Homeschooling Your Speech Disordered Child

by Jacky G. Legal Issues School
Vintage Schoolroom

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Parents of children with speech disorders are faced with a choice: private speech therapy or speech therapy through the public school system? Each choice has its own benefits and drawbacks, but some parents prefer to consider a third, less conventional option: homeschooling. Considering alternative options may seem confusing or even intimidating at times. For starters, there usually isn’t as much information available, and often parents don’t know where to look for help. The trick to evaluating alternative options is to look at the idea from every angle, and instead of being intimidated, perceive it as an opportunity. That said, homeschooling isn’t for everyone, and it can be especially difficult to homeschool a child with a speech disorder.

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Best Back-to-School Homework Help Apps

by Jacky G. School
Kitten Using App

Image source: Apartmenttherapy.com

Many children have speech and language issues as a symptom of another condition, such a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or autism. Conditions and disorders such as these often cause other barriers to academic success as well, such as problems with time management, organization, and problem-solving. Some children with a TBI may have difficulty starting a task, for example. Barriers such as these may be difficult to cope with, but equipping your child with the right back-to-school tools can help him reach his academic goals. Your child’s back-to-school tools might include Speech Buddies for articulation or a shiny new iPhone with homework help apps. Many homework help apps assist your child with time management skills and assignment tracking. On the list below, there is also an app that can even encourage vocalization. Standard note-taking apps can also improve writing skills. Many of these apps are designed for older children or high school kids.

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Working with Schools: Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences

by Jacky G. School
Man Checking Mailbox

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Although many parents know that working with schools is important, many of us also dread receiving a notice in the mail for a parent-teacher (PT) conference. While it’s certainly rewarding to hear that your child is excelling in math, for example, it’s also tough to sit there and listen to a teacher discuss your child’s behavioral problems or his short attention span. None of us want to hear someone else point out our children’s weak areas, but it’s important to remember that your child’s teacher really does have his best interests in mind.

Even if your school district is embroiled in politics and teacher strikes, teachers chose their profession for a very good reason – to help your child. Just as you receive constructive criticism at your job, use the teacher’s evaluation to improve upon the areas that need a little work. Working with schools in a partnership is critical for a child’s success in school, particularly when the child has a speech disorder or other issue. And remember that PT conferences are a two-way street: you can use the opportunity to instruct the teacher about your child.

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Back to School: Getting the Most Out of Open House

by Jacky G. School
Parents at an Open House

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As your child heads back to school, there are a few things you can do to encourage his academic success. It’s always a good idea to review your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) to make sure he’s getting the speech therapy and other help that he needs. Meeting with his new teachers and his speech-language pathologist (SLP) will ensure that everyone is up-to-date. Most educators welcome parental involvement. To that end, schools across the country will be hosting Open House nights in the next week or two. The format for an Open House night varies widely depending on the school. A small preschool’s Open House is a great time to chat with the teacher. In contrast, you might not even get the chance to exchange names during an Open House for a very large high school. Networking is particularly important for parents of special needs kids. Here’s what you need to know to get the most out of your child’s Open House night.

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