Most parents faced with a child with a physical or learning disability would leave the education process to the “experts.” Valencia Tupper has chosen a different (and more profitable) path.
Valencia’s 11-year-old son, Alex, actually has two conditions — dyspraxia and dysgraphia. Often called the “clumsy child syndrome,” dyspraxia is a motor skill issue affecting things like holding a pencil or using scissors. Dysgraphia, a related disorder, affects transcription disability and is associated with impaired handwriting.
“My son often finds himself the last to finish copying something from the board,” Valencia explains. “Even when he finishes, it looks like a 5-year-old wrote it. He has trouble with coloring and even tying his shoes. All these take twice as long as other children his age, and often end up looking sloppy.”
Homeschooling, though, has enabled the Tuppers to find ways to work around these issues. “We set up a non-Internet-capable computer in his room,” Valencia says. “We turned off any spell and grammar checks so as to give him the opportunity to learn those things as he writes. In [homeschool co-op] classes, I take notes and do the copy work in case he does not finish during the time given. This way he has practice in note taking and we still get the information if he runs out of time.”
The Jacksonville resident credits the 2010 FPEA Florida Homeschool Convention, the first Convention she attended, for providing a breakthrough in identifying Alex’s condition. “I went to a lecture on learning disabilities that changed our lives,” Valencia recalls. “I had long suspected what issue my son had, but in that lecture, I was floored as [the presenter] described both my son and my husband to a T. Then when she explained the why, and then how to deal with it, I was in tears. That experience made a huge impact in our lives, and I will forever be grateful to the FPEA for providing the opportunity.”
Though the Tuppers belong to a local Classical Conversations homeschool group, Valencia describes her approach to homeschooling as “eclectic and eccentric. I approach homeschooling as a progression of learning phases, however I have always been a bit of a free spirit, so much of our learning has been unconventional. I pull books and curriculum from whatever publishers seem to work for us, and sometimes will use books I found at a garage sale or used bookstore in our study.” For the Tuppers, the “classroom” is really a glorified storage area. “My son and I are more often than not laid out on my bed with our heads hanging off reading,” Valencia says, “or he is doing his math work while sitting on the trampoline with one of his cats.”
Proof positive that successful education can take place at any time and under any condition — whether it be on a trampoline or in the face of a learning disability.
Valencia. I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story. It was very inspiring. I also have a special needs child with sensory and auditory processing disorders. I’ve been complimenting the thought of Homeschooling, but it makes me very nervous. I don’t think I qualify to educate her. At the same time, she gets home so tired from being at school all day. She doesn’t want to work anymore. Anyway, thank you so much for sharing. Sara
Valencia, lots of similarities in our children. My son also has sensory issues and the weakness in his hands, scissors, tying shoelaces, even opening a water bottle. I love that you allow him to study wherever he feels comfortable, we also do our reading however and where ever, even if he’s upside down with the book in in the air. Thanks for sharing. SARAH JIMENEZ please know, you don’t need a degree or certification, to teach your special needs child, but rather the heart. And who better to reach your daughter and knows her strengths and weakness than you. Praying you read this, and know you can do it. -Diana LoPresti
Valencia, congratulations! you embraced your child and his learning style vs. ignored it or worse. It just takes a wanting to help your child succeed heart, time comitment and educating self.
Diana LoPresti. I don’t know if you are going to remember, but I commented two months ago about my daughter with both auditory and sensory processing disorders and my fear of not being qualified to Homeschool her. Your response was kind and encouraging and truly touched my heart. I’m sorry I took so long to response, but I wanted to let you know that I have decided to homeschool her this year. I’m sooo nervous, but I know this is the direction the Lord wants me to take. Thank you for responding to my fears. You made a difference! Pray you get to read this and that the Lord blesses you and yours abundantly! Sara Jimenez
Valencia, thank you for sharing your story. I too have a son, age 9, who has the same difficulties as your son. My son was also diagnosed with severe ADHD (not really physically hyperactive but rather he has extreme inability to focus) and specific learning disabilities in math and written expression, and working memory issues. Two weeks ago I took him out of public school because he came home almost daily complaining of his teacher calling him lazy and accusing him of not trying when he didn’t understand something. She accused him of pretending to have a problem in order to manipulate his mother. She humiliated him regularly in front of his classmates. This went on for almost four months in spite of repeated meetings with the principal and teachers, who had all the reports from the psychological testing diagnosing his disabilities. My child was so affected that he was vomiting in school several days a week and crying every night, begging not to go back. I have finally said enough is enough! I removed my child from school and requested of the superintendent that he be moved to another school. After receiving no response for 2 1/2 weeks now, I realize that I am going to have to home school my child. It will be difficult as I am a single mother and will have to bring my son to work with me every day. Thank God I have an understanding and compassionate boss!
My son is an extremely bright child. I know that with the right teaching methods he can be successful. I’m not sure what those methods are right now but will keep trying until we get it right! Your story was very encouraging. Thank you!