High-Energy Homeschooling: 5 Vital Questions to Ask After a Day Homeschooling Your Neurodivergent Kids

In the world of homeschooling, each child is unique, and each child's needs,  learning styles, and personalities can be celebrated and totally catered to. It's truly one of the best advantages of being a homeschool family. For families who are homeschooling their high-energy, neurodivergent children this journey can be equally as challenging as it is rewarding. Balancing the boundless energy and sensory needs of our uniquely wired kids, not to mention our own needs, homeschooling our high-energy kids can require lots of planning and reflection. In this post we're diving into the world of homeschooling our high energy neurodivergent kids and sharing 5 vital questions parents should ask at the end of every homeschool day. These questions, rooted in playful learning and sensitivity to neurodivergent needs, can make all the difference in creating a successful homeschooling environment that nurtures growth and creativity.

Understanding High-Energy and Neurodivergent Children

Before we dive into the practical strategies for high-energy homeschooling and the crucial questions to ask, it's essential to grasp what it means to have high-energy and neurodivergent children in the homeschooling context. High-energy kids are characterized by their seemingly boundless enthusiasm and need for physical activity. They thrive on movement and may struggle with long periods of sitting still. On the other hand, neurodivergent children encompass a broad spectrum including Autism, ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorders. These children are often easily impacted by sensory needs and sensitivities making creating the perfect learning environment for their unique needs a great importance. Some children love to sit at the table and learn while others thrive on getting up and moving or laying on the floor while doing work. One of my favorite memories in our homeschooling is watching as my child sat backward and upside down with his head hanging off the side of the couch to read. Understanding your child's unique sensory needs is a huge help in designing their ideal learning space.

The Benefits of Reflecting on Your Homeschool Day

Reflecting on your homeschool day daily offers several advantages that can enhance the learning experience for both you and your child. The PLAY to Learn Method helps us to really ensure that our homeschool day is working for our family and not against it.

First, it allows you to PLAN effectively. By taking a moment to reflect, you can assess what worked well and what didn't, enabling you to plan your future lessons more efficiently. This ensures that you tailor your teaching methods to meet your child's unique learning needs.

Second, we can LEAN into learning styles and sensory needs. Reflecting helps you identify your child's preferred learning style, whether it's visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or a combination. This insight coupled with knowledge of your child's sensory needs allows you to adapt your teaching approach to make lessons more engaging and effective.

Daily reflection helps you ASSESS your child's progress consistently. You can pinpoint areas where they excel and areas that may require more attention, fostering a more targeted and well-rounded education.

Finally, here comes the celebration. The big "YAY" component. The importance of celebrating small victories and milestones, and providing motivation and encouragement for both you and your child as you navigate the homeschooling journey is so huge!

The 5 Key Questions for High-Energy Homeschooling

That brings us to the 5 Key Questions to ask yourself at the end of every homeschool day.

• • "Did I provide enough opportunities for physical activity and movement breaks throughout the day?"
  • "Did I create a sensory-friendly learning environment?"
  • "Did I allow for playful and hands-on learning experiences?"
  • "Did I set realistic expectations for my child's attention span and energy level?"
  • "Did I provide opportunities for self-regulation and sensory breaks when needed?"

Practical Strategies for Implementing Reflective Practices

Adding reflection into your homeschooling routine is a powerful tool for continuous growth in your homeschool. To make it a seamless part of your day, consider setting aside a dedicated time, perhaps at the end of your homeschooling day or during a quiet moment before bedtime. During this time, you can ask yourself important questions about your child's progress, sensory needs, and playful learning experiences. Keep a journal or digital note where you record your reflections regularly. By consistently integrating this practice, you create a habit that not only enhances your teaching but also strengthens your connection with your child. It's an opportunity to adapt and refine your approach as you gain deeper insights into their learning journey, making each homeschooling day more productive and enjoyable for both of you.

For more practical tips for homeschooling your high-energy, hands-on, neurodivergent learners check out our PLAY to Learn Homeschool Hub. The hub is a monthly membership that teaches you how to prioritize your needs and the needs of your kids. We will talk about tips and tricks to thrive in your homeschool day. Learn strategies for meeting your kids where they are in their learning and add fun to your homeschooling by bringing play to every day. The hub is a safe space to share, collaborate, learn, and grow with others. To get a sneak peek at the community join us for our Quarterly Masterclass on Unleashing the Power of Playful Learning Styles.