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Here are several accommodations and teaching strategies to share with members who have a child (or children) who struggle with reading comprehension or who have dyslexia.  If students can't comprehend what they read, they are "word-calling" and not really reading.  Adjusting how the material is taught and how the student is supported, could make a big difference for kids who struggle in this area. 

Here are several accommodations and teaching strategies to share with your members who are homeschooling students who struggle with sustaining attention or who have been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).   When students struggle with paying attention, parents wonder if they need to change curriculum materials.  However, changing how they teach the material and how they support their student might make a bigger impact!

This handout explains what a modification is and when they might be used in a homeschool setting. 

This handout defines what accommodations are and how they can be utilized in the homeschool setting. 

Here are several accommodations and teaching strategies to share with members who have a child (or children) who struggle with poor Executive Function.  According to Peg Dawson and Richard Guare, authors of Smart But Scattered: The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential, executive function skills include- Response inhibition; controlling impulses; and self-monitoring Working memory Emotional control, including social control Sustained attention and focusing Task initiation Planning / prioritization Sequencing / organization Time management Goal-directed persistence Flexibility Metacognition Students with deficits in these areas often struggle academically. Parents may believe they need to reteach a skill or change the curriculum, when in reality, their child may just need a different approach to teaching or accommodations that address executive function challenges.

Here are several accommodations and teaching strategies to share with members who have a child (or children) who struggle with math- particularly with computation, number sense, or who have a learning disability in math (dyscalculia).

Here are several accommodations and teaching strategies to share with members who have a child (or children) who struggle with word problems in math.

Here are several accommodations and teaching strategies to share with members who have a child (or children) who struggle with poor fine motor development or visual motor skills. These are general suggestions. If the child's needs seem moderate to severe, it might be good to have the family seek help from an occupational therapist.

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.