Restoring Joy: A Biblical Approach to Bullies, Forgiveness, and Healing

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Anne Laure Jackson, a seasoned Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of experience and a dedicated Sensory Health Coach. Anne Laure shares her passion for equipping families with the tools and knowledge to understand, assess, and manage sensory needs, helping unique learners thrive in their homeschool environments. Together, they’ll explore practical strategies to support sensory health, create a harmonious learning atmosphere, and empower children to feel better and achieve more. Don’t miss this insightful conversation filled with encouragement and actionable advice for parents navigating sensory challenges in home education. To connect with Anne Laure and her resources, use this link: https://www.annelaurejackson.com/ and https://www.annelaurejackson.com/church   Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/   To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.leilanimelendez.com/ https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/   Join our mission to empower homeschool families! https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

  By Shannon Ramiro Veteran homeschoolers have all been there: your child is refusing to do work or struggling with a task you believe they should be able to handle. It can be frustrating and disheartening, leaving you unsure of how to proceed. Children resist tasks or "get stuck" for various reasons, and figuring out how to help can feel overwhelming. When this happens, here are some steps I’ve found helpful in navigating the challenge: 1. Step Back and Breathe Rome wasn’t built in a day, and learning isn’t achieved overnight. Even if the struggle has been ongoing for weeks, it doesn’t mean the solution is far off. Sometimes, taking just one day away from the situation can help recharge your emotional battery and allow you to reflect. A fresh perspective may lead to the breakthrough you’ve been seeking. 2. Reflect and Get Curious While your child watches a documentary or plays with toys, take time to think about the situation. Consider these questions: Have you encountered a similar challenge before? What worked then? Are you insisting on a specific method when another approach might be just as effective? Have you presented the topic in multiple ways—verbally, visually, and hands-on? Could you make the lesson more relatable by tying it to real-world scenarios? Would a change of scenery or environment make a difference? Spend at least 30 minutes brainstorming new ideas. Reflecting with curiosity, rather than frustration, can open doors to fresh solutions. 3. Change Your Approach The saying, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” applies here. If what you’ve been doing isn’t working, it’s time to get creative. Incorporate movement and play into learning—it not only makes lessons more engaging but also helps retain information. For example: Practice spelling by hopping onto letters written in chalk or arranging magnetic tiles on a cookie sheet. Use everyday objects to teach math concepts like grouping, patterns, or counting. Role-play or explore virtual field trips to bring history lessons to life. Look for demonstration videos to simplify science experiments. Create or find songs to help memorize math or language rules. Learning should be fun, and injecting playfulness can often turn frustration into curiosity. 4. Recognize Timing and Pacing Issues This step is especially crucial for children with special needs. Most curricula are designed with a one-size-fits-all approach, which rarely fits every learner. Adjust the timing and pacing of lessons to match your child’s needs. A curriculum that suggests covering lessons 1-3 in three days may require two weeks—or more—for your child to master the material. That’s okay! Focus on the quality of learning rather than the speed. Some topics will require more time and effort, while others may need only a quick review. Feel free to skip unnecessary activities—teachers in schools do this all the time! You’ve Got This! One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is the freedom to adapt lessons to your child’s unique learning style. Don’t hesitate to use that flexibility to make learning a joyful experience again. When your child is struggling, use it as an opportunity to model problem-solving and creative thinking. Reassess the situation, shake things up, and add a touch of fun to your lessons. Finally, be patient with yourself and your child. Learning is a journey, and sometimes progress requires repetition and experimentation. Remind yourself, “I’ve got this!” because you do. What strategies have worked for you when your child struggles with schoolwork? Share your tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!