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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.

by Cynthia Heren from Inside Our Normal When we first discovered our child’s learning challenges, it was because they weren’t meeting the typical age-based milestones. At nearly three years old, we were still spoon-feeding them yogurt and applesauce, and the “They’re only two!” mantra no longer felt right. After consulting with our pediatrician, we began occupational and speech therapy. Learning for our "outside the box" kids doesn’t always happen at the same pace as their peers, but with strong support, they can make meaningful progress in their own time. The same child I mentioned entered Pre-K with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to help with fine motor skills and sensory needs. A few years later, after we had moved and homeschooled for a while, a reevaluation revealed that their needs had shifted to focusing on social skills and attention. Now, as a preteen, they continue to grow, with progress in some areas and new challenges in others. In our homeschool, we can fully accommodate their needs, like offering primary-ruled paper and allowing typing instead of handwriting—simple adjustments that let us focus on their strengths without the pressure of a traditional classroom. Our child has grown in their own way and at their own pace. Take heart; working at your child’s pace is always the right choice. 3 Reminders for Working at Your Child's Pace 1. Ignore Grade Levels; Meet Them Where They Are Many unique learners excel in some areas and struggle in others. When homeschooling, seek materials that align with your child’s current abilities rather than their age. Using placement tests to find the right fit in each subject can be invaluable. Out of my three children, only one follows the same grade level across subjects; the other two span multiple levels, finding success where they are ready to learn. 2. Celebrate Their Progress Celebrate milestones, big or small. When your child completes a workbook or achieves a goal, make a big deal out of it! Dance parties, ice cream outings, or even small rewards can show them that every step forward counts. In a one-student classroom, they’re never truly “behind”—progress is theirs alone to measure and enjoy. 3. Embrace the Uniqueness of Your Homeschool One of the greatest strengths of homeschooling "outside the box" kids is its flexibility. Avoid comparing your homeschool to others. Your setup will look unique to your family and your student’s needs, and that’s as it should be. When you prioritize finding the perfect fit for your child’s unique journey, they will thrive. When we keep our focus on our child’s success and set individualized goals based on their current skills, we can celebrate progress in its truest form. It may look different from that of their peers, but progress is progress. Let’s celebrate each step together!

by Dr. Rebecka Spencer, with Cherish Children Ministries "Can you please just tell me which curriculum to use for my dyslexic learner?" "I've tried multiple curricula, and nothing seems to be working." These are common questions we receive at Cherish Children Ministries from both homeschooling parents and classroom teachers. While the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach is one of the most popular methods for teaching dyslexic learners, it's important to know that you may not need an entirely new curriculum to start seeing results. Instead, focusing on key elements—structured learning, sequential skill-building, cumulative lessons, explicit instruction, multisensory opportunities, and systematic phonics—can make a big difference. Many curricula already include both phonics and sight word components. If yours isn’t explicitly OG-based, you can still create a multisensory experience by incorporating action-oriented activities that use auditory, visual, and tactile-kinesthetic reinforcement. Integrating spelling practice with reading instruction is another critical part of the OG approach. The OG method is built on the concept that kids learn and master language through three neurological pathways: visual processing, auditory processing, and tactile processing. Visual and auditory pathways are essential for reading, while tactile processing supports handwriting and other fine motor skills. Many curricula incorporate aspects of the OG method, often without highlighting it explicitly. As long as the curriculum includes these three pathways and utilizes systematic phonics and multisensory activities, it can support dyslexic learners. Brain Processes and Dyslexia For dyslexic learners, challenges with visual processing, fixation, and smooth pursuit (slow tracking) can impact their reading. Dyslexic children often struggle to recognize visual shapes, patterns, and may have difficulty with fixation—maintaining focus on a single point. For example, some may "skip" letters or words when reading because their eyes struggle to track smoothly across a page. You can help by doing simple eye-tracking exercises at home. Try attaching a sticker to the end of a pencil or ruler and ask your child to watch it as you move it slowly left to right. With practice, this can improve eye tracking and help reduce those small skips that interrupt reading flow. Brain Development and Dyslexia The belief that brain capabilities are set at birth is outdated. Babies are born with around 100 billion brain cells (neurons), but the brain isn’t fully developed at birth. Neurons grow, connect, and communicate with each other throughout our lives. This connectivity, driven by synapses, supports both mental and physical development. Every important developmental milestone—from recognizing a smile to walking—is linked to these neural connections. Research shows that intensive reading instruction can even help the brain rewire itself. For instance, a study with children aged eight to ten found that 100 hours of intensive reading practice significantly improved white matter, the brain tissue that transfers signals between processing areas. This underscores why dyslexic learners can benefit from structured, intensive learning strategies. Auditory Processing Deficits in Dyslexic Learners Dyslexic learners often struggle with auditory processing, especially with phonics. They may find it difficult to differentiate sounds like b and p. Exercises focused on sound awareness and auditory processing can greatly improve reading and writing skills. A study involving 682 children with dyslexia and auditory processing disorders showed remarkable improvements in reading skills after targeted exercises to strengthen weak brain areas. When they incorporated eye exercises, spelling errors dropped by 40%, and children made half as many mistakes after just three to six weeks. Final Thoughts Always remember, you know your child best. Trust your instincts, and seek out specialists if further modifications or testing are needed. You are your child's best advocate, and your dedication will make all the difference in helping them thrive.

By Jan Bedell, Ph.D., Master NeuroDevelopmentalist, President of Brain Sprints, and SPED Homeschool Board Member Dyslexia has puzzled parents, educators, and those diagnosed with it for years. Children with dyslexia often feel they are “not very smart” because they struggle to read like their peers. Parents may wonder if their child is trying hard enough, knowing they have the intelligence to succeed. Teachers, managing a classroom full of students, may feel helpless when a bright child struggles to keep up with academic demands. When seeking information on dyslexia, typical internet searches yield definitions such as: Statistic Overview: Approximately 15% of people have dyslexia, amounting to over 30 million adults in the United States, about 6 million in the United Kingdom, and 3 million in Canada. Many are unaware they have it. Mayo Clinic: "Dyslexia is a learning disorder involving difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding)." Yale University: "Dyslexia is an unexpected difficulty in reading in an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader." National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Dyslexia is characterized by difficulty with phonological processing, spelling, and/or rapid visual-verbal responding, with the presentation varying from person to person. A Bit of Dyslexia History Samuel Orton, the first to identify dyslexia, documented a broader range of symptoms beyond reading difficulties. His observations included: Balance issues Eye tracking and convergence challenges Coordination difficulties Cross-dominance (using the opposite eye or ear from the dominant hand) Poor phonemic awareness Spelling struggles Despite the extensive list of challenges Orton noted, the current U.S. education system typically addresses dyslexia with programs focusing on phonics-based reading remediation and symptom compensation. For adults, few resources exist beyond coping strategies. A NeuroDevelopmental Perspective on Dyslexia The NeuroDevelopmental (ND) approach asks: What is causing these persistent challenges? Why has the original understanding of dyslexia’s complexities been reduced to a phonics-based approach? Traditional approaches often focus solely on phonics, whereas neurodevelopmentalists understand that human function is guided by brain organization and development. Our experience with individuals with dyslexia has shown that intensive, individualized brain stimulation can achieve significantly different results than a traditional two-year phonics program, where individuals often end up managing residual struggles for life. The ND approach assesses the whole child to identify what might be causing specific functional issues. Common factors we consider include: Are the eyes working together correctly, or are letters overlapping? Is central detail vision working optimally, or do small words and punctuation seem to vanish? Is the child’s auditory short-term memory robust enough to support phonics learning? Are lower brain levels organized to enable smooth information flow between brain hemispheres? Is information stored inconsistently, leading to unreliable recall? For the child and parent, these gaps can be frustrating. A parent might think a child understands a concept, only to see it forgotten the next day. The child, in turn, may be perplexed by their inconsistent recall. Empowering Parents through Brain Development Our experience shows that when parents are equipped with the right brain-stimulating strategies, children can gain a year or more in reading and math in just four months—dramatically different from the common experience of falling further behind. Parents are key to this change! You don’t need to commute for expensive therapy; ND techniques can be seamlessly integrated into your homeschool routine for powerful results. For more information or a free consultation, visit www.BrainSprints.com.

Welcome to another episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations! Join host Peggy Ployhar, the Founder and CEO of SPED Homeschool, as she welcomes two incredible guests: Tricia Goyer and Sherri Seligson, MEd, for an inspiring conversation on "Happy Mothering: Embracing God’s Love and Navigating the Chaos of Your Calling." In this episode, Peggy, Tricia, and Sherri dive into how mothers can embrace the love and grace of God while finding joy amidst the chaos of motherhood. Tricia Goyer, a homeschooling mom, author, and speaker, and Sherri Seligson, a homeschool science expert and mother of four, share practical insights, faith-filled encouragement, and personal experiences to help you navigate the challenges of motherhood with purpose and peace. Whether you're juggling homeschooling, household responsibilities, or personal challenges, this conversation will equip you with wisdom and hope for your motherhood journey. 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 pre-order Tricia and Sherri's new book, Wonders of the Ocean Realm, visit:https://www.tyndale.com/p/wonders-of-the-ocean-realm/9781496486462 To connect with Tricia, visit: https://triciagoyer.com/ To connect with Sherri, visit: https://www.sherriseligson.com/ Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.leilanimelendez.com/ https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/ Join our mission to empower homeschool families! https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ 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 Nancy van Loggerenberg It feels like just yesterday your child was born, and today they’re getting ready to begin pre-K or Kindergarten! If your child has special needs or has taken a bit longer to reach typical developmental milestones, you may know they could struggle in a traditional school setting. As the school year approaches, you’ve decided to homeschool—but how do you start homeschooling a child who may need extra support? Take a deep breath, remind yourself, “I’ve got this,” and read on for practical steps to start your homeschool journey with confidence. Know Your Homeschool Law If required by your state, the first step is to submit a letter of intent to homeschool. Unsure about your state’s requirements? You can find a guide on the HSLDA website to help you understand your state’s homeschool laws. Create a “For Now Plan” Next, decide what kind of homeschool approach fits your family’s needs by creating what I call a “For Now Plan.” This is a flexible outline of what you envision for your family’s homeschool, and it’s simple to create: Define Your Homeschool Vision. On a piece of paper, write a one-sentence vision for your homeschool. For example: “Our homeschool Kindergarten will meet five days a week, with a focus on reading and math, plus lots of time for art, games, and outdoor learning.” Write Your “Why.” Next, explain why you want your homeschool to look this way. For example: “My WHY is because I know ‘Tim’ will engage and focus best with short lessons. He loves being outside, and reading and math are the subjects I feel most comfortable teaching right now.” Choose Your Top 3 Resources Do some quick research to select the top three resources you’d like to use as part of your “For Now Plan.” The SPED Homeschool website, Facebook groups, and Pinterest boards are great places for ideas. Example resources could include your public library, subscription boxes, and ABC Mouse. Identify Your Support Networks Once you’ve chosen resources, list three support networks you can turn to for guidance and new ideas. Support might come from a homeschool mentor, your local school, a church community, Facebook groups, a private tutor, or a homeschooling consultant. These networks may evolve over time, but they’ll be invaluable as you start your journey. Plan Your First Action Steps It’s time to put your resources and support networks into action with “3 Action Steps.” For example: Visit the library for books to support your themes Choose a theme for the first two weeks Look at what other parents are doing for their homeschool Kindergarten curriculum in your Facebook group Adjust and Repeat as Needed When you encounter new challenges or things feel overwhelming, return to this process and create a new “For Now Plan.” Some parents find that once they start homeschooling, they need to adjust expectations or outsource specific subjects, like reading, to a tutor for extra support. Try It Yourself! Are you ready to give the “For Now Plan” a try? Imagining a structured yet flexible homeschool may sound challenging, but with the right mindset, it’s possible to create a fulfilling learning experience for your child. If you’re curious about what kindergarten homeschooling could look like with a qualified teacher or tutor, I’d be happy to guide you! Visit my website—Ms. Nancy, Online Elementary Tutor—and sign up for my kindergarten webinar to discover tools that will revolutionize your child’s learning journey. Wherever you are in the process, enjoy this unique journey and the gift of teaching your child at home. Remember, homeschooling can be both stress-free and messy—it’s all part of the beautiful process!

By Sonlight Curriculum Company If you asked special needs families about the most essential aspect of homeschooling, you'd likely find a common theme: flexibility. Given the unique challenges these families face, a literature-based homeschool curriculum—the most adaptable of all approaches—makes perfect sense. 1. Literature-Based Learning Allows Flexibility in Environment Literature-based education makes learning feel more natural. Rather than requiring children to sit at a desk for extended periods, they have the freedom to draw, build, or even stretch out on the couch while they learn. For example, my oldest son, who struggled with dysgraphia, found writing difficult, despite receiving support from an occupational therapist. However, he discovered a love for drawing while I read aloud, allowing him to work on fine motor skills without feeling pressured. Today, you’d never know he struggled early on, and I credit Sonlight’s read-alouds with his growth. This learning style also allows us to change our setting as needed. We can take our reading outside on sunny days, which can be particularly beneficial for sensory-seeking kids. Over the years, our classrooms have included the grass, swings, and even the car, transforming any space into a learning environment. 2. Literature-Based Learning Allows Flexibility in Format A literature-based approach relies on discussion rather than worksheets, making subjects like science and history more accessible for kids who struggle with paperwork. Sonlight, for example, includes minimal testing. Instead, kids narrate back what they've learned, providing natural, stress-free assessment. In our homeschool, we have: Explored geography by mapping story locations Learned science through living books and hands-on experiments Studied history through engaging stories based on real events For children who dislike or struggle with traditional assessments, this approach can make learning far more enjoyable. 3. Literature-Based Learning Accommodates Diverse Learning Styles For the Writer: Encourage note-taking or doodling during reading time. For the Builder: Let them work with blocks or do hands-on activities. A literature-based approach gives children the freedom to be themselves, which is vital for special needs students. They can learn in a way that aligns with their strengths and preferences, without the constraints of a rigid learning format. 4. Literature-Based Learning Offers Flexibility of Choice One of the best aspects of literature-based learning is the choices available. Sonlight, for instance, provides a variety of topics to choose from, even in the early years. Whether your child is more interested in world or U.S. history, you can tailor the curriculum to their interests, increasing their engagement in the learning process. Sitting down with your child to pick out their curriculum not only boosts their excitement but also gives them a sense of ownership over their education. 5. Literature-Based Learning Allows Flexibility in Scheduling Special needs families understand the challenge of balancing fluctuating moods, therapy appointments, and life’s demands. In a literature-based curriculum, feeling "behind" isn’t as much of a concern. In fact, many families end up ahead, thanks to the "One More Chapter Affliction"—the irresistible urge to keep reading just a little longer. With a literature-based approach, homeschooling doesn’t feel like “doing school” in the conventional sense. You can stretch the curriculum across the entire year or save books for leisurely summer reading, adjusting your schedule without pressure. Conclusion A literature-based homeschool approach like Sonlight offers the flexibility and organic learning experience that special needs children often require. Its adaptable nature makes it a great choice for families who need room to accommodate diverse learning styles, interests, and schedules.

Fall is rushing by quickly, and snow is already starting to fly up north. Before we know it, the holiday season will be upon us. As you think about adding some seasonal fun to your homeschooling activities, here are some Thanksgiving learning ideas you can incorporate into any child’s homeschooling schedule. 20 Adaptable Thanksgiving Homeschool Activities Build Your Own Mayflower Craft and Science Activity – An easy activity for building a boat and learning the science of flotation. Thanksgiving “I Spy” Printable – Observation and simple counting reinforced through a Thanksgiving-themed “I Spy” game. Language Arts Games for Thanksgiving – Multiple Thanksgiving-themed games to reinforce language arts. Thanksgiving Dot Painting Printables – Dot painting printables with Thanksgiving themes. Building Number Sense, Turkey Style – Counting and turkeys make early math skills practice fun. Sensory Turkey for Thanksgiving – Learn how to make a multi-sensory turkey. “I Am Thankful” Lapbook – Printables for making a thanks-oriented lapbook. Color-in Thanksgiving Placemats – Printables for activity placemats to use for your Thanksgiving meal. K-4 Thanksgiving Reading Comprehension and Inference Activities – Multi-grade Thanksgiving reading activities, including comprehension and personal inference questions. Upper Elementary Thanksgiving Activities – Reading, writing, and math activities with Thanksgiving themes. Visual Thanksgiving Recipes – Recipes written with pictures so they can be followed by non-readers Fine Motor Turkey Math Game – Turkey, math, and therapy all wrapped up in one game. 21 Free Thanksgiving-Themed Unit Studies – An extensive list of free Thanksgiving-themed unit studies. Thanksgiving Videos for Kids – A variety of videos for kids with a Thanksgiving theme. Fine Motor Playdough Turkeys – Building this turkey is fun and helps develop fine motor skills. Thanksgiving Mad Libs – Kids add their own words to these Thanksgiving-themed Mad Lib activity sheets. 4 Thanksgiving Speech Therapy Activities – Ideas for incorporating Thanksgiving into your student’s speech activities. Thanksgiving Writing Activity Packet – Writing is always more fun when it includes a seasonal flair. (small fee for this resource) Fun Turkey Dance for Brain Breaks – A Thanksgiving brain break dance your kids will love. 30+ Thanksgiving Craft & Food Craft Ideas – Cute crafts that use a variety of different materials, including food. For more Thanksgiving SPED homeschooling ideas, make sure to check out our SPED Homeschooling Thanksgiving Pinterest Board.