let other's tell me what my kids need, and have not been brave enough to follow my heart. I have never felt in control of their autism (along with feeling a fair amount of very un-called for guilt about the autism diagnoses in the first place...in the back of my mind wondering if I did something to cause it, make it worse, etc). Now that I will have them home, I am finally starting to feel some control. It's a great feeling! They might never be "cured" from their autism, but now I will be able to guide them on finding God's path and His plan for their lives. Because he does have GRAND plans for them!!
Please chime in with any advice! For the most part, I'm not getting any support on my decision to homeschool, so I'm navigating these waters on my own. I know where God is leading me, however, and with him on my side, what do I have to fear?! I am so thankful I found HOD, and this wonderful message board. HOD is everything I was looking for, AND already broken up for me, so I can naturally teach in small bits to start working on my kid's focus issues.
Sorry for this extremely long post!! So many questions from a newbie!
Trista
Matthew 18:10
"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell
you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven."
I agree - Beyond sounds like a great placement, and it truly is a neat guide to teach. It is not heavy on writing, yet it has living books that are more mature. I think your boys will enjoy it.