WBT & Homeschooling

Most of my followers are teachers or are in school to become teachers. However, I have several friends who are following, reading my stories, and sending me private emails just as they have done for the last decade.

Who are they? Homeschoolers. Many of you don't know this about me but I homeschooled my children for many years. Why? Because it was the best and only option I had for my oldest son.

Go back with me in time for a moment.

My oldest was about 2 1/2 years old. I walked into our living room and there he sat reading a book I had just purchased. It was a story we had not yet read together, that he had not yet heard before. He asked me to come sit with him so he could read to me.

Okay... I thought. I can't wait to see what story he makes up to go with the pictures. Instead, he read the book. I was flabbergasted. I didn't know whether to cry or smile. It wasn't perfect but it was close.

(Imagine this child actually reading. 

Sorry none of his photos are digital.)

What he couldn't figure out, he made up. I knew right then that I had no choice. Either I taught him the right way or he would teach himself the wrong way. At the age of 2, there was no option. No one would teach him how to write a paragraph or multiple at that age.

It was up to me.

And so I became a homeschool mom. 

Teaching him was never easy. What I planned was often too easy or not enough. Others complained I pushed him to hard but those closest to me saw how I struggled. How I fought to teach him the right way while he fought to teach himself. It was a never-ending battle. A struggle that was often damaging to our relationship.

There were times when we simply had to stop learning and take a breather to ensure we could still have a good relationship. This continued until he was old enough for second grade and I found a school willing to met him and his special challenges.

He was brilliant. 

He had no social skills. 

Welcome to the world of the Asperger's.

I have always had to supplement his education. It is more of a part of who I am, who we are than homeschooling any more. My children truly love to learn and I believe it is because it is part of our values and culture at home.

Before I try anything in my classroom, I try it at home. WBT is no different. I received several emails asking can this work in a homeschooling situation.

YES! 

Oh my yes it can! 

When I think of all the tears, all the struggles, all the midnight ponderings to friends around the world. When I think of all the countless hours I thought I was the problem or this was too much... all I needed was someone who understood how his brain works and to share this secret with me.

I mentioned before how I turned class-yes to boys-mama. I use hands and eyes at home and switch. So many simple little things so much cooperation. I am also using the scoreboard. Parents vs. Kids. 

Does it work?
He is dressed. He brushed his teeth and hair (a huge achievement!!). He did his chores and his bed is made. Now if I could find the secret to teenage attitudes... I would have reached mama heaven!

Check out this video of WBT at home:

My son would have eaten this up if I had known about it a decade ago. So listen up all my homeschool friends... IT WORKS! I can't wait to here your success stories.

In fact my youngest was working with me just this morning on some new WBT techniques and while writing this post came into ask if there was any more fun stuff for him to learn. He also wants to take me for show and tell so he can have fun in school while learning. LOL!

SOOOO.....

it works in the classroom

it works at home

it works with autistic children

it works with gifted children

it works with normal children

it works with children with learning disabilities

it works with children with ADHD

it works with reluctant learners

How do I know?

Because I am a mom to all of these children

Because I am a teach students like these

AND

I have seen amazing results!