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By Mary Winfield We chose to homeschool because we believed it was the best option for our family—especially for our child with special needs. One of the biggest reasons many of us make this choice is to allow our children to learn in the way that works best for them. And for many children, movement is a key ingredient in successful learning. You may have heard of the DIR/Floortime method, which focuses on developmental levels, individual preferences and needs, and relationship-based learning. Today, I want to highlight the "I"—individual preferences and needs—and explore how incorporating movement into learning can make a difference. Everyone learns differently, but one thing remains the same: we learn best when we engage our whole body and multiple senses. Using Movement as Motivation When I worked at a private school that followed the DIR method to teach children on the autism spectrum, movement was an essential part of our classroom. Each student had unique sensory needs, but two children in particular stand out. Cody loved riding his scooter. He would often bring one to school and ride it whenever we had gym or outdoor time. To help him stay engaged in learning, we incorporated his passion into math lessons. When working on simple addition, he would answer a problem, and if he got it right, he could ride his scooter around the gym that many times. This kept him focused and eager to participate, making math much more engaging than simply completing a worksheet. Nick preferred swinging. We had a sensory swing in our classroom, and often, he would learn best while using it. One day, we had a challenging testing session ahead, and he was struggling to stay engaged. Once we allowed him to take the test while swinging, he completed it faster than expected. The movement helped him focus and regulate his emotions, making the process much smoother. In my own homeschool, I’ve seen similar results. My son is currently learning fractions, and using a play dough pizza set has made a huge difference. The ability to touch, squish, and engage his senses while working with fractions helped him grasp the concept much faster than if he had only used a workbook. Using Movement Breaks to Improve Learning Each child has a unique sensory profile. Some love spinning in circles, while others avoid fast movement. Some seek out bright lights, while others find them overwhelming. Understanding your child’s sensory preferences is crucial to creating a learning environment that works for them. Homeschooling provides the flexibility to schedule learning at times when your child is most regulated. If running outside helps your child stay calm, consider scheduling lessons immediately afterward. If physical activity tends to energize rather than calm them, it may be better to do lessons before active play. Providing movement breaks at the right times can help your child stay engaged and prevent frustration. Using Movement in Therapy Movement isn’t just for physical or occupational therapy—it can also enhance communication and emotional regulation. I once worked with a nonverbal 10-year-old girl who was struggling to use PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). She loved swinging, so we took the learning outside. Using "yes" and "no" picture cards, I would stop the swing and ask, "Do you want to swing?" She quickly learned to select the "yes" card to communicate her desire. By integrating movement with learning, the concept clicked for her, and she was able to apply it in other areas as well. Another student struggled with meltdowns when people didn’t finish their sentences. Once calm, we played a "what if" game in a sensory swing. I would start a sentence, pause, and ask him to guess how it might end. Over time, this game helped him develop coping strategies and guess what others might say instead of panicking when he didn’t hear a sentence completed. Finding What Works for Your Family Every homeschool looks different, just like every child has different learning and sensory needs. By paying attention to what your child’s body needs, you can create an environment that fosters both learning and self-regulation. How do you already incorporate movement into learning in your homeschool? What strategies do you think would be a great addition? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

By Tracy Criswell If you're a homeschooling parent, chances are you've asked yourself this question at some point: Am I doing enough? Let me tell you from experience—worrying about that will only steal your joy and productivity. It’s a question that used to haunt me too, especially in seasons of chaos, but I’ve learned that homeschooling is about so much more than just checking off academic boxes. When Life Throws Curveballs This summer was one of the hardest for our family. Between three surgeries—my husband’s tumor removal, my son’s wisdom teeth extraction, and my daughter’s spinal fusion—jury duty, financial stress, and preparing for a new homeschool year, I felt completely overwhelmed. We started our school year the Tuesday after Labor Day, hoping it would allow time for my daughter’s recovery and for my other kids to settle into their dual-enrollment classes. But as soon as we got into our homeschool routine, I started doubting myself. With band practices, therapy sessions, orthodontist visits, vision therapy, doctor checkups, and homeschooling all colliding, that old question crept in: Am I doing enough? Learning to Go With the Flow With four kids, each with different needs, I quickly realized that planning too far ahead was unrealistic. Some weeks felt impossibly chaotic—band lessons, homeschool check-ins, and medical appointments all seemed to land at the same time. Instead of feeling defeated, I shifted my mindset: On busy weeks, I focus on teaching in small pockets of time—at home, in the car, and in waiting rooms. On quieter weeks, we dive deeper into schoolwork and catch up where needed. I stopped aiming for rigid perfection and embraced flexibility, knowing that real learning happens in everyday life. It has also helped tremendously that my husband pitches in—whether it’s making dinner, listening when I need to vent, or taking the kids to activities so I can have a breather. Homeschooling is a family effort, and that support makes a world of difference. Simple Strategies to Keep You Sane If you’re struggling with the “Am I doing enough?” question, here are a few things that have helped me stay grounded: Prioritize three core subjects daily. If nothing else gets done, at least these are covered. Track what you’ve accomplished. A simple list at the end of the day helps me see progress, even when it feels slow. Use videos and audiobooks. They’re lifesavers on hectic days and reinforce learning in a low-stress way. Make learning a lifestyle. Field trips, library visits, volunteer work, and even conversations at the dinner table all count as education. Give yourself grace. Hard seasons don’t last forever, and your kids are learning resilience and adaptability from watching you. More Than Enough If no one has told you this yet today: You are doing enough. Homeschooling isn’t just about academics; it’s about raising lifelong learners, modeling perseverance, and equipping your kids with the skills they’ll need for life. Some seasons will feel harder than others, but at the end of the day, your children are learning far more than just math and grammar—they’re learning how to navigate life by watching you. So let go of the worry. You’ve got this. And your kids? They’re thriving because of you.

By Tracy Glockle Every parent dreams of their child getting lost in the pages of a great book. But for many children with reading challenges, this dream can feel out of reach. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for struggling readers, there are many tools and strategies that can help them discover books they enjoy. Lexile Scores The Lexile Score Book Finder is a valuable tool for matching books to your child's interests and reading abilities. This resource provides details about each book, including targeted vocabulary based on your child's reading level and expected comprehension. Using Lexile scores can make book selection easier and ensure that your child engages with material at the right difficulty level.  Ebooks: A Visual Reading Solution For some struggling readers, tracking words across a page and from line to line can be a major challenge. As books increase in difficulty, text gets smaller, and dense pages can feel overwhelming. Ebooks provide a simple yet effective solution by allowing readers to: Adjust font size and background settings for visual comfort. Modify text spacing to enhance readability. Use tools like Bookshare, which offers gradient text that changes color from line to line, helping with tracking. By customizing the reading experience, ebooks empower children to engage with more challenging material in a format that suits their needs. Audiobooks: Another Path to Literacy We often think of "real reading" as eye-reading, but ear-reading through audiobooks offers just as many benefits. Audiobooks help develop comprehension, storytelling skills, and an appreciation for language—without the added challenge of decoding text. Separating these skills can be an effective way to build confidence and enjoyment in literature. Here are some great sources for audiobooks: Your local library (many offer free digital borrowing services) Audible Hoopla Learning Ally (especially helpful for students with learning disabilities) Exploring Different Genres Just as we wouldn't assume a child dislikes all vegetables based on one bad experience, we shouldn’t assume they dislike reading just because one book didn’t click. Some children thrive in the imaginative worlds of fantasy, while others may find nonfiction or historical fiction more engaging. When introducing a new genre: Start with a book slightly below your child's reading level to make it feel accessible. Allow them to explore different styles and topics without pressure. Once they find a genre they love, gradually increase the reading level in small steps. Adjusting Expectations, Not Limiting Possibilities A child with dyslexia or other reading challenges may not experience books in the traditional way, but that doesn't mean they can’t enjoy the world of literature. Whether through audiobooks, ebooks, or carefully selected print materials, there are many ways for struggling readers to get lost in a great story. By offering the right tools and a flexible approach, we can help every child discover the joy of reading.  

Join us for an exciting episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations featuring Rowena Scherer, Founder and CEO of eat2explore, an award-winning experiential cooking kit company designed to bring cultural education alive through food. Drawing inspiration from her Malaysian roots, love for travel, and professional culinary training, Rowena shares how food can be a powerful tool for teaching children about culture, geography, and history. Discover how your family can explore global cuisines while fostering cultural understanding and creating memorable learning experiences in the kitchen. Tune in for engaging stories, delicious ideas, and Rowena’s vision for connecting the world through food!   To connect with Rowena, her team, and her resources, visit: https://eat2explore.com/ Use promo code SPED15 for 15% off a kit TODAY   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/   NEW to SPED Homeschool and the Homeschool Heroes platform: Consultations and Cognitive Testing.   Here is Now What's Available for Your Family through SPED Homeschool: One-on-One Consultations – Get expert guidance in homeschooling a struggling student, curriculum choices, accommodations, behavior strategies, executive function support, high school planning, and more. Our consultants provide personalized recommendations to help you move forward with confidence. https://www.spedhomeschool.com/consultants   MindPrint Cognitive Assessment – Finally, a strengths-based approach to education. This easy, at-home cognitive assessment provides unbiased insights into how your child learns best. It helps you understand where they’ll naturally excel and where they may need extra support—allowing you to tailor your teaching effectively with data that tells you exactly how your student learns best! https://www.spedhomeschool.com/store/products/4344/mindprint-student-assessment   MindPrint + Consultation Bundle - When you bundle the MindPrint test with a consultation, you unlock a database of MindPrint teaching resources only accessible to our consults, which gives you even more in-depth and personalized homeschooling help to help your student learn successfully. https://www.spedhomeschool.com/store/products/4345/mindprint-student-assessment-plus-consultation   You don’t have to struggle through this journey alone. We’re here to give you the tools and confidence you need to create a home learning environment where your child flourishes. 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://adaptedhomeed.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 Jill Camacho Allowing Yourself to Be Vulnerable is Difficult Live long enough, and you know that opening up to others can be one of the hardest things to do. I've often shared how important it is to stay connected to people—both in real life and online—but I also know firsthand how challenging it can be. Even so, maintaining relationships is vital, especially for homeschooling parents and those raising children with unique learning needs. As homeschooling and special needs parents, we face a double challenge when it comes to staying connected. The responsibilities of educating our children at home, combined with the emotional and physical demands of parenting, can be isolating. It’s easy to let past hurts, busy schedules, and even an “us vs. them” mindset push us further into solitude. However, isolation can lead to homeschool burnout, discouragement, and even depression—a risk that none of us can afford. And this is coming from a self-professed introvert—even we need a supportive community around us! Making the First Move Toward Connection Recently, I took a step toward building relationships in my own life by hosting a Bible study in my home. I invited women from my neighborhood and allowed them to vote on the study we would do together. The overwhelming choice? We Saved You a Seat—a study about cultivating and maintaining friendships. The fact that so many moms gravitated toward this topic reinforced something important: We all long for deep, meaningful connections. It’s not just special needs parents or homeschoolers who feel isolated. Many of us, across different walks of life, are yearning for true community. But meaningful friendships require something from us—they require vulnerability. Jesus Modeled Vulnerability Vulnerability is scary because it requires us to risk rejection. But Jesus, in His infinite wisdom and love, modeled the power of vulnerability in the most profound way—by coming to Earth as a helpless infant. He entered our world, experienced our struggles, and showed us how to walk through life with open hands and open hearts. He understands the fear of rejection, the pain of loneliness, and the weight of carrying burdens alone. Because He has gone before us, we can trust Him as we step into relationships with others. Finding the Courage to Share During one of our Bible study meetings, we discussed how it’s possible to feel completely alone even in a crowd. As a special needs parent, I deeply related to this. I decided to share a recent challenge I had been facing—something that felt incredibly personal and unique to my family's journey. I was almost certain that no one else in the group would understand. But as I spoke, something incredible happened. They listened. They empathized. And while they might not have shared my exact experience, they did share the struggles of motherhood, of worry, of exhaustion. Parenting is hard. Special needs parenting is hard. But no matter where we fall on the parenting spectrum, we all have something in common. We all need support. We all need understanding. And we all need each other. That conversation reminded me of an essential truth: We don’t need to walk this road alone. But to find true connection, we have to be willing to let others in. Created for Community I won’t pretend that opening up is easy. Vulnerability is risky. It means letting people see our imperfections, our struggles, and our fears. It means trusting that some will listen and understand—even when others don’t. But God created us for community. When we isolate ourselves, we miss out on the beauty of shared burdens and the joy of shared victories. We were never meant to do this alone. If you’re struggling to find connections, I encourage you to take that first step: Reach out to a local homeschool group or co-op Join an online support network for homeschooling parents Start a small gathering in your home—a Bible study, a book club, or just a casual meet-up Be the friend you wish you had—listen, empathize, and support others Connect with SPED Homeschool If you’re looking for a place to connect with other homeschooling parents, we’d love to invite you to join our Homeschool Heroes community! Discover ways to engage, grow, and find support TODAY for your homeschooling journey.

By Cammie Arn “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Spring is fully upon us here in Texas, bringing with it a fresh sense of renewal and expectation. With the changing season, many homeschooling parents find themselves reflecting on their journey and looking ahead to the next year. But change, even when exciting, can also bring uncertainty. How do we navigate these transitions with faith and confidence? Spring Planning: Making Intentional Choices Spring is when I, like many other homeschool parents, begin planning for the upcoming school year. But rather than simply filling in lesson plans and signing up for activities out of habit, I want to challenge you to take a step back. Ask yourself: How does this activity, curriculum, or co-op benefit my child and my family? Am I choosing this because it truly serves our needs, or because I feel pressured to keep up with what others are doing? Is our homeschool reflecting our unique calling, or are we trying to replicate someone else’s? We were not created to do everything. We were created to be obedient to what God has called our families to do. No two homeschool journeys should look the same, and that is a beautiful thing. Spring Change: Embracing the Unknown New seasons often bring new challenges and opportunities. As exciting as they may be, change can be intimidating. Stepping away from familiar routines means leaving our comfort zones, but growth comes in these moments of stretching. Think of a caterpillar, content with its life on the ground. It may not realize that transformation is coming, but once it emerges as a butterfly, it experiences an entirely new world. In the same way, when we embrace the changes God is leading us through, we find new opportunities that we never could have imagined. Are there things in your homeschool that need to change? Maybe a curriculum isn’t working, or a routine needs adjusting. Perhaps your child’s learning needs have shifted, and it’s time to explore new approaches. Trust that when you make space for growth, God will lead you through it. Springing Ahead: Exploring New Learning Opportunities As you prayerfully consider your homeschool’s next steps, you don’t have to figure it all out alone! That’s why we’re excited to invite you to Homeschool Curriculum Discovery Day, a FREE event designed to help you explore, learn, and experience new ways to homeschool together. What to Expect: Interactive Learning Experiences – Participate in hands-on activities showcasing different curriculum options and teaching styles. Try-It-Out Sessions – Engage in real lessons to see what sparks your child’s curiosity and excitement. Connect with Curriculum Providers – Discover educational tools that best fit your family’s needs. This event is all about learning by doing—giving families a chance to experience different homeschooling methods before making decisions for the next school year. Date: Thursday, May 8th, 2025 Location: Online Event Time: 9 AM to 2 PM Central Time Register for FREE here: Homeschool Curriculum Discovery Day - May 8, 2025 As we marvel at the changes of the season, take time to reflect on your homeschool. Is there something new God is calling you toward? Don’t be afraid to step forward in faith. To everything, there is a season—embrace the one you’re in and look ahead with joy!

By Amy Vickrey, MSE I often hear homeschool parents say they feel like they’re “cheating” when they give their child an answer or help them find it. But as a former public school teacher, I can assure you—teachers do this all the time! The difference is that teachers are trained to use specific techniques that guide students toward understanding rather than just providing answers. Helping is Training In sports, a movement must be repeated at least 300 times perfectly to build muscle memory. If learned incorrectly, it can take 1,500 repetitions to correct the mistake. Learning academics follows a similar pattern, especially for students with special needs. The key is to minimize mistakes from the start. What is Errorless Learning Errorless learning is a teaching method that reduces the chance of incorrect learning by using structured prompts or hints. These prompts gradually decrease as the student gains independence. The ultimate goal is for the student to master a skill without any assistance. If a child struggles, you simply return to a higher level of prompting and then fade support again. Here are six types of prompts used in errorless learning: 1. Full Physical Prompt This involves hand-over-hand guidance. If a student is learning to write the letter “C,” you place your hand over theirs and guide them through the motion. 2. Partial Physical Prompt Instead of full guidance, you provide minimal physical assistance—like nudging their hand in the right direction while they complete the task. 3. Modeling You demonstrate the task first, then have the student try. If I want my son to draw a letter “p,” I would draw it first and then let him imitate it. 4. Gesture Prompt A simple gesture, like pointing to the correct answer or drawing a letter in the air, directs the child without giving the answer outright. 5. Direct Verbal Prompt This involves step-by-step verbal instructions. If the child is asked to “Pick up the paper and throw it away,” you guide them by saying, “Pick up the paper” and then, “Throw it away.” 6. Indirect Verbal Prompt Instead of giving direct commands, you ask guiding questions like, “What’s next?” This method encourages independent thinking and problem-solving. Independence is the Goal The ultimate goal is mastery—where a child can complete a task without assistance. No hints. No prompts. Just confidence and success! How to Document Progress on IEP Goals As a special education teacher, I always structured goals to ensure early success. If you’re writing an IEP for your homeschool student, include prompts in the goal itself. (Download our free IEP template and visit our resource page for more guidance!) For example: “John will write his name using 0-3 prompts successfully in 2 out of 3 trials.” Starting with hand-over-hand assistance, I would gradually fade support—modeling, gesturing, verbal prompts—until John could write his name independently. Tracking each step helps measure progress. Encouragement for Parents It’s easy to feel uncertain about how much help to give, but remember—teachers provide assistance all the time! The key is to document your child’s growth so you can see their progress. No matter where you start, every step forward is a success!

Our special guest this week on Empowering Homeschool Conversations, was Polly Benson, Occupational Therapist and Creator of the Legi-Liner. Polly shared with us about "Dollar Tree OT: Occupational therapy at ideas on a budget" This episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations was funded by viewers like you. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To connect with Polly and learn more about her LegiLiner tool visit https://www.legiliner.com Here are Polly’s handouts that go with this talk: Top 10 items at the dollar store https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cR_4Rw9O2NEBN8YQjG2WOXzVaSSErSLA/edit Games for the reluctant writer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bQcvGfZRat0PPxJdDjnaSFUYUKjDPr2f/view?usp=sharing And, to access the download “FREE list of 60 items & activities from Dollar Tree OT” go to: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/OzjHWFe/SPEDHS 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/   NEW to SPED Homeschool and the Homeschool Heroes platform: Consultations and Cognitive Testing. Here is Now What's Available for Your Family through SPED Homeschool: One-on-One Consultations – Get expert guidance in homeschooling a struggling student, curriculum choices, accommodations, behavior strategies, executive function support, high school planning, and more. Our consultants provide personalized recommendations to help you move forward with confidence. https://www.spedhomeschool.com/consultants MindPrint Cognitive Assessment – Finally, a strengths-based approach to education. This easy, at-home cognitive assessment provides unbiased insights into how your child learns best. It helps you understand where they’ll naturally excel and where they may need extra support—allowing you to tailor your teaching effectively with data that tells you exactly how your student learns best! https://www.spedhomeschool.com/store/products/4344/mindprint-student-assessment MindPrint + Consultation Bundle - When you bundle the MindPrint test with a consultation, you unlock a database of MindPrint teaching resources only accessible to our consults, which gives you even more in-depth and personalized homeschooling help to help your student learn successfully. https://www.spedhomeschool.com/store/products/4345/mindprint-student-assessment-plus-consultation   You don’t have to struggle through this journey alone. We’re here to give you the tools and confidence you need to create a home learning environment where your child flourishes. 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://adaptedhomeed.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.

Is your website answering the questions parents of children with special educational needs are asking? Join us for this one-hour webinar, Optimize Your Website for Special Needs Families, and discover 9 simple, effective strategies to ensure your website provides the information families need most. Gain valuable insights to better connect with these families, guide them to your resources, and make a meaningful difference. Join Peggy Ployhar, SPED Homeschool Founder & CEO for this one hour webinar on how your organization can retain more website visitors in 9 easy steps.

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Stephanie Buckwalter welcomes Emily Assell, a nurse educator, homeschooling mom, and bestselling author of the Generation Claimed board book series. Emily has a heart for equipping parents with biblical tools to help children through emotional struggles. As someone who deeply believes in the power of scripture, she shares how speaking God’s Word over a child can bring comfort, healing, and strength during difficult times. Join us as Emily discusses practical ways to guide children through emotional pain using faith-based encouragement. From helping a child navigate anxiety or grief to reminding them of their God-given identity, this conversation will provide hope-filled strategies to support children in moments of hardship. If you’re looking for ways to bring peace and reassurance to a hurting child, this episode is for you. To connect with Emily and her resources, visit: https://www.generationclaimed.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/   NEW to SPED Homeschool and the Homeschool Heroes platform: Consultations and Cognitive Testing. Here is Now What's Available for Your Family through SPED Homeschool: One-on-One Consultations – Get expert guidance in homeschooling a struggling student, curriculum choices, accommodations, behavior strategies, executive function support, high school planning, and more. Our consultants provide personalized recommendations to help you move forward with confidence. https://www.spedhomeschool.com/consultants MindPrint Cognitive Assessment – Finally, a strengths-based approach to education. This easy, at-home cognitive assessment provides unbiased insights into how your child learns best. It helps you understand where they’ll naturally excel and where they may need extra support—allowing you to tailor your teaching effectively with data that tells you exactly how your student learns best! https://www.spedhomeschool.com/store/products/4344/mindprint-student-assessment MindPrint + Consultation Bundle - When you bundle the MindPrint test with a consultation, you unlock a database of MindPrint teaching resources only accessible to our consults, which gives you even more in-depth and personalized homeschooling help to help your student learn successfully. https://www.spedhomeschool.com/store/products/4345/mindprint-student-assessment-plus-consultation   You don’t have to struggle through this journey alone. We’re here to give you the tools and confidence you need to create a home learning environment where your child flourishes. 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://adaptedhomeed.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 Peggy Ployhar As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, it's not just the flowers that start to bloom—so does the restlessness in our children. With summer on the horizon, many kids begin to lose focus, itching for a break from the same old school routine. If you’ve noticed your child staring longingly out the window or finding any excuse to cut lessons short, now is the perfect time to shake things up with hands-on, outdoor learning. Because I have lived most of my life in cold northern states, spring has always meant one thing to me—getting outside! After months of bundling up and waiting for the thaw, I couldn’t wait to finally enjoy the fresh air and the outdoor hobbies I had only dreamed about all winter. And I know I’m not alone! So, in the spirit of embracing the change in seasons and keeping our kids engaged in meaningful learning, I’ve gathered some fantastic outdoor activities. These activities will not only provide a much-needed break from the usual schoolwork but also capitalize on the incredible learning opportunities that nature provides. Whether your family loves gardening, science, exploring, or art, these free and fun activities will help you make the most of the great outdoors. Gardening An Introduction to Plants for Kids – Multi-sensory activities, field trip ideas, and videos to keep kids learning about plants for weeks. Getting Your Hands Dirty Gardening Unit – A full unit study covering everything from seeds to literature about gardening, plus learning about critters that help gardens grow. Spring Dandelion Unit Study – Notebooking, experiments, art projects, and even recipes to explore the often-overlooked dandelion. Easy Seed Science Activities – Ten hands-on experiments to see how seeds grow and learn about plant life cycles. Insect Studies Ant Unit Study – Books, videos, art, and projects focused on the fascinating world of ants. Grasshoppers and Cricket Study – A blend of literature and science to learn about these jumping insects. Animal Studies Montessori-Inspired Bird Unit – Hands-on bird-themed learning activities for multiple levels. Frog Unit Study – Learn about frogs while incorporating language arts, math, science, and even character lessons. Exploring & Adventure Survival-Themed Books & Unit Studies for Tweens and Teens – A great list of books with unit studies to inspire outdoor learning and adventure. Nature Walks & Scavenger Hunts – Over 30 creative ways to explore, hike, and engage with the natural world. Nature & The Arts Art & Nature Study with Beatrix Potter – Study nature through the eyes of Beatrix Potter while engaging with her literature and artwork. Claude Monet Unit Study – Explore Monet’s impressionist style and how nature influenced his artwork. Spring is the perfect time to get outside and embrace new learning opportunities while giving kids the break they need from the usual indoor routine. Whether you’re observing insects, painting like Monet, or going on a scavenger hunt, the fresh air and hands-on activities will make learning feel like an adventure rather than a task. For more inspiration on incorporating the great outdoors into your homeschooling, check out our latest podcast episode, Embracing Nature’s Classroom in Homeschooling, at LifeAudio or on your favorite podcast platform.

By Dr. Jan Bedell from Brain Sprints The Power of Neuroplasticity in Learning Scientists once believed the brain was hard-wired, ceasing development after early adulthood. They thought connections formed between brain cells during critical early windows and then remained fixed. Under this assumption, any damage to an adult's brain would lead to permanent loss of function. However, research and imaging technology have since proven this theory incorrect. The Brain's Ability to Adapt and Grow Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself and form new neural connections throughout life. This ability explains why stroke victims can regain lost functions through therapy and rehabilitation. For children with unique learning needs, neuroplasticity offers hope and practical strategies for educational success. How Neuroplasticity Relates to Homeschooling As a homeschooling parent, you naturally engage in neuroplasticity every day—whether you realize it or not. By providing structured learning experiences, you are actively shaping your child's brain pathways. Understanding how to optimize this process can make learning more effective and efficient. Effective Learning Strategies for the Homeschool Environment 1. Specific vs. Random Stimulation Random stimulation includes cluttered learning environments, such as classrooms filled with posters, number lines, and alphabet displays that compete for attention. While engaging, this method is inefficient for long-term retention. Specific stimulation focuses on one concept at a time, minimizing distractions. For example, showing a single letter on a flashcard and clearly stating its name and sound helps children absorb and retain information faster. 2. Applying the Three Keys to Learning Using the principles of frequency, intensity, and duration can dramatically enhance learning outcomes: Frequency (Repetition Matters) Repeated exposure to a concept ensures it sticks in long-term memory. Avoid excessive testing before providing sufficient input. Instead of frequently quizzing children, focus on structured repetition. Intensity (Engagement Strengthens Learning) Learning should be engaging and interactive rather than passive. High-energy, hands-on activities increase information retention. Duration (Sustained Effort Yields Results) Short, focused lessons (5-10 minutes) are more effective than long, drawn-out sessions. Stay consistent with reinforcement, whether for days, weeks, or months, until mastery is achieved. Learn More About Neuroplasticity in Learning Discover more about these principles in the Three Keys to Learning Anything podcast. Find even more on Jan's YouTube Channel - Brain Coach Tips. Also, check out Empowering Homeschool Conversations Podcasts, where we feature experts each week discussing topics that empower parents to educate their unique learners effectively.