Cracking the Code: Adapting Homeschool Strategies for Unique Learners

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by Susan Leckband from Help Elevate Learning Processing

Why Doesn’t My Child Remember This?

Many homeschool parents find themselves asking, “Why doesn’t my child remember this? We went over it yesterday, and they had it down, but now it’s like they’ve never seen it before. Am I failing as a teacher?”

I’ve been there too. My bright son struggled to retain information. If 5 + 4 equals 9, why didn’t 4 + 5 click for him? Why was spelling such a battle? If he read the word dog yesterday, why couldn’t he recognize it today in a new sentence?

Eventually, I had his information processing skills evaluated and learned that he had extremely low visual and auditory processing abilities. This explained so much:

• Why he couldn’t retain information I repeated endlessly.
• Why recalling visual details was so hard.
• Why reading and writing were sources of endless frustration.
• Why those timed math fact tests felt impossible.

But we didn’t stop there. Through targeted strategies, we worked on developing his processing skills. I also adjusted my teaching to match his kinesthetic learning style. For example:

• Writing and spelling became fun with shaving cream on the counter or wet sand.
• Jump rope turned into a tool for learning skip counting.

Tailoring Learning to Processing Strengths

Children with auditory processing struggles often excel with visual materials, such as written instructions, pictures, and diagrams. Conversely, auditory learners with low visual processing may thrive with audiobooks instead of battling frustration with reading.

For children with difficulty in spatial-temporal concepts, challenges with place value, understanding time, or messy handwriting can emerge. Organizing columns in math might feel like herding snakes. These children may benefit from manipulatives or visual, hands-on approaches that break down abstract concepts like time and place value.

The Right-Brained Learner

Many children we encounter are creative, right-brained thinkers. They’re problem solvers, often finding unique ways to tackle challenges. However, their non-linear thinking can make it tough to show their work in conventional ways. By incorporating hands-on activities, manipulatives, and visual aids, they can bridge the gap between creativity and structured learning.

The Note-Taking Dilemma

Taking notes isn’t always a one-size-fits-all solution. Some children focus so hard on writing what they’ve heard that they miss the rest of the lesson. Others struggle with shifting between visual material and their notes. Identifying whether note-taking helps or hinders your child is key.

Breaking Down Processing Challenges

Auditory and visual processing involve three critical skills:

1. Understanding: Does your child correctly interpret what they see or hear?
2. Sequencing: Can they keep information in the right order?
3. Memory: Do they retain the information accurately?

Sometimes, a “saved” memory feels like a corrupted computer file—incorrect and misleading. Misunderstandings caused by processing weaknesses can look like inattentiveness or a lack of attention to detail, but they are often correctable.

Flexibility Is Key

Homeschooling requires flexibility, especially when teaching children with diverse learning styles. Here are some tips:

• Kinesthetic Learners: Incorporate movement, manipulatives, or hands-on activities.
• Visual Learners: Use colors, pictures, and diagrams.
• Auditory Learners: Engage with rhymes, music, and storytelling.

Avoid projecting disappointment. Children naturally want to please their parents, and perceiving frustration—even if unintended—can hinder their progress.

Discovering and Teaching to Strengths

Understanding how each child learns is transformative. Matching curriculum to your child’s strengths makes teaching less stressful and more rewarding. The wrong curriculum—whether auditory, visual, or kinesthetic—can harm their self-esteem and hinder progress.

By tailoring your teaching and curriculum to each child’s unique learning style, you create a more positive and successful homeschooling experience for everyone.

About the Author
Susan Leckband is the Executive Director of Help Elevate Learning Processing (HELP) and has been supporting families for nearly 20 years.

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