As homeschool parents, few things feel more frustrating than watching your child work hard in a subject—only to see little to no measurable progress. You’ve tried different curriculums, maybe even enrolled in a co-op class or sought out tutoring, but the growth just isn’t showing up the way you hoped.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Setbacks and slowdowns are part of the learning process—but they don’t have to be the end of the story.

Here are some strategies to help unlock advancement when a student is stuck in any subject:

1. Start with the “Why” Behind the Struggle

Before switching resources, pause to ask a few key questions:

• Is my child interested in this subject at all? Engagement fuels retention. If the material feels disconnected from their interests, it may be harder to internalize—even if the curriculum is “top-rated.”
• Is my child more confident in other areas? Sometimes the answer isn’t to “try harder,” but to try smarter—by tapping into existing strengths to support weak areas.

For example: A student who loves art might benefit from sketching concepts visually. A student who’s strong in storytelling may grasp science better when it’s delivered through narrative or real-world application.

2. Reframe the Goal: Understanding Before Performance

It’s tempting to focus on output: test scores, finished workbooks, or how quickly a student can complete a chapter. But in seasons of struggle, the real goal should be understanding and connection.

Shift from:
“Did they finish the lesson?”
To:
“Did they understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of the lesson?”

This change in mindset allows space for creativity, experimentation, and grace. It also sets the stage for authentic progress—not just performance.

3. Bridge the Gap With Their Strengths

Rather than isolating the struggle, try weaving it into areas where your child is already thriving. For instance:

• Turn math problems into recipes, Lego builds, or budget plans.
• Let a history-loving student write a fictional journal from the perspective of a scientist.
• Let a kinesthetic learner act out vocabulary or scientific concepts.

We don’t want to turn a strong subject into a burden—but we can build creative bridges between what they love and what they find difficult.

4. Make Space for Play and Practice

Struggling subjects often need more than review—they need reimagining. That might look like:

• Turning lessons into games
• Breaking up long sessions into 10-minute micro-lessons
• Swapping worksheets for conversations, models, or real-world tasks
• Using apps, puzzles, or videos as alternative practice methods

Don’t underestimate the power of learning through play—even in middle and high school. Play builds fluency and confidence, two things struggling students desperately need.

5. Try a New Perspective, Not Just a New Curriculum

Sometimes, it’s not the curriculum that’s failing—it’s the format. If you’ve already tried a few traditional resources, consider alternative methods such as:

• Project-based learning
• Unit studies around topics your child chooses
• Audiobooks or video-based instruction
• Peer collaboration or group classes
• One-on-one mentoring or coaching

Look for approaches that remove pressure and invite curiosity.

6. Celebrate the Nonlinear Nature of Growth

Progress isn’t always a steady climb. Sometimes it feels like nothing is happening—then suddenly, everything clicks. Other times, one step forward comes with two steps back.

Don’t let short-term setbacks define the long-term path. Look for small wins:

• Did they ask a good question today?
• Did they volunteer an answer they might have avoided last month?
• Did they persist when they previously gave up?

All of these are signs of growth.

Final Thought: Progress Happens in Partnership

When a student is stuck, it can feel lonely—for both of you. But this is where homeschool shines. You have the flexibility to slow down, pivot, and customize learning in a way that no one-size-fits-all school setting can.

So if progress is stalling, pause. Breathe. Observe. Try something new. You’re not behind—you’re just in the middle of the story.

And we’re here to walk it with you.