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Handwriting is a crucial part of learning, but for many children, especially those with unique learning needs, writing can feel like a frustrating hurdle. If you’ve noticed that your child struggles with forming letters, grasping a pencil, or writing comfortably for extended periods, you're not alone. Betsy Sproger, a retired Occupational Therapist (OT), homeschool veteran, and blogger, has developed three helpful resources designed to support parents teaching children who struggle with handwriting. These free downloads will provide practical activities and tips to help your child build the necessary fine motor skills for better handwriting. Betsy’s expertise as both an OT and homeschooling parent gives her unique insight into addressing challenges with creative and effective solutions. 1. Small Muscle Games for Handwriting Fine motor skills are essential for writing, but many children struggle with the small muscle movements needed to control a pencil. This download includes a variety of engaging games that target those muscles, making handwriting practice both fun and functional. From finger isolation exercises to creative play with small objects, these activities will build your child's hand strength and coordination, setting the foundation for smoother handwriting. 2. Handwriting Grasp Activities The way your child holds a pencil can significantly impact their writing ability. A poor grasp may cause fatigue, frustration, and slow progress. Betsy’s Handwriting Grasp Activities are designed to improve your child’s pencil grip by targeting the muscles in the hands, fingers, and wrists. These exercises are simple, using everyday objects you likely have around the house. They can be easily incorporated into your homeschool day, helping your child develop the correct grip for more confident and comfortable writing. 3. Parent’s Guide for Helping Struggling Writers As parents, it’s tough to watch our children struggle with something as foundational as writing. But with the right approach, you can support their growth without turning writing into a daily battle. Betsy’s Parent’s Guide provides helpful strategies for identifying why your child may be struggling, and offers tips to motivate them without adding pressure. You'll also find suggestions for making writing more accessible for children with different learning needs and abilities, empowering you to guide them at their own pace. About the Author Betsy Sproger, the author of these resources, is first and foremost a homeschool mom to her now-adult daughter. When her daughter began struggling with traditional learning environments, Betsy and her husband decided to homeschool her from kindergarten through high school. This decision allowed them to tailor their daughter’s learning to her individual needs and reinforce their family values in everyday teaching. Betsy’s experience as a retired OT helped her daughter thrive, particularly when it came to developing handwriting skills. Today, she continues to support homeschooling families through her blog, BJ's Homeschool, where she shares her wisdom on teaching children with unique learning needs. Download Your Free Handwriting Resources Ready to help your child improve their writing skills? Click the links below to access each of Betsy’s free resources. Whether you're just beginning your homeschooling journey or are looking for fresh ideas to support your child's handwriting development, these resources from Betsy Sproger will give you the tools to set your child up for success. Be sure to check out Betsy’s blog for more valuable tips and guidance on homeschooling children with unique learning needs.

What can we learn about bravery and trust from a guide dog? In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, co-host Stephanie Buckwalter sits down with Michael Hingson, New York Times bestselling author of Thunder Dog, to explore the incredible story of his survival on 9/11 and the life-changing lessons guide dogs can teach us. Michael and his guide dog Roselle escaped from the 78th floor of Tower One during the attacks on the World Trade Center, and his story has since inspired millions. As an internationally sought-after speaker, Michael has addressed audiences at ExxonMobil, FedEx, the American Red Cross, and many other prominent organizations, sharing insights on leadership, resilience, and overcoming adversity. Beyond his work as an author and speaker, Michael serves as Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe, a company that promotes digital accessibility for people with disabilities, and is the National Federation of the Blind’s ambassador for its National Braille Literacy Campaign. Tune in to hear how the unique bond between a man and his guide dog helped them navigate one of the darkest moments in history and what it can teach us about facing challenges with courage and trust. To join in the after-show conversation, join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Q&A group here: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/groups/tuesday-empowering-conversations  *You must have a Navigator Membership or higher on Homeschool Heroes to be part of this group. To get a membership or upgrade your membership, visit: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/membership To connect with Michael and his resources, visit: https://michaelhingson.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/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

By Sherry Martin "He said, 'You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.'" No, this isn’t a description of a homeschool mom on a warm May afternoon—but it could be. This is a foundational truth about love, being loved, and becoming Real. Many homeschool moms know the feeling of being worn down by love. There were many afternoons I called myself "The Velveteen Rabbit." This is one of the powerful truths captured in Margery Williams' The Velveteen Rabbit. Authors of old had a way of distilling profound truths through endearing characters and rich symbolism. Their stories teach children that while life can be difficult, there is always hope. Here are three foundational truths children can learn from timeless tales: 1. Empathy The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen addresses our need to belong and the universal pain we feel when we’re not accepted. It reminds us not to let others define us. While it’s not easy, coming out of painful experiences teaches us how to treat those who are different. Use this story as a springboard to discuss empathy with your children. 2. Right from Wrong The simple Celtic tale The Three Little Pigs, written by Joseph Jacobs, illustrates the importance of wise investment of time and resources. The first two pigs, driven by greed and short-sightedness, built weak houses. The third pig, however, built his house from strong, costly bricks. His diligence saved them all, and his brothers learned the value of foresight and good judgment. These tales offer a wealth of lessons on the consequences of choices—rich material for teaching children the outcomes of right and wrong decisions. 3. Hope Hope is the most vital ingredient in these stories. Vision, the power to anticipate what may come, breathes life into these tales. As Proverbs 29:18 says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Many fables offer the hope of better times or dreams fulfilled. A Favorite Tale One of my personal favorites is Beauty and the Beast, adapted from the 18th-century fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. Belle, full of hope, longs for a life filled with love, literature, and adventure, and she is willing to wait for what she desires. In contrast, the Beast, having lost hope, is redeemed through trust, acceptance, and selfless love. Their story reminds us that hope can be renewed, and even the darkest situations can lead to redemption. A Brighter Future Many children today have their hopes and dreams dashed by the harsh realities of our modern world. Films, books, and television often tell dark, cynical stories that blur the lines between heroes and villains. Children’s stories should not only entertain but teach valuable character lessons, distinguish right from wrong, and, most importantly, offer hope. As C.S. Lewis said, “Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise, you are making their destiny not brighter but darker.”

By Dawn Spence Whether your child has Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, or other challenges that create learning delays, a light table can be a useful tool to inspire your learner. When I started teaching my special needs daughter, I noticed how her sensory needs overshadowed her drive to learn. I began researching ways to meet those sensory needs while also providing effective learning instruction. Once I explored light tables, I knew I had found the perfect learning tool. Light tables naturally attract children and can make basic tasks more engaging and fun. Here are 4 ways a light table can assist in teaching a child with sensory needs: 1. Light tables can engage and bring new dimensions to repetitive tasks Children who find traditional methods frustrating may respond positively when routine tasks like sorting or counting are done on a light table. The bright, glowing surface can hold their attention longer and makes even familiar tasks feel novel and exciting. Additional Recommendation: Try using colored transparent counters for sorting and counting. The vibrant colors against the lit surface make the activity visually stimulating, keeping your child engaged longer. Introduce pattern blocks or tangrams on the light table to explore symmetry, shapes, and color combinations. 2. Light tables bring tracing and writing to life on a reusable platform By overlaying workbook pages with a transparency sheet, a light table transforms mundane handwriting or tracing practice into something more dynamic. The illuminated background encourages focus and can make the act of writing more enjoyable. Additional Recommendation: Use dry-erase markers on transparency sheets, allowing your child to practice writing repeatedly without wasting paper. Simply wipe the sheet clean after each use! Explore tracing letters, shapes, or even animals printed on transparent paper. You can rotate through new images to keep your child excited about learning. 3. Light tables transform tasks into exploratory hands-on activities Whether your child is sorting, adding, or spelling, the light table can make these tasks more interactive. Hands-on learning becomes an exploration of new textures and colors as your child interacts with different objects on the lit surface. Additional Recommendation: Use sensory materials like sand, salt, or rice on a clear tray over the light table to create tactile experiences. Children can draw shapes or letters in the sand with their fingers or small tools. Incorporate magnetic letters or numbers. Placing these on the light table adds an extra visual dimension to spelling words or solving math problems. 4. Light tables make learning fun and entertaining Everyone enjoys learning more when it’s entertaining. Light tables create an inviting learning environment where even tasks that might normally seem like work feel playful and enjoyable. Additional Recommendation: Bring in seasonal or themed manipulatives that reflect your child’s interests, like animal figurines, cars, or nature objects like leaves. This personalization helps tie your child’s passions into learning activities. Try color-mixing activities by using colored film or transparent building blocks to teach the concept of blending colors. Dawn's Recommendations for Light Table Materials: Guidecraft LED Light Table Workbooks - Dollar Tree Store (Many to choose from, and they are only $1) Transparency Film Sheets Shape & Theme Manipulatives - Dollar Tree Store (Look at specific seasons. Sometimes called table scatters. They light up beautifully.) Letter Manipulatives – Great for practicing spelling and letter recognition. Colored Acetate Sheets – For color mixing and light-filtering experiments. Pattern Blocks & Transparent Counters – For math activities and sorting games. Magnetic Letters & Numbers – Add a hands-on element for spelling and math tasks. Sensory Trays – For sand, salt, or other tactile learning tools. By incorporating these activities and materials, parents can enhance their child’s learning experiences, especially for those who struggle with traditional methods. A light table provides the visual, sensory, and interactive stimulation that can make learning fun and effective.

In this enlightening episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, Peggy Ployhar sits down with Kristy Anderson, an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience. Together, they dive deep into effective speech strategies that can help homeschool parents support their children in building stronger communication skills, improving social interaction, and fostering self-regulation. Our guest this week is Kristy Anderson, an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and the elderly. Kristy has worked with individuals from ages 2 to 21, as well as adults recovering from strokes and illnesses, helping them overcome communication and feeding/swallowing challenges. She’s passionate about making a difference in the lives of her clients, working closely with families to maximize their impact. Kristy also provides professional development for both parents and professionals, helping them carry over therapy skills throughout the day. Her areas of expertise include articulation, language delays, AAC devices, fluency, social thinking, cognitive communication in the elderly, and more. She also offers support for parents in IEP meetings and therapy collaborations, both online and in person. Kristy holds a Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has spent 21 years as a school-based SLP, 15 years in private therapy, and 10 years working with seniors in skilled nursing facilities. To join in the after-show conversation, join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Q&A group here:https://www.spedhomeschool.com/groups/tuesday-empowering-conversations *You must have a Navigator Membership or higher on Homeschool Heroes to be part of this group. To get a membership or upgrade your membership, visit: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/membership To connect with Kristy and her resources, visit: https://beyondspeechtx.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 Kimberly Vogel As an educator and therapist, I meticulously plan my lessons. I create alternate ideas and know exactly what needs to get done for my kids, students, and therapy sessions. These plans are essential because parents invest time and money into the services I provide. However, I’ve learned that even with the most detailed plans, opportunities to truly reach the hearts of the people I serve can be easily missed if I place the plan above the person. One day, due to a scheduling issue, I found myself pressed for time with a student. I felt the pressure to stick to the plan and cover everything in record time. The first item on the list was reading a section from the student's "for fun" book. In the story, the main character had to fill out a form asking what word best described her. She also had to guess what word others in her life would give her. After reading the passage, we decided to do the same exercise for the student. Most of her answers were "I don't know" or "no clue," but one word stood out—beautiful. When I asked her to describe herself, however, the words she used were all negative. This was a pivotal moment. I paused the lesson plan and seized the opportunity to encourage her. I told her that I didn’t see her in the same negative way she saw herself and that the words we choose to describe ourselves can shape our thoughts and self-perception. I shared the words I would use to describe her, both now and a year ago, and then asked her what word she thought God would use for her. I reminded her that God doesn’t see her as "stupid," "weird," or "silly." Instead, He loves her so deeply that He sent His son to die for her. That’s something truly special. This moment of encouragement took less than 15 minutes, but it made a lasting impact. I pray that the positive words she heard will stick with her and replace the negative ones that had weighed her down. Ensuring Intentional Teaching Opportunities While lesson plans are important, I’ve discovered several ways to make sure I don’t miss those unexpected, yet deeply impactful teaching opportunities: Prepare Your Heart Daily As part of my morning quiet time, I now pray specifically for intentional opportunities to show up in my day. I also journal about the opportunities from the previous day. Knowing that I’ll be reflecting on them motivates me to be more aware and intentional in each interaction. “Don’t those who plan evil go astray? But those who plan good find loyalty and faithfulness.” — Proverbs 14:22 Choose People Over Plans Recently, I spoke with a man from another country who mentioned how busy our culture is. In his home country, a lunch with a friend can last all afternoon and extend into the evening, with no rush. They prioritize relationships over schedules. It reminded me that many of the things on our to-do lists can wait. Choosing to invest time in people is never wasted; it’s a valuable investment in building strong connections. Pray for the Right Opportunities Not every conversation will be a breakthrough moment, and not every day will bring an obvious opportunity to encourage someone. But each day brings the inward opportunity to pray for those we encounter. By praying and being attuned to the Spirit’s prompting, we can learn to discern when to offer encouragement, prayer, or deeper conversation. This practice takes time and intention, but with persistence, it becomes a natural part of our daily rhythm. Teaching life lessons is important, but teaching to the heart in the moment can leave a lasting impression. Slowing down, choosing people over plans, and allowing the Spirit to guide us in these opportunities leads to deeper, more meaningful interactions that transcend the lesson plan.

Unlock new possibilities in your homeschool journey with our comprehensive downloadable PDF, featuring 50+ websites that provide free enrichment curriculum resources designed to support students who struggle with learning. Whether your child faces challenges with grasping foundational concepts or needs additional opportunities for growth, this guide is packed with diverse content to help you create engaging, tailored lessons that cater to their unique needs. What You’ll Find in This Download: This resource is carefully curated to offer a variety of enrichment activities across multiple subject areas, from math and reading to science, history, arts, and more. Each of the 50+ websites included in this guide offers high-quality, free content that is easy to access and implement into your existing homeschool curriculum. With links to interactive lessons, videos, games, and hands-on projects, these resources can help you create a dynamic learning environment where your child can thrive. How to Use These Resources for Unique Learners: Teaching students who struggle with learning requires creativity and flexibility. The resources in this PDF are not just designed for traditional learners—they are perfect for helping unique learners explore new ways of understanding concepts. Here’s how you can get the most out of them: Break Down Complex Concepts: Many students struggle to grasp basic concepts when taught in a single, standard method. The interactive resources in this download offers multiple ways to explain key ideas, allowing you to break down lessons into smaller, more manageable steps that align with your child’s learning style. Create a Multi-Sensory Learning Environment: Many of the websites listed offer hands-on projects, videos, and interactive exercises. These multi-sensory approaches can help children engage with the material in a way that makes it easier for them to retain and apply what they’ve learned. Expand Beyond Core Subjects: Struggling learners often need more than just a focus on core subjects like math and reading. This download includes resources for enriching your homeschool with art, music, science experiments, and more, helping to foster a well-rounded education that engages your child’s interests and strengths. Encourage Independence: Many of the resources in this guide are self-paced and interactive, encouraging children to take ownership of their learning. This can be especially helpful for students who struggle with attention or who need to build confidence in their abilities. Supplement Your Current Curriculum: Whether you are using a structured curriculum or a more relaxed homeschooling approach, these enrichment websites can serve as the perfect supplement. They offer creative ways to reinforce what your child is already learning while keeping them engaged and motivated. Perfect for a Wide Range of Learning Needs: This resource is ideal for parents of children with diverse learning needs, including those with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, or other challenges. The variety of approaches represented ensures that there is something for everyone, from visual and auditory learners to those who need tactile or kinesthetic activities to fully grasp concepts. Supporting a Lifelong Love of Learning: By integrating these enrichment resources into your homeschool, you can go beyond traditional teaching methods and offer your child a more personalized, engaging education. With the flexibility to explore a wide range of subjects and activities, you’ll be fostering a lifelong love of learning in your child, giving them the tools they need to succeed, no matter their challenges. Download your free copy of this comprehensive resource today and start enhancing your homeschool with these powerful tools designed to help your child not only catch up but excel in their education! Looking for more curriculum help? Check out these articles on how to meet your child's unique needs at home: Unlocking Your Child's Potential: Beyond Traditional Curriculum Solutions (spedhomeschool.com) Adapting Math Curriculum for Special Needs Learners (spedhomeschool.com) Where to Turn When Curriculum Isn't Helping (spedhomeschool.com) Transforming Learning: The Power of Healing Teaching (spedhomeschool.com) Supplements 101 (spedhomeschool.com) Understanding the Four Learning Gates: Making Learning Easier for Struggling Learners (spedhomeschool.com) Striking the Right Homeschooling Balance: When to Modify and When to Remove (spedhomeschool.com)

By Myeshi Briley, MS, HS-BCP Homeschooling parents juggle multiple responsibilities daily—teaching, cleaning, cooking, nurturing, finding personal time, and maintaining a healthy relationship with their spouse. The question is: how do we manage it all? More importantly, how can you do it all? The truth is, we can do it all—we just need to find balance. Prioritization is key, just like budgeting your finances. Time management is crucial, and here are some practical tips that have worked for me. Manage Your Time Effectively Creating a flexible plan helps you feel more in control. Set reasonable goals that won’t leave you feeling like a failure. Be realistic about how long tasks take and don't beat yourself up if you can't finish everything. Every day is a new opportunity to do more, and perfection isn't the goal. Sample Time Breakdown Making and eating meals: ___ Daily chores: ___ Daily hygiene: ___ Kids’ hygiene: ___ Kids’ extracurricular activities: ___ Work: ___ hrs/day (if applicable) Homeschooling: ___ Homeschooling: Plan and Adapt Using a calendar or planner—whether paper or electronic—is essential. I personally plan three months at a time, which helps keep everything organized. Students should also have planners to manage their schedules. For younger children, picture schedules work well, while older students benefit from modern planners. A structured system keeps confusion at bay. Steps to Create an Effective Schedule: Observe Your Children Pay attention to how long different tasks take. Whether it's completing a math worksheet or reading a chapter, these observations will help you better plan each day. Work Backwards from the Year to the Week Avoid over-scheduling by planning for the entire year, breaking it down month by month. List out all lessons, activities, and goals for the year, and then distribute them weekly. Be Specific from Week to Day From the weekly schedule, break it down to daily tasks. While routine is vital, flexibility is key. Listening to your child’s feedback can provide helpful solutions to time management issues. Chores: Share the Responsibility Chores are an excellent opportunity for learning and teamwork. Children need to understand that running a household and homeschooling is a shared effort. Encourage siblings to work together—big kids helping little kids with room cleaning or tidying up toys. Start early in teaching them responsibility, and use summer as a time to reinforce helpful attitudes. Cooking and cleaning are group activities that can also teach essential math and science skills. Housework: Let Go of Perfection It’s okay if your house isn’t spotless. Simplify your life with systems to keep essential areas neat, declutter to avoid frustration, and have designated spots for homeschooling supplies. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from older children or even hire a teenager to assist when needed. Cooking: Keep it Simple Healthy meals don’t have to be complicated. Get the kids involved in meal prep, and simplify cleanup with paper plates when needed. If time is tight, don’t hesitate to take advantage of takeout or family specials from local restaurants. I prepare meals daily, but I streamline my cooking by doing prep work on Sunday evenings. Personal Time: Don’t Neglect Yourself Make sure to carve out time for yourself in your schedule. Waking up before everyone for 30 minutes of quiet devotion or coffee can set a positive tone for the day. If you don’t rest and recharge, it’s difficult to maintain the energy you need. Similarly, don’t forget to prioritize time with your spouse. Strong relationships are the foundation for supporting your family. Time is a precious resource, especially for homeschooling parents. With the right balance and mindset, you can make it all work—one day at a time.

By Kathy Kuhl, from Learn Differently "Socialization"—the word all homeschoolers dread. Not because we hate socializing, but because relatives and even strangers keep asking us about it. As parents of children with special needs, we absolutely want to help our kids develop social skills, just as we would if they were in public or private school. Sometimes, we just need to seize the right moment. "My son is finally opening up this year, wanting to be around other kids. I'm searching for opportunities," Mary wrote, asking for help finding a Boy Scout troop that welcomes boys on the spectrum. Whether you’re looking for a Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop, a sports team, or another extracurricular activity, here are five tips for finding a good fit for your exceptional child: 1. Ask Your Local Homeschool Community Talk to local homeschool support groups, message boards, and social media groups. When you get responses, ask a few follow-up questions—chances are, parents will love sharing what their kids are doing. If someone doesn’t understand your child’s special needs, be ready with a short, clear explanation: "He loves camping and is very diligent, but is a bit socially awkward." "She misses social cues but is kind-hearted and loves crafts." Keep it simple at first. The group leader doesn’t need too much detail right away. 2. Reach Out to Special Needs Organizations Check in with local chapters of support organizations like CHADD, the Autism Society, or the Learning Disabilities Association. They can be great resources for finding inclusive activities in your area. 3. Contact the ARC The ARC serves individuals with a wide range of special needs. Your local chapter may offer insights into groups that could be a good fit for your child. 4. Every Group is Different Each troop or group has its own personality. When my family was searching for a Boy Scout troop years ago, a friend recommended visiting at least three. If the first one didn’t work out, there would still be other options. And even if a group wasn’t the right fit before, consider giving it another try. People move, dynamics change, and both the group and your child may have grown since you last visited. 5. Keep Leaders Informed—But Not Overwhelmed When you find the right group, provide just enough information about your child’s needs without overwhelming the leaders. If they ask questions, resist the urge to share everything at once. Keep it practical and relevant. For example: "Tom loves scouts. He has attention deficit disorder, but he's not hyperactive—just easily distracted. If you need his attention, please call his name before giving instructions. A gentle tap on the arm works well, too. Thanks for working with the troop!" "Sarah is thrilled to be here. She has an auditory processing disorder, so it’s hard for her to pick out one voice from other sounds, though her hearing is excellent. Eye contact helps before giving instructions, and moving to a quieter part of the room works wonders. We’re so grateful for all you do! Can I bring refreshments next time?" About Kathy Kuhl Kathy Kuhl equips and encourages parents of children with learning challenges. After homeschooling her bright, dyslexic, creative, and highly distractible son from grades 4-12, she interviewed 64 families homeschooling children with learning difficulties to write Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner. This handbook offers support for parents and educators working with children and teens who "learn differently," including those with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, autism, or giftedness—whether diagnosed or not.

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar, SPED Homeschool Founder and CEO, is joined by Uzma Akser—homeschool mom, Executive & Leadership Coach (ACC), Certified Autism Specialist, and Neuroinclusion Advocate. Uzma shares her unique coaching strategies that empower homeschool success by turning children's passions into learning opportunities, especially for unique learners. As the Founder of Uzma Akser Coaching and Consulting (UACC) and Motherhood on the Spectrum (MoS), Uzma talks about her journey in transforming her son’s love for technology into educational projects and how she applies coaching principles in home education. She also offers advice for parents transitioning from traditional schooling to homeschooling, particularly for unique learners, and explains how to balance academic, life, and social skills development. Uzma shares the lessons learned from founding her company and how her personal experiences shape her approach to neuroinclusion coaching for educators and corporate leaders. Tune in for practical strategies, inspiration, and expert insights on creating a homeschool environment where passion fuels learning! Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Peggy Ployhar and Uzma Akser 05:00 – Turning a Passion for Technology into a Learning Opportunity 15:00 – How Coaching Influences Home Education for Unique Learners 25:00 – Advice for Parents Transitioning to Homeschooling 35:00 – Balancing Academics, Life Skills, and Social Development 45:00 – Identifying and Leveraging Children’s Passions in Education 55:00 – Uzma’s Journey from Advocacy to Founding UACC and MoS 1:05:00 – Addressing Misconceptions About Neuroinclusion in Education and Workplaces To join in the after-show conversation, join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Q&A group here: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/groups/tuesday-empowering-conversations *You must have a Navigator Membership or higher on Homeschool Heroes to be part of this group. To get a membership or upgrade your membership, visit: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/membership To connect with Uzma and her resources, visit: https://coachingwithuzma.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 Amy Vickrey, MSE, MEd When it comes to testing for your child, there are many factors to consider—different types of tests, various purposes, and how the information can be used. Tests can provide valuable insight into your child's strengths and weaknesses, especially when writing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Types of Tests Nationally Normed Tests Many states require parents to demonstrate student progress through nationally normed tests like the IOWA, CAT, or MAP. These tests compare your student’s progress with peers of the same age or grade, typically based on standardized benchmarks such as the Common Core. It’s important to remember, though, that these tests might not reflect everything your child has learned, particularly if your curriculum does not align with the test’s standards. Psycho-Educational Assessments For diagnosing learning disabilities, a psycho-educational assessment is often used, including Cognitive Testing and Achievement Testing. Sometimes Executive Functioning and Behavioral Assessments are added based on parental concerns. Cognitive Testing Common cognitive tests include the WISC-V, KABC-II, and WJ-IV-COG. These tests examine how a learner processes information. Key areas assessed are: Comprehensive Knowledge (Crystallized Intelligence - Gc): Involves an individual's depth of knowledge, including verbal communication and reasoning. It’s built from both formal and informal educational experiences. Long-Term Memory/Retrieval (Glr): Measures the ability to store and retrieve information, like recalling facts or names. Skills related to Glr include test performance and word retrieval. Visual Processing (Gv): Assesses the ability to analyze, store, and manipulate visual information, impacting skills like reading maps, geometry, and assembling puzzles. Auditory Processing (Ga): Involves the ability to analyze sound patterns. It is closely linked to phonetic skills and math fact recall. Fluid Reasoning (Gf): Tests problem-solving abilities with new tasks or unfamiliar situations, essential for drawing inferences and solving abstract problems. Processing Speed (Gs): Measures how quickly visual information is processed and how rapidly a student can learn new tasks, affecting reading, writing, and math fluency. Short-Term Memory (Working Memory - Gsm/Gswm): Assesses the ability to hold information briefly and use it immediately, impacting skills like reading comprehension and following oral directions. Interpreting Cognitive Test Results When reviewing cognitive test results, consider the following: What do you already know about your child’s strengths and challenges? Could specific challenges (e.g., writing struggles) have impacted test performance? Are there significant discrepancies between areas? Remember that these tests represent a snapshot of your child’s performance on a single day. While children may accidentally perform poorly, they don't accidentally perform well. Focus on their strengths and align any weaknesses with your own observations. Achievement Testing Achievement tests are used to compare your child's academic performance to that of peers. They may be administered by a dyslexia therapist or as part of a broader assessment. Common tests include the WIAT-4, KTEA-3, and WJ-IV-ACH. Mathematics This typically covers Math Calculation (often paper and pencil) and Math Problem Solving (usually verbal). Consider your child’s challenges with writing or verbal directions when interpreting these results. Reading Reading assessments may evaluate areas like comprehension, fluency, word recognition, and phonemic awareness. Listening comprehension may also be tested for younger readers or for children who struggle with decoding text. Writing/Spelling Writing and spelling are assessed at the letter, word, sentence, and paragraph levels. Fine motor skills may also be tested to determine how well a child can physically execute writing tasks. Executive Functioning These are the foundational skills for learning, including working memory, emotional control, sustained attention, task initiation, and time management. Behavioral Assessments Behavioral assessments focus on anxiety, depression, autism, attention, and hyperactivity. These assessments help determine whether behaviors are affecting learning or are a response to learning challenges. Understanding Standardized Test Scores Most tests use standardized scores where 85-115 is considered average. Scores above 115 indicate above-average abilities, while scores below 85 may point to areas of concern. However, keep in mind that these scores reflect just one moment in time. Intelligence and abilities are fluid and can vary. Trust your instincts as a parent—you know your child’s true potential better than anyone. Amy Vickrey is the Training Manager at SPED Homeschool. 

By Sarah Collins, Homeschool OT Four years ago, my 7-year-old son was playing at a friend's house when they created a club. The interesting thing about this club was that you had to read the rules. My son, though eager to read and with amazing comprehension, couldn’t phonetically sound out the simplest sentence. In my gut, I knew something was holding him back, but figuring out the root cause was critical. Was it difficulty regulating his sensory system, making it hard for him to sit and focus? Was it his perception of letters? Was it his visual scanning? Was our busy homeschooling environment with multiple children preventing him from getting the 1:1 time he needed? Or was our curriculum simply confusing? As homeschool parents, we are the experts on our children. Often, we sense when something isn't quite right. The next step is finding the most cost-effective and time-efficient resources to address the issue. Find the right professional Partner with a professional who works with you to provide resources and recommendations. Open communication is key to ensuring these strategies carry over into your homeschool. In our case, I started asking my son questions when we read together: "How does your body feel? What do you see here?" After a few weeks, he admitted that the words seemed to be moving on the page. We found a vision therapist who worked with both of us to strengthen his eye muscles and address retained primitive reflexes during our homeschool day. Educate yourself on the root cause Rather than googling random solutions, focus on understanding the "why" behind your child's struggle. Some of my favorite books for deeper insight include: The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel Interoception: How I Feel by Cara Kosinski Balanced and Barefoot by Angela Hanscom Tailor your homeschool environment Once you understand the root cause, you can adapt your environment to better support your child. We naturally target skills by spending more time outdoors. SPED Homeschool and I discuss this further on the Empowering Homeschool Conversations podcast. Many websites also offer great activity ideas once you understand your child's needs—SPED Homeschool has a fantastic list here. Trust in your child’s unique purpose Sometimes these challenges lead to developing compensatory strategies and life skills far beyond our original vision for our children. Through this process, my son's observational skills and love for nature flourished. He learned to scan his outdoor environment and apply that focus to his work. Now, he draws with incredible attention to detail, striving to understand his world. About Sarah Sarah Collins is the owner of Homeschool OT and brings 10 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, along with 4 years as a homeschool mom.