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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!

By Amy Vickrey, MSE Some children seem to pick up new skills quickly and effortlessly, as if they were born knowing how to do them. For others, it's more of a challenge. We push, we teach, and eventually, they might accomplish one step on their own. It can be exhausting! How do we get our kids to do tasks independently? The key lies in creating routines and gradually teaching each step of the process. Here are some tips for fostering independence in children. Tips for Creating Routines and Teaching Independence 1. Break It Down Think about each step involved in the routine or task you want your child to learn. Teach one step at a time. By the time you get to the last step, they should be able to do the entire task independently. 2. Keep It Simple Start with small tasks to build success. For example, ask your child to put just the forks away. Then move on to spoons. In their room, keep just a few things for them to organize and put away, increasing complexity over time. 3. Reward Progress Begin by offering big rewards for small achievements, then gradually increase expectations while reducing rewards. Eventually, completing the task will become a habit. 4. Give It Time Don’t feel like you need to teach all the steps at once. Doing so can overwhelm your child and may lead to dependence instead of independence. You might need to repeat Step 1 multiple times before moving on to Step 2. 5. Use Checklists or Visual Aids Visual checklists work great for children who aren’t yet reading. Follow the checklist with your child, whether they are doing the tasks alone or with you. This builds their routine and understanding of the process. As they become more independent, have them check the schedule themselves to see what’s next. Make sure the checklist is visible! At my house, you’ll find them in the bathroom, on doors, for schoolwork, and more. 6. Life Skills Are Homeschool Skills In our homeschool day, we include life skills like putting laundry away and other “jobs” as part of our learning. These skills are just as important as academic work. 7. Sheet Protectors Are Your Friend Schedules and routines change as kids grow, so use smooth sheet protectors and a wet-erase marker to adjust them as needed. Laminating also works—choose whichever method suits your family best. A Personal Example: Building Independence in My Child with Autism Recently, I needed my 7-year-old, who has Autism, to become more independent in taking on responsibilities like putting laundry and dishes away, getting dressed in the morning, and going to bed at night. Each of these tasks required breaking down skills into smaller steps. For laundry, I started by helping him sort clothes—underwear, socks, shirts, and shorts—then labeled his drawers so he knew where everything belonged. Now, I give him the pile, and he puts the clothes away himself, even handling his brother’s clothes, though I still sort them by person. For morning and evening routines, I created checklists of what he needs to do. Once he mastered the steps, I introduced flexibility by occasionally changing the order of tasks to build his adaptability. I also created a weather thermometer so he can check the weather each day and dress accordingly. Starting with My 3-Year-Old Now I’m working on building independence with my 3-year-old. I know the effort I invest now will pay off later. He’s learning to put clothes in drawers and sort silverware, which doubles as a math skill. The key is to start at your child’s developmental level, introducing one step at a time. Before you know it, they’ll be doing things on their own! By building routines, breaking down tasks, and giving your child time to master each step, you can teach them valuable life skills and foster greater independence.

By Amy Vickrey Many parents, myself included, choose to homeschool because our kids don’t fit the mold of a “typical” student—especially when our child has Autism, ADHD, or is just an active, young child! So, how can we help learning happen for a child who struggles to sit still? We make learning active and interactive! Here are some tips to keep your kids engaged, especially when attention spans are short. Tips for Keeping Your Kids Engaged When Attention Spans Are Short 1. Keep Lessons Short and Focused If my son can complete five problems and understand a concept, why solve ten? My goal is mastery, not death-by-worksheets! If more practice is needed, we revisit the concept later—after a break or the next day. Focus on one concept at a time, keeping things simple and streamlined. Remember, more isn’t always better—sometimes it’s just more! 2. Reward Work as It’s Done Reluctant learners often need praise and reassurance throughout the assignment, not just at the end. Correct errors as they happen—unlearning mistakes is much harder than learning correctly the first time. Mix up rewards to keep things fresh and exciting! 3. Work Doesn’t Have to Be Worksheets Turn learning into a game: have them jump on or tag the correct answer. Use manipulatives to help visualize problems and solutions. Introduce or reinforce concepts with videos, educational apps, and interactive media. 4. Use Movement to Your Advantage Many kids learn through movement and songs. Movement helps shift information from short-term to long-term memory. Activities that cross the “midline” (right/left or top/bottom) engage both sides of the brain, boosting memory retention. Making learning physical makes it more fun and engaging! 5. It’s Okay Not to Sit at a Desk! I’ve seen kids sit on top of tables, lay under them, or even hang out in a tree while learning! They’ve worked from beanbags, trampolines, yoga balls, and even closets. As long as learning is happening, the location doesn’t matter. 6. Creative Ways to Include Movement Use trampolines, park play, or bike rides as part of learning time. Explore websites like GoNoodle.com for interactive movement activities. Incorporate obstacle courses, answer questions with physical actions, or use a yoga ball for seating. Take nature walks, visit the zoo, or explore local parks to turn learning into an adventure. Combine learning with physical activities like hula hoops, sidewalk chalk, or throwing bean bags while answering questions. Conclusion By making learning active, interactive, and flexible, we can create an environment that works for kids who need to move. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and find creative ways to keep your child engaged while learning!

Are you stretching every dollar to make your homeschool budget work? In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Krisa Winn, a seasoned homeschooling consultant and the new SPED Homeschool Director of Consulting and Partnerships, to explore the key to maximizing your homeschool budget. Discover how working with an educational consultant can be a game-changer for your family—not just in terms of educational outcomes, but also in managing costs. Krisa shares her extensive experience and breaks down the tangible benefits of consulting services, from accessing cost-effective resources to saving time, reducing stress, and boosting productivity, all of which contribute to a more manageable and efficient budget. Learn how utilizing a consultant can actually save your family money by identifying unnecessary expenses and prioritizing what truly matters in your child’s education. Peggy and Krisa also discuss the ripple effect of these services—how the guidance and support from a consultant can free up valuable time for parents, allowing them to focus on what they do best: nurturing their children’s learning and growth. Finally, Krisa sheds light on SPED Homeschool’s vision for making quality, effective consultative services accessible to all homeschooling families, regardless of budget constraints. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this episode offers actionable strategies and insights that can transform how you approach your homeschooling finances. Krisa Winn is an educator and sought-after public speaker who has served homeschooling families for more than a decade. As a special needs consultant at Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) she worked with thousands of fellow homeschooling parents offering personalized guidance, resources, and practical help to families homeschooling children with special needs. During her 21 years as a classroom teacher, she taught children of all ages, abilities, and circumstances. She has also worked as a private tutor, an early childhood intervention specialist, and an academic language therapist in training. 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/

By Mary Winfield We have all chosen to homeschool because it felt like the best option for our family, especially for our child with special needs. While there may be many reasons for this choice, a significant one for many of us is the desire to provide our children with the ability to learn in a way that suits them best. For many, this means incorporating movement into learning. I’ve spoken before about the DIR/Floortime method (developmental levels, individual preferences and needs, and relationship-based learning), but today I want to focus on the “I”—individual preferences and needs—and how we can use these to integrate movement and interests into our learning environments. Everyone learns differently, but one commonality is that we often learn best when our whole body and multiple senses are engaged. Incorporating Movement into Learning as Motivation When I worked at a private school that used the DIR Method for teaching children on the Autism Spectrum, we incorporated movement into the classroom as much as possible. Each student had different sensory needs, but two examples stand out when I think about movement-based learning. Cody loved riding scooters. He brought one to school almost every day, using it outside or in the gym. To encourage his learning, we used his passion for scootering as motivation. While working on simple addition, Cody would ride the scooter around the gym after getting a problem right—one ride for each correct answer. This approach kept him engaged far longer than traditional methods and helped him focus, knowing a reward was coming after each problem. Nick, another boy who loved movement, preferred swinging. We had a sensory swing in our classroom, and sometimes Nick would complete lessons while in the swing. When testing became a challenge, we tried again with Nick in the swing. The results were remarkable, allowing us to finish much faster than expected. With my own son, incorporating movement into learning has been invaluable. Recently, we’ve been working on fractions, and using a play dough pizza set to explore concepts has made a huge difference. The sensory input from touching and manipulating the play dough helped him grasp fractions much faster than he would have without that engagement. Incorporating Movement into Learning with Breaks Every child has a unique sensory profile. Some love spinning in circles, while others can’t stand fast movement. Some are captivated by lights, while others avoid them. Recognizing these preferences is crucial for your child's success. Homeschooling offers the flexibility to adapt learning schedules to fit your child’s sensory needs and peak times for focus. You may notice certain activities or times of day when your child needs more sensory input or is more regulated. For example, if running outside helps calm your child, plan lessons right after outdoor play. If physical activity winds them up, schedule learning before playtime. Tailoring movement breaks to your child’s needs will make learning smoother and more effective. Incorporating Movement into Learning with Therapy Incorporating movement into learning isn’t just limited to physical and occupational therapies; it can be integrated into other areas too. For instance, I once worked with a nonverbal 10-year-old girl who struggled with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). She loved swinging, so we used that activity to reinforce communication. By asking her if she wanted to swing and offering "yes" and "no" response cards, she quickly learned to choose "yes." This approach helped her grasp the concept, which we could later apply in different contexts. Another example involved a boy who would have meltdowns if a sentence wasn’t completed. We used a calming swing and a “what if” game, where I would start a sentence and ask him to guess the ending. Over time, he learned to use this guessing game as a tool to manage situations that might otherwise trigger a meltdown. Conclusion: Tailoring Movement for Your Homeschool Every family is unique, and so is every homeschool experience. By paying attention to your child's sensory needs, you can create a learning environment that supports both their education and regulation. What are some ways you already incorporate movement into your homeschool? What new ideas could you try?

In this enlightening episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Amy Sneath, the dynamic owner of Moxie Learning to talk about math anxiety and strategies for frustration-free learning. Amy takes us on a journey through the origins of math anxiety, offering insights on recognizing when your child has mastered a topic versus needing more practice. She delves into the transformative power of understanding concepts through the concrete, pictorial, and abstract stages. Discover why multiplication facts often trip up young learners and how conquering them can boost a child's confidence. Plus, Amy highlights the importance of incorporating games into learning and shares her expert tips on structuring an effective math lesson. Tune in for practical strategies to make math a fun and stress-free experience for your child! Amy Sneath earned her bachelor's degree in early childhood education, her eyes were opened to all that the homeschooling world offered. Since then, she created Moxie Learning, an alternative education platform that offers live virtual classes for students and resources to support homeschooling parents. Right now her and her husband, TJ are spending some time in their home state of California before heading out on their next adventure. They have lived in 8 states and 2 countries!   To connect with Amy visit her website link: https://mailchi.mp/moxielearning.us/classes Or look her up on social media @moxielearning 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.youtube.com/@LivingWithEve https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/ 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 Tracy Glockle We all want our kids to enjoy reading and experience the joy of getting lost in a book. However, for many children with disabilities and reading challenges, this dream can seem out of reach. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for struggling readers, here are a few resources that may help your child discover books they can enjoy. Lexile Scores The Lexile Score book finder tool allows you to search for books that match your child’s interests and reading abilities. It provides details about each book, including the targeted vocabulary based on your child’s reading level and expected comprehension.  Ebooks For some kids, the challenge of reading comes from tracking words across the page or moving from line to line. As reading levels advance, the font size shrinks, and pages become increasingly dense with text. This visual overload can make reading especially difficult for struggling readers. Ebooks offer a flexible solution. Ebooks, available on various devices, allow the reader to adjust the font size, background, and other settings to make reading more comfortable while tackling higher-level texts. Some ebook resources, like Bookshare, even provide gradient text that changes color from line to line, helping your child follow along more easily. Audiobooks As parents and educators, we often think of "eye-reading" as the only form of reading, but "ear-reading," or listening to audiobooks, can be just as valuable. While the goal is often for children to read books themselves, audiobooks can still foster essential reading skills. Story elements, comprehension skills, and language nuances can all be learned through audiobooks, and this method allows struggling readers to separate the process of decoding from understanding. Your local library is a great place to find audiobooks, or you can explore other resources like: Audible Hoopla Learning Ally Genres It’s important not to underestimate the value of introducing different genres. Just as you wouldn’t assume a child dislikes all vegetables if they dislike one, you can’t assume they’ll hate all books if they don’t enjoy one type. Some children love fantasy and enjoy escaping to a different world or time, but for others, especially those with reading challenges, the complexity of a fantasy setting can add to their struggles. For these readers, realistic fiction, nonfiction, or historical fiction might be more appealing. When exploring a new genre, try choosing a book slightly below your child’s current reading level. This makes the experience more accessible and enjoyable until their interest is sparked. Once your child finds a genre they love, they may be more willing to try higher-level reading. But remember to take small steps and introduce challenges gradually. Conclusion Just because a child has dyslexia or another reading challenge doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the world of literature. While we may need to adjust our expectations of what "getting lost in a book" looks like for them, our children can still experience the wonder of stories. By using the right tools, resources, and genres, we can help them discover their own path to enjoying books.

Are you homeschooling a struggling learner and searching for strategies that really work? In this must-listen episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with co-host Dawn Jackson to delve into the top approach for achieving homeschool success with your child. Dawn shares her expert insights and practical tips that every parent should know to create an effective and nurturing learning environment. Tune in to discover how to empower your child to thrive in their educational journey. Dawn Jackson M.Ed has over 30 years of experience in education and is a retired homeschool mom. She is the owner and director of Solimar Academy with credentials in General education, Special Education, and a certified Learning Styles Coach. 🌟 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today! 🌟 To connect with Dawn, visit: https://solimaracademy.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 Tracy Criswell It’s a question that has plagued me since starting back with homeschooling our four children: "Am I doing enough?" This summer, our family faced a series of challenges, including three surgeries—my husband’s benign tumor removal, my oldest son’s wisdom teeth extraction, and my oldest daughter’s spinal fusion—along with jury duty, a loss of income since I had to forgo my summer job to care for everyone, and the stress of preparing for a new homeschool year. This has been the toughest start to a homeschool year in our eight years of experience. A Rough Start We decided to start homeschooling the Tuesday after Labor Day. I thought this would give us time to gauge how well my oldest daughter was recovering and help her siblings transition into their dual-enrolled classes at local schools. It seemed like a good plan, but as soon as we started, I felt overwhelmed, and the familiar question resurfaced: "Am I doing enough?" Our days became packed with commitments—three different band practices (my youngest daughter weekly, my youngest son every other morning, and my oldest daughter every day), band lessons every other week, weekly therapy sessions for my middle two children to manage their anxiety, orthodontist visits, psychiatric evaluations for my oldest daughter, vision therapy appointments, doctor visits for anxiety medication, and, of course, homeschooling. One Day at a Time I don’t write lesson plans in advance (except for my oldest son, who is very independent), because I never know what each day will bring. My children have varying abilities and needs, and it’s a constant challenge to meet them all. But this past weekend, I noticed a pattern: every other week is chaotic. This is when band lessons, homeschool visits from our supervising teacher, and medical appointments tend to cluster. I’ve come to accept that on those hectic weeks, I’ll do my best to teach my children, even if that means schooling in the van between appointments. On the calmer weeks, we focus on catching up with any missed work. My husband has been an incredible support. He helps with dinner, listens when I need to talk about how things are going, and occasionally takes the kids to activities, giving me some quiet time to catch up on paperwork. His help has made a big difference. Other Strategies In addition to my husband's support, I’ve found a few other strategies that help keep the "Am I doing enough?" question at bay: Focus on completing three core subjects every day, no matter what. Write down what we accomplish each day for a clear visual of what we’ve done and what still needs attention. Use videos to supplement different subject areas like science, social studies, and literature. Incorporate read-alouds or audiobooks to deepen our understanding of various topics as a family. Take advantage of field trips, library activities, and volunteer opportunities as part of our learning. Practice giving and receiving grace. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends and family. More Than Enough At some point, most of us ask ourselves, "Am I doing enough?" The answer is, “Yes, I am.” I am providing a homeschool education tailored to my children’s unique needs and abilities. I’m teaching them life skills and values that will shape how they treat others. Life has seasons, and right now, ours is full of doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, dual-enrollment classes, tumbling, scouting, 4-H, and more. But through it all, I’ve learned that I’m doing more than enough.