For parents with a hyperactive child, the traditional classroom can feel restrictive. Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity to tailor education to your child's strengths and address any challenges they might face. This journey can be incredibly rewarding, but it also requires adjustments. Read on for some tips and tools to navigate homeschooling your energetic learner!

Understanding Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity, often linked with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), can cause lots of movement, impulsiveness and difficulty focusing. Traditional classrooms can be tough for hyperactive kids due to the structured nature of it, but homeschooling allows for a more flexible and personalized approach.

3. Incorporate Sensory Activities

Schedule regular sensory breaks throughout the day. Engage in some form of movement during this time, especially if your child has been sitting for an extended time already. Activities like jumping on a Bounce Board, stretching in a Space Explorer or going for a quick walk can help release energy and improve focus. These tools provide proprioceptive input, which can be very helpful for children who seek sensory stimulation.

Use sensory tools to help your child self-regulate and stay focused during learning. Depending on their needs, you can introduce handheld fidgets to occupy hands and focus their minds; weighted lap pads offer calming pressure input to promote focus; and wiggle cushions provide sensory input during seated activities.

4. Adapt the Learning Environment

You have the advantage of catering your homeschool environment to your child. Designate an area for class that is quiet and organized to avoid distractions. Offer various seating options so that your child feels comfortable and supported during lessons. Wobble Chairs and the Air-Lite® Cozy Canoe both provide different types of sensory input and can be used in specific settings.

Incorporate hands-on learning into your homeschool room to make it more engaging for hyperactive kids. Use tactile and kinesthetic learning methods. Activities like building models, conducting science experiments, or using Busy Fingers™ Tangram and other manipulatives in math help keep your child interested.

5. Build Social Connections

Homeschooling does not mean your child needs to be isolated from their peers. There are many groups and co-ops for homeschooled kids, and even ones that cater to those with ADHD. Joining a group or enrolling your child in extracurricular activities provides a healthy outlet for kids and allows them to build social skills and connections. 

Take advantage of opportunities in your greater community as well. Volunteer for an organization, visit museums and attend community events to socialize and learn new things in a stimulating environment. 

6. Seek Additional Support

Homeschooling requires a lot from you, as the parent and teacher. Make sure you have the support you need the same way you give support to your child. Talk to pediatricians and child psychologists for insight on managing hyperactivity and ADHD. If they know you/your child then they can also offer personalized advice and strategies. 

Consider therapies like occupational therapy or behavioral therapy to address specific challenges and help your child develop skills to manage their hyperactivity. Parents of hyperactive kids or those who homeschool also provide you with emotional support and a community of your own. 

Homeschooling a hyperactive child requires patience, creativity and flexibility. By incorporating these strategies, and more, you can provide a nurturing and effective educational experience. Remember, every child is unique, and with your dedication and love your hyperactive child can thrive in a homeschool setting.

Explore our educational resources, including webinars and printables, to help you create a successful homeschooling environment.