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By Myeshi Briley, MS, HS-BCP Homeschooling parents juggle multiple responsibilities daily—teaching, cleaning, cooking, nurturing, finding personal time, and maintaining a healthy relationship with their spouse. The question is: how do we manage it all? More importantly, how can you do it all? The truth is, we can do it all—we just need to find balance. Prioritization is key, just like budgeting your finances. Time management is crucial, and here are some practical tips that have worked for me. Manage Your Time Effectively Creating a flexible plan helps you feel more in control. Set reasonable goals that won’t leave you feeling like a failure. Be realistic about how long tasks take and don't beat yourself up if you can't finish everything. Every day is a new opportunity to do more, and perfection isn't the goal. Sample Time Breakdown Making and eating meals: ___ Daily chores: ___ Daily hygiene: ___ Kids’ hygiene: ___ Kids’ extracurricular activities: ___ Work: ___ hrs/day (if applicable) Homeschooling: ___ Homeschooling: Plan and Adapt Using a calendar or planner—whether paper or electronic—is essential. I personally plan three months at a time, which helps keep everything organized. Students should also have planners to manage their schedules. For younger children, picture schedules work well, while older students benefit from modern planners. A structured system keeps confusion at bay. Steps to Create an Effective Schedule: Observe Your Children Pay attention to how long different tasks take. Whether it's completing a math worksheet or reading a chapter, these observations will help you better plan each day. Work Backwards from the Year to the Week Avoid over-scheduling by planning for the entire year, breaking it down month by month. List out all lessons, activities, and goals for the year, and then distribute them weekly. Be Specific from Week to Day From the weekly schedule, break it down to daily tasks. While routine is vital, flexibility is key. Listening to your child’s feedback can provide helpful solutions to time management issues. Chores: Share the Responsibility Chores are an excellent opportunity for learning and teamwork. Children need to understand that running a household and homeschooling is a shared effort. Encourage siblings to work together—big kids helping little kids with room cleaning or tidying up toys. Start early in teaching them responsibility, and use summer as a time to reinforce helpful attitudes. Cooking and cleaning are group activities that can also teach essential math and science skills. Housework: Let Go of Perfection It’s okay if your house isn’t spotless. Simplify your life with systems to keep essential areas neat, declutter to avoid frustration, and have designated spots for homeschooling supplies. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from older children or even hire a teenager to assist when needed. Cooking: Keep it Simple Healthy meals don’t have to be complicated. Get the kids involved in meal prep, and simplify cleanup with paper plates when needed. If time is tight, don’t hesitate to take advantage of takeout or family specials from local restaurants. I prepare meals daily, but I streamline my cooking by doing prep work on Sunday evenings. Personal Time: Don’t Neglect Yourself Make sure to carve out time for yourself in your schedule. Waking up before everyone for 30 minutes of quiet devotion or coffee can set a positive tone for the day. If you don’t rest and recharge, it’s difficult to maintain the energy you need. Similarly, don’t forget to prioritize time with your spouse. Strong relationships are the foundation for supporting your family. Time is a precious resource, especially for homeschooling parents. With the right balance and mindset, you can make it all work—one day at a time.

By Kathy Kuhl, from Learn Differently "Socialization"—the word all homeschoolers dread. Not because we hate socializing, but because relatives and even strangers keep asking us about it. As parents of children with special needs, we absolutely want to help our kids develop social skills, just as we would if they were in public or private school. Sometimes, we just need to seize the right moment. "My son is finally opening up this year, wanting to be around other kids. I'm searching for opportunities," Mary wrote, asking for help finding a Boy Scout troop that welcomes boys on the spectrum. Whether you’re looking for a Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop, a sports team, or another extracurricular activity, here are five tips for finding a good fit for your exceptional child: 1. Ask Your Local Homeschool Community Talk to local homeschool support groups, message boards, and social media groups. When you get responses, ask a few follow-up questions—chances are, parents will love sharing what their kids are doing. If someone doesn’t understand your child’s special needs, be ready with a short, clear explanation: "He loves camping and is very diligent, but is a bit socially awkward." "She misses social cues but is kind-hearted and loves crafts." Keep it simple at first. The group leader doesn’t need too much detail right away. 2. Reach Out to Special Needs Organizations Check in with local chapters of support organizations like CHADD, the Autism Society, or the Learning Disabilities Association. They can be great resources for finding inclusive activities in your area. 3. Contact the ARC The ARC serves individuals with a wide range of special needs. Your local chapter may offer insights into groups that could be a good fit for your child. 4. Every Group is Different Each troop or group has its own personality. When my family was searching for a Boy Scout troop years ago, a friend recommended visiting at least three. If the first one didn’t work out, there would still be other options. And even if a group wasn’t the right fit before, consider giving it another try. People move, dynamics change, and both the group and your child may have grown since you last visited. 5. Keep Leaders Informed—But Not Overwhelmed When you find the right group, provide just enough information about your child’s needs without overwhelming the leaders. If they ask questions, resist the urge to share everything at once. Keep it practical and relevant. For example: "Tom loves scouts. He has attention deficit disorder, but he's not hyperactive—just easily distracted. If you need his attention, please call his name before giving instructions. A gentle tap on the arm works well, too. Thanks for working with the troop!" "Sarah is thrilled to be here. She has an auditory processing disorder, so it’s hard for her to pick out one voice from other sounds, though her hearing is excellent. Eye contact helps before giving instructions, and moving to a quieter part of the room works wonders. We’re so grateful for all you do! Can I bring refreshments next time?" About Kathy Kuhl Kathy Kuhl equips and encourages parents of children with learning challenges. After homeschooling her bright, dyslexic, creative, and highly distractible son from grades 4-12, she interviewed 64 families homeschooling children with learning difficulties to write Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner. This handbook offers support for parents and educators working with children and teens who "learn differently," including those with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, autism, or giftedness—whether diagnosed or not.

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar, SPED Homeschool Founder and CEO, is joined by Uzma Akser—homeschool mom, Executive & Leadership Coach (ACC), Certified Autism Specialist, and Neuroinclusion Advocate. Uzma shares her unique coaching strategies that empower homeschool success by turning children's passions into learning opportunities, especially for unique learners. As the Founder of Uzma Akser Coaching and Consulting (UACC) and Motherhood on the Spectrum (MoS), Uzma talks about her journey in transforming her son’s love for technology into educational projects and how she applies coaching principles in home education. She also offers advice for parents transitioning from traditional schooling to homeschooling, particularly for unique learners, and explains how to balance academic, life, and social skills development. Uzma shares the lessons learned from founding her company and how her personal experiences shape her approach to neuroinclusion coaching for educators and corporate leaders. Tune in for practical strategies, inspiration, and expert insights on creating a homeschool environment where passion fuels learning! Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Peggy Ployhar and Uzma Akser 05:00 – Turning a Passion for Technology into a Learning Opportunity 15:00 – How Coaching Influences Home Education for Unique Learners 25:00 – Advice for Parents Transitioning to Homeschooling 35:00 – Balancing Academics, Life Skills, and Social Development 45:00 – Identifying and Leveraging Children’s Passions in Education 55:00 – Uzma’s Journey from Advocacy to Founding UACC and MoS 1:05:00 – Addressing Misconceptions About Neuroinclusion in Education and Workplaces 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 Uzma and her resources, visit: https://coachingwithuzma.com/ Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.leilanimelendez.com/ https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/ Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

By Amy Vickrey, MSE, MEd When it comes to testing for your child, there are many factors to consider—different types of tests, various purposes, and how the information can be used. Tests can provide valuable insight into your child's strengths and weaknesses, especially when writing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Types of Tests Nationally Normed Tests Many states require parents to demonstrate student progress through nationally normed tests like the IOWA, CAT, or MAP. These tests compare your student’s progress with peers of the same age or grade, typically based on standardized benchmarks such as the Common Core. It’s important to remember, though, that these tests might not reflect everything your child has learned, particularly if your curriculum does not align with the test’s standards. Psycho-Educational Assessments For diagnosing learning disabilities, a psycho-educational assessment is often used, including Cognitive Testing and Achievement Testing. Sometimes Executive Functioning and Behavioral Assessments are added based on parental concerns. Cognitive Testing Common cognitive tests include the WISC-V, KABC-II, and WJ-IV-COG. These tests examine how a learner processes information. Key areas assessed are: Comprehensive Knowledge (Crystallized Intelligence - Gc): Involves an individual's depth of knowledge, including verbal communication and reasoning. It’s built from both formal and informal educational experiences. Long-Term Memory/Retrieval (Glr): Measures the ability to store and retrieve information, like recalling facts or names. Skills related to Glr include test performance and word retrieval. Visual Processing (Gv): Assesses the ability to analyze, store, and manipulate visual information, impacting skills like reading maps, geometry, and assembling puzzles. Auditory Processing (Ga): Involves the ability to analyze sound patterns. It is closely linked to phonetic skills and math fact recall. Fluid Reasoning (Gf): Tests problem-solving abilities with new tasks or unfamiliar situations, essential for drawing inferences and solving abstract problems. Processing Speed (Gs): Measures how quickly visual information is processed and how rapidly a student can learn new tasks, affecting reading, writing, and math fluency. Short-Term Memory (Working Memory - Gsm/Gswm): Assesses the ability to hold information briefly and use it immediately, impacting skills like reading comprehension and following oral directions. Interpreting Cognitive Test Results When reviewing cognitive test results, consider the following: What do you already know about your child’s strengths and challenges? Could specific challenges (e.g., writing struggles) have impacted test performance? Are there significant discrepancies between areas? Remember that these tests represent a snapshot of your child’s performance on a single day. While children may accidentally perform poorly, they don't accidentally perform well. Focus on their strengths and align any weaknesses with your own observations. Achievement Testing Achievement tests are used to compare your child's academic performance to that of peers. They may be administered by a dyslexia therapist or as part of a broader assessment. Common tests include the WIAT-4, KTEA-3, and WJ-IV-ACH. Mathematics This typically covers Math Calculation (often paper and pencil) and Math Problem Solving (usually verbal). Consider your child’s challenges with writing or verbal directions when interpreting these results. Reading Reading assessments may evaluate areas like comprehension, fluency, word recognition, and phonemic awareness. Listening comprehension may also be tested for younger readers or for children who struggle with decoding text. Writing/Spelling Writing and spelling are assessed at the letter, word, sentence, and paragraph levels. Fine motor skills may also be tested to determine how well a child can physically execute writing tasks. Executive Functioning These are the foundational skills for learning, including working memory, emotional control, sustained attention, task initiation, and time management. Behavioral Assessments Behavioral assessments focus on anxiety, depression, autism, attention, and hyperactivity. These assessments help determine whether behaviors are affecting learning or are a response to learning challenges. Understanding Standardized Test Scores Most tests use standardized scores where 85-115 is considered average. Scores above 115 indicate above-average abilities, while scores below 85 may point to areas of concern. However, keep in mind that these scores reflect just one moment in time. Intelligence and abilities are fluid and can vary. Trust your instincts as a parent—you know your child’s true potential better than anyone. Amy Vickrey is the Training Manager at SPED Homeschool. 

By Sarah Collins, Homeschool OT Four years ago, my 7-year-old son was playing at a friend's house when they created a club. The interesting thing about this club was that you had to read the rules. My son, though eager to read and with amazing comprehension, couldn’t phonetically sound out the simplest sentence. In my gut, I knew something was holding him back, but figuring out the root cause was critical. Was it difficulty regulating his sensory system, making it hard for him to sit and focus? Was it his perception of letters? Was it his visual scanning? Was our busy homeschooling environment with multiple children preventing him from getting the 1:1 time he needed? Or was our curriculum simply confusing? As homeschool parents, we are the experts on our children. Often, we sense when something isn't quite right. The next step is finding the most cost-effective and time-efficient resources to address the issue. Find the right professional Partner with a professional who works with you to provide resources and recommendations. Open communication is key to ensuring these strategies carry over into your homeschool. In our case, I started asking my son questions when we read together: "How does your body feel? What do you see here?" After a few weeks, he admitted that the words seemed to be moving on the page. We found a vision therapist who worked with both of us to strengthen his eye muscles and address retained primitive reflexes during our homeschool day. Educate yourself on the root cause Rather than googling random solutions, focus on understanding the "why" behind your child's struggle. Some of my favorite books for deeper insight include: The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel Interoception: How I Feel by Cara Kosinski Balanced and Barefoot by Angela Hanscom Tailor your homeschool environment Once you understand the root cause, you can adapt your environment to better support your child. We naturally target skills by spending more time outdoors. SPED Homeschool and I discuss this further on the Empowering Homeschool Conversations podcast. Many websites also offer great activity ideas once you understand your child's needs—SPED Homeschool has a fantastic list here. Trust in your child’s unique purpose Sometimes these challenges lead to developing compensatory strategies and life skills far beyond our original vision for our children. Through this process, my son's observational skills and love for nature flourished. He learned to scan his outdoor environment and apply that focus to his work. Now, he draws with incredible attention to detail, striving to understand his world. About Sarah Sarah Collins is the owner of Homeschool OT and brings 10 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, along with 4 years as a homeschool mom.

In this insightful episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar, Founder & CEO of SPED Homeschool, sits down with Marianne Sunderland, a seasoned homeschool mom and creator of Homeschooling with Dyslexia. Marianne, a mother of eight children—seven of whom are dyslexic—has years of firsthand experience navigating the challenges of homeschooling children with language-based learning challenges. In this episode, Marianne shares practical strategies for teaching students with learning difficulties that extend beyond traditional books and curriculum. The conversation touches on everything from understanding what it means to have a language-based learning challenge, to alternative teaching strategies, to creating the right learning environment. Marianne offers tips on how parents can encourage a love for learning in students who may feel frustrated, and how to help students thrive academically and emotionally. Tune in to explore creative, effective methods for teaching struggling learners, and gain valuable insights from Marianne's personal journey of homeschooling outside-the-box learners. To join in the after-show conversation or see the detailed show notes, join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Q&A group here:https://www.spedhomeschool.com/groups/tuesday-empowering-conversations *You must have a Navigator Membership or higher on Homeschool Heroes to be part of this group. To get a membership or upgrade your membership, visit:https://www.spedhomeschool.com/membership To connect with Marianne and his resources, visit: https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/ Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.leilanimelendez.com/ https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/ Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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

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

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

In a world where screens dominate our daily lives, how can parents ensure their children navigate the digital landscape with wisdom and faith? Join us for a powerful discussion that offers practical advice and spiritual guidance for today’s tech-savvy families. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with David Tucker, a seasoned pastor, technology executive, and founder of DigitalParenting.com. David, a father of three teenagers, brings a wealth of experience in guiding families to set Biblical boundaries around technology use. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities of raising children in a tech-driven world, offering insights on how to create a balanced, faith-filled home environment. Whether you’re grappling with screen time issues or looking for ways to integrate technology with your home teaching, this episode will equip you with resources to be a screen-savvy parent. To join in the after-show conversation, join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Q&A group here: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/groups/tuesday-empowering-conversations *You must have a Navigator Membership or higher on Homeschool Heroes to be part of this group. To get a membership or upgrade your membership, visit: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/membership To connect with David and his resources, visit: https://www.digitalparenting.com/ Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.leilanimelendez.com/ https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/ Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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

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