Homeschoolers are by and large diligent about teaching English, Math, Science, Social Studies, History, and other academic subjects. Of course, homeschoolers also have many more options in their curriculum and they’re afforded greater flexibility in their schedules than public school is permitted. Because homeschoolers have these advantages, it allows them to teach many things that other schools just don’t have time for.
Some of those things are often character, patience, honesty, dependability, responsibility, kindness, and other very important traits. Something else that is extremely important and will impact a young person for life is compassion. Showing compassion for others can’t be measured on a scale, but it’s certainly measured by those who have received that compassion.
More specifically, compassion toward those with a physical handicap is something that should be encouraged and taught, and there are activities that homeschoolers can include to help do that. Maybe someone you know or someone you have seen is missing a limb or they’ve lost their sight. Simulate these conditions in your homeschool.
For example, let your homeschoolers have a day of school while being blindfolded. Have them find ways to learn their lessons without being able to see them. Let them focus on their other senses like hearing or touch. Have them feel what it’s like for those who truly are blind to navigate, change clothes, or something as simple as getting a bowl of cereal. I can promise you, your children will better appreciate their own sight and they’ll see the blind much differently.
To replicate a lost arm or leg, put their arm in a sling for the day or tie it to their side. You’ll want to wrap the arm they use the most, dependent on whether they’re right or left handed, so they’ll better appreciate the use of it. Be certain to enclose the fingers as well so they won’t be tempted to inadvertently use their hand to help the other. Let them try buttoning their shirt, zipping their pants, putting their socks on, or writing a paper in school with only one arm.
Or, do the same type of thing to their leg. If you have crutches around the house, let your homeschoolers use them. You might want to wrap something uncomfortable to the bottom of their foot so if they try to use that leg to walk, it will irritate but not harm them.
Kids have some of their best learning time when they’re experiencing life. From these simple exercises, homeschoolers can learn that while others may be different, they’re not less important. Everyone has something of value to offer others and although physical handicaps may limit one’s physical participation, it doesn’t have to limit their involvement and contribution in other ways.
Compassion is not inherited. It’s an exceptional trait that is highly appreciated and is best learned through experience and the examples others set for them. Some of that experience can come through homeschool.