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by Kimberly A Vogel I opened the door and stepped into a winter wonderland. White, blue, and silver Christmas decorations adorned the house. After days of rushing around and overwhelming holiday stress, I finally felt like I could breathe. Something was comforting in the white. It brought a sense of calm and peace. The term white space repeated in my thoughts and synced to the white lights blinking. I need white space in my life, especially around the holidays. White space, a term writers use, refers to the blank space on a page so the reader isn't bombarded by words. I need a place where I'm not bombarded. I need extra room to move and breathe. Instead of cramming more activities into an already full schedule, I should plan less and leave room for more spur-of-the-moment activities. My thoughts started to create priorities on how I just might be able to incorporate white space into my life to lower my holiday stress. "My holiday did not have peace, and my short temper overshadowed my love." These were the reminders I needed to tell myself. Keep Your Calendar Handy So You Don’t Overbook Do you have a planner? Do you use your phone or paper? What you use isn't as important as actually using it. Overbooking isn't just having two activities at the same time—it's having too many activities in a day or week. Build intentional downtime into your calendar to allow your family and yourself to rest. Say Yes Sparingly In Volunteering: Pray about every opportunity. Only commit to what you have time to do well. It's better to focus on one or two meaningful commitments than say yes to five and only follow through with a few. With Activities: The abundance of fun family events during the holidays can feel overwhelming. However, you shouldn’t feel obligated to attend them all. Make sure whatever you commit to fits into your plan and isn’t too taxing. Consider your family’s unique circumstances: For Young Children: Avoid events during nap time or that require extended periods of stillness. For Children with Learning Challenges: Think through potential sensory issues, overstimulation, or the impact of excess sugar and dietary restrictions. Don’t Operate Out of Guilt, Expectations, or Ideals Expectations run high during the holidays, and as parents, we often set the tone for our families. However, guilt can creep into our decision-making. I'll never forget the year I ran myself ragged to make sure an event happened, only to find I was the only one who wanted it. In hindsight, I realized the importance of that event had been magnified by a childhood memory. Sometimes we have to let go of certain ideals for the sake of our family’s sanity. Focus on Jesus as the Center of Your White Space Back in the beautifully decorated home, I walked into another room where a huge Fontanini nativity display decorated the corner. A village scene centered around the nativity. Then it hit me: THAT is the who of my white space. Jesus came to bring peace, love, and salvation. If He’s not at the center of my white space, then I am just creating voids that attract fillers. White space is only beneficial if it is filled with Jesus, who perfectly fills the void. Making Jesus the center of my white space brings me back to what the holiday season is all about. Additional Suggestions for Taking Stress Out of the Holiday Season for Homeschooling Parents: Simplify Your Homeschool Schedule Consider lightening your curriculum load in December. Focus on holiday-themed activities, crafts, or life skills like cooking and budgeting. Incorporate Flexible Learning Lean into interest-led learning or family projects that allow everyone to work at their own pace without the pressure of meeting rigid academic goals. Outsource When Possible Whether it's asking a family member to help with a specific task, purchasing pre-made meals, or using online resources for lessons, don’t hesitate to delegate or simplify. Create a Quiet Space for Your Child Children with learning challenges often need a break from sensory overload. Set up a quiet, cozy corner in your home where they can retreat with a book or a calming activity. Make Holiday Prep a Family Affair Turn decorating, baking, or gift-wrapping into family learning activities. This not only lightens your load but also provides valuable life skills and creates memorable experiences. Practice Gratitude Together Start or end your day with a short gratitude practice, focusing on the blessings of the season and reinforcing a Christ-centered mindset. What can you do to create white space and Jesus space in your life this holiday season? Comment below and share additional ideas that your family incorporates to keep peace and Christ center in your Christmas celebrations.

by Peggy Ployhar Christmas, and the holiday season in general, truly is the most wonderful time of the year…for most things. However, for those homeschooling children with special needs, maintaining a child’s daily routine while adding holiday activities can be a delicate balancing act. One way to reduce the stress of fitting everything in is to ease back on regular curriculum work and incorporate themed activities instead. Often, these types of learning activities are more engaging for children than their typical schoolwork. Lessons feel more like fun, helping them get done more quickly. Over the years, many of the holiday learning activities our family included in our homeschooling lessons have become cherished yearly traditions. We make international treats discovered through various unit studies and have favorite books that my adult children fondly remember us reading together. Here are 20 holiday-related free learning activities to add some cheer to your homeschooling days this Christmas season: Christmas Gross Motor and Brain Break Ideas – 14 activities to add holiday movement into your homeschool day. Christmas Fine Motor Crafts and Sensory Play Activities – Fun sensory play activities and fine motor skill-building craft ideas. Elf on the Shelf Sensory Taste, Smell, and Sight Activities – Use Elf on the Shelf to help your sensory child improve aversions to texture, taste, smell, noise, and light. 30 Montessori Christmas Activities – Activities covering language arts, math, sensory, and life skills. LEGO Nativity Set Instructions – Build Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus in the manger, and a shepherd with two sheep out of simple LEGO blocks. Christmas Counting Puzzles on a Light Table – Simple Christmas-themed counting puzzles you can make yourself to use on a light table. Simple Sewing Christmas Tree Decorations – Turn felt, buttons, yarn, and stuffing into an easy-to-sew Christmas tree decoration. 8 Upper-Level Math Christmas Activities – Add some seasonal twists to geometry, algebra, and thinking skills lessons this Christmas. Christmas Skip Counting Games – Three holiday games to reinforce simple skip counting. Christmas Candy Chemistry Science Experiments – Have some science fun with Christmas candy; it’s STEM learning made fun and festive. “Santa Claus, Santa Claus, What Do You See?” Emergent Reader – This print-and-assemble book reinforces 14 sight words within a Santa-themed story. 25 Days of Fine Motor Christmas Activities – Simple themed activities focused on building fine motor skills. STEM Holiday Light Circuits – Use old Christmas lights and a few common household supplies to teach a lesson in electrical circuits. 30 Awesome Christmas Games – Games perfect for family time or lesson boredom busters. Holiday Speech Therapy Activities – Hands-on and interactive holiday speech therapy activities. Nativity Activities and Educational Resources – A mix of 35 activities, crafts, and printables all focused on the nativity. A Very Merry Occupational Therapy Christmas – 25 activities addressing a variety of occupational skill areas. 30 Clever Candy Cane Games – Fun, and sometimes education, games you can play with candy canes Christmas Journal – Free printable to help you discuss and capture all the special moments and memories with your child this Christmas. Christmas Scripture Copywork – Work on handwriting skills while keeping the true meaning of Christmas as your lesson focus. If that list does not meet your needs or you still want more activities, be sure to check out the SPED Homeschool Christmas Pinterest Board. You will find many more free or inexpensive holiday-themed learning activities to fill your entire month of December. Merry Christmas!

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.

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!

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!

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.

  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 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! 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

By Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L from Homeschool OT As an occupational therapist consulting with homeschool families, one of the top questions I’m asked is, “Do I force my child to write?” The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no—it depends on the child. Here are the top three considerations to help families make decisions about handwriting versus assistive technology. 1. What Type of Learner Is the Child? Understanding a child’s learning style is essential. Kinesthetic learners need movement to encode information. These children may wiggle often, benefit from manipulatives in math, and focus better when their hands are active. For them, handwriting can reinforce learning by adding a tactile, movement-based component. Visual learners tend to do well with typing because they can see the information clearly on the screen. Auditory learners excel with tools like talk-to-text or programs such as Google Read and Write. The VARK questionnaire is a helpful resource for identifying specific learning styles. 2. What Is the Environment of the Homeschool? The homeschool environment plays a significant role in writing success. Consider factors such as: Posture: Ensure the child has proper seated positioning for writing. Distraction levels: A quiet, focused space can make a big difference. Time management: Adjust the length of writing assignments to suit the child’s attention span. Paper positioning: Small tweaks like tilting the paper correctly can improve comfort and output. These adjustments can help children master handwriting and rely on it as a foundational skill when needed. 3. For What Types of Assignments Is Handwriting Needed? The demand for handwriting varies as children grow: Elementary school: Writing skills peak in importance as children learn to draft essays and keep pace with their thoughts. Middle school and beyond: The focus often shifts to adaptive strategies, such as typing or using dictation software, as handwriting becomes less central. My recommendations evolve alongside these changes. While younger children may benefit from handwriting skill-building, older students may thrive with accommodations tailored to their learning style and future needs. Final Thoughts Deciding whether to emphasize handwriting or assistive technology is a deeply individualized choice that depends on the child’s strengths, environment, and academic needs. For tailored advice, consider scheduling a consultation with Homeschool OT. About the Author: Sarah Collins, MSOT, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist with a background in pediatrics and home health, and a homeschooling parent. Sarah first encountered homeschooling in 2016 while working as an OT in a client’s home, where she was inspired by the opportunities it provided. Now homeschooling her own family, Sarah noticed that parents often needed guidance and resources tailored to their unique situations. This inspired her to create Homeschool OT, a service that helps parents design learning environments specifically suited to their child’s needs while also training occupational therapists to serve the homeschool community. Connect with Sarah: Website: www.homeschoolot.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/homeschoolOT Facebook Group: Homeschool Therapy Ideas References: American Occupational Therapy Association. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework (4th ed.). American Occupational Therapy. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001 Flemming, N., & Mills, C. (1992). Not Another Inventory, Rather a Catalyst for Reflection. Improve the Academy, 11. Haswell, Joanna. "A Close Look at Learning Styles" (2017). Honors Senior Capstone Projects. 23. https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/honors_capstones/23 Sarma, S., & Yoguinto, L. (2020). Grasp. Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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.