The role of tech with special needs students

July 22, 2020 by Meryl van der Merwe Leave a Comment

92: The role of tech with special needs students

Our guest in this episode is Peggy Ployhar, founder/CEO of SPED Homeschool, and she is going to share with us about using tech with special needs students. Peggy has a wealth of wisdom to share, and you will need to listen to this episode to get the maximum benefit.

This sums up what Peggy covers in this episode:

Teaching struggling students is difficult, thus many parents look to technology to ease that difficulty, but if not considered properly it can complicate the teaching and the learning process.

She explores 4 myths:

Myth 1 – A child who loves tech will best learn on/with tech
Myth 2 – Parent involvement is unnecessary if teaching with an app/program/online curriculum
Myth 3 – Assistive tech is a crutch students must work to eliminate
Myth 4 – Video and/or audio-based curriculum is less superior to book-based curriculum

Learn more from Peggy on her weekly live show where she talks with guests about topics relevant to homeschooling special needs students. This live show is from 8 – 9pm CT each Tuesday on Facebook or Youtube. You can catch the replay as a podcast.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode.

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Economics Explained So You Can Understand It

July 20, 2020 by Laura Leave a Comment

Economics Explained So You Can Understand It

In “Economics Explained So You Can Understand It” episode #117, Meredith Curtis explains what economics is in very simple terms so even the most economic-phobic teen or adult can understand. GDP/GNP, Macroeconomics, and microeconomics will make sense to you now. Get rid of intimidation! You can understand economics! Meredith believes that understanding economics is a blessing, especially when we understand biblical principles and apply them to our lives.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

So many people I meet feel intimidated by economics. Why is that?

What Economics Is

Economics is the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services according to Webster’s dictionary.

Goods.

Services.

The dollar bill in your purse.

Economics

What people make and do and how those things are sold
Studying how, why, and where money goes
Who ends up with what and how it gets there

Macroeconomics

The big picture

Economic Systems

Command (Government controlled like socialism, communism, fascism)
Free Market (People controlled, capitalism)
Mixed

What is happening in the world that makes people buy more stuff?

Flow & Distribution of Wealth

Supply & Demand (Big Picture)

Microeconomics

Consumer Behavior

Business Behavior

Production Cost/Customer Willing to Pay/Sweet Spot

GNP/GDP

Economics looks at how people get what they want, who gives it to them, how they get it, and how much they get.

GNP (Gross National Product) or the GDP (Gross Domestic Product)

Total amount of all the good and services that are sold.

Economic Cycle

The economy goes in cycles of growing and recessing. This cycle, if not tampered with, is natural and normal. People go through seasons of spending and saving. A healthy economy has seasons of expanding and decreasing flowing gently from one to another. We will talk more about this cycle next time.

Teaching Economics In High School

Say good-bye to dry boring textbooks!

Biblical economic principles for real life!
Read Living books and conversational textbook to learn economics
Apartment Project and other hands-on experiences
Purchase Stock
Budget
Plan for College
Choose a Career
Make a Business Plan
Start a Business

Sign up for our Newsletter

Resources for Economics & Homeschooling High School

Our one-credit high school courses use conversational text, living books, hands-on learning, and projects that prepare teens for real life! Enjoy!

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

Finish Well Podcast #018, Exploring Careers in Business and Rescue with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network

Finish Well Podcast #027, Exploring Careers in Real Estate & Pools with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network

Finish Well Radio, Podcast #024, Link Between Literature and Political Freedom

Finish Well Podcast #037, Shine for Jesus in the Business World with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, co-op, co-op homeschooling, economics, Education, Families, family, Finish Well, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, social studies, special needs, teen

6 Ways for Your Homeschool Co-op to Be Special Needs Friendly

July 6, 2020 by Laura Leave a Comment

6 Ways for Your Homeschool Co-op to Be Special Needs Friendly

In “6 Ways for Your Homeschool Co-op to Be Special Needs Friendly” episode #116, Meredith Curtis gives practical ways to cultivate a culture that welcomes families with special needs. Parents, children, and teachers can all work together to be welcoming and supportive. Since our homeschool co-ops are filled with special needs children, often that we are unaware of, this is an important topic as homeschooling continues to grow exponentially.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

As we are coming out of the Covid-19 Lockdown, we have become more health conscious. How can we stay healthy? Boost our immune system? Avoid getting sick? Well, the answers are very simple and old-fashioned. You might think your listening to your Grandma when I share these things. However, they work and I will explain why.

Sleep

Sometimes special needs are obvious—a young boy in a wheelchair or a severely autistic little girl. Other times, we don’t realize that Johnny is diabetic or Suzi has dyslexia. Because we often gather only a few times a month, we often don’t know all the details of special needs.

I’m not saying that families can’t keep special needs private, but I want to lay out some ways that homeschooling co-ops can be special needs-friendly and cultivate an environment where ALL students, parents, and teachers thrive.

What is a Homeschool Co-op?

For those who are new to homeschooling, a homeschool co-op is a group of homeschooling families that come together to share their expertise in teaching courses and are blessed by other families who do the same.

Examples.

Cultivate a Culture of Truth and Kindness

Truth: All people are value because they are made in the image of God. God has a special purpose for each person, regardless of their challenges. (Psalm 139, Eph. 2:10)

Kindness is a heart issue.

Good manners is on the outside.

Model. Teach. Inspire. Praise. Devotional Times. Address bad behavior.

Address Special Needs at Information Meeting

Mention special needs at that first information meeting at the start of every homeschool co-op year. Share that you value all families, including special needs families. Share any ways you are set up to meet the needs of special needs families. Make those families feel welcome.

Ask Teachers About Alternatives for Special Needs Students in Their Classes

When they fill out forms to teach.

E.G. Laura give oral tests in biology. Pastor Mike extending deadlines. Allowing audio books.

Homeschooling Special Needs Online Conference

I’m speaking at the first-ever Homeschooling Special Needs Online Conference, to be held July 21! One of the keynote speakers is Temple Grandin, a world-famous autism advocate! So excited to encourage and inspire parents homeschooling their special needs children/teens! Just $22!

Meredith’s talks.

Participants will receive LIFETIME access to all the sessions and keynotes, plus coupons, printables, and freebies in the digital swag bag, and access to a private media group.

https://homeschooling1child.teachable.com/courses/homeschooling-special-needs-online-conference-1?affcode=603376_gvhqhfd-

Have a Special Needs Section in the Registration Packet

Gives families the opportunity to share those special needs.

Approach Families with Special Needs

Leaders can approach special needs families and get the conversation going.

What are your needs?

What do we do if Micah has a seizure in class?

Make Sure the Physical Environment is Special Needs-Friendly

Can Johnny Move around in his wheelchair?

Is there a place Susie can test her blood sugar privately if she feels unwell?

Is there room for Lynda’s service dog?

The Big Picture

Our culture is getting more and more evil and one thing that terrifies me is the idea that some lives are more valuable than others. It is so important as Christians that we stand firm for LIFE! All life is precious to God: from the womb to old age. Those with special needs, especially severe, are a gift to us to remind us that all life is precious in God’s sight—and, ours, too.

Sign up for our Newsletter

Resource: Online Conference on June 21

https://homeschooling1child.teachable.com/courses/homeschooling-special-needs-online-conference-1?affcode=603376_gvhqhfd-

Have you been looking for a conference geared to parenting special needs children and teens, not even hoping for the near-impossibility of finding one focused on homeschooling special needs kids? You can stop looking! Join over 20 speakers for the first ever Homeschooling Special Needs Online Conference as they presents over 30 sessions on autism, ADHD, apraxia, and more! Best of all,

Featuring keynotes from renowned autism advocate Temple Grandin, homeschooling encourager Durenda Wilson, and sessions from powerhouse special needs homeschooling educators Peggy Ployhar, Judi Munday, Heather Laurie, and more, this conference will encourage and inspire homeschooling parents of special needs children and teens.

The Homeschooling Special Needs Conference will launch on Tuesday, July 21, 2020. Participants will receive LIFETIME access to all the sessions and keynotes, plus coupons, printables, and freebies in the digital swag bag, and access to a private media group. For more info, or to register, visit

Registration is only $22.

https://homeschooling1child.teachable.com/courses/homeschooling-special-needs-online-conference-1?affcode=603376_gvhqhfd-

Resources for Cultivating Truth & Kindness

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

Finish Well Homeschooling Podcast, Podcast #108, 7 Ways to Make Jesus Lord of Your Homeschooling with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Finish Well Radio Show, Podcast #098, The Blessing of Enrichment Courses for All Ages with Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Finish Well Radio Show, Podcast #093, Make Your Home the Teen Hangout with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network

Finish Well Radio Show, Podcast #085, Don't Waste Your Life with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, co-op, co-op homeschooling, Families, family, Finish Well, homeschooling, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, special needs, teen

HSHSP Ep 172: Help for Special Needs in Homeschool High School, Interview with Peggy Ployhar

August 6, 2019 by Vicki Tillman Leave a Comment

This week on HSHSP Ep 172: Help for Special Needs in Homeschool High School, Interview with Peggy Ployhar.

HSHSP Ep 172: Help for Special Needs in Homeschool High School, Interview with Peggy Ployhar

Every teen has a place in God’s kingdom, but not every teen’s journey looks alike. Some homeschool high schoolers have different learning styles, learning differences or learning disabilities. These special needs don’t mean you can’t homeschool your teen for high school. In fact, homeschooling high school might be the VERY best choice for them. You can individualize their education to:

Develop their strengths
Compensate for their weaknesses
Give them skills for life
Help them believe in God’s plans for them

Vicki is joined today by Peggy Ployhar from SPED Homeschool to discuss help for special needs in homeschool high school.

Photo used by permission.

Peggy is a long-time homeschool mom and community leader. Her 2 sons both have special needs so based on her experience with her sons, she jumped into the role of community advisor for families with special needs. That service grew until the need was clear for an organization dedicated to helping special needs families. That’s how SPED Homeschool got started, a dedicated team of homeschooling parents who are:

Vetting homeschool curriculum for use with special needs homeschoolers
Training other homeschool parents in skills for helping their special needs homeschoolers
Reminding parents that there’s not ONE approach that will work for all special needs homeschool high schoolers. Of course, we 7Sisters are excited about that since we’re always saying there’s not ONE right way to homeschool high school.
Making available advice from experts

Check out SPED Homeschool’s website, and facebook pages.

One of the most important things that Peggy learned about homeschooling high school with her special needs teens was RELATIONSHIP is more important than education. As she kept the relationship with her sons as number one priority, she was able to:

Stay flexible, very flexible!
Make wise choices for and with her teens
- curriculum
- goals
- resources
Create an educational program that adapts as her teens grew and changed
Push teens graciously in their giftedness areas

Peggy tells the story of her son telling her at age 16 that he *was done* with high school. She calmed herself and worked with him to quickly set goals for meeting graduation requirements at a minimal (not college-prep) level. He blasted through his courses, took a gap year to explore and became the tech genius behind all SPED’s technology. He eventually went to college, because he felt the calling at that time and did college in his way.

Want more resources? 7Sisters has an Authoritative Guide to Out of the Box Credits for Homeschooling High School with Special Needs Teens

You’ll be SO encouraged by this episode of Homeschool CPA with our friend, Carol Topp, as she shares resources for special needs homeschoolers in co-ops.

Join Vicki and Peggy for this encouraging interview on homeschooling teens with special needs.

Want more ideas on homeschooling high school with special needs teens? Check out this video with Vicki and Peggy.

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Overcomer Movie

Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team’s state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant in town suddenly shuts down and hundreds of families begin moving away, John must come to grips with the challenges facing his family and his team. Urged by the school’s principal to fill-in and coach a sport he doesn’t know or like, John is frustrated and questioning his worth… until he crosses paths with a student struggling with her own journey.
Filled with a powerful mix of faith, a twist of humor, and a ton of heart, the Kendrick Brothers return to theaters with OVERCOMER, their newest feature following FACING THE GIANTS, FIREPROOF, COURAGEOUS, and the #1 box-office hit, WAR ROOM. The inspiring family film stars Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, Shari Rigby, Cameron Arnett, and introduces Aryn Wright-Thompson.

Opening nationwide on August 23, OVERCOMER dares to leave you filled with hope, inspired to dream, and asks the question: what do you allow to define you?

Click here to learn more!

HSHSP Ep 172: Help for Special Needs in Homeschool High School, Interview with Peggy Ployhar

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Filed Under: Homeschool Highschool Tagged With: homeschool high school, Peggy Ployhar, special needs, SPED

Smart Kids Who Struggle – MBFLP 184

October 12, 2017 by Hal and Melanie Young Leave a Comment

Sometimes you have a student who struggles – but just in one area! How do you understand and help a student who’s “twice exceptional” – who’s both gifted and special needs at the same time?

Resources We Recommend

We have several resources on our website – CLICK HERE to check them out!

Home School Foundation

Special Needs Homeschooling

Homeschooling When Learning Isn’t Easy by Heather Laurie

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Filed Under: Making Biblical Family Life Practical Tagged With: dysgraphia, dyslexia, homeschooling, learning disability, special needs, Struggling Learner

Making Learning Fun with Review Games

September 16, 2017 by Lindsey Stomberg Leave a Comment

Are your kids complaining that their school work isn’t fun? Do you see gaps in their learning? Review games are a fantastic way to stimulate the brain and the body simultaneously. Listen in as Lindsey and Richele talk about their favorite review games to play in their homeschool rooms.

Review games we love:

Speed: Learn Multiplication the Fun Way! http://amzn.to/2x4HoXB

Sushi Go: http://amzn.to/2x4wxg6
A list of simple review games to make learning fun: https://www.talkingmom2mom.com/2017/09/review-games-that-make-learning-fun.html

Talking Mom2Mom Links:

Talking Mom2Mom

Facebook

Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!

We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor Raddish – a cooking club and curriculum, specially designed FOR KIDS by chefs and educators! Raddish is perfect for homeschooling families! Teach thematic cooking lessons that incorporate math, science, nutrition, geography, and culture. With Raddish, the kitchen is the tastiest place to learn! Use coupon code PODCAST at checkout for $15 off a 6 or 12 month membership. Visit RaddishKids.com/Homeschool to learn more and to download a free lesson.

Check out this info pack: Raddish One Page

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Filed Under: Talking Mom2Mom Tagged With: dyslexia, homeschool, Homeschool Fun, Learning Gaps, Math Games, Math Help, Math Review, Review Games, special needs

Siblings Of Special Needs Kids

August 3, 2017 by Jan Bedell Leave a Comment

Special 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

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Filed Under: Brain Coach Tips Tagged With: Brain Coach Tips, dr jan bedell, Homeschool Special Needs, Homeschooling special needs., special needs

Victory Over Adversity

Going through trials and adversity is part of life. It’s how we handle them and work through the storms that show our love of the Lord and character to the little eyes that are watching. Let me help you, sharing my experience as a caregiver and chronically ill mom.

I’m your host, Heather Laurie, a veteran special needs homeschooling momma to 5 wonderful children. One great hubby Christopher Laurie who will get roped into joining the podcast occasionally to give dad’s point of view. And a wild menagerie of lazy cuddle craving cats and a chocolate lab.

Offering practical encouragement and support to special needs families and families that are going through a rough patch. Get your preferred cuppa and find a place to relax for a few minutes with me as we learn to find Victory over Adversity.

Subscribe: Please subscribe to my podcast feed at iTunes and each of the shows will pop up on your listening device as soon as it is released.

Listen Online: Every one of my shows can be found listed below. Just click on the show title and you will find the sound file of the show available in a simple click.

Upcoming Shows: Want to know what episodes are coming up next? Click through to the Show Calendar and see what I am working on. Also feel free to leave a comment about topics you would like to hear more on!

Social Media: I’m a talker so you can find me online in several places. Follow Special Needs Homeschooling on Facebook and Pinterest, and find my blog and more resources at my Special Needs Homeschooling blog.

Special Needs? Keep Your Head Above Water! with Heather Laurie

June 13, 2017 by Gina Glenn Leave a Comment

Keeping your head above the water when YOU are the one with special needs!

5 Aspects of Life to balance

Years ago I was supermom. Okay so maybe just marginally awesome mom. I was the head of my growing church’s nursery. Went to co-op with my 5 kids who were all dealing with special needs. We were in the van most days of the week zipping here and there doing all sorts of thing… busy things… things that I filled my time with.

We lived an intense life but I never really considered what if… what if I became the one with special needs? I had medical issues but they were stable at the time and part of me just thought I’ll be like this, sick but able bodied.

That is not what happened.

Create a Plan and set of Goals to reach for-
1. How often do you hear oh we homeschool so you can just take a day off…
  1. 1 day, 2, a week when does it become too much?
2. Goals help you establish a baseline
  1. Am I pushing too hard?
  2. Are we on track? Even if it doesn’t feel like we are
Structure and Routine
1. My natural inclination is relaxed homeschooling but my situation requires
2. We developed a routine for the family because we are a truly a special needs family
  1. If the kids are upset and out of sorts my efforts will be 10x just to get a calm less intense result
Year round Homeschooling
1. This is not the only way to do it just how we do.
  1. Flexible time
  2. Consistent learning that doesn’t require review in the fall
  3. Anxiety that a normal child can have with mom or dad in and out of the hospital is eased by a constant
Homemaking takes time and spoons!
1. Menu planning saves $, time, and energy
  1. Brain fog at the end of the day
  2. I need a rest.
Healthy Living
1. Go to the dr, dentist, therapist, chiropractor
  1. Shows your children to care for and tend to their own bodies
2. Sleep!
3. Take your medications if necessary
4. Rest is good.. I know opposite of how we started but being able to acknowledge that we all need a rest is good. Take an In-service day.

It’s not always easy to get from struggling or just plain not making our goals and feeling depressed about our own performance as mom, wife, and homeschooler to functioning, progressing, calmer person. Like in a real pond there are those stones on the edge that are slime covered and you may fall. Get back up and keep trying.

I wake up each and every day because the Lord has blessed me with the strength to carry on. I acknowledge and welcome that comforting fact.

Visit Heather:

Social Media Links:

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/specialneedshomeschooling/

main group https://www.facebook.com/specialneedshomeschooling/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/specialneedshs

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/specialneedshomeschooling/

Website: specialneedshomeschooling.com

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Filed Under: Mommy Jammies Tagged With: homeschooling, Special Guest Mommy Jammies Night, special needs

Special Needs Homeschooling – YES You Can!

October 27, 2016 by Sharon Rice Leave a Comment

Special 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.

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

Filed Under: FPEA-Connects Tagged With: Homeschool Special Needs, Homeschooling special needs., special needs

92: The role of tech with special needs students

Economics Explained So You Can Understand It

Show Notes

What Economics Is

Economics

Macroeconomics

Economic Systems

Microeconomics

GNP/GDP

Economic Cycle

Teaching Economics In High School

Sign up for our Newsletter

Resources for Economics & Homeschooling High School

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

6 Ways for Your Homeschool Co-op to Be Special Needs Friendly

Show Notes

Sleep

What is a Homeschool Co-op?

Cultivate a Culture of Truth and Kindness

Address Special Needs at Information Meeting

Ask Teachers About Alternatives for Special Needs Students in Their Classes

Homeschooling Special Needs Online Conference

Have a Special Needs Section in the Registration Packet

Approach Families with Special Needs

Make Sure the Physical Environment is Special Needs-Friendly

The Big Picture

Sign up for our Newsletter

Resource: Online Conference on June 21

Registration is only $22.

Resources for Cultivating Truth & Kindness

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

HSHSP Ep 172: Help for Special Needs in Homeschool High School, Interview with Peggy Ployhar

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Overcomer Movie

HSHSP Ep 172: Help for Special Needs in Homeschool High School, Interview with Peggy Ployhar

Resources We Recommend

Review games we love:

Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor!

Keeping your head above the water when YOU are the one with special needs!

5 Aspects of Life to balance

Create a Plan and set of Goals to reach for-

Structure and Routine

Year round Homeschooling

Homemaking takes time and spoons!

Healthy Living

Visit Heather:

Special Needs Homeschooling – Yes You Can!

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

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