As a parent, there’s nothing more daunting than taking on the responsibility of your child’s education. But what if you could tailor their learning experience to their unique needs, interests, and abilities? Welcome to the world of individualised learning plans (ILPs), a game-changing approach that’s transforming the face of homeschooling.
In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of ILPs for homeschooling families, and provide you with practical tips and insights to get started on this exciting journey.
What are Individualised Learning Plans?
An individualised learning plan (ILP) is a tailored approach to learning that takes into account a child’s unique needs, strengths, weaknesses, and learning style. It’s a dynamic document that evolves with your child, adapting to their changing interests and abilities.
According to the National Autistic Society, "Individualised education plans can help ensure that children with autism spectrum disorder receive an education that is tailored to their unique needs." (1) But ILPs are not just limited to children with special educational needs – they can benefit any child who requires a more personalised approach to learning.
Benefits of Individualised Learning Plans for Homeschooling
- Improved Engagement
By tailoring the learning experience to your child’s interests and strengths, you can foster a deeper love of learning and increase their motivation. Research by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) found that "pupils who are highly engaged in their learning are more likely to make good progress and achieve high standards." (2)
- Example: A child who loves animals might have a maths lesson that involves calculating the cost of feeding a pet or measuring the area of a farm.
- Addressing Learning Gaps
ILPs allow you to identify and address any gaps in your child’s knowledge or skills, ensuring that they receive the support they need to succeed. The British Dyslexia Association recommends that "children with dyslexia have an individual education plan that sets out specific targets and strategies for support." (3)
- Example: A child struggling with reading comprehension might receive targeted support, such as extra phonics lessons or comprehension exercises.
- Increased Autonomy
ILPs give your child a sense of control and ownership over their learning, allowing them to make choices and take responsibility for their own progress. Research by the Sutton Trust found that "autonomy is one of the key factors in promoting a love of learning." (4)
- Example: Your child might choose to focus on a specific project or topic, such as coding or ancient civilizations, for a set period of time.
- Enhanced Parent-Child Relationship
By working closely with your child to develop their ILP, you can strengthen your relationship and build trust. According to the NSPCC, "building a positive relationship with your child is essential for their emotional and psychological well-being." (5)
- Example: You might work with your child to set goals and targets, using a collaborative approach to develop their ILP.
- Better Transition to Adulthood
ILPs can help prepare your child for adulthood by fostering independence, self-motivation, and resilience. Research by the OECD found that "students who have more autonomy in their learning are more likely to be prepared for the demands of adult life." (6)
- Example: Your child might take ownership of their learning plan, setting goals and tracking their own progress.
How to Develop an Individualised Learning Plan for Homeschooling
Developing an ILP involves several key steps:
- Initial Assessment
Start by gathering information about your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests. You might use assessments, observation, or discussions with your child to gather this information.
- Setting Goals and Targets
Work with your child to set specific, achievable goals and targets. These should be measurable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART).
- Developing the ILP
Create a document that outlines your child’s goals, targets, and strategies for support. This might include identifying resources, such as textbooks or online courses.
- Regular Review and Revision
Regularly review and revise the ILP with your child, adjusting goals and targets as needed. This will ensure that the ILP remains relevant and effective.
Tips and Insights
- Be flexible: ILPs are dynamic documents that evolve with your child. Don’t be afraid to make changes as their needs and interests change.
- Use assessments: Regular assessments can help identify gaps in your child’s knowledge or skills, and inform the development of their ILP.
- Seek support: Don’t be afraid to seek support from specialists, mentors, or online resources. ILPs are a collaborative approach to learning.
Conclusion
Individualised learning plans are a powerful tool for homeschooling families, offering a tailored approach to learning that can unlock your child’s true potential. By developing an ILP, you can improve engagement, address learning gaps, increase autonomy, enhance the parent-child relationship, and better prepare your child for adulthood. With these tips and insights, you can start your ILP journey today and start reaping the rewards.
References:
(1) National Autistic Society. (n.d.). Individualised education plans. Retrieved from https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professionals/education-and-schools/independent-education-plans
(2) National Foundation for Educational Research. (2018). Engaging Pupils in Their Learning: A Review of the Literature. Retrieved from https://www.nfer.ac.uk/publications/11187/
(3) British Dyslexia Association. (n.d.). Dyslexia and Education. Retrieved from https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/advice/dyslexia-and-education
(4) Sutton Trust. (2014). Teaching to Learn. Retrieved from https://www.suttontrust.com/research-paper/teaching-to-learn/
(5) NSPCC. (n.d.). Building a Positive Relationship with Your Child. Retrieved from https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/building-positive-relationships/
(6) OECD. (2018). Preparing Students for the World of Work: A Report from the OECD. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/education/preparing-students-world-work.pdf
Additional resources:
- Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED). (2017). Educational Excellence Everywhere.
- National Governance Association. (2018). Homeschooling: A Guide for Parents and Carers.
