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By Mary Winfield We have all chosen to homeschool because it felt like the best option for our family, especially for our child with special needs. While there may be many reasons for this choice, a significant one for many of us is the desire to provide our children with the ability to learn in a way that suits them best. For many, this means incorporating movement into learning. I’ve spoken before about the DIR/Floortime method (developmental levels, individual preferences and needs, and relationship-based learning), but today I want to focus on the “I”—individual preferences and needs—and how we can use these to integrate movement and interests into our learning environments. Everyone learns differently, but one commonality is that we often learn best when our whole body and multiple senses are engaged. Incorporating Movement into Learning as Motivation When I worked at a private school that used the DIR Method for teaching children on the Autism Spectrum, we incorporated movement into the classroom as much as possible. Each student had different sensory needs, but two examples stand out when I think about movement-based learning. Cody loved riding scooters. He brought one to school almost every day, using it outside or in the gym. To encourage his learning, we used his passion for scootering as motivation. While working on simple addition, Cody would ride the scooter around the gym after getting a problem right—one ride for each correct answer. This approach kept him engaged far longer than traditional methods and helped him focus, knowing a reward was coming after each problem. Nick, another boy who loved movement, preferred swinging. We had a sensory swing in our classroom, and sometimes Nick would complete lessons while in the swing. When testing became a challenge, we tried again with Nick in the swing. The results were remarkable, allowing us to finish much faster than expected. With my own son, incorporating movement into learning has been invaluable. Recently, we’ve been working on fractions, and using a play dough pizza set to explore concepts has made a huge difference. The sensory input from touching and manipulating the play dough helped him grasp fractions much faster than he would have without that engagement. Incorporating Movement into Learning with Breaks Every child has a unique sensory profile. Some love spinning in circles, while others can’t stand fast movement. Some are captivated by lights, while others avoid them. Recognizing these preferences is crucial for your child's success. Homeschooling offers the flexibility to adapt learning schedules to fit your child’s sensory needs and peak times for focus. You may notice certain activities or times of day when your child needs more sensory input or is more regulated. For example, if running outside helps calm your child, plan lessons right after outdoor play. If physical activity winds them up, schedule learning before playtime. Tailoring movement breaks to your child’s needs will make learning smoother and more effective. Incorporating Movement into Learning with Therapy Incorporating movement into learning isn’t just limited to physical and occupational therapies; it can be integrated into other areas too. For instance, I once worked with a nonverbal 10-year-old girl who struggled with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). She loved swinging, so we used that activity to reinforce communication. By asking her if she wanted to swing and offering "yes" and "no" response cards, she quickly learned to choose "yes." This approach helped her grasp the concept, which we could later apply in different contexts. Another example involved a boy who would have meltdowns if a sentence wasn’t completed. We used a calming swing and a “what if” game, where I would start a sentence and ask him to guess the ending. Over time, he learned to use this guessing game as a tool to manage situations that might otherwise trigger a meltdown. Conclusion: Tailoring Movement for Your Homeschool Every family is unique, and so is every homeschool experience. By paying attention to your child's sensory needs, you can create a learning environment that supports both their education and regulation. What are some ways you already incorporate movement into your homeschool? What new ideas could you try?

In this enlightening episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Amy Sneath, the dynamic owner of Moxie Learning to talk about math anxiety and strategies for frustration-free learning. Amy takes us on a journey through the origins of math anxiety, offering insights on recognizing when your child has mastered a topic versus needing more practice. She delves into the transformative power of understanding concepts through the concrete, pictorial, and abstract stages. Discover why multiplication facts often trip up young learners and how conquering them can boost a child's confidence. Plus, Amy highlights the importance of incorporating games into learning and shares her expert tips on structuring an effective math lesson. Tune in for practical strategies to make math a fun and stress-free experience for your child! Amy Sneath earned her bachelor's degree in early childhood education, her eyes were opened to all that the homeschooling world offered. Since then, she created Moxie Learning, an alternative education platform that offers live virtual classes for students and resources to support homeschooling parents. Right now her and her husband, TJ are spending some time in their home state of California before heading out on their next adventure. They have lived in 8 states and 2 countries!   To connect with Amy visit her website link: https://mailchi.mp/moxielearning.us/classes Or look her up on social media @moxielearning 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.youtube.com/@LivingWithEve https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/ 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 Tracy Glockle We all want our kids to enjoy reading and experience the joy of getting lost in a book. However, for many children with disabilities and reading challenges, this dream can seem out of reach. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for struggling readers, here are a few resources that may help your child discover books they can enjoy. Lexile Scores The Lexile Score book finder tool allows you to search for books that match your child’s interests and reading abilities. It provides details about each book, including the targeted vocabulary based on your child’s reading level and expected comprehension.  Ebooks For some kids, the challenge of reading comes from tracking words across the page or moving from line to line. As reading levels advance, the font size shrinks, and pages become increasingly dense with text. This visual overload can make reading especially difficult for struggling readers. Ebooks offer a flexible solution. Ebooks, available on various devices, allow the reader to adjust the font size, background, and other settings to make reading more comfortable while tackling higher-level texts. Some ebook resources, like Bookshare, even provide gradient text that changes color from line to line, helping your child follow along more easily. Audiobooks As parents and educators, we often think of "eye-reading" as the only form of reading, but "ear-reading," or listening to audiobooks, can be just as valuable. While the goal is often for children to read books themselves, audiobooks can still foster essential reading skills. Story elements, comprehension skills, and language nuances can all be learned through audiobooks, and this method allows struggling readers to separate the process of decoding from understanding. Your local library is a great place to find audiobooks, or you can explore other resources like: Audible Hoopla Learning Ally Genres It’s important not to underestimate the value of introducing different genres. Just as you wouldn’t assume a child dislikes all vegetables if they dislike one, you can’t assume they’ll hate all books if they don’t enjoy one type. Some children love fantasy and enjoy escaping to a different world or time, but for others, especially those with reading challenges, the complexity of a fantasy setting can add to their struggles. For these readers, realistic fiction, nonfiction, or historical fiction might be more appealing. When exploring a new genre, try choosing a book slightly below your child’s current reading level. This makes the experience more accessible and enjoyable until their interest is sparked. Once your child finds a genre they love, they may be more willing to try higher-level reading. But remember to take small steps and introduce challenges gradually. Conclusion Just because a child has dyslexia or another reading challenge doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the world of literature. While we may need to adjust our expectations of what "getting lost in a book" looks like for them, our children can still experience the wonder of stories. By using the right tools, resources, and genres, we can help them discover their own path to enjoying books.

Are you homeschooling a struggling learner and searching for strategies that really work? In this must-listen episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with co-host Dawn Jackson to delve into the top approach for achieving homeschool success with your child. Dawn shares her expert insights and practical tips that every parent should know to create an effective and nurturing learning environment. Tune in to discover how to empower your child to thrive in their educational journey. Dawn Jackson M.Ed has over 30 years of experience in education and is a retired homeschool mom. She is the owner and director of Solimar Academy with credentials in General education, Special Education, and a certified Learning Styles Coach. 🌟 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today! 🌟 To connect with Dawn, visit: https://solimaracademy.com/ 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 Tracy Criswell It’s a question that has plagued me since starting back with homeschooling our four children: "Am I doing enough?" This summer, our family faced a series of challenges, including three surgeries—my husband’s benign tumor removal, my oldest son’s wisdom teeth extraction, and my oldest daughter’s spinal fusion—along with jury duty, a loss of income since I had to forgo my summer job to care for everyone, and the stress of preparing for a new homeschool year. This has been the toughest start to a homeschool year in our eight years of experience. A Rough Start We decided to start homeschooling the Tuesday after Labor Day. I thought this would give us time to gauge how well my oldest daughter was recovering and help her siblings transition into their dual-enrolled classes at local schools. It seemed like a good plan, but as soon as we started, I felt overwhelmed, and the familiar question resurfaced: "Am I doing enough?" Our days became packed with commitments—three different band practices (my youngest daughter weekly, my youngest son every other morning, and my oldest daughter every day), band lessons every other week, weekly therapy sessions for my middle two children to manage their anxiety, orthodontist visits, psychiatric evaluations for my oldest daughter, vision therapy appointments, doctor visits for anxiety medication, and, of course, homeschooling. One Day at a Time I don’t write lesson plans in advance (except for my oldest son, who is very independent), because I never know what each day will bring. My children have varying abilities and needs, and it’s a constant challenge to meet them all. But this past weekend, I noticed a pattern: every other week is chaotic. This is when band lessons, homeschool visits from our supervising teacher, and medical appointments tend to cluster. I’ve come to accept that on those hectic weeks, I’ll do my best to teach my children, even if that means schooling in the van between appointments. On the calmer weeks, we focus on catching up with any missed work. My husband has been an incredible support. He helps with dinner, listens when I need to talk about how things are going, and occasionally takes the kids to activities, giving me some quiet time to catch up on paperwork. His help has made a big difference. Other Strategies In addition to my husband's support, I’ve found a few other strategies that help keep the "Am I doing enough?" question at bay: Focus on completing three core subjects every day, no matter what. Write down what we accomplish each day for a clear visual of what we’ve done and what still needs attention. Use videos to supplement different subject areas like science, social studies, and literature. Incorporate read-alouds or audiobooks to deepen our understanding of various topics as a family. Take advantage of field trips, library activities, and volunteer opportunities as part of our learning. Practice giving and receiving grace. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends and family. More Than Enough At some point, most of us ask ourselves, "Am I doing enough?" The answer is, “Yes, I am.” I am providing a homeschool education tailored to my children’s unique needs and abilities. I’m teaching them life skills and values that will shape how they treat others. Life has seasons, and right now, ours is full of doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, dual-enrollment classes, tumbling, scouting, 4-H, and more. But through it all, I’ve learned that I’m doing more than enough.

Are you ready to dive deep into the world of neurodevelopment and discover the mysteries behind dyslexia? Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Dr. Jan Bedell, a renowned Master Neurodevelopmentalist. With her extensive expertise and passion for helping individuals unlock their full potential. Tune in to uncover the keys to understanding and supporting dyslexic individuals and gain a fresh perspective on the incredible capabilities of the human brain. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in the field! Jan Bedell, PhD, Master Neurodevelopmentalist is a seasoned special education homeschool mom and President of Brain Sprints (formally Little Giant Steps), a neurodeveopmental curriculum, consulting and support company. Jan also serves as the board chair for SPED Homeschool 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 connect with Jan and her resources, use this links: https://www.brainsprints.com/ 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.youtube.com/@LivingWithEve https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/ Disclaimer: We apologize for the chopping conversation, but it was the best we could do to clean up the audio with our guest's poor internet connection. 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 Dianne Craft, MA, CNHP from Child Diagnostics Dr. Lendon Smith, the famous baby doctor and author of Feed Your Kids Right, calls children struggling with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) "goosey, touchy kids." I often refer to these kids, whose nervous systems are in disequilibrium, as "kids uncomfortable in their own skin." Their nervous systems react abnormally to outside stimuli, making them very "over-reactive" to physical and emotional input. As a result, they can seem to be at odds with their environment much of the day. Common Symptoms Touch Sensitivity Clothing tags bother them Socks must have soft seams (or better yet, none) Wears only soft, non-binding clothes—no jeans Resists hair being combed, washed, and cut Doctor visits are difficult (stethoscope phobia) Auditory Sensitivity Sensitive to loud noises (hands over ears for vacuum cleaner) Dislikes being in large groups Language delayed somewhat or significantly Struggles with transitions (must be informed of all changes beforehand) Taste Sensitivity Food textures bother them Won't eat meat—or very little Chews on clothing Very selective eater (usually prefers carbs) Foods can't touch on the plate (no casseroles!) Thankfully, no child has all of these symptoms. However, in general, these kids are so distracted by their own overactive nervous system reactions that they can seem to have ADD. Quiz - Does Your Child Have SPD? On a lighter note, here are four ways to confirm you are a parent of a child with sensory issues: The barber tools required for your child's haircut include sedatives and a scissor silencer. You prepare seven different meals for your family of four. The thought of your child's upcoming dental visit gives you anxiety attacks requiring medication and therapy. You start wearing your socks and underwear inside out because it really does feel more comfortable that way. Treatment Options There are many effective traditional treatments for these children. Occupational and physical therapists are excellent resources for interventions. They often show parents how to use specific techniques, such as brushing, to help retrain the child's over-reactive nervous system. For sensory-seeking children, therapists might recommend wearing a specially weighted vest for a few months to help re-educate the nervous system. My favorite intervention, other than nutritional approaches, is crossing the midline therapy, particularly Brain Integration Therapy. Brain Integration Therapy I have consistently found Brain Integration Therapy to be effective in helping a child modulate his or her nervous system without effort. Other midline therapies, such as Brain Balance, Brain Highways, and Hope for a Future Center, are also available if you want to outsource this therapy, and they have proven effective in improving sensory modulation. Alternative Treatments Sometimes surprising, easy, natural treatments work very well in reducing the symptoms these children suffer from. A 4-Year-Old's Story A mother shared a story about her young son, who had such severe touch sensitivity that he couldn't bear to have sand touch his feet. His nervous system was in "red alert," signaling that the sensation of sand was dangerous and painful. She found a way to calm his nervous system using a natural mineral supplement called Mineral Rich, which contains four times as much magnesium as calcium. After supplementing him with this mineral blend, his sensitivity to noise, such as vacuum cleaners and doorbells, was greatly diminished. Why does the mineral ratio in Mineral Rich help children whose nervous systems are over-reactive? Magnesium is known as "nature's tranquilizer" and is very relaxing to all muscles, even the colon. If you look up the symptoms of magnesium deficiency and sensory processing disorder, you will see a significant correlation. It’s fascinating to observe this close match of symptoms. It's always best to consult with your physician before adding any nutritional supplement. However, if you decide to consider magnesium supplementation, there are many types to choose from. The mother in this story used Mineral Rich by Maximum Living, a cherry-flavored liquid with an optimal magnesium/calcium ratio, available at health food stores. If you prefer capsules, magnesium citrate is a form recommended by Dr. George Juetersonke, a practicing integrative physician in Colorado Springs. The potential downside to magnesium supplementation is that too much can cause loose stools, but this can be easily managed by reducing the dosage. I always take any supplement I give my child myself, so I can monitor its effects more easily. A good source for more information on the role of magnesium in sensory issues is the book The Miracle of Magnesium by Dr. Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D. You’ll enjoy reading about the different ways to soothe your child's nervous system. Izaya - An 11-Year-Old's Story Izaya was an eleven-year-old who struggled so much with sensory issues that he would cry when his mom was in the shower. She couldn't leave the room without letting him know so he could come along. Overnight birthday parties that his peers attended were out of the question. After a few months of targeted nutritional interventions, including magnesium supplementation, his mom reported that he now stays overnight with friends, goes to public bathrooms by himself, and generally doesn't "freak out" about everything. These types of reports aren't unusual when parents begin using nutritional interventions to help their child's nervous system settle down. Changes can occur quickly. Where to Find Ideas for Your Child You can visit an integrative/functional physician or a certified nutritionist for ideas. Alternatively, you can listen to my Biology of Behavior CD set for some alternative ideas. There are many resources available for parents to help their wonderful children with Sensory Processing Disorder at home! God said that there is nothing hidden that won't be revealed! Let's take Him at His Word! SPED Homeschool Disclaimer: The SPED Homeschool website is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Products, services, information, and other content provided at spedhomeschool.com, including information provided directly or by linking to third-party websites, are for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related diagnosis or treatment options.

Join us for a moving conversation as co-host Stephanie Buckwalter from Empowering Homeschool Conversations sits down with Jenn Soehnlin, a devoted mother of two precious boys with special needs. Jenn shares her heartfelt journey of faith, the power of praying Scripture, and the unique challenges and blessings of special needs parenting. In this episode, you'll discover how to deepen your own prayers and find strength in faith while navigating the beautiful, complex world of special needs parenting. Jenn, author of Embracing This Special Life and On the Same Page with God, opens up about her experiences, offering encouragement and insights for every parent walking a similar path. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation will touch your heart and lift your spirit. Tune in, grab a cup of coffee, and be inspired by the power of prayer and connection. 🌟 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today! 🌟 To connect with Jenn, visit:https://embracing.life/ Other resources mentioned by Jenn in this episode: Scripture-Based Prayers for Special Needs Parents: https://embracing.life/category/Specialneeds Embracing This Special Life https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-This-Special-Life-Learning/dp/1723938181/ On the Same Page with God https://www.amazon.com/Same-Page-God-Embracing-Scripture/dp/B0D91FC8KG/ 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/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

by Dyana Robbins Managing anxiety and sensory overload presents a core challenge for those with autism and their caregivers. These two obstacles can significantly limit social engagement and the ability to navigate social environments successfully. Below are six strategies that have worked for my family and others to help those affected by autism develop resilience in difficult situations. When successful, these interventions can open up a world of greater involvement and connectedness. 1. Identify and List Contributing Factors Identifying factors contributing to autistic social difficulties may seem straightforward, but this first step is often challenging for families. Sometimes, the stress of the difficulties or their frequency makes it hard to think through these factors. Other times, it seems impossible to determine the triggers. To begin, try writing them down, keeping a journal, and asking for others' observations. These simple steps can help caregivers start identifying these factors. Once you have developed a list, it becomes easier to clarify and organize the factors contributing to specific problems. 2. Determine the Threshold for Each Difficulty Individuals affected by autism can become overwhelmed when their tolerance threshold is exceeded. Where that threshold lies varies by activity, stimulus, and individual differences. For example, a person who seems overwhelmed by the wind may be able to tolerate a gentle breeze around buildings but not at parks where it blows leaves around or causes tablecloths and awnings to flap. Likewise, that person might enjoy the sensation of a gentle breeze when they are well-rested and relaxed but be unable to handle it when tired and stressed. As best you can, note the limits you observe. The key in making these observations is to learn how much the person can tolerate before experiencing a meltdown. 3. Develop a Plan for Success in Challenging Environments Borrowing heavily from systematic desensitization principles, I have found success in helping others adapt to and even overcome challenging environments. This involves the following components: Allowing exposure to the stressors, but not to the point of overwhelming your loved one Repeated, short exposures to the stressors without long periods between times (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly library visits or grocery store trips) until they have achieved mastery Providing education and problem-solving, if appropriate, to equip them for the challenge (outside of the stressful environment) Encouraging the individual repeatedly before and during the stressful exposure, reinforcing their ability to handle the situation Assuring the individual that you will leave as soon as they have tried their tools and/or their threshold has been met Gradually extending the time in those situations as improvement is demonstrated Reducing other stressful situations while targeting one 4. Solicit Their Involvement/Agreement If Possible Even if your child is nonverbal, talking with them about your love and concern for them in these situations is vital. Framing the plan you have developed as a tool to help them achieve greater social skill navigation goes a long way in garnering their cooperation. Discussing their struggle and your desire to help them with it demonstrates respect for them and encourages a teamwork dynamic. 5. Start by Targeting the Most Troublesome Barrier In most families, one issue rises above the rest. If possible, I recommend working on that one barrier first to build momentum for success and quickly reduce familial stress. Whether it’s sitting in church or being in groups of other children, get focused and marshal your energies to tackle it first. Let the other challenges take a backseat so you can work together on this one goal. 6. Give Grace, Understanding, and Compassion to One Another This process will not be easy. You will need to rely on encouragement and support from others as you grapple with these challenges. Your family will also need to practice patience, giving grace for unmet goals and do-overs as you all adapt. For our family, having the prayers and help of friends while we tackled the hardest problems carried us through. During that time, a couple of verses that encouraged me greatly were Genesis 33:13-14. In these verses, Jacob is leading his family and herds on a long journey. They are stressed, tired, and overwhelmed. Jacob refuses to drive them too hard on the road but chooses to travel at the pace his family is setting. As you move forward in tackling issues with your child, I encourage you to let your loved one set the pace. Challenge and support them. Then, celebrate as the struggle gives way to greater confidence, skills, involvement, and hope.

By Sherry Martin Social skills play a crucial role in a child’s life, even before they enter elementary school. If these skills aren't developed during the early years, it could negatively affect their success in school and life. Often, parents think that teaching social skills requires elaborate playdates, the perfect preschool, and expensive toys and games. But that's not the case. As a loving and sensitive parent, you are your child’s ideal social tutor. In fact, too much time with peers at this early age can sometimes contribute to negative social behaviors (as noted in an article from ParentingScience.com). The three essential areas of social skills for preschoolers are self-control, communication, and empathy. Here are seven recommendations to help your preschooler develop these skills. 7 Parent-Focused Preschool Social Skill Building Recommendations 1. Making Contact From infancy, connecting with your child through touch, eye contact, and talking is crucial. Games like peek-a-boo, reciting nursery rhymes, and laughing together are not just fun; they’re essential to the bonding process. As your child’s first human connection, you set the foundation for their social development. Eye contact is particularly important as it is one of the first ways an infant connects with others. If your child has difficulty with eye contact, especially if they have special needs, focus on gently encouraging this skill with positive reinforcement (e.g., “I love it when you look at me, Timmy! Thank you!”). Modeling good social skills and accepting your child fully is vital. 2. Realizing Emotions As your preschooler grows, it’s important to teach them about emotions. Allow your child to express their feelings, even if they are intense. When they are calm, use that time to discuss their feelings and how they could have handled the situation better. Share your own emotions with your child (e.g., “When you don’t listen to me while I’m talking, it makes me feel sad”). This helps your child understand that everyone experiences emotions. Draw simple faces showing different emotions and recall times when they felt that way. Using a hand mirror, have your child show you what happiness, sadness, or surprise looks like. This fun game teaches them to recognize and interpret social cues. 3. Discussing Social Experiences Make it a habit to talk about your child’s social experiences. This keeps you informed and provides opportunities to address any social challenges they may face. Use these discussions to teach better ways to handle situations. Show interest in their social world and teach them basic social manners like saying “please” and “thank you.” If you make a mistake, use it as a teaching moment (e.g., “Oh no, I forgot to thank Daddy for washing the car!”). 4. Limiting Bad Influences Be mindful of your child’s social environment by avoiding negative influences and being alert to signs of bullying or peer rejection. The preschool years are the easiest time to control these situations. Carefully select TV programs, movies, and other entertainment, especially those aimed at older children. 5. Practicing by Pretending Encourage pretend play with older children and adults. Pretend play is not only fun but also a powerful tool for learning social skills. Through role-playing, children can learn social etiquette, like placing a napkin on their lap or passing the potatoes. Be creative, and use this as a teaching tool! 6. Explaining Expectations Always explain the reasons behind rules and your expectations for behavior. Let your child know the consequences of misbehavior ahead of time. Understanding what is expected and the outcomes of not meeting those expectations helps your child develop better self-control and cooperation. Remember to follow through with the consequences. 7. Showing Love Maintain a close, loving relationship with your child and model positive, warm, and loving emotions at home. There may be setbacks, and you might need to apologize at times, but the key is to demonstrate a “can-do” attitude. My favorite saying when I make a mistake is, “Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again!” Having children is a joyful experience, full of learning and growth for both of you. None of us would want to miss out on this incredible journey! This gift from God is what makes life worth living. I wish you many wonderful moments with your little ones!

In this enriching episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, four of our five dedicated hosts, experienced special education homeschooling moms, come together for a power-packed discussion on a pertinent seasonal topic: Smooth Transitions: Easing Special Needs Kids Back into Homeschool Routines This episode is packed with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and lots of helpful insights aimed at getting your homeschooling schedule under control before it controls you. Join us as we share advice, give you our personal tips, and overall provide a comforting reminder that you are not alone on this journey. 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/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

By Jennifer Cullimore I often speak with parents who are interested in homeschooling but feel overwhelmed about where to begin. Many of these parents have children with significant intellectual, behavioral, physical, and emotional special needs. These parents have been lifelong advocates for their children, navigating countless doctor appointments, therapies, IEP meetings, and accommodations to help their child succeed. When we dig deeper into their concerns, it becomes clear that their hesitation isn’t due to a lack of ability to teach their child. Instead, they’re unsure how to recreate a "public school at home." The Secret to Homeschooling: Letting Go of the Public School Model Here’s a big secret: You don’t have to recreate public school at home! Read that sentence again—it's liberating. You are not responsible for transforming your home into a traditional classroom. In our homeschool, the world is our classroom. Many of us were educated in a conventional school setting, so we tend to picture education as desks in neat rows, textbooks, workbooks, and standardized tests. However, as homeschoolers, we are free to let go of these constraints. We have the privilege of teaching our children in a way that suits their learning style and pace. Thinking Outside the Box: Creative Homeschooling Options I have two children with various special needs, including Down Syndrome, Apraxia, Sensory Integration Disorder, and Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder. To educate them, I use a wide range of resources. We don’t cover every subject every day, but here’s a glimpse of what we incorporate: Math: Numicon Math Touch Math Rod and Staff Teachers Pay Teachers Lakeshore Learning Resources Sometimes, we practice math by counting, adding, and subtracting as we go about our daily activities. Math is everywhere—cooking, shopping, and even around the house. English/Reading: This year, we’re focusing on creating a language-rich environment through read-aloud books. We’ve selected a few hundred books covering various topics and small units. We love Read Aloud Revival For phonics and sight words, I’ve created my own books We use traditional curricula like Abeka We also explore creative curricula like Happy Phonics Science/Social Studies: We’re learning a lot through our read-aloud books. Nature walks and journaling are also part of our plan this year. My girls love videos and tend to remember things better with catchy songs. Their favorites include: Rachel and the Treeschoolers Sid the Science Kid The Magic School Bus Liberty Kids For Social Studies, I purchased a curriculum that they haven’t quite taken to yet, but I’m hopeful. We also use map puzzles for geography and some educational iPad apps. Sign Language: We love Signing Time! One of my daughters uses it for communication, while my other daughter is learning it as a second language. Occupational Therapy: We do OT at home with activities like working with clay, painting, push-pin work, and coloring. This year, we’re introducing felt sewing and embroidery. My girls enjoy watching me crochet, and they want to learn, so we might give that a try too. Last year was a monumental year for fine motor skills. I rediscovered my love for coloring, and the girls joined in. They won’t do handwriting worksheets for more than 15 minutes, but they’ll color with me for 3-4 hours straight. Physical Education: They play outside, run, swing, and jump on the trampoline. We explore different parks when the weather is nice, and they love it. We incorporate many skills and goals through everyday activities like shopping, cleaning, running errands, and socializing with friends. Life is about learning. If you look at your daily activities, you’ll find that your children are learning so much from you. Don’t be afraid to step outside the box, try something natural, fun, and child-led, and watch your children blossom.