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By Mary Winfield Have you heard about Temple Grandin? If not, you should definitely learn more about her—she’s amazing. During a time when children with autism were often institutionalized, her mother refused to give up on her, even when doctors said Temple would never speak or function independently. Because of her mother’s persistence, Temple went on to earn a Ph.D. in Animal Science and has become a worldwide advocate for autism awareness. If you’d like to learn more about her journey, HBO created an excellent movie about her life (available for free on Amazon Prime). She has also authored several books, including The Loving Push, co-written with Debra Moore, which I recently read. This book is a must-read for parents of pre-teens and teenagers with high-functioning autism. It provides invaluable guidance on helping them become independent, successful adults. Topics include managing depression, addressing video game addiction, and preparing teenagers for driving. The book also shares real-life experiences from different families, making it a relatable and practical resource. One of the most insightful parts of The Loving Push focuses on preparing teens for life after high school. The authors interviewed a college professor who has worked with many autistic students. He identified four key areas where they often struggle: Household and Personal Care Many autistic teens manage personal care and chores well at home because their parents remind them. However, they may not fully understand when or why tasks need to be done. For example, parents often tell their child when to shower, but they don’t always teach them how to recognize signs that indicate it’s time (e.g., greasy hair, body odor, or sweat from physical activity). Providing clear guidelines—such as how often to shower or when extra showers might be needed—can help them build independence. The same applies to household chores. Teens might not notice when something needs cleaning, but explaining specific cues (e.g., “If the trash is full, take it out”) or setting a schedule helps them take responsibility. Using Organizational Aids Parents often structure the schedules and routines of autistic children, but it’s crucial to teach them how to organize their own tasks. Instead of overwhelming them with too many skills at once, focus on setting priorities and meeting deadlines. Help your child practice by involving them in planning their homeschool curriculum or weekly schedule. Show them how to break goals into steps, create to-do lists, and decide what to tackle first. These executive functioning skills are essential for success in adulthood. Asking for Help The interviewed professor noted that many autistic students could complete their assignments if they simply asked for help. However, because they’re not accustomed to reaching out, they often assume they just “can’t do it” and give up. Parents can model and encourage help-seeking behavior. Instead of always stepping in when your child struggles, teach them to ask for assistance. A great way to reinforce this skill is to introduce a mentor—someone they can turn to for guidance outside of their immediate family. This fosters independence while giving them a trusted resource to practice asking for help. Maintaining a Stable Mood Managing emotions and responding appropriately to challenges can be difficult for autistic teens. One strategy from The Loving Push is giving specific, meaningful feedback. For example, instead of saying, “You’re so kind,” say, “Helping me with the dishes was kind. It made me feel happy and proud of you.” This reinforces the behavior and its positive impact. Additionally, teaching resilience is crucial. When your child experiences failure or frustration, remind them of their past successes and help them find solutions. Pointing out their strengths and acknowledging that everyone has weaknesses can provide perspective and encouragement. The Loving Push: Encouraging Growth with Support The book’s title perfectly captures the approach parents should take—gently but firmly pushing their child to step outside their comfort zone. Many autistic teens prefer routines and predictability, making it easy for them to avoid trying new things. It’s up to us to provide that “loving push” so they can build confidence and independence. With the right support and gradual encouragement, they can successfully transition into adulthood.

By Kimberly Vogel Technology is making it easier than ever to provide adaptations for our struggling learners. While technology can be an incredible asset for engaging children in learning, it also comes with potential drawbacks. Here are three essential tips to help you make the most of technology while keeping your child safe and developing independence. 1. Prioritize Online Safety The internet is full of incredible resources, but it's also full of risks. The rise in online child exploitation is alarming, and many children with special needs may struggle to recognize red flags. It’s crucial to have ongoing conversations about internet safety, ensuring your child understands what information is safe to share and what should remain private. If your child has difficulty understanding these concepts, err on the side of caution—block all online communication features. Additionally, be aware that innocent searches with misspelled words can lead to inappropriate content. To minimize risk, I strongly recommend keeping all internet-connected devices—computers, tablets, smartphones—in common areas where usage can be monitored. 2. Use Adaptations Wisely Technology-based modifications and adaptations can be game-changers, but they shouldn’t become permanent crutches. The goal should always be skill-building and independence. For example, speech-to-text software can be incredibly helpful for students who struggle with writing. However, as their skills improve, gradually reduce its use: Start by allowing speech-to-text for all writing assignments. Transition to using it only for brainstorming or longer essays. Eventually, encourage your child to write shorter responses by hand or type independently. This gradual approach helps children gain confidence and self-monitor their learning needs. Encourage them to set personal goals for reducing modifications as they grow. 3. Stay One Step Ahead—Kids Are Resourceful! No matter how many safeguards we put in place, kids will always find creative ways to work around them! In our home, we don’t allow personal electronics in bedrooms, but we did install Amazon Echos for music and communication. One day, I discovered my daughter was using Alexa to do her math for her instead of using her brain! It’s a reminder that technology isn’t foolproof, and neither are parental controls. Stay actively involved in your child’s digital life—monitor usage, set clear boundaries, and check in frequently. Helpful Resource If you're looking for additional ways to incorporate technology into your homeschool while maintaining healthy boundaries, check out the Techie Homeschool Mom By balancing the benefits of technology with appropriate safeguards, we can create an environment where our children thrive—gaining confidence, independence, and essential digital literacy skills.

By Amy Vickrey, MSE As I wrap up my first year of homeschooling my 6-year-old—soon to be a first grader—I find myself reflecting on all we’ve accomplished. In just an hour or two of focused learning most days, my son has learned to read, mastered simple addition and subtraction, and taken his first steps in writing. Considering that he wasn’t even writing his name when we began, I’m amazed at his progress! But beyond these milestones, my biggest goal remains the same: instilling in my son a love for learning that will last a lifetime. The Importance of Lifelong Learning What does it mean to be a lifelong learner? It means developing a natural curiosity to seek out new information, a desire to keep growing, and the ability to find and evaluate knowledge independently. Be the Example The best way to encourage lifelong learning in our children is to model it ourselves. Children learn by example, and when they see us exploring new topics, asking questions, and seeking knowledge, they are more likely to do the same. Here are some compelling reasons to continue learning as an adult: Career & Business Success: Ongoing education helps you stay competitive in the workforce. Health & Well-being: Learning keeps the mind active, reduces stress, and improves overall mental health. Financial Benefits: Knowledge about finances leads to better money management and increased earning potential. Social Growth: Engaging in learning opportunities helps build stronger connections with others. If you’re reading this, chances are you already value lifelong learning! But even as a lifelong learner myself, I still find it challenging to help my child see the bigger picture. So, I focus on equipping him with the tools he needs to develop this mindset. 7 Ways to Raise a Lifelong Learner 1. Encourage a Love for Reading Reading unlocks the door to endless learning opportunities. Whether through books or digital resources, fostering a love for reading makes learning enjoyable and self-driven. In today’s world, technology can also support this journey—computers and audiobooks make information more accessible than ever. 2. Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities Mistakes are not failures; they are stepping stones to growth. Teach your child that getting something wrong is part of the learning process. Instead of simply marking an answer incorrect, walk through the mistake together to understand why it was wrong and how to improve. 3. Teach the Skill of Finding Answers When my son asks a question, I don’t just give him the answer—I show him how to find it. Whether through books, Google searches, or asking experts, teaching kids how to research empowers them to seek out knowledge on their own. 4. Allow Choice in Learning One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is the ability to tailor education to a child’s interests. I provide my son with books, games, and materials on topics he enjoys, and I encourage him to explore. We visit the library, talk to librarians, and watch documentaries together. His love for dinosaurs this year has led us on countless learning adventures! 5. Prioritize Play Play is an essential part of the learning process. It allows children to experiment, problem-solve, and internalize new concepts in a natural way. To learn more about the role of play in education, check out my April blog, Learning Through Play. 6. Teach Goal Setting Setting goals—no matter how small—helps children take ownership of their learning. Start with simple goals, like writing their name or recognizing letters, and celebrate each achievement. When my son reached his sight word goals, we celebrated with ice cream. Now, he’s reading books independently! For more on goal setting, I recommend The Leader in Me: 7 Habits of Happy Kids. 7. Celebrate Every Success Celebration fuels motivation. Whether it's mastering a new skill, finishing a book, or solving a tough math problem, recognizing progress makes learning feel rewarding. Small victories build confidence and reinforce the joy of learning. Keep Learning Together I hope you enjoy this journey as much as I am! Lifelong learning isn’t just about academics—it’s about fostering curiosity, resilience, and a love for discovery. For more on lifelong learning, check out these resources: 6 Lifelong Learning Skills 5 Steps to Developing a Lifelong Habit of Learning 10 Simple Ways to Engage in Lifelong Learning At Homeschool Heroes, we are committed to helping families continue learning. Be sure to visit our website for new articles, check out our YouTube channel for educational videos, and join community for interactive training and community support. Happy learning!

Join host Peggy Ployhar on Empowering Homeschool Conversations as she welcomes Dr. Jan Bedell, a master NeuroDevelopmentalist, experienced educator, and Board Chair of SPED Homeschool. Dr. Jan’s journey began as a homeschooling mom seeking solutions for her struggling learner, leading her to discover the Neuro-Developmental Approach, which optimizes brain function for better learning. With decades of experience helping children, teens, and adults strengthen cognitive abilities without labels or medication, she has developed transformative brain-training tools and curriculums that make life and learning easier. In this episode, Dr. Jan shares practical, brain-based strategies to improve executive functioning skills—essential for organization, focus, and self-regulation. She’ll provide insights into how parents and educators can support unique learners using techniques that stimulate brain development and unlock learning potential. Whether you’re looking for ways to help your child manage tasks more effectively or seeking solutions to enhance cognitive growth, this conversation will equip you with actionable tools for success. To connect with Jan and her resources, use these links: https://www.brainsprints.com/ https://www.brainsprints.com/services/auditory-processing and https://www.brainsprints.com/parent-coaching-foundations 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 Dawn Spence Through years of teaching and homeschooling, I’ve discovered a simple truth—students learn better when they’re engaged and having fun. Keeping their attention while making learning enjoyable can be a challenge, but one effective way to do this is by incorporating games and activities into lessons. Here are four ways to make learning fun and motivating for your child: 1. Motivation Piece by Piece Games like Chutes and Ladders, puzzles, playdough, and Jenga can be great tools to keep children motivated. Try using a puzzle as an incentive: have your child answer 1–3 questions, and after each set, reward them with a few puzzle pieces. By the end of the lesson, they will have completed both the puzzle and their work. This strategy works with any game your child enjoys, such as Battleship, UNO, Kerplunk, Sorry, Connect 4, Perfection, building circuits, or LEGOs. The key is to use their favorite activities as a natural reward system. 2. Build Focus Through Interest-Based Activities This technique is especially helpful when a child is faced with a challenging task. Not only do I use it at home, but my daughter’s therapists also use it to help her stay engaged during therapy sessions. For example, my daughter stays focused when she’s allowed to build a Jenga tower. She eagerly completes difficult exercises because she knows she’ll get to add to her tower afterward. In speech therapy, she practices articulation while completing a Jenga block pattern. This creates a win-win situation—she remains engaged, and learning happens faster because she’s having fun. 3. Motivators Matter Using motivators tailored to your child’s interests can make all the difference. If your child loves rolling playdough, incorporate it into lessons. If they enjoy stacking and knocking over towers, use that. If stickers excite them, let them earn one for completing tasks. Providing an incentive is not bribery—it’s a proven learning strategy. Some children are naturally incentive-driven, and leaning into that motivation can make a big impact on their willingness to engage. 4. Set Clear Expectations Children respond well to structure, and using "if/then" statements helps set clear expectations. For example, if you are using blocks as a motivator, tell your child: "If you answer three questions, then you will earn three blocks." Depending on your child’s age, cognitive understanding, and the complexity of the task, you can adjust the rules and rewards. This method not only makes learning more enjoyable but also teaches delayed gratification. An Added Bonus By incorporating these strategies, your child will develop two important life skills—delayed gratification and a love for learning. These are invaluable skills that will serve them well in education and beyond. And the best part? They’ll be having fun while learning!

By Cheryl Swope, M.Ed. All children benefit from hearing good stories. Stories convey messages that shape our understanding of the world, inspire hope, and offer reassurance. For children facing significant challenges or differences, the right stories can be particularly powerful, helping them see their worth, resilience, and unique gifts. Compelling Different Abilities Some children with special needs connect best with simple picture books. Choosing these books with care allows us to communicate meaningful lessons in an accessible way. In Frederick by Leo Lionni, we meet a little mouse who cannot contribute to his family in the usual way—through physical labor. He lacks strength, leadership, and obvious skills. Yet, in their time of need, Frederick shares his poetry, warming the hearts of his family with his small but meaningful gift. My poetic daughter, who faces her own challenges, deeply appreciates this book. It reminds us that every child has something valuable to offer. Compelled Beyond Circumstances A compelling story can elevate our minds beyond present struggles. By connecting us to shared human experiences of frailty and redemption, literature reminds us that we are never truly alone. Older or higher-functioning children may appreciate deeper narratives. My son, a young man with autism, learning disabilities, and schizophrenia, sometimes wonders about his purpose in the world. When he read A Wrinkle in Time, he encouraged me to read it too. In the book, Meg, the main character, is bright in mathematics but struggles socially. She feels like an outsider and questions her worth: "I think I'm a biological mistake." "I hate being an oddball." "I try to pretend, but it isn’t any help." Her mother reassures her: "Your development has to go at its own pace. It just doesn’t happen to go at the usual pace." Later, Meg receives another message of encouragement: "My child, do not despair. Do you think we would have brought you here if there were no hope? We are asking you to do a difficult thing, but we are confident that you can do it." As the story unfolds, Meg learns that love and loyalty can push her beyond despair into courageous action. Her friend Calvin, who has always felt like an outsider, finds a sense of belonging with Meg and her family, exclaiming, "Isn't it wonderful? I'm not alone anymore!" Looking for More Good Stories? For literature recommendations categorized by a child's ability, see Simply Classical: A Beautiful Education for Any Child. For curated read-aloud sets, explore these fiction and non-fiction selections. To find a special-needs curriculum centered on great literature, check out the new Simply Classical Special-Needs Curriculum.

By Mary Winfield When teaching your child to form letters, it's important to use a variety of methods while considering their personal interests and sensory needs. There are countless ways to introduce letters, but here are some engaging strategies to get you started. Step 1: Building Letters Before your child begins writing, it can be helpful to start by building letters. This allows them to understand letter shapes and formations without the pressure of writing, which is especially beneficial for children who struggle with fine motor skills. Here are some creative ways to build letters: Foam Shapes & Building Blocks: Cut straight and curved pieces of foam for your child to arrange into letters. Strips of paper and building blocks work well, too—though blocks may create slightly crooked letters! Polka Dot Painting: Use polka dot markers or a clothespin with a pom-pom dipped in paint. This method helps with letter recognition and is great for kids who struggle with steady hand movements. You can also outline letters and have your child fill them in with small stickers. Playdough & Manipulatives: Roll playdough into snake-like shapes and form letters. Wikki Stix, pipe cleaners, or even string are also fun options for letter-building. All of these activities support letter recognition and strengthen fine motor skills in a hands-on way. Step 2: Tracing Letters Once your child understands how letters are formed, it’s time to practice writing them. At this stage, tracing provides essential guidance, making the transition from building to writing smoother. Highlighter Method: Write letters using a yellow highlighter, then have your child trace over them with a pencil. The highlighter is easy to follow without being overwhelming, and photocopies of highlighted letters appear in light gray—perfect for extra tracing practice. Chalkboard Erasing: Write letters on a chalkboard, and let your child “erase” them with a damp Q-tip. This activity mimics writing while strengthening hand control. Plus, it’s an easy cleanup! Step 3: Writing Letters Now that your child recognizes letters and has developed fine motor skills, it's time to start writing independently! The key to keeping kids engaged in writing is variety. Sensory Writing: Let your child write in sand, dirt, pudding, shaving cream, or whipped cream. A Ziploc bag filled with paint (sealed with tape!) allows for mess-free practice. Creative Writing Surfaces: Encourage writing beyond paper and pencil! Try chalk on the sidewalk, markers on windows, or dry-erase boards. Tape paper under a table and have them write while lying down, or let them write in fogged-up car windows. The more creative, the better! Writing allows us to leave our mark on the world. It’s how we share ideas, tell stories, and connect with others—especially for children who find verbal communication challenging. After all, when someone sees wet cement or a dusty car, what’s the first thing they do? They write in it! Additional Resources Handwriting Without Tears – A comprehensive handwriting curriculum that many families love. Letter School App – A great interactive tool for letter formation. Hands-on Handwriting Binder – Free printables to guide your child through building, tracing, and writing letters independently. Pinterest Handwriting Board – More creative handwriting activities!

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Anne Laure Jackson, a seasoned Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of experience and a dedicated Sensory Health Coach. Anne Laure shares her passion for equipping families with the tools and knowledge to understand, assess, and manage sensory needs, helping unique learners thrive in their homeschool environments. Together, they’ll explore practical strategies to support sensory health, create a harmonious learning atmosphere, and empower children to feel better and achieve more. Don’t miss this insightful conversation filled with encouragement and actionable advice for parents navigating sensory challenges in home education. To connect with Anne Laure and her resources, use this link: https://www.annelaurejackson.com/ and https://www.annelaurejackson.com/church   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 Dianne Craft, MA, CNHP One of the most puzzling experiences for a homeschooling mom is watching her child read fluently yet struggle to recall what they just read. When you ask, “What was that about?” you often hear, “I don’t remember.” This is more common than you might think, and it’s not about intelligence or effort. Many kids who experience this are simply reading words without naturally creating mental images—what I call “movie-making” in their heads. Instead of immersing themselves in a story or absorbing information visually, they may be focused on word recognition alone. The good news? This is a skill that can be taught, and you don’t need worksheets or complex lessons—just 15 minutes a day and a bit of creativity. Why Some Kids Struggle to Remember What They Read If your child can read the words but struggles to remember the meaning, they may be relying too much on their left brain, which handles language processing, and not enough on their right brain, which specializes in visualization. Strong readers naturally turn words into pictures, almost like watching a movie in their minds. But some kids need a little help to develop this habit. The solution? Teaching them how to transform words into vivid images using a simple, step-by-step process. Fun and Simple “Movie-Making” Reading Training Try these three simple steps to help your child build their reading comprehension skills. This can work for one child or a group and is adaptable to different ages. Step 1: Read Aloud and Build the “Movie” Together Start by choosing a short, descriptive passage to read to your child. As you read, guide them to create a mental movie by asking engaging, sensory-rich questions. For example, if you’re reading a passage about a beaver, you might say: “The beaver is the largest rodent in North America.” Pause and say, “Picture North America like a giant map. Now, let’s place a beaver right on top of it.” “An adult beaver weighs between 35 and 70 pounds.” Say, “Zoom in! Imagine writing ‘35-70’ on the beaver’s fur using white paint. Is it dripping?” “Because of its large lungs, a beaver can hold its breath underwater for 15 minutes.” Ask, “Picture a pond, and watch the beaver dive under the water. Now, let’s place a big clock beside him and move the hands from 12:00 to 12:15.” Encourage your child to “rewind” the movie in their mind when answering questions about the passage. This makes comprehension feel natural and fun. Step 2: Your Child Reads Aloud and Creates Their Own Movie Once they’ve mastered visualization with your help, it’s their turn! Choose an easy-to-read passage so they can focus on making pictures instead of decoding words. After every sentence or two, have them pause, look up (as if watching their mental movie), and describe what they “see.” Keep it playful—if they’re struggling, ask fun prompts: “What’s the background of the scene?” “Can you zoom in on an interesting detail?” “What sounds or colors would you add?” As they become more confident, let them read longer sections before describing their mental images. Step 3: Silent Reading with “Movie Reviews” Once your child is comfortable making mental pictures while reading aloud, have them practice with silent reading. Every few paragraphs, ask them to pause and describe the scene in their mind. If their descriptions are detailed, let them read longer sections before checking in. Eventually, this “movie-making” will become second nature, and their comprehension will improve dramatically. A Simple Formula for Success No pictures = No answers Few pictures = Few answers Great pictures = Great answers By making visualization a daily habit, your child will not only understand what they read but enjoy reading more. Whether you’re using a structured curriculum or a relaxed homeschooling approach, this method adapts easily and requires no extra materials—just curiosity and imagination. Try it out, and watch your child’s reading comprehension grow in ways that feel natural and exciting.

By Peggy Ployhar Do You Wonder About Your Purpose? Do you ever wonder if you will truly accomplish the purpose God has for your life? Does homeschooling sometimes feel like an obstacle between where you are now and the dreams He has placed on your heart? Encouragement From Experience A while back, I interviewed Melanie Wilson, an author, speaker, and homeschool mom of six, about How to Not Lose Your Identity as a Homeschool Mom. During our discussion, we explored how God often uses the unexpected twists and turns of life to guide us toward our purpose rather than away from it. Even when we don’t understand how everything fits together, His plans are unfolding in ways we cannot yet see. Here is a segment of that interview: Finding Your Calling Through the Homeschooling Years Encouragement From the Word of God In that same conversation, I shared a devotional with the SPED Homeschool team and board that I believe will encourage you as well. How Do I Live Out My Calling? Many Christian books elevate worldly standards of success, suggesting that living out our purpose must be grand and visible. But God’s calling is different. This past week, as I read through Jeremiah 1, I was reminded that God’s call is not merely about a career or an achievement—it is about living out His purpose daily. Look at what God tells Jeremiah: "I knew you before you were born." (Jeremiah 1:5) "I consecrated your purpose before you were born." (Jeremiah 1:5) "I have appointed you." (Jeremiah 1:5) "I send you." (Jeremiah 1:7) "I command you." (Jeremiah 1:7) "I am with you to deliver you." (Jeremiah 1:8) "I have appointed you for this specific time and purpose." (Jeremiah 1:10) Just like Jeremiah, before you were born, God knew you, had plans for your life, and appointed you for a purpose in His kingdom. Your purpose isn’t a single event or achievement—it’s a lifelong journey of obedience. We can spend so much time trying to figure out our purpose that we miss our current appointment. Every step of trusting and obeying is part of the bigger picture God is painting. No matter where you are today, remember: God has sent you. God has commanded you. God will deliver you. It is in living moment by moment in obedience and trust that we fulfill His purpose for our lives. Practical Ways to Find Purpose in Your Homeschooling Journey If you’re struggling with finding purpose in your role as a homeschooling mom, here are some practical ways to shift your perspective and embrace your calling: Redefine Success – Success isn’t about completing a perfect lesson plan or achieving certain milestones. Success is faithfulness—showing up, loving your children, and trusting God in the process. Recognize the Eternal Impact – Your work as a mother and teacher is kingdom work. You are shaping hearts, instilling values, and discipling your children daily. Find Joy in Small Moments – Purpose is often found in the little things: a breakthrough in learning, a deep conversation, or a shared moment of laughter. Don’t overlook these daily blessings. Surrender Your Timeline – God’s plans may not align with your personal timeline, and that’s okay. Trust that where you are today is exactly where He wants you to be. Surround Yourself with Encouragement – Join a community of like-minded homeschooling parents, such as the SPED Homeschool Support Group, to receive support and motivation. Encouragement From Looking at Life Through God’s Perspective The night after writing these reflections in my journal, I had an unexpected conversation at the grocery store. The cashier was chatting with the customer ahead of me about their dream of living the perfect life on a tropical beach, free of responsibility. When he turned to me, I asked, “Would you really be happy doing nothing for the rest of your life?” He paused, then admitted, “It would probably feel pretty empty after a while.” God’s purposes are all around us today. Look for them. Ask Him to reveal them so you don’t miss a single opportunity to walk in your calling. Your obedience in daily life is a testimony far more powerful than a few “big” accomplishments in the public eye. Encouragement From Others Homeschooling—especially homeschooling a child with special educational needs—is not an easy calling. But if God has called you to it, He has not made a mistake. He will equip you, strengthen you, and work out His plans through your faithfulness. If you need more encouragement in this area, I invite you to watch my full interview with Melanie Wilson and become part of the SPED Homeschool Support Group, where you will find daily encouragement for your unique homeschool journey. Remember: God has appointed you for this moment. Trust Him. Walk in obedience. And know that your purpose is unfolding exactly as He planned.

By Amy Vickrey, MSE As a parent, you may be wondering whether your child is struggling with writing due to confusion about which hand to use. Is it a learning setback, or just part of the natural development process? While I’m not a handwriting expert or an occupational therapist, my experience as a PreK teacher and homeschooling parent has given me insight into how children develop handedness and what parents can do to support them. When Do Children Choose a Dominant Hand? Most children establish a dominant hand between the ages of 4 and 6. However, some take longer, and a small percentage remain ambidextrous or switch hands for different tasks. If your child is still experimenting with both hands, that’s okay. The best approach is to let them determine what feels most natural rather than forcing a choice. To encourage natural development, I always place objects—crayons, utensils, and toys—directly in front of my child, allowing them to reach with whichever hand they prefer. This helps them build a sense of comfort and coordination. My own son, now 6½, is still undecided. He shows right-eye and right-foot dominance, but he frequently switches hands when writing or cutting. Since we have a family history of left-handed and ambidextrous individuals, I decided to work with him on left-handed skills, as he seemed slightly more proficient. However, I quickly realized that being left-handed in a right-handed world requires adjustments. Simple Adjustments That Make a Big Difference Once I started supporting my son’s left-handed tendencies, I had to rethink how I structured his learning environment. Here are a few small but impactful changes I made: Checklist Placement: Initially, I placed checkboxes on the right side of his to-do list, which made sense to me as a right-handed person. However, for my son, it was uncomfortable. When I tried switching it to the left, he resisted the change because it looked "wrong" to him. Eventually, we worked together to design a new checklist with input from him—letting children have a say in these adjustments can make transitions smoother. Notebook Binding: Many left-handed children struggle with traditional spiral notebooks because the binding gets in the way of their hand. Using top-bound or right-bound notebooks allows them to write without obstruction. Adjusting Worksheets: If a worksheet has instructions or a word list on the left, my son finds it difficult to copy them while writing with his left hand. Instead, I cut out the words and tape them to the right side of the paper, making it easier for him to reference while writing. Writing Tools Matter: Not all crayons, pencils, and pens are designed for left-handed users. I once bought a set of rock crayons designed by an occupational therapist, only to find that they were shaped in a way that favored right-handed grip. This experience taught me to be more mindful of tool design. Left-handed scissors, for example, made a world of difference in my son’s cutting accuracy. Fiskars offers ambidextrous options, but true left-handed scissors are even better. Seating Arrangement: When we work together, I always sit on my son’s right side. This prevents his left arm from bumping into me while he writes, making the process more comfortable for him. How to Help Your Child Develop Hand Preference If you’re unsure whether your child is right- or left-handed, you can observe them during daily activities: Which hand do they use to pick up small objects? Which hand do they instinctively use to hold a spoon? Which foot do they use to kick a ball? Which eye do they use to look through a tube or telescope? Engaging in play-based activities can help solidify handedness naturally. Encourage your child to try: Play-dough manipulation Tearing paper Using stickers Pouring sand or water Scribbling with different writing tools These activities build fine motor skills and help children develop confidence in their chosen hand. Final Thoughts The most important thing is ensuring that your child feels comfortable and confident with their tools. Rather than rushing them to choose a hand, give them time to explore and develop naturally. Every child’s journey is different, and with small adaptations, you can make their learning experience smoother and more enjoyable. Have fun exploring handedness with your child!

Could play be the key to helping homeschoolers thrive? In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by Alan Tang, founder of CoLab, an innovative online program that uses games, discussions, and escape rooms to equip kids with essential skills for the modern world. Alan’s journey—from corporate finance and culinary arts to education—has inspired his unique approach to engaging, hands-on learning. Tune in as we dive into how play-based learning can empower homeschool families to prepare their children for lifelong success.   To connect with Alan and his resources, use this link: https://www.collaborationlaboratory.com/ and to see testimonials from his students visit: https://youtu.be/b_LaBT31moQ Join us at CoLab once a week for fun, collaborative sessions and supercharge your child's teamwork, critical thinking and confidence. The sessions could range from using collective decision making to save the Lumifoxes from extinction, to escaping the dungeons of an enchanted castle together through effective impulse control. Friends of SPED get 25% off at CoLab! Just mention "Peggy" when you register for a trial here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnU3FtEvoxjJREZo9Msc6VSeDNDeWiT49avjdt6Ef4ySmbkw/viewform   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.