Elevating the Education of Unique Learners: Beyond Basics with Music, Art, and More
by Cheryl Swope, M.Ed.
One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words." – Goethe
Whether new to homeschooling, seasoned with decades of experience, or somewhere in between, we all share a common goal: ensuring that our children’s education doesn’t feel solely remedial. We commit to building up their reading, spelling, writing, and math skills through steady practice. However, it’s essential that we balance this foundation with an education that nourishes the soul and engages their full humanity.
With this in mind, here are seven ways to elevate the education of a child with special needs:
1. Music
Research highlights music’s positive effects on memory, auditory processing, phonological awareness, and reading. Beyond cognitive benefits, music offers peace amid challenges. Victor Hugo wrote, “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words.” Explore this free playlist to introduce weekly pieces, encouraging your child to dance, twirl, or listen closely. Talk about the instruments, tempo, rhythm, and emotions conveyed. If possible, introduce them to an instrument or singing, providing a gift that endures.
2. Art
Art invites children to connect with beauty and creativity. For nonverbal children, no words are needed to admire or interact with art. Display art posters in their room or engage in crafts if they are young. Older children may experiment with creating their own art. At home, we set “no-talking time” or played classical music to support silent focus, starting with only 5–10 minutes at a time.
3. Read-Alouds
Reading aloud offers children shared experiences, stories to connect with, and opportunities to bond. Fiction and nonfiction read-alouds boost receptive and expressive language, expand knowledge, and gradually improve attention. This practice gives our children narratives to explore that go beyond their own challenges.
4. Nature
Nature invites children to slow down and connect with the world. For my daughter, nature’s wonders—like a luna moth or caterpillar—prompted her to pause and observe. We began a nature journal, where I recorded her observations until she could write independently. Younger children can enjoy simple nature walks and picture books, while older ones can study birds, plants, or mammals, fostering a sense of place.
5. Poetry
Poetry elevates language and, even in simple forms, supports phonological awareness and rhyming skills. For children, collections like A Child’s Garden of Verses or A Child’s Garden of Song set to music enhance memory and language play. Older children can explore more advanced poems that stimulate imagination and may even inspire their own writing.
6. Aesop’s Fables
Aesop’s fables have engaged learners for centuries with lessons in honesty, integrity, and moral awareness. These timeless tales, often conveyed through animals, offer unique social insights, especially for children with autism. Listening to Aesop’s Fables on CD or using a copybook to reflect on these stories deepens the impact over repeated readings.
7. Christian Studies
To truly elevate our children’s education, we can include timeless truths that encourage resilience and hope. Practicing gratitude and reflecting on Scripture can help older children overcome discouragement. For instance, focusing on verses like, “I have loved you with an everlasting love…” (Jeremiah 31:3) can remind them of their inherent worth.
Summary
At home, both of our children continue to find joy and calm in the practices that have enriched their learning. My daughter plays her piano pieces, including Hickory Dickory Dock and a modified Minuet, while her twin brother composes his own music. Both read at the lunch table, walk outdoors, and take pleasure in helping others. These elements have uplifted not only their days but also mine.
Although our twins are on the autism spectrum with learning disabilities and mental health challenges, they now express gratitude for these enriching experiences. Let’s inspire our children to find joy in life’s simple, beautiful things, as Tolstoy described: “Rest, nature, books, music, love for one’s neighbor—such is my idea of happiness.”
About the Author
Cheryl Swope, M.Ed., is the author of Simply Classical: A Beautiful Education for Any Child and creator of the Simply Classical Curriculum from Memoria Press. She and her husband adopted boy-girl twins with special needs over twenty years ago, homeschooling them through high school graduation. The family now resides together in a wooded lake community in Missouri.
