Resources for Special Needs Homeschoolers, Interview with Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Resources for Special Needs Homeschoolers, Interview with Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville.

Resources for Special Needs Homeschoolers, Interview with Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville

If you are looking for information and resources for homeschoolers with special needs, you are in the right place today. Because today we are with Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville, an expert in special education and provides helpful tips on how to create a successful homeschooling environment for special needs children. 

About Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville

Rochelle is a wife and mama of six boisterous kids, all very, very different from one another. She has been homeschooling for almost fifteen years now, and her biggest accomplishment was graduating her oldest son in 2021. 

They did not know if they would be able to make it happen but they did, and he was homeschooled all the way through. And now, her son is about to graduate at the University of Maryland as a mechanical engineer.

But before this great accomplishment, Rochelle did not necessarily know if she wanted to homeschool, having not been a homeschooler herself, although she knew she loved learning. 

She had very intimate, passionate and positive images and memories of her schooling. Her mother was a teacher, and what she remembers in her childhood is a deep love of learning. She enjoyed learning about everything around her all the time even when she was not in school, such as during days trips with her family and at church. 

What she grew up with was a positive understanding and idea of learning. And this was exactly what she wanted for her own children, to have that same positive image of their childhood. 

When She Decided To Homeschool

Fast forward to the birth of her first-born son who was actually born two weeks after she received her doctorate degree. And as he grew up, they had tons of rich learning experiences out in the community, and she ensured she was very present with him, soaking up education all around him during his first few years. 

At that time, she was also working at the university, and it was time for him to go to school. Rochelle did not want him to stop loving learning. And she did not want it to be shoved “in the box.” 

She did not want his learning to be tamed

Because what he had learned so far was not necessarily systematically appropriate for his age level, or what society or the public school system considered “ready” as a kindergartner. 

For example, if he learned a piece of calculus, he learned that’s what it was. If he learned a piece of social studies that was typical for sixth grade, that is what he learned. This reasoning prompted her with the final decision to homeschool her son.

When she decided to homeschool, she wasn’t running away from anything. She always tells people she was running to something, like the ability to be free with just learning. 

It was the most exciting time in the world for Rochelle. And their homeschool style was very eclectic. But her family was skeptical if any learning was happening. 

Because their homeschooling looked very different from what they were used to seeing for educating a child in a traditional sense. Rochelle still worked full-time and after she got off work, she would come home, eat dinner with her family, and then would do a little school for about one to two hours in the evening.

Her Professional Experience

Rochelle has had a myriad of experiences in her homeschooling years. She is a full-time consultant with Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). She is also the team leader of the Special Needs Educational Consultants.

In addition to that, Rochelle owns her own educational consultant company. Furthermore, she is a mentor teacher, and she pours into the community. She’s also a director for Classical Conversations, which is her local homeschool group.

She believes that she is a vessel in the mission field for God. And she absolutely loves every single minute of it! 

Her website is full of richness and wisdom for you, especially if you have a child you are curious about whether there’s some learning disabilities or differences, and you want advice.

A Mecca of Resources

Rochelle was looking for support for students with a special needs because there weren’t many from what she could find. She decided she was going to be a change maker and step out on faith. She created her own company called EFM Education.

What she did was create small groups and programs and just community support that included not only students with special needs, but also non-disabled students. 

And because she also has a personal investment in it with three of her kids being neurodivergent, she created a space for homeschool moms to get some encouragement and guidance from somebody who is trained, an experienced expert and also a real life mom who understands.

Rochelle is a mecca of resources, as she puts it. Sometimes families just don’t know where to go to find resources. Although she cannot necessarily list every resource, she can get moms or dads on the right path. 

What she says to moms feeling insecure about homeschooling or to moms who went to college to get a degree and became a homeschool mom:

How can you not give the best of you? They may be experts in the curriculum, but you are the expert in your children. Nobody knows your children like you. Nobody is invested in your children like you. Our children are our richest investment. You are not wasting anything investing in these kids.

Tips For Moms With Neurodivergent Kids

Let’s focus on the important things 

Reset and focus before you begin to plan. Think about the reasons why you are even homeschooling or considering homeschool. Think about what is unique and special about your child. Do not think about the obvious answers, think more about the deep-seated ones. 

Then think about your goals. What are your personal goals for this particular child? 

Once you do that, you realize you do know your child, and you start believing you can do this. Because if you only focus on remediating, you forget that you are bringing lots of strengths to the table. 

Hone in on what your child is good at and what their strengths are

Anything that your child is good at, start working from that strength, not from what he is not good at. Whatever the strength is that your child, he or she is bringing that to the table. 

If your child is funny, work from that strength. If your child is a good artist, start there. It doesn’t matter if your child is not reading by the third grade because you can work on those strengths.

For example, you can take that funny personality and work through all these others. There is a place for everybody. There is a skillset that you can shape. 

Know that there is something for everybody

When discouraged parents say they do not think their child is ever going to get a job, that is not true. There is something for everybody. Every job is gracious and valuable in God’s eyes. 

If the Trashman did not go up and down the street, if the mailman did not go up and down the street, if the person did not stock the shelves or did not stack the books correctly, this world would be total chaos. Every little bit counts. 

Some require you to interact with people. Some require you to never talk to a person.You really just have to process what your child’s strengths and weaknesses are and figure out where they belong.

If your child is not a communicator, you can find a job where they never have to talk to anybody.

Not everybody has to be a rocket scientist to have a place in society. You just have to figure out what their strengths and weaknesses are and what you need to do in order to get them to that space. 

How To Connect With Dr. Rochelle Matthews-Somerville

Now you know why you need to work with Dr. Rochelle Matthews! As insightful as this is, there’s so much more you can learn from her through her website and resources. Her website is EFM Education and you can contact her via email at info@efmeducation.com or directly on the phone at (240) 528-0867.

You can also find her at HSLDA.org or via email at special needs@hslda.com. 

Also, check out these resources:

Thank you to Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post!

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Special Replay: What If I Think My Child Needs a Diagnosis?

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

What if I think My Child Needs a Diagnosis?Special Replay from Kathy Lee!  I have the coolest friends. Sometimes I forget that they are even more amazing in their careers. This is the case with my friend, Lei Rhyne. Not only did she homeschool her kiddos fro several years, is beautiful and funny, she is also a psychometrist… say that three times fast. When she mentioned to me that she helped families who saw their children struggling, I wanted to know more.

Lei Rhyne, psychometrist - What if I think my child needs a diagnosis?

In this episode Lei shares the full process involved of having your child tested and diagnosed, putting your fears to rest. She explains the first meeting with the Psychologist, the fact-finding mission that usually involves a couple of days of testing and observations and the results meeting with both the Psychometrist and Psychologist.

Lei Rhyne

I think one of the best parts about getting a diagnosis from Lei her team at Fresh Start Mind is the fact that in the end, parents will be armed with the information and tools needed to help their child succeed emotionally, socially, and academically.

If suspected that something is not quite right with your child socially, emotionally or academically, you should consider giving Lei or another qualified educational consulting team a call.

You’ve got this!


Find a way to #sayyes today.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!!

Thank you to The Homegrown Preschooler for sponsoring this Podcast! Check out the blog post Kathy mentioned, Farmhouse Schoolhouse, to read more about A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at

The Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.

 

What If I Think My Child Needs a Diagnosis?

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

What if I think My Child Needs a Diagnosis?I have the coolest friends. Sometimes I forget that they are even more amazing in their careers. This is the case with my friend, Lei Rhyne. Not only did she homeschool her kiddos fro several years, is beautiful and funny, she is also a psychometrist… say that three times fast. When she mentioned to me that she helped families who saw their children struggling, I wanted to know more.

Lei Rhyne, psychometrist - What if I think my child needs a diagnosis?

In this episode Lei shares the full process involved of having your child tested and diagnosed, putting your fears to rest. She explains the first meeting with the Psychologist, the fact-finding mission that usually involves a couple of days of testing and observations and the results meeting with both the Psychometrist and Psychologist.

Lei Rhyne

I think one of the best parts about getting a diagnosis from Lei her team at Fresh Start Mind is the fact that in the end, parents will be armed with the information and tools needed to help their child succeed emotionally, socially, and academically.

If suspected that something is not quite right with your child socially, emotionally or academically, you should consider giving Lei or another qualified educational consulting team a call.

You’ve got this!


Find a way to #sayyes today.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my podcast and leave a review on iTunes!!!

Thank you to The Homegrown Preschooler for sponsoring this Podcast! Check out the blog post Kathy mentioned, Farmhouse Schoolhouse, to read more about A Year of Playing Skillfully.

Also, to thank you for listening, you can receive a 10% discount on any purchase at

The Homegrown Preschooler by using the code, THEREALKATHYLEE.

 

Siblings Of Special Needs Kids

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Siblings of Special Needs Kids - with Dr. Jan Bedell, The Brain CoachSpecial needs require special focus. Many parents must focus a great deal on their child with special needs, and rightfully so. Yet, how does the situation of having a special needs sibling affect the other children in the house? All family members of children with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, developmental delays, CAPD, Autism, syndromes, and genetic disorders of all types are affected by these complicated issues. Are there particular ways that parents can help their other children through the ups and downs of daily life with a special needs family member?

In this episode, Dr. Jan brings in a special guest, an adult sibling of an individual with special needs.  You will enjoy this candid discussion of what went right and what could have been better for these siblings, one with moderate/severe special needs and one gifted/typically developing.

Your awareness will be heightened as to what the siblings are going through in such cases and how to open the lines of communication to improve life for all involved.  Be informed of the need for long range planning and options that might be available. Above all, be encouraged by the character development that God produces in the midst of hard things.   Dr. Jan says, “As a parent of an individual with special needs, I wish someone would have had this discussion with me when my children were growing up.”

 

Visit our Sponsor:  Little Giant Steps

 

 

Special Needs Homeschooling 101

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

special needs homeschooling 101

Special Featured Author Dr. Jan Bedell

Do you have a child with special learning needs?  While every child is unique and needs specialized attention, some seem to require more. They struggle to progress through typical milestones and traditional curriculum and approaches don’t help them.   That was my dilemma with my first born, Jenee’.  When she was 5-6 years old, I remember thinking that I could do better than what I was observing in her school classroom but being educated as a public school teacher in the 70’s the public school mindset is all you know. That is until God opened my eyes of understanding for a different way. When Jenee’ was 9, God led me to home school and it changed my life. Homeschooling was the best decision I ever made. If you are concerned that you might not have the skills or training, don’t be.  God will show you the way; he will equip you as he calls you.

No matter where you are in your journey with your special needs child, whether you are just now considering home school for this special person in your life or are a veteran, all need encouragement and equipping past our current knowledge level.  My prayer is that you find that in Podcast #25, “Special Needs Homeschooling 101.” In this episode, I will share more of my journey and how God led me every step of the way.

Fear can be one of the biggest battles for a mom of a special needs child. What does the future hold for this child? What if people make fun of him or misinterpret his action? What will happen when I am not here to help her? Will friends be a part of his life? How do I afford all these therapies that she needs? Remember this: fear is like a magnet that goes into the future and pulls toward you what you do not want. In Job 3:25, Job said, “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” God tells us 365 times in the Bible not to fear.  Having a child that seems to be more vulnerable than most makes these admonishments not to fear easier “read” than “done.” It is important that you push back against these fears as they are counter-productive and often cause the child to experience anxiety as well. What’s a mom to do?  Well, when you are tempted to fear, replace that thought with this one: Faith goes into the future and pulls toward you what you do want.  I often tell the parents of my clients to think of it this way. The God of the Universe that flung the stars into their exact place in the sky has our precious little or big ones right in the palm of his hand.  How much more secure can we be?

Be sure to listen to Brain Coach Tips #25: Special Needs Homeschooling 101 on the Ultimate Home School Radio Network. This podcast, sponsored by Little Giant Steps, contains some specific strategies and curriculum recommendations to make life easier for you and your child.  It airs April 13, 2017 and includes:

  1. How I laughed more and cried more over my special child than anything else in life.
  2. Seeing what God might be doing in you through the experience of having a special needs child
  3. Creating and celebrating every small step along the way.
  4. Keeping yourself encouraged
  5. Equipping yourself for success through The NeuroDevelopmental Approach to Life.

About the author

Dr. Jan Bedell is an author and creates a podcast weekly on the topic of special needs, on Brain Coach Tips, here. She is the creator of a dynamic curriculum for parents of children who learn differently. Her program and seminars have given hope to many. Visit her website at Little Giant Steps.

Special Needs Homeschooling 101

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

special needs homeschooling 101Do you have a child with special learning needs?  While every child is unique and needs specialized attention, some seem to require more. They struggle to progress through typical milestones and traditional curriculum and approaches don’t seem to help them much.  They have learning, behavioral or emotional struggles or have received labels like Sensory Integration Disorder, autism, dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, bi-polar disorder, Down Syndrome and a myriad of other syndromes. Included in this mix are acronyms like PDD, OCD, CAPD, ODD. Oh my, what is a parent to do?

In this podcast, you will learn of my dilemma of how to help our oldest daughter, Jenee’ who was born with special needs.  God’s providence brought me to The NeuroDevelopmental Approach and changed both of our lives.  Unaware that homeschooling even existed, a move to Dallas, TX and attending a new church brought that possibility to my family in 1986 when homeschooling was still illegal in many parts of the US.

No matter where you are in your journey with your special needs child, whether you are just now considering home school for this special person in your life or are a veteran, all need encouragement and equipping past the current knowledge level.  Be assured that God will show you the way; he will equip you as he calls you.

Fear can be one of the biggest battles for a mom of a special needs child. What does the future hold for this child? What if people make fun of him or misinterpret his action? What will happen when I am not here to help her? Will friends be a part of his life? How do I afford all these therapies that she needs? As you listen this week, I hope to encourage you as well as give you ways to cast that fear aside.

This podcast, sponsored by Little Giant Steps, contains some specific strategies and curriculum recommendations to make life easier for you and your child.  I will share my story of how I laughed more and cried more over my special child than anything else in life, plus how to:

  1. See what God might be doing in you through the experience of having a special needs child
  2. Create and celebrate every small step along the way
  3. Keep yourself encouraged
  4. Equip yourself for success through The NeuroDevelopmental Approach for Life

Don’t miss the handout attached here with links to pertinent information and discounts.

Visit our sponsor –LittleGiantSteps.com

 

 

Special Needs Homeschooling – YES You Can!

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Special Needs HomeschoolingSpecial Needs Homeschooling – Yes You Can!

Podcast #13

In this episode,  Florida Parent Educators Association (FPEA) Chairwoman, Suzanne Nunn talks about homeschooling your special needs child.

Please join us as we travel along this journey on our podcast adventure. Let’s get connected! Learn more about the Florida Parent Educator’s Association and homeschooling in the beautiful state of Florida. If you are interested in homeschooling our convention is every year in May during Memorial Day weekend.

Join us this November for 2 Great Events – Special Needs for Struggling and Gifted Learners + College & Career Fair!

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Homeschooling Children with Special Needs

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Special Needs Homeschooling Podcast Special Needs Homeschooling is a topic that is discussed more now than ever. No longer are parents under the impression that they can’t homeschool a child who needs extra help, but many are actually bringing home children who do have special needs.

When we brought one of our children home, we did so because we knew this child was struggling and the only way they would receive help would be when they began failing. We decided that was not in the best interest of our child. So, we began homeschooling one of our three. At the end of that first year, all three of our children were at home and we are now entering our 6th year of homeschooling.

On Today’s show, Jennifer Janes shares how she began homeschooling and realized the needs of both of her daughters. Each one created in the image of God and for His purpose and both with special needs that has grown Jennifer over the years.

I remember talking with Jennifer several years ago as she began to realize the needs her children had then. We prayed together, talked through possibilities and it was wonderful watching her begin the journey of being an advocate for her girls. I pray you will listen to this podcast and be inspired. Jennifer’s desire is to equip and encourage any parent who has a child with special needs. She writes about their journey on her blog JenniferAJanes.Com and welcomes questions through comments, Facebook, or email.

You can find Jennifer through: Her Blog, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and Twitter