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Limited public access until 12/12/24 - Get a Navigator Membership for just pennies a day to open searchable content in hundreds of articles just like this one, so you can access expert advice any time day or night during on your homeschooling journey. by Dyana Robbins The holiday season brings many wonderful gifts: time away from work, cherished moments with loved ones, traditions, and expressions of love. For many, it truly is the happiest and most anticipated time of the year. Yet, there are times when the holidays feel anything but joyous. Loss, grief, broken relationships, or challenging circumstances can overshadow the joy we long to experience. If you find yourself facing a difficult holiday season, I hope these thoughts will encourage you. Some are humorous, others serious, but all have helped our family find joy during challenging years. 1. Treat Hallmark Movies and Sentimentalism Like a Plague Please don’t call me Scrooge—I know how beloved Hallmark Christmas movies are. I’ve even enjoyed a few myself! But if you’re battling discouragement or despair, the idealized versions of Christmas, love, and family they portray can deepen feelings of inadequacy or pain. Instead of offering solace, these sentimental depictions may amplify our wounds by highlighting the imperfections in our own lives. If you must indulge, balance them with films like It’s a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol, which pair their holiday charm with life lessons and adversity. For music, turn to songs that offer genuine joy and hope. My favorite is O Holy Night. 2. Simplify We hear this advice everywhere, but what does it really mean? Simplicity is rooted in contentment, pruning away unnecessary things, and embracing gratitude. Even in hard times, we can simplify by letting go of fruitless thoughts, exhausting traditions, or taxing social obligations. By doing so, we create space for joy to fill the void. We can savor the beauty of what remains, cherish everyday graces, and find rest. "As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness." — Henry David Thoreau 3. Do Something New One of life’s greatest joys is experiencing something new. Create a new tradition, learn a new game, take a different route to see Christmas lights, or try baking a new treat. These small changes affirm life and fresh beginnings. The scope doesn’t matter—it’s the act of stepping into the unknown that creates happy memories and renews your spirit. 4. Avoid or Limit Negative Influences This can be the hardest advice to follow, as negativity often comes from close family or friends we feel obligated to spend time with. If avoiding them entirely isn’t possible, set boundaries to limit their impact. Consider shorter visits, inviting others to dilute their influence, or meeting in a space where you feel more comfortable. And don’t hesitate to plan an “emergency exit.” Self-care might mean taking a temporary break from difficult people to recharge. Likewise, give yourself permission to pause decision-making or focus on stressful matters. A brief respite can restore your energy and help you refocus on the joy of the season. 5. Celebrate Christ When times are darkest, my other suggestions may feel inadequate. Some burdens cannot be fixed or removed; they must simply be borne. Yet even in those seasons, hope shines through, illuminating a path to joy. Isaiah 9 offers this promise: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." On a dark night long ago, God sent His Son to fulfill His promises: to save us from ourselves, our struggles, and this broken world. Jesus walked our paths, bore our griefs, and purchased for us a joy that will never fade. Because of Christ, even life’s heaviest burdens have only temporary power. His presence brings comfort, guidance, and hope. He is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. A Closing Prayer for Joy If this holiday season feels heavy, know you are not alone. I pray that you will find joy, even in the struggle. May the hope and peace of Christ overwhelm your pain and fill your heart. Merry Christmas! Looking for more content like this? Get a Navigator Membership for just pennies a day to open searchable content in hundreds of articles just like this one, so you can access expert advice like that offered in this article any time day or night during on your homeschooling journey.

Limited public access until 12/11/24 - Get a Navigator Membership for just pennies a day to open searchable content in hundreds of articles just like this one, so you can access expert advice any time day or night during on your homeschooling journey. By Peggy Ployhar Although sugar plums are mentioned in The Night Before Christmas and brought to life by the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker Ballet, many people don’t know what a sugar plum actually is. Years ago, during a family Christmas unit study, we discovered this delightful and versatile holiday treat. It quickly became a staple in our home for festive gatherings and a healthy indulgence throughout the season. Since then, it’s been my go-to recipe, beloved by our family and easily adaptable for various dietary needs. To help you bring this treat into your home, my daughter Maggie and I created a video walking you through the recipe step by step. In the video, you’ll see just how simple it is to make sugar plums and learn tips for modifying the ingredients to accommodate your family’s food allergies. Allergy-Friendly Sugar Plum Recipe Video https://youtu.be/2FJHbrWDLac Equipment, Ingredients, and Instructions Equipment: Food processor 2 plates Ingredients: 2 cups base ingredient: any variety of nuts, oatmeal (gluten-free if needed), or coconut 2 cups dried fruit: raisins, dates, cranberries, figs, apricots, or prunes 2 teaspoons spices: cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger, ground anise, etc. ¼ cup wet ingredient: honey, maple syrup, nut butter, molasses, brown rice syrup, etc. Extra chopped base ingredient, or cocoa/peanut butter powder, for coating Directions: Measure 2 cups of your base ingredient (or a mix of them) into a food processor and chop until it forms a fine meal. Add 2 cups of your chosen dried fruit and process until minced. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of spices and pulse to combine. Gradually add your wet ingredient while processing until the mixture forms a ball. Scoop the mixture onto one plate, and prepare a second plate with your desired coating. Roll the mixture into gumball-sized balls, then coat them by rolling in your chosen topping. Extra Recipe Tips: Keep a damp towel handy to clean sticky hands while rolling. Store finished sugar plums in the refrigerator for freshness. Enjoy this simple, allergy-friendly treat that’s sure to add a touch of sweetness to your holiday season! Looking for more content like this? Get a Navigator Membership for just pennies a day to open searchable content in hundreds of articles just like this one, so you can access expert advice like that offered in this article any time day or night during on your homeschooling journey.

Join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations team as they dive into practical ways to support your unique learner in all settings. From finding your voice in co-ops to addressing challenges on field trips and handling interactions in public spaces, this episode provides practical real-life tips and encouragement for parents. Discover strategies to help your child feel understood, confident, and empowered no matter where learning takes you! 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 Viewers like you fund our 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/ Be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! 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.

Limited public access until 12/09/24 - Get a Navigator Membership for just pennies a day to open searchable content in hundreds of articles just like this one, so you can access expert advice any time day or night during on your homeschooling journey. By Melissa Smith "May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13 At Christmas, we see the words "joy" and "peace" on cards and gift bags, written in lights in people's yards, and sung in the holiday hymns we all know and love. But at this time of year, and particularly this year, what captures my heart most about the season is hope. Hope is so beautiful and powerful when anchored well. It gives courage to wavering souls, lights the way in the midst of dark paths, and lends strength to us when we are set on an arduous journey. This holiday season has been a different one for our family as we navigate the aftermath of a significant trial. We have been learning to do everything differently—from managing daily routines to reevaluating priorities. And then, layered on top of that, as I've labored in educating our youngest child, it has become evident that the challenges we've faced have nothing to do with the curriculum I've chosen, the inadequacies of my teaching abilities, or his strong will. He has ADHD and likely dyslexia. There, too, I am learning to do things differently. The energy expended—mentally, emotionally, and physically—has required me to reroute my life and live differently. I find myself in great need of hope. So, as Christmas approaches and my family prepares to celebrate Christ coming as our Savior, I've thought a lot about what it means to put my hope in Christ and how that looks on the ground in my everyday life. Here are a few lessons I've learned along the way and the gifts Christ has given when we cling to hope. The Gift of Strength: I'll Never Be Enough Whether it is an unexpected trial, a child with special needs, difficult family relationships, or any number of other situations, we recognize our inability to control the situation and our weakness in it. And that is a really wonderful place to be. From there, we can humble ourselves before God and allow Him to be strong in us and for us. He understands weakness: He came as a baby. He understands temptation: He overcame it. He understands grief and sorrow: He endured it. He understands death: He conquered it. Dwelling on the truths of who Christ is, why He came, and what He desires to accomplish in our lives gives me hope. This life, today, has purpose, and I don't have to be strong enough to weather the storms that come with it because "my life is hidden with Christ in God" who is strong. What a relief! That, my friends, is where we find rest. The Gift of Joy: Savoring Christ Nothing crushes joy like losing hope. However, just a tiny bit of hope is like a flickering light in the darkness. It illuminates our perspective and allows us to see beyond the challenges of the moment to the joy we have in Christ. God promised His people He would come and send a triumphant Savior, and His people waited and hoped. The Old Testament is a story of deferred hope, but the New Testament continues the story and brings a promise fulfilled—Christ is born! Today, for us, that joy is that we have Christ with us as we walk in this life and as we wait in hope for His return. He is with us. My struggles. My child with special needs. My dreams for the future. All of this, infused with the love of Christ and a promise that He is at work, brings me joy. And so, I can wait with hope. And you can too. As we wait, we can savor Christ and the simple moments of joy. My moments have looked like this: a small home improvement completed, a sweet moment snuggling one of my children, working together as a family to rebuild rhythms, a simpler Christmas, a few minutes to read my Bible...alone, a word of encouragement from a friend. What are your moments of joy? The Gift of Love: Hope Anchored Ultimately, the story of Christmas is a tale of God's incomprehensible, unshakable, life-giving love for His people. There is no faith, hope, joy, or peace without God. Our stories would all end in despair without God's plan of Redemption and His power to complete it. Jesus Christ in a manger tells us that we have hope because God's love pierces eternity to make the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. We live in a broken world where trials come, relationships get broken, death is inevitable, the unexpected rocks us on our heels, and we struggle. Over all of that, though, the knowledge of God's great love for us and His plan to redeem us reach out past eternity to remind us that Christmas is more than a season, it's a promise and an anchor for our hope: Christ. Looking for more content like this? Get a Navigator Membership for just pennies a day to open searchable content in hundreds of articles just like this one, so you can access expert advice like that offered in this article any time day or night during on your homeschooling journey.

Limited public access until 12/6/24 - Get a Navigator Membership for just pennies a day to open searchable content in hundreds of articles just like this one, so you can access expert advice any time day or night during on your homeschooling journey. By Vicki Tillman from 7 Sisters Homeschool The holidays are the perfect time to blend family fun with educational opportunities. Why not turn classic Christmas movies into homeschool lessons? After all, all of life is education! So grab some hot cocoa, cozy up on the couch, and check out these three ideas for using holiday favorites as learning tools this season. 1. It’s a Wonderful Life Unit Study This beloved classic is more than just a heartwarming story—it’s a treasure trove of learning opportunities. It’s a Wonderful Life can inspire discussions and activities around: History: Explore the time period of the 1940s and World War II. Geography: Map out Bedford Falls and compare it to real-life small-town America during the mid-20th century. Language Arts: Dive into themes like hope, sacrifice, and perseverance. Practice writing essays or journaling reflections on the film's moral lessons. Include trivia and background information to enhance discussion time with your teens. 2. The Muppet Christmas Carol Unit Study Even the Muppet version of A Christmas Carol provides rich educational content, making it a fantastic choice for a unit study. Teens, especially, can delve into: Literature: Analyze Charles Dickens’ original work and compare it to this lighthearted adaptation. Writing: Craft essays or creative projects based on the story’s themes of redemption and generosity. History and Social Sciences: Discuss Victorian England and the social issues of Dickens’ era. Bible Studies: Reflect on the Christian values portrayed in the story. Geography: Explore the settings of the story, both in the book and in the movie adaptations. This unit study can also work with more traditional versions of A Christmas Carol. 3. White Christmas Unit Study A nostalgic favorite for many, White Christmas offers endless educational possibilities. Incorporate lessons on: History: Investigate the post-World War II era and its impact on American culture. Science: Explore snow formation, weather patterns, and climate. Geography: Study the settings of the film and map out Vermont’s picturesque landscapes. Home Economics: Dive into the art of holiday planning and event coordination. Arts and Health: Analyze the dance numbers and discuss the physical benefits of performing arts. Turn this fun and festive movie into a meaningful learning experience for the whole family! Looking for more content like this? Get a Navigator Membership for just pennies a day to open searchable content in hundreds of articles just like this one, so you can access expert advice like that offered in this article any time day or night during on your homeschooling journey. About the Author Vicki Tillman is one of the sisters behind 7SistersHomeschool.com, a resource hub offering adaptable curriculum and inspiration for homeschoolers of varying interests and abilities. She’s also a co-host of the Homeschool Highschool Podcast, where she shares encouragement and tips for parents on their homeschooling journey. Connect with 7 Sisters Homeschool: Website: www.7SistersHomeschool.com Facebook Group: 7 Sisters Homeschool Instagram: @7SistersHomeschool Pinterest: 7 Sisters Homeschool

  In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by Stefanie Hohl, M.Ed., an experienced educator and reading specialist, to discuss "Unlocking Literacy: Empowering Kids with Disabilities to Read." Stefanie, who has spent years teaching children to read, holds advanced degrees in children’s literature and early childhood education. Her dedication to making reading accessible led her to create the ABC See, Hear, Do Learn-to-Read method, a hands-on approach designed to make early reading engaging and achievable for all learners, including those with disabilities. With her extensive experience running preschool, homeschool, and local storytime programs, Stefanie understands the challenges children with unique learning needs face in literacy. From her home in Pittsburgh, where she lives with her husband, five children, and two playful dogs, Stefanie will share her insights on fostering confidence and joy in reading, offering practical techniques to help parents and educators make reading an attainable goal for every child. 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 Stefanie and her resources, use this link: https://linktr.ee/stefaniehohl 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/ Be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!  

By Janet Romo from Austin & Lily The best way to think about the value of homeschooling visuals is to reflect on the role they play for us in learning and remembering. Everyday Use of Visuals For example, I can tell you all about Maui, where my oldest daughter and her family live. I have been there many times and explored the island. If you want to know about hiking, I can picture a hike I took to a waterfall and start remembering details. Similarly, if I ask you where the milk is located in the grocery store you frequent, you will picture the store and how to get to the dairy department. In both cases, the visuals were stored in your memory from having seen them before, and you could pull up these images to assist you in discussing the topics. But visualizing can get tricky if you are hearing or reading about something unfamiliar. Using Visuals for Reading Comprehension For example, imagine a house mentioned in a book. A good reader brings up a mental image of a house. Then, the author adds more to the description, such as side entrance, mansion, Victorian, shutters, and sweeping front driveway. The reader now needs to refine their mental image of a house to picture the specific house in the story versus a general house. To do that, the reader must understand the vocabulary used, then use their working memory to create a visual by adding the features of the house. This helps them file the information, hold onto the visual, and continue reading the story. See how hard this is? A lot of what reading comprehension requires is cognitively out of reach for some individuals who struggle with learning disabilities. Not being able to visualize effectively causes a lack of comprehension. However, using visuals strategically can make a big difference. Visuals can serve as accommodations that support learning. Using Visual Aids for Specific Instruction For example, 4th graders in Arizona learn about the Grand Canyon. As a parent or teacher, you want to determine the key takeaways you want your student(s) to understand about the topic. Some examples of core concepts might include: The Grand Canyon is in Arizona. The Colorado River runs at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. People go rafting on the Colorado River. The Canyon has been home to Native Americans for a long time. Tourists like to visit the canyon, and some rent mules to ride in the canyon. To teach this effectively so that my daughter understands and remembers this information, I create or use visuals for each concept I want her to learn. For instance, I might use materials that illustrate where the Colorado River is, what rafting on the river looks like, or how tourists explore the Grand Canyon. I would then spend time reviewing these visuals with her, asking questions, and engaging her in identifying key elements to reinforce understanding. Final Thoughts Students with intellectual disabilities often struggle to form mental images of new concepts, but they can learn effectively with the right visual aids in place. These tools bridge the gap between unfamiliar topics and meaningful understanding, making learning more accessible and engaging for all learners. About the Author: Janet Romo holds a doctorate in educational leadership focused on intellectual disabilities. Her passion is understanding and meeting the needs of at-risk learners. Certified in Arizona in social studies, reading, middle school, English as a Second Language, and cross-categorical special education, Janet has over 25 years of experience teaching at the middle school, high school, and university levels. She is currently homeschooling her 20-year-old daughter, Lily. Website: www.austinlily.com Facebook: Austin & Lily Special Ed Community

Join host Peggy Ployhar for an inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations as she chats with Christine Zell, a homeschooling mom to four, wife to her high school sweetheart, and creator of the Rabbit Trails Homeschool curriculum. Christine shares her journey of embracing a relaxed homeschooling atmosphere by letting go of the small things, focusing on enjoying her children, and cultivating a love of learning. In this episode, Christine offers practical insights on how to meet the unique needs of each child, providing encouragement for families navigating their own uncertain homeschooling paths. Whether you're just starting out or looking for fresh inspiration, Christine's experience and passion for homeschooling will leave you feeling empowered. Don't miss it! 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 Christine and her resources, use these links: Website: https://rabbittrailshomeschool.com Facebook:facebook.com/rabbittrailshomeschool IG: instagram.com/rabbittrailshomeschool YouTube: youtube.com/rabbittrailshomeschool 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/ Be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! 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 Kathleen Cotter Clayton from RightStart Math Ahhhh, the holidays are almost here! It's the season to gather with family, create delightful meals and treats with your children, and enjoy a break from teaching. But then, there's that lingering concern: will your kids remember the math facts you just taught them? Here’s a simple, fun solution: play math card games! These games are perfect for involving cousins or grandparents and can be taken wherever your family gathers. Best of all, they keep math skills sharp while everyone has loads of fun. Let’s dive into three great games—one for younger kids, one for those mastering multiplication, and a fraction-focused game for everyone. 1. Go to the Dump For younger children, try Go to the Dump, a math twist on the classic Go Fish. Instead of matching identical numbers, players pair cards that add up to 10. What You Need: A deck of cards with numbers 1 through 9 (you can use regular cards, removing 10s and face cards; aces count as 1). How to Play: Deal five cards to each player. Place the remaining cards face down in a pile (the "dump"). Players check their hands for pairs that add up to 10 (e.g., 1 + 9, 2 + 8). Matched pairs are placed face up on the table. The first player asks the person to their left for a specific card to complete a pair in their hand. If the card is available, it’s handed over, and the player continues their turn. If not, the second player says, "Go to the dump," and the first player draws a card. Play rotates clockwise. If a player’s hand is empty, they draw five new cards. The game ends when all pairs are matched. Why It’s Great: This easy game reinforces addition facts to 10 while being simple enough for little ones—and even tired parents—to enjoy! 2. Multiples Solitaire For older children working on multiplication, Multiples Solitaire is both strategic and educational. What You Need: Multiplication cards or homemade index cards featuring the first ten multiples of chosen numbers (e.g., 1s, 2s, 4s, 8s). How to Play: Shuffle all the cards and deal them face up into "fans" of three cards each, with the last fan containing fewer if necessary. The goal is to build four ordered columns, one for each set of multiples (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8). Players can move the top card of a fan to a column if it follows consecutively in its multiples set. For example, a 4 can be placed after a 2 in the multiples of 2 column. Groups of consecutive cards can also be moved. If no moves are possible, shuffle the remaining cards and re-deal them into fans. Continue until all cards are sorted into their respective columns. Why It’s Great: This game sharpens multiplication skills and logical thinking. It’s perfect as a solo activity, but families can team up to beat the game—or race to complete it faster! 3. Fraction War For a family-friendly challenge, play Fraction War, a fun take on the classic card game War. What You Need: A deck of fraction cards (or create one with index cards). For beginners, use these fractions: 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/8, 5/8, 3/4, and 7/8. How to Play: Shuffle the cards and divide them equally between two players. Players simultaneously flip their top card. The player with the larger fraction takes both cards. If the fractions are equal, a "war" occurs: each player places one card face down and another face up. The player with the higher new card wins all six cards. The game ends when one player has all the cards. Bonus Tip: Download the Fraction War app (or Go to the Dump, renamed Go to Ten) for on-the-go practice during holiday travel! Wrap-Up These games are just a taste of what RightStart Math offers. They make learning math enjoyable for kids while keeping their skills fresh over the holidays. Whether you play Go to the Dump, Multiples Solitaire, or Fraction War, your family will create lasting memories—and maybe even a few new traditions. Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and lots of math games! About Kathleen Cotter Clayton Kathleen Cotter Clayton, daughter of Dr. Joan A. Cotter (creator of the RightStart Mathematics program), has a rich background in education and program development. Kathleen, her husband, and their six children have embraced the RightStart mission to help children understand, apply, and enjoy mathematics. You can reach Kathleen at [email protected] or 888-272-3291.

by Dr. Rebecka Spencer from Cherish Children Ministries I recently read an article about George Washington Carver and how he sought the Lord’s guidance to understand everything about the peanut. Carver then used his God-given gift of scientific understanding to separate the peanut into its parts, creating hundreds of uses for it. This idea of separating and refining attributes for purpose and productivity resonated with me deeply as I work with my dyslexic kids. Separating Attributes from Activities When I recognize my children as God’s unique creations, I can better use the wisdom and knowledge He has given me to help guide them toward their purposes and callings. Like Carver’s peanut discoveries, identifying the unique attributes of my children allows me to uncover their potential. Separating Potential from Labels Dyslexic kids have incredible strengths. I like to think of dyslexia as an “island of weakness surrounded by a sea of strengths.” When we can build bridges between the two, the results can exceed expectations. History is filled with examples of successful individuals who have thrived despite dyslexia—or perhaps even because of it. Separating Family Members from Statistical Groups Dyslexia often runs in families. In my own family, my mother, father-in-law, and two of my three children are dyslexic. While statistics can feel impersonal, seeing dyslexia as part of our family story brings a personal and relational perspective to the journey. Separating Personal Strengths from Weaknesses Providing real-life experiences is crucial in helping dyslexic kids understand their strengths and weaknesses. In my home and in therapy, the kitchen has become a powerful place of learning and discovery. Here, children can explore their potential and, like Carver’s work with peanuts, extract purpose from seemingly simple experiences. Separating Creativity from Criticism Dyslexic kids thrive in creative spaces, and the kitchen offers endless opportunities for innovation. They enjoy experimenting with recipes, making adjustments, and taking chances. One day, while baking an apple pie with my son, he wanted to add extra cinnamon. I let him. The result? A delicious pie that earned rave reviews at our homeschool hybrid’s annual Pledge Dinner. This encouragement spurred his confidence in baking. However, not all experiments are met with success. When he adjusted the recipe for a chocolate mayonnaise cake—adding more cinnamon and less mayonnaise—the result was disappointing. His brothers' criticisms stung, leading to tears and frustration. Dyslexic kids are often sensitive and internalize criticism deeply, which can stifle their creativity across other areas of life. Separating Forward Momentum from Failure It’s important to teach dyslexic kids that failure isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone to growth. Learning to separate failure from their worth and using it as fuel for forward momentum takes time. Cooking together provides a wonderful space for these lessons, fostering meaningful conversations while engaging in hands-on learning. Separating Hyper-Focus from Fragile Expressions Hyper-focus is a significant strength for many dyslexic kids. When they channel this focus into positive endeavors, like baking a masterpiece, the results can be incredible. However, we must balance this strength with an awareness of their fragility. Encouragement and support are vital in helping them thrive. Separating Reality from Recipes Dyslexic kids often excel in visualization, imagining the finished product of their efforts before they even begin. With love and encouragement, these visualizations can become reality. Who knows? Real-life learning experiences that nurture their creative gifts might even lead them to a future as the next great chef or entrepreneur. Dyslexic kids are brimming with potential, waiting for opportunities to discover and showcase their unique gifts. With patience, encouragement, and the right environment, we can help them thrive—not just in the kitchen but in every area of life. About the Author Dr. Rebecka Spencer is a certified teacher, administrator, speaker, academic language therapist, Jesus follower, and mom to a struggling learner. Her experiences inspired the founding of Cherish Children Ministries, which equips and empowers children with dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, and other spectrum disorders for holistic success. Guided by Jeremiah 29:11, she seeks to help children thrive as God created them to be.

by Terrie McKee from Homeschooling1Child The holidays can be a joyful time, but they often come with challenges—especially for families with special needs children. The sounds, lights, smells, and changes to daily routines can lead to meltdowns, heightened anxiety, and other behavioral issues. As a mom to four children with special needs—ranging from autism and ADHD to dyslexia and diabetes—I know how overwhelming the holiday season can be. Over the years, I’ve found a few strategies that help reduce holiday stress for both my kids and me. Here are some tips that have worked for our family. 1. Keep the Schedule December can fill up quickly with holiday activities, from parties to community events. While it’s natural to want your child to participate, disruptions to their daily routine can lead to chaos. Maintaining a consistent schedule gives your child a sense of security and helps them anticipate what’s coming. To incorporate holiday cheer without upending their routine, try integrating festive activities into your homeschool day. For example: Use holiday-themed spelling words or math problems. Plan crafts like making ornaments or cards. Play holiday music while working on school assignments. Writing social stories about upcoming events can also prepare your child for what to expect. Additionally, posting a visual or written daily schedule—highlighting any holiday activities—provides a heads-up and a sense of control. 2. Navigate Dietary Needs For kids with food allergies, sensitivities, or chronic conditions like diabetes, holiday meals and treats can be fraught with challenges. When attending family or community gatherings, communicate your child’s dietary restrictions to the host or bring safe food options from home. Baking together can also become a fun homeschooling activity, so long as the recipes align with your child’s dietary needs. If traditional sugar cookies are off-limits, consider alternatives like crafting salt dough ornaments. Using cookie cutters to shape the dough and paint for decoration can create the same festive feel—without any dietary risks. 3. Minimize Sensory Overload The holiday season brings sensory overload for many children with special needs. Crowded malls, loud music, blinking lights, and unfamiliar interactions (like sitting on Santa’s lap) can be overwhelming. When my oldest son, who has autism, was younger, visiting Santa always triggered meltdowns. He didn’t know the person, and physical interactions like back-patting were sensory triggers. Once we understood his needs, we stopped forcing these situations. Instead, we learned to adapt: Use noise-canceling headphones in noisy environments. Avoid overly stimulating places, like crowded stores during peak times. Plan quiet alternatives to traditional holiday outings, such as driving around to see Christmas lights from the car. 4. Create Personalized Traditions It’s natural for parents to want their children to experience the magic of the holidays. But for families with special needs, that “magic” often requires some adjustments. Focus on creating your own family traditions tailored to your child’s specific needs. Whether it’s baking safe treats, watching holiday movies at home, or participating in sensory-friendly events, finding activities that work for everyone ensures a more enjoyable season with less stress. The holidays don’t have to be stressful—even with special needs in the mix. With a little planning, creativity, and flexibility, you can create a season filled with joy, wonder, and togetherness for your whole family. About the Author Terrie McKee blogs at Homeschooling1Child.com. Married with four children—three of whom are adults and on their own—she homeschools her youngest, who has dyslexia, ADHD, and chronic migraines. You can follow her on Facebook at @Homeschooling1Child.

Another inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations with host Peggy Ployhar dives into the topic of "Nurturing Creativity: How Parents Can Empower Unique Learners at Home" with Chad Stewart, a prolific writer, creativity specialist, and founder of Devonfield. Chad shares why creativity is now the most important skill parents can cultivate in their children and offers practical strategies for unlocking the potential of unique learners at home. Don’t miss this conversation on how to turn everyday moments into opportunities for creative growth! 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 Chad and his resources, use these links: https://www.britfield.com/ https://www.britfieldinstitute.org/ 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/ Be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! 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.