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Question:

We have a son with developmental delay due to CP and a long medical history which began with his premature birth almost eight years ago. He did not speak until this past school year. With his delays, and limited mobility issues, I have to adapt all worktext and workbook. He can not write but can use the computer to some degree. I provide this background to help you to understand my present situation with our youngest child. I have homeschooled for 10 plus years, and our daughter graduates this May.

Here is my question: Given his handicaps, should I begin with kindergarten materials or first grade? He does not read, but we have begun Level 1 of the Little Stories for Little Folks phonics program and he is doing very well - I would say above average for any child. I hope to complete level one over the summer months with him. His desire to read is very good, as well.

Further, if I may ask, would the first grade speller be too difficult given his current academic situation? He is very bright, but his body does not always permit him to do the usual "skills" one expects.

My son is a wonderful child, but my experience with him has been completely different than my other children, of course. Just as he has had to adapt to learning materials, I have had to adapt what I thought I knew how to teach well to inventive manners of address for his needs. It's not easy but I want to continue to homeschool because the public system here is quite dismal, and even worse for student with his special needs. They merely warehouse students like my son and then just pass them along. Any insights should you have some would be great, and most humbly appreciated.

Answer:

AMDG+
My dear Sister in Christ;

God knew what He was doing when he sent your son into your family. Your son is surrounded by a loving, supportive environment, which serves his needs far better than a 'special ed' program ever could. [Years ago, two of our children were in special ed programs, which were exactly as you described; they were essentially understaffed warehouses, although I'm sure the teachers did the best they could.]

No one knows your son's strengths and weaknesses as you do; you are uniquely qualified to tailor his studies to his abilities. It sounds as if you are absolutely on the right track; keep up the good work!

Regarding reading: To make doubly sure that your son has a solid foundation for reading, it would be advantageous to carefully proceed through each and every step of Little Stories for Little Folks, as indicated in the Parent's Guide. When he is ready for Level 2 of Little Stories for Little Folks, he will also be ready for My Very First Catholic Speller, which reinforces the phonics taught in LSLF. With you as his 'hands' for some of the exercises, like the 'Name Game,' I think he might master the program as well as anyone.

We were blessed for a time with a teen-age foster son with CP; he was not ambulatory, but had some use of his hands and was able to communicate verbally. I'm not certain of your dear son's verbal and physical capacity, which would determine the approach, but would be very happy to 'brainstorm' some ideas for educational methods with you if you would like. [Although, no doubt because of your experiences, you have far more ideas than I!]

May the Holy Spirit provide you with wisdom and insight as you homeschool to God's glory and your son's benefit.

Nancy Nicholson

   
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