Homeschooling Wildflowers: Bring Your Child with Dyslexia, ADHD, Dysgraphia, or Dyscalculia Back to Their Natural Environment

by Shelby Dersa

The foundation of an education can be the difference between whether a child must cope or is able to flourish. Approximately twenty percent of children in America have a learning or attention difference, the most common being dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. Researchers know that these specific learning differences are incredibly prevalent, but educators continue to rely on the same teaching methods that were only designed with the majority of students in mind, even though every child can benefit from alternative approaches. As a result of not giving children what they require in order to learn, they are forced to cope at school and are often just getting by. Not only will many children come to believe that they are not smart enough academically, they will likely be unaware of their true abilities. Parents who feel the urge to homeschool often mistakenly attempt to replicate a classroom too closely. Like the wildflowers, children with learning differences flourish best in their most natural environments, in those unrefined places where they aren't forced to adapt to conditions that were never intended for them.

In Homeschooling Wildflowers, Shelby Dersa demonstrates to parents how they are the experts on their child's needs and will guide them through the process of planning a meaningful education.

Genres: Parenting

202 pages, Paperback

Published July 24, 2023

Reviews

[Havebooks Willread · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book would be quite good for someone who is considering homeschooling and/or has a suspicion or recent diagnosis of learning challenges in a child. I don't know that I was the best audience for the book as I've had several years to learn about learning differences and have been homeschooling for more than 20 years so there wasn't much that was new to me. Nonetheless, it was a quick and easy read and affirmed beliefs and decisions we have made.

Here are some takeaways:
--Struggling and thriving can happen concurrently
--Give your child the resources, freedom, and time to pursue their interests. You should also show an interest in these things, even if you do not truly like it yourself. Create "passion baskets" for independent learning at the end of the day and require a minimum amount of time (one to two hours).
--Expect different, not less
--The type of environment you want to create for your children is one where they can be themselves as much as possible. . .homeschooling allows children to gain confidence and figure out who they are before the rest of the world tries to convince them otherwise.
--Idea of daily rhythm in which ADHD kids need one hour after getting up and ready for the day to have free time before beginning schooling
--Connection over consumption
--Hyperfocusing, resiliency, conversational skills, and high energy levels are the strengths that children with ADHD have
--change up expectations, switch to different learning materials, place an importance on interests, show children how to use their abilities, and immerse them in nature
--many workbooks available for purchase teach skills in a variety of topics related to ADHD such as conversation skills, making friends, and executive functioning

The book could also use a good editor, which was distracting for me. (personal issue)

[Braylon Burkhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was filled with helpful information, ideas, and inspiration for how to help your child with learning differences thrive. We are not new to homeschooling but my kids are in elementary and we are a first generation homeschool family. I know some who’ve reviewed this here think that the book was not “ground breaking” with the information it presented, but for me and where I’m at in our journey, I really appreciated the practical advice and ideas given. I feel it’s helped me to understand my children’s needs a bit more and has given me more tools to utilize when needed.

[Sarah Casady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read quite a few books on homeschooling and this one is sweet and to the point. Respect who your child is, don’t worry about the outside pressure, and meet them where they’re at with the accommodations they need. Minus 1 star for the editing mistakes

[Rapier Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homeschooling Wildflowers is a book I would recommend to parents considering homeschooling or who have just started out homeschooling. Even though the book is specifically addressing parents of kids with ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia, the truths here are relevant to all children. Veteran homeschoolers have probably already discovered on their own much of what is covered in this book, but it could still be a refreshing reminder. I would definitely pass this book on to a new homeschooler.

Great quotes in the book:

“Like many, I thought the school work, the daily schedule, and the expectations [for homeschooling] had to be the same, even though I was choosing homeschool for the very reason that the conventional method was not only not working, but did not allow space for my children to bloom.”

“[Homeschool] does not only need to focus on weaknesses and struggles, but a large emphasis can be placed on interests and strengths.”

“The broken school system sometimes convinces us that our child is the one who is broken, and we must constantly try to change them so that they will fit into a classroom environment.”

“Although childhood is short, homeschooling allows for more time to enjoy it. It is not just another type of education, but a whole different way of human existence.”

“Children don’t need a schedule that is constantly busy. Homeschooling allows time for a simpler kind of life. In all aspects of your child’s day, always put the quality over the quantity whether it’s pertaining to academics, extracurricular, or socialization.”

[Stephanie Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Creating an environment where children can safely burst through their obstacles and grow to become the best version of themselves should and always be the greatest initiative. Forcing a child to adapt to an environment not made for them is like forcing a flower to grow in the wrong conditions.” - Shelby Dersa 💜💜💜 Homeschooling Wildflowers by Shelby Dersa was a information packed read that helped me to feel confident in what we have already been doing. The curriculum implementation ideas as well as the passion basket are things I will take into consideration whilst planning the year ahead. Thank you Shelby for putting into words what I have been saying and fighting for for the last few years! “In a homeschool environment, the purpose can be shifted from attempting to copy a standardized education and fighting to keep up with the expectations that come along with that, to creating a wonderful education that is homemade for a single child.”

[Lexi Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grey perspective on homeschooling. Helps to bring back the reason why and give confidence in that decision.