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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.

In this insightful episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar, Founder & CEO of SPED Homeschool, sits down with Marianne Sunderland, a seasoned homeschool mom and creator of Homeschooling with Dyslexia. Marianne, a mother of eight children—seven of whom are dyslexic—has years of firsthand experience navigating the challenges of homeschooling children with language-based learning challenges. In this episode, Marianne shares practical strategies for teaching students with learning difficulties that extend beyond traditional books and curriculum. The conversation touches on everything from understanding what it means to have a language-based learning challenge, to alternative teaching strategies, to creating the right learning environment. Marianne offers tips on how parents can encourage a love for learning in students who may feel frustrated, and how to help students thrive academically and emotionally. Tune in to explore creative, effective methods for teaching struggling learners, and gain valuable insights from Marianne's personal journey of homeschooling outside-the-box learners. To join in the after-show conversation or see the detailed show notes, 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 Marianne and his resources, visit: https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.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 Ali Sanders, SPED Homeschool Community Member Mistake #1: Comparing Myself to Other Homeschoolers Comparison rarely ends well. Sure, there may be rare instances where your child excels in math compared to others, but more often than not, you end up fixating on the things your family isn’t doing. The problem is, opportunities for comparison are everywhere, especially on social media. This becomes even more pronounced with teenagers, where the stakes feel higher—who got into which college or who graduated with 60 dual-credit hours and a 4.0 GPA? For parents of children with special needs, this can feel even more insidious. The envy that creeps in from comparison can steal the joy of celebrating when your child masters tying their shoes or gets their first part-time job. It’s important to celebrate their achievements, just as much as we would for a child who earns a volleyball scholarship. The truth is, we can’t do it all—karate, violin, soccer, theater, volunteering, and everything in between. Some kids may only handle one extra activity or none at all, and that's okay. Which leads me to my next point. Mistake #2: Over-scheduling Our Time Do you know what happens when one of my sons gets over-scheduled? Complete and utter meltdown. And I didn’t handle it much better myself! He would start worrying about the afternoon’s activities as soon as he woke up, which wreaked havoc on our homeschool days. While some kids thrive on being out every day, mine do best when they have one specific, predictable activity they enjoy. Regularity and predictability give them peace. Too much running around, and the wheels fall off. But, too much staying in can lead to another issue. Mistake #3: Letting Things Become Too Stagnant It’s great when life feels “comfortable,” but it can become dangerous if we stop challenging ourselves. Too much comfort can breed laziness, making us complacent in our teaching and in pushing our kids to grow. Kids need routine, but they also need challenges. It might mean stepping up academically, or it might mean encouraging them to move beyond their comfort zones socially. My son, who’s more reserved, ended up joining his sister in a drama class, despite initial complaints. Two years later, he performed on stage—not something I would have ever predicted. Pushing through discomfort was good for him, and it taught me the value of flexibility. Mistake #4: Sticking with Something Too Long We’ve all done it—stayed in a co-op, sport, or activity far longer than we should have, even when it was no longer benefiting our kids. It took me years to be okay with not checking every box, skipping pages in a curriculum, or quitting a program that wasn’t a good fit. I learned that it’s not a failure to adjust or move on when something doesn’t work for your family. With kids at different points on the spectrum, it can be tricky finding the right balance, but it’s not impossible. These days, we’ve found a co-op that works for all of us and enjoy cross-country as a family. It’s not a hyper-competitive activity, which allows us to enjoy the journey while teaching perseverance. Mistake #5: Having a Panic Attack About Homeschooling The weight of being both teacher and parent can feel like a thousand-pound burden. For me, that moment of panic hit hard when my oldest, at 16, decided he wanted to attend a highly competitive college. I suddenly felt responsible for everything—if he didn’t get in, it would all be my fault. Of course, that wasn’t true, but in the moment, it was overwhelming. After weeks of prayer and research on college admissions for homeschoolers, we found the right courses and transcript path for him. The important takeaway? You can’t teach your kids everything. There will be gaps, but there will also be strengths. Focus on your primary goals for homeschooling—whether that’s academics, character development, or something else—and take a deep breath when the going gets tough. About Ali: Ali Sanders is a Texas-based homeschool mom of five children, two of whom were adopted. Her family’s homeschool journey includes navigating autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, and vision impairment. Ali’s favorite things include books, animals, dark chocolate, and the color green.

By Teresa Jones from BiblioPlan “Would you like to learn to write with a feather?” the park guide asked, handing my daughter a quill and a jar of ink. She curiously accepted the feather and carefully scratched her name on a weathered piece of parchment. It was one of those perfect spring days, and we were fortunate enough to be attending a homeschool program at a historical fort. But as beautiful as the day was, I kept glancing at my watch, anxious about one crucial question: Could we get home soon enough to finish our schoolwork so we wouldn’t fall behind? I was making a common homeschooling mistake, and I don’t want you to do the same. How to Make the Most of Your Field Trips: Plan Ahead Before you go, take a few moments to learn about the destination. Visiting an art museum to see the latest exhibit? Research the artist briefly. Heading to a Civil War battlefield? Understand why that particular battle mattered. Your kids don’t need to memorize all the details or be studying that subject currently, but giving them a framework helps them appreciate the significance of the place or event. Encourage Curiosity On the drive there, ask your children, “What questions can we ask while we’re on this field trip?” This simple prompt gets them thinking about what they already know and what they’re curious about. It also prepares them to interact with guides or experts. We’d come up with good questions together and make it a point to find the answers during the trip. Request Accommodations if Needed If you have special concerns, don't hesitate to contact the venue ahead of time. They want you to have a great experience and are often willing to make adjustments. For years, I avoided taking my daughters to a Civil War reenactment because I knew they’d hate the loud blasts and burnt smell from the paper cartridges. Finally, I reached out to the organizers and asked if there was a quieter way to experience the event. Their solution? We attended the day before, when the camps were being set up. We walked through the encampment, asking questions and learning in a peaceful setting. It was perfect, and the enthusiasm of the re-enactors was contagious! Find Balance While it’s important to encourage learning, don’t push too hard. Avoid being the parent who insists their child “show off” what they know or raises their hand for every question. Let your kids explore at their own pace, without pressure to prove anything. The goal is for them to absorb the experience naturally, not to perform. Relax and Enjoy Finally, the advice I wish I had followed on that beautiful spring day: relax! I was so preoccupied with finishing schoolwork that I forgot why we were at the fort in the first place—to learn and enjoy ourselves. Remember, the field trip IS your schoolwork for the day. Soak up the experience and savor the change of routine. Everyone will learn more and have more fun if you're not stressed about rushing back to your books. As I prepare to send my oldest daughter off to college this fall, I realize our field trips are becoming fewer and farther between. Those days spent exploring art museums or riding a wagon through apple orchards are some of the fondest memories of our homeschool journey. Make sure to treasure them while they last. About the Author Teresa Jones has been homeschooling for nearly 10 years. This fall, her oldest daughter will be a college freshman, and her younger daughter will be a high school sophomore. Teresa represents BiblioPlan at homeschool conventions and online, and she also teaches an online history class for BiblioPlan. Her family's favorite field trip was the Homeschool Day at Fort Ticonderoga.

By Dawn Spence Homeschooling is a wonderful way to spend time with your family and loved ones. It can be peaceful at times, but also hectic with countless tasks to juggle. I’ve experienced both sides—some years are downright crazy and stressful. So, what do you do when life hits you with stress, illness, or both? That’s when I feel like my teaching flies out the window, adding even more pressure. The question is: how do you homeschool when everything feels out of control? The word that has resonated with me this year is grace. I’ve found four strategies that have helped me gain perspective, especially when managing illnesses in our home while also being the primary caregiver and teacher. 1. Let Go of What You Can As a Type A personality who likes all her ducks in a row, I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that this year, my ducks aren’t even in the same pond, let alone lined up! By focusing on my non-negotiables, I’ve learned to ease up on certain subjects. With a high schooler, I feel the pressure to keep him on track, but even his schooling can take breaks when necessary. I might scale back math for one week and assign more the next, or reduce the number of problems if he grasps the concept. I’m grateful that we homeschool in the summer, which alleviates some of my guilt and pressure during these tough times. 2. Embrace Flexibility When things are chaotic and I feel like I’ve lost my bearings, my children still look to me for stability. The best gift I can give them is teaching them that life is unpredictable, and the ability to adapt is an essential skill. Some days, despite our best plans, life throws us a curveball. Learning to go with the flow, especially in times of illness or stress, can’t be taught from a textbook. This year, I’ve been put to the test, and while some days I manage better than others, I remind myself to give grace when I don’t succeed. 3. Choose Your Own Path In times of stress and chaos, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. But this is my journey, and I have to remind myself not to look at social media to see how others are managing. Doing so often leads to a pity party or spiraling down a rabbit hole, leaving me feeling worse than before. Instead, I take time to evaluate my own path. Sometimes that means taking a five-minute breather, enjoying a hot bath, or indulging in some chocolate. Whatever I choose, it’s my way, and that’s okay. 4. Ask for Help This one is tough for me. I was raised with the mindset of “just do it,” but sometimes I need outside help. When others offer assistance, I often feel like the burden is mine to bear alone. That’s when I turn to prayer for help and strength, and sometimes the answer comes through the helping hands of others. When help is offered, I need to accept it. Battling stress and crisis alone isn’t a badge of honor. By reducing my stress, I’m able to become a better mom and teacher. Stress and crisis can strike at any time, but learning to give yourself grace and navigate through it is the key to maintaining your mental wellness. About the Author: Dawn Spence is a homeschooling mother of three who left her special education teaching career to teach her own children at home. She is a gifted instructor with the ability to help parents modify curriculum to meet their child's unique learning needs. 

In a world where screens dominate our daily lives, how can parents ensure their children navigate the digital landscape with wisdom and faith? Join us for a powerful discussion that offers practical advice and spiritual guidance for today’s tech-savvy families. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with David Tucker, a seasoned pastor, technology executive, and founder of DigitalParenting.com. David, a father of three teenagers, brings a wealth of experience in guiding families to set Biblical boundaries around technology use. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities of raising children in a tech-driven world, offering insights on how to create a balanced, faith-filled home environment. Whether you’re grappling with screen time issues or looking for ways to integrate technology with your home teaching, this episode will equip you with resources to be a screen-savvy parent. 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 David and his resources, visit: https://www.digitalparenting.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 Julie Grosz, M.Ed., with Heart of Dakota Curriculum Do you have a medical challenge or two in your life right now? If you do, please know you are not alone! More than ever, it seems medical challenges are mounting. Over the past 20 years of homeschooling my three sons, we’ve faced many medical hurdles. Some have lingered, while others, praise God, have not. Through it all, faith, family, and homeschooling have been the steady constants that brought normalcy amid the abnormality of medical trials. From high-risk pregnancies and months of bed rest to NICU stays, physical therapies, and surgeries, our list of medical issues seems endless. I’ve helped care for family members through serious conditions, from my dad’s pancreatic cancer to my husband’s COVID, and the challenges have been relentless. But through faith and family, we’ve found strength, resilience, and hope. Facing Your Own Medical Challenges Many of you have your own stories of medical challenges. Some may have lingered, while others have resolved. Whether you’ve been the patient or caregiver, you know both roles present unique difficulties. Yet, no matter your circumstances, faith, family, and homeschooling can be your anchor in the storm. Even on the worst days, these can hold you steady until the storm passes. Leaning on Faith in Medical Challenges In the midst of medical challenges, leaning on your faith is crucial. I learned this from my dad, who faced multiple serious health problems but remained a picture of strength to those around him. Even though his medical history included an abdominal aneurysm, blood clots, heart attack, and pancreatic cancer, we always saw him as a strong and healthy man. How? His faith made him resilient. Despite his suffering, he didn’t dwell on his challenges, and his joy in the Lord remained evident. He encouraged others, even when they came to comfort him during his illness. When medical challenges seem overwhelming, lean on your faith, talk to God, and trust that He will carry you through the storm. Leaning on Family in Medical Challenges Family can be a vital source of support during medical trials. My family has been there for me in countless ways, from my husband preparing meals while I was on bed rest to my sister accompanying me to doctor appointments. My parents cared for my premature baby when I was too weak, and even my sons stepped up, offering food, blankets, and love as I recovered from surgery. We’ve leaned on each other through many difficult times, and I’ve returned the favor by supporting them in their challenges. Don’t hesitate to lean on your family and be there for them in return. Ask for help when you need it, whether it’s a meal, a kind word, or simply a listening ear. Family bonds grow stronger through these experiences, and there’s no shame in making or fulfilling unusual requests. Family helps without judgment. Leaning on Homeschooling in Medical Challenges Homeschooling can provide much-needed stability during medical trials. Even when bedridden, you can continue to homeschool by adapting lessons to your circumstances. Have the children bring their books to you, or move to them if needed. Make homeschooling mobile with backpacks or totes, and be creative in finding spaces to teach, even during medical appointments. When one of my sons needed extensive therapy, I brought my other children along and homeschooled them in waiting rooms and even therapy rooms. Homeschooling can be flexible and portable, allowing you to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. Even if you only have a couple of good hours each day, use that time to homeschool consistently. Establish a routine that allows you to move through subjects in a steady, manageable way. It may not look perfect, but it will keep you grounded. In Closing If you’re navigating medical challenges, take heart—you are not alone. Lean on your faith, your family, and your homeschooling. Be generous with grace, for yourself and others. Looking back, I see God’s hand in all we’ve been through. I rest in His promise that His plan is good, even when life seems hard. Medical challenges will come and go, and even the ones that linger have moments of respite. Celebrate the calm when it comes, and trust that the storm won’t last forever. God is with you in the midst of it all, and His love will carry you through. In Christ, Julie Julie Grosz, M.Ed., is a placement specialist and professional blogger for Heart of Dakota. A former public school teacher, she and her husband have homeschooled their three sons in South Dakota. Julie has been supporting Heart of Dakota families for 20 years and finds great joy in homeschooling and writing.

By Peggy Ployhar As the air turns crisp and the world around us takes on a golden hue, it's the perfect time to infuse your homeschool routine with the joys of fall. Pumpkins, apple orchards, corn mazes—these seasonal delights are not only fun but can also be educational. Routine is crucial, especially for our special education homeschooled kids, but a touch of seasonal flair can make learning even more engaging. If you're looking to sprinkle some autumn magic into your homeschool lessons, here are 20 fantastic fall-themed activities. 20 Fall Special Education Homeschooling Activities Fall Candy Science: Explore STEM activities using candy corn. 10 Fall Movement & Sensory Activities: Enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor sensory activities. Pumpkin Craft for Speech Activities: Engage in crafts that support speech goals. Fall Themed OT Activities: Choose from 30 activities to integrate a fall theme into your home-based occupational therapy. Fall & Thanksgiving Themed Unit Study: Dive into books, crafts, activities, studies, writing projects, and games. Why Do Leaves Change Color Science Project: Teach this simple science lesson with items from your yard and house. Autumn Sensory Story: Create sensory storytelling experiences for children with multiple learning delays or visual impairments. Halloween Social Stories: Access 16 stories and 2 videos to help children navigate Halloween social situations. Fall Lego Building Challenges: Tackle 20 Lego challenges centered around fall. Fall Tree Luminaries Craft: Turn jars into glowing works of art with this easy craft project. Leaf Preservation Ideas: Learn three different methods to preserve beautiful fall leaves. Fall Sight Word Scavenger Hunt: Make reading active with this sight-word scavenger hunt. Scarecrow Alphabet Activity: Enhance letter recognition with a fun scarecrow activity using felt, a die, and stickers. 20 Fall Speech and Language Activities: Discover numerous resources to work on speech and language goals. Fall Leaf I Spy Game: Enjoy a free printable game of Leaf I Spy. 30+ Pumpkin Learning Activities: Utilize pumpkins to teach various learning concepts. 40 Fall Fine Motor Activities: Incorporate the fall theme into fine motor skills practice with this extensive list. Fall Books for Speech Therapy: Use four popular fall books to support speech goals. 41 Pumpkin Writing Prompts: Encourage writing with these pumpkin prompts for your student. Fall Unit Study: Integrate the fall theme into literature, language, art, math, science, and history lessons. For more fall SPED homeschooling ideas, be sure to check out our SPED Homeschool Fall Pinterest Board.  Embrace the season and make your homeschooling experience both educational and enjoyable with these fall-themed activities!

By Amy Vickrey, MSE Some children seem to pick up new skills quickly and effortlessly, as if they were born knowing how to do them. For others, it's more of a challenge. We push, we teach, and eventually, they might accomplish one step on their own. It can be exhausting! How do we get our kids to do tasks independently? The key lies in creating routines and gradually teaching each step of the process. Here are some tips for fostering independence in children. Tips for Creating Routines and Teaching Independence 1. Break It Down Think about each step involved in the routine or task you want your child to learn. Teach one step at a time. By the time you get to the last step, they should be able to do the entire task independently. 2. Keep It Simple Start with small tasks to build success. For example, ask your child to put just the forks away. Then move on to spoons. In their room, keep just a few things for them to organize and put away, increasing complexity over time. 3. Reward Progress Begin by offering big rewards for small achievements, then gradually increase expectations while reducing rewards. Eventually, completing the task will become a habit. 4. Give It Time Don’t feel like you need to teach all the steps at once. Doing so can overwhelm your child and may lead to dependence instead of independence. You might need to repeat Step 1 multiple times before moving on to Step 2. 5. Use Checklists or Visual Aids Visual checklists work great for children who aren’t yet reading. Follow the checklist with your child, whether they are doing the tasks alone or with you. This builds their routine and understanding of the process. As they become more independent, have them check the schedule themselves to see what’s next. Make sure the checklist is visible! At my house, you’ll find them in the bathroom, on doors, for schoolwork, and more. 6. Life Skills Are Homeschool Skills In our homeschool day, we include life skills like putting laundry away and other “jobs” as part of our learning. These skills are just as important as academic work. 7. Sheet Protectors Are Your Friend Schedules and routines change as kids grow, so use smooth sheet protectors and a wet-erase marker to adjust them as needed. Laminating also works—choose whichever method suits your family best. A Personal Example: Building Independence in My Child with Autism Recently, I needed my 7-year-old, who has Autism, to become more independent in taking on responsibilities like putting laundry and dishes away, getting dressed in the morning, and going to bed at night. Each of these tasks required breaking down skills into smaller steps. For laundry, I started by helping him sort clothes—underwear, socks, shirts, and shorts—then labeled his drawers so he knew where everything belonged. Now, I give him the pile, and he puts the clothes away himself, even handling his brother’s clothes, though I still sort them by person. For morning and evening routines, I created checklists of what he needs to do. Once he mastered the steps, I introduced flexibility by occasionally changing the order of tasks to build his adaptability. I also created a weather thermometer so he can check the weather each day and dress accordingly. Starting with My 3-Year-Old Now I’m working on building independence with my 3-year-old. I know the effort I invest now will pay off later. He’s learning to put clothes in drawers and sort silverware, which doubles as a math skill. The key is to start at your child’s developmental level, introducing one step at a time. Before you know it, they’ll be doing things on their own! By building routines, breaking down tasks, and giving your child time to master each step, you can teach them valuable life skills and foster greater independence.

By Amy Vickrey Many parents, myself included, choose to homeschool because our kids don’t fit the mold of a “typical” student—especially when our child has Autism, ADHD, or is just an active, young child! So, how can we help learning happen for a child who struggles to sit still? We make learning active and interactive! Here are some tips to keep your kids engaged, especially when attention spans are short. Tips for Keeping Your Kids Engaged When Attention Spans Are Short 1. Keep Lessons Short and Focused If my son can complete five problems and understand a concept, why solve ten? My goal is mastery, not death-by-worksheets! If more practice is needed, we revisit the concept later—after a break or the next day. Focus on one concept at a time, keeping things simple and streamlined. Remember, more isn’t always better—sometimes it’s just more! 2. Reward Work as It’s Done Reluctant learners often need praise and reassurance throughout the assignment, not just at the end. Correct errors as they happen—unlearning mistakes is much harder than learning correctly the first time. Mix up rewards to keep things fresh and exciting! 3. Work Doesn’t Have to Be Worksheets Turn learning into a game: have them jump on or tag the correct answer. Use manipulatives to help visualize problems and solutions. Introduce or reinforce concepts with videos, educational apps, and interactive media. 4. Use Movement to Your Advantage Many kids learn through movement and songs. Movement helps shift information from short-term to long-term memory. Activities that cross the “midline” (right/left or top/bottom) engage both sides of the brain, boosting memory retention. Making learning physical makes it more fun and engaging! 5. It’s Okay Not to Sit at a Desk! I’ve seen kids sit on top of tables, lay under them, or even hang out in a tree while learning! They’ve worked from beanbags, trampolines, yoga balls, and even closets. As long as learning is happening, the location doesn’t matter. 6. Creative Ways to Include Movement Use trampolines, park play, or bike rides as part of learning time. Explore websites like GoNoodle.com for interactive movement activities. Incorporate obstacle courses, answer questions with physical actions, or use a yoga ball for seating. Take nature walks, visit the zoo, or explore local parks to turn learning into an adventure. Combine learning with physical activities like hula hoops, sidewalk chalk, or throwing bean bags while answering questions. Conclusion By making learning active, interactive, and flexible, we can create an environment that works for kids who need to move. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and find creative ways to keep your child engaged while learning!

Are you stretching every dollar to make your homeschool budget work? In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Krisa Winn, a seasoned homeschooling consultant and the new SPED Homeschool Director of Consulting and Partnerships, to explore the key to maximizing your homeschool budget. Discover how working with an educational consultant can be a game-changer for your family—not just in terms of educational outcomes, but also in managing costs. Krisa shares her extensive experience and breaks down the tangible benefits of consulting services, from accessing cost-effective resources to saving time, reducing stress, and boosting productivity, all of which contribute to a more manageable and efficient budget. Learn how utilizing a consultant can actually save your family money by identifying unnecessary expenses and prioritizing what truly matters in your child’s education. Peggy and Krisa also discuss the ripple effect of these services—how the guidance and support from a consultant can free up valuable time for parents, allowing them to focus on what they do best: nurturing their children’s learning and growth. Finally, Krisa sheds light on SPED Homeschool’s vision for making quality, effective consultative services accessible to all homeschooling families, regardless of budget constraints. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this episode offers actionable strategies and insights that can transform how you approach your homeschooling finances. Krisa Winn is an educator and sought-after public speaker who has served homeschooling families for more than a decade. As a special needs consultant at Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) she worked with thousands of fellow homeschooling parents offering personalized guidance, resources, and practical help to families homeschooling children with special needs. During her 21 years as a classroom teacher, she taught children of all ages, abilities, and circumstances. She has also worked as a private tutor, an early childhood intervention specialist, and an academic language therapist in training. 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/

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?