Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Every child can learn—but for some, it’s downright frustrating. Find out what could be contributing to your child’s challenges, on today’s Home School Heartbeat with Mike Smith.

Mike Smith:
This week, we’re talking with HSLDA’s special needs coordinator, Dianne Craft. We’re glad to have you with us today, Dianne.

Dianne Craft:
Thank you. I’m so glad to be here.

Mike:
Dianne, when we say a child has “special needs,” what does that really mean?

Dianne:
I think of two definitions, Mike. I think of the traditional definition, which is a child who is two years behind, which is what the schools have decided. I see a more practical definition for homeschool families. I see a child who’s expending too much energy to learn. We think of them as having energy leaks. I think of these children as being typical learners or atypical learners. Our typical learner at home loves the regular curriculum, loves learning in the regular teaching methods, but the child with special needs is not a typical learner, and the regular teaching methods and the regular curriculum isn't working for that child. So the bottom line that I see for these children is they’re basically expending too much energy to learn the things that should be easy for them, and in my definition that would be “special needs” or struggling learner.

Mike:
Thank you, Dianne. And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.