Special Replay | Tools for Struggling Learners – Part 1

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
April 27, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Tools for Struggling Learners pt. 1Tools for Struggling Learners – Part 1

Today we are talking with Cindy LaJoy. You might remember Cindy from a previous episode where we talked about the Soft Skills of Work Ethic. Cindy spent the pandemic busy as ever, learning many new videography skills, working on a graduate degree and co-authoring a book. Along with Natalie Vecchio, Blazing New Homeschool Trails: Educating and launching Teens with Developmental Disabilities

Cindy and her husband have adopted 5 kids, now young adults from Eastern Europe and has a fantastic story of hope for other Moms homeschooling non-traditional learners. Her five kids, some of whom were adopted as older children who did not speak English and were illiterate have over 25 diagnosis between them and yet, as young adults, they have gone on to college, entrepreneurship, owning an award winning business and hiring other developmentally challenged adults. Cindy is also the amazing homeschooling Momma behind Blue Collar Homeschooling and the Facebook page and group Blue Collar Homeschooling.

Cindy has spent the last decade and a half searching out appropriate curriculum, therapies and realistic opportunities for her non-traditional students, as well as helping them develop realistic life skills that have allowed them not only to manage and cope but thrive and become leaders in their own right.

She and her family make their home in Colorado. If you are in the Montrose, Colorado area, stop by their “Best in the Valley” shop, Buckaroos Slices and Scoops, for great pizza, ice-cream, and customer service!

In this episode and the next, we’ll take a look at what’s available for those who are homeschooling non-traditional learners.

FAFSD Hope Podcast Natalie Vecchio

Cindy LaJoy offers these services and classes through True North Homeschool Academy:

Special Needs and Transcripts

Meet Cindy LaJoy!

Join Cindy and me for Part II of Tools for Struggling Learners – Part 1 next time on Life Skills 101!

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

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
February 14, 2023 by Leave a Comment

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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Transition Planning for Teens with Special Needs, Interview with Peggy Ployhar

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
October 11, 2022 by Leave a Comment

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: Transition Planning for Teens with Special Needs, Interview with Peggy Ployhar.

Transition Planning for Teens with Special Needs, Interview with Peggy Ployhar.

Transition Planning for Teens with Special Needs, Interview with Peggy Ployhar

Our high schoolers are going to graduate one of these days, so let’s help them (and ourselves!) with being prepared for what happens next. Let’s talk about transition planning for our high schoolers!

Peggy Ployhar, with Sped Homeschool, is going to fill us in on what transition planning is and how to get started.

About Peggy Phar

Peggy Ployhar is the founder and CEO of Sped Homeschool, which stands for Special Education Homeschool. Her oldest was diagnosed on the autism spectrum when he was five and that opened the door for other educational opportunities the Ployhars had never even considered.

Peggy has been homeschooling for almost twenty years. Before forming Sped Homeschool, she worked for two different state organizations as their special needs consultants. She didn’t come into this by accident, though. She started her own homeschooling journey in similar situations and she’s now helping other families. So you can say it’s helping families and homeschool children who struggle that is really where her heart is!

What Is Transition Planning?

Transition planning is the process of making sure your child with special needs will have the necessary support when they “age out” of the school system.

There are just so many kids that struggle on so many different levels. And, having the experience of homeschooling her own children who all have had struggles in certain areas, and then her parents who have adopted ten children who have homeschooled on and off, Peggy understands the importance of transition planning.

It’s important to ask questions, such as Where are they going? and How do we bridge that gap?

And that’s what transition skills really are. Whether you have a student who struggles or not, that’s something we should all have in the back of our mind, along with having the answers to questions like, “Do they know how to do the laundry?” and “Do they know how to cook?”

In other words, transition skills are life skills.

How To Begin Transition Planning With Your Kids

If we are going to really face the facts that our kids are going to have to live life and do it well, how can we plan for transitioning not only our special needs kids but also all of our kids?

1. Evaluate where the gaps are they need to fill

The first thing you have to do is take a step back and really evaluate what you can fit in the next four years, or the remainder of the high school years, by looking ahead.

If you know your child is lacking in communication skills, for example, you know to introduce more learning opportunities that help strengthen these transition skills. If your kids aren’t great housekeepers, then start a game plan to make them better ones. See where their personal gaps are and then make a plan to fill those gaps.

2. Set goals for those gaps

Once you’ve identified what those learning gaps are, set goals to strengthen these gaps. Consider where you want your child to be and talk to your kids about what their goals are for themselves. Many kids will not really know exactly what they want to do, but it is good to think about it and consider the options. Even trying their hand at a few different subject areas is good for them to discover their likes and dislikes in order to plan properly for the future.

3. Introduce transition skills in their experiences – not only academics

Be sure to do this also for life skills, not only academics. These other transition skills can be cognitive skills, emotional skills, communication skills, life skills, social skills, physical skills, and so on. Find an activity or something helpful that your child can do on a regular basis where they will continue to work on those skills.

They can take co-op classes, join a club, and explore different extracurricular activities. Encourage your child to just try something different that will fill these gaps. You never know where these different activities or classes will take your child!

For example, Peggy’s son originally wanted to go into the military. Because of this, they directed a lot of their studies around the beginning of his first year of high school.

But then the next year, he decided he wanted to be an underwater welder. And even though that took a whole different spin on their classes, they aimed to study more about that.

And then for the following year, he decided he just wanted to go to welding school first before he did underwater welding. And he did that, for three years, until one day he woke up and decided he didn’t want to do it anymore.

And now? At the end of the semester, he is graduating with a degree in biomedical engineering. How’s that for a change?

What If Plans Change?

If your child, like Peggy’s son, decides to go a different route, that’s totally okay. You tweak, and you change as the kids figure out what they want to do. When you’re looking at transition planning and looking at the high school years, learn how to embrace the bigger picture.

Get the bigger picture in your head and review it on a constant basis. Finish half of the school year or a semester, and then take an evaluation. Is my child still wanting to do this? The great thing about high school students are the opportunities to have wonderful life conversations with them.

When the plans do change, be flexible enough with your homeschooling to let them know the direction they’re homeschooling is going. Help them understand if something isn’t moving them toward their new goals. You can still count the work you’ve done as half a credit, but it’s better to head in the right direction now versus getting to the end of the year knowing it wasn’t helping serve the overall goals.

And if you do change plans mid-year, you will still have notable work to put down on your child’s transcript. So, it’s never a waste of time.

Final Tips For Transition Planning

One thing we often do not think about is communication skills because they kind of go off our radar. But yet employers say that communication skills are the biggest thing they are looking for in employees.

We do not have to have a formal education plan to develop communication skills. We need to put our children in various situations that require them to communicate. And communication is verbal, nonverbal, body language, and written. (Check out these HSHSP episodes on job hunting and interview skills. Also, this post on first-day-on-the-job skills.)

Communication is probably one of the most important things we should be focusing on and just having normal, everyday conversations. There are several things we can absorb and do in our homeschool life to help build those communication skills, and it doesn’t have to look like a classroom or a course to do.

Other ways to help build communication skills:

  • Listening to audiobooks
  • Learning correct grammar through hearing
  • Making videos and podcasts
  • Making videos or podcasts

The more you do these things, the more you learn to control what you say and to think about it before you say it.

Peggy also shares tips for homeschooling high school in this Homeschool Highschool Podcast episode.

About Sped Homeschool

Sped Homeschool was formed in 2017 after taking a look around and deciding that there are a lot of organizations that have little help available for special needs kids. Their website is full of resources, partner organizations, and interviews, with an interview showing every Tuesday night live. Also, they are now broadcasting on Facebook and YouTube all at the same time with the primary goal of the interviews to empower parents to be able to make this journey successful.

BTW- Thanks to Richie Soares for transcription work. She is awesome and so is her website: Homeschool and Humor. Check it out!

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Tools for Struggling Learners – Part 1

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
June 25, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Tools for Struggling Learners pt. 1Tools for Struggling Learners – Part 1

Today we are talking with Cindy LaJoy. You might remember Cindy from a previous episode where we talked about the Soft Skills of Work Ethic. Cindy spent the pandemic busy as ever, learning many new videography skills, working on a graduate degree and co-authoring a book. Along with Natalie Vecchio, Blazing New Homeschool Trails: Educating and launching Teens with Developmental Disabilities

Cindy and her husband have adopted 5 kids, now young adults from Eastern Europe and has a fantastic story of hope for other Moms homeschooling non-traditional learners. Her five kids, some of whom were adopted as older children who did not speak English and were illiterate have over 25 diagnosis between them and yet, as young adults, they have gone on to college, entrepreneurship, owning an award winning business and hiring other developmentally challenged adults. Cindy is also the amazing homeschooling Momma behind Blue Collar Homeschooling and the Facebook page and group, Blue Collar Homeschooling.

Cindy has spent the last decade and a half searching out appropriate curriculum, therapies and realistic opportunities for her non-traditional students, as well as helping them develop realistic life skills that have allowed them to not only manage and cope but thrive and become leaders in their own right.

Cindy and her family make their home in Colorado. If you are in the Montrose, Colorado area, stop by their “Best in the Valley” shop, Buckaroos Slices and Scoops, for great pizza, ice-cream and customer service!

In this episode, and the next, we’ll take a look at the what’s available for those who are homeschooling non-traditional learners.

FAFSD Hope Podcast Natalie Vecchio

Cindy LaJoy offers these services and classes through True North Homeschool Academy:

Special Needs and Transcripts

Meet Cindy LaJoy!

Join Cindy and I for Part II of Tools for Struggling Learners – Part 1 next time on Life Skills 101!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO Life Skills 101 VIA COMPUTER

  1. Follow this link to our Apple Podcasts page.
  2. OR take this IMPORTANT STEP: Under our Homeschool Highschool Podcast logo, click on View in “…your favorite podcast source”
  3. This will take you to Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast source and our own podcast page.
  4. Click SUBSCRIBE.
  5. Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. (Please take a minute and do this. It helps others find us. Thanks!)
  6. Thanks!

OR PLEASE SUBSCRIBE VIA iPHONE

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  4. Tap the Homeschool Highschool Podcast icon
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  6. Please tap *Ratings and Review*

We love coming alongside fellow homeschoolers to offer encouragement and support! Let us know how we can support YOU!

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How to modify online curriculum for special needs students Part 2

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
April 7, 2021 by Leave a Comment

How to Modify Online Curriculum for Special Needs Students Part 2

126: How to modify online curriculum for special needs students: Part 2

Guest Lindsay Leiviska explains how to modify online curriculum for special needs students. You can find Lindsay online at A Heart For All Students. Her podcast is also called “A Heart for All Students”.

Be sure to listen to part 1 first if you haven’t already. In that episode she discusses variables to consider when choosing online curriculum.

Tips for what you as a parent can do

  • Rather than leave kids to their own devices, use online curriculum as a teaching tool.
  • Sit with your student and watch videos together.
  • Pause videos at appropriate intervals in order to check for understanding.
  • Use one sheet of paper or small whiteboard for each problem, pause the video and work through each problem together.
  • Depending upon the learning and emotional needs of the child as well as the concepts at hand, I modify my level of involvement.
  • Always remove learning barriers
  • Scribe for your child (write math problems, have them spell orally, etc)
  • Support your child with verbal cues as she works through math problems,
  • Gradually have child tell me the steps involved and “tell me” what to do. This requires A LOT of effort as speaking orally requires greater processing and retention (teaching is highest form of learning)
  • Slowly hand over reigns step by step.
  • Depending upon needs, work through questions one by one together on one sheet of paper for each problem in large text.
  • When needed, support concepts with extra video-based tutorials (Removes mom’s need to choose the correct verbiage)
  • Always have hard copy texts and support tools (maps, reference charts, etc)
  • Resist the urge to stay on schedule
  • Don’t be afraid to pause and repeat lessons or concepts when needed.
  • Circle back to concepts as needed


Recommended Resources:

————————————————————————————————–
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Aademy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

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.

How to Modify Online Curriculum for Special Needs Students Part 2

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Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology Tagged With: , , , ,

How to modify online curriculum for special needs students Part 1

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
March 31, 2021 by Leave a Comment

How to modify online curriculum for special needs students

125: How to modify online curriculum for special needs students: Part 1

Guest Lindsay Leiviska explains how to modify online curriculum for special needs students. You can find Lindsay online at A Heart For All Students. Her podcast is also called “A Heart for All Students”.

Variables to Consider:

  • Time: Short lessons (less is more)
  • Ability to remove all timers
  • Ability to correct and modify “grades”
  • Printable hard copy of any texts
  • Print PDFs of any textbooks and other resources
  • Clear and to the point
  • Slower Rate of Speech
  • Language and auditory processing
  • Clutter-Free Design
  • Excellent for those who struggle with visual discrimination
  • Reduced visual input for the brain to tease and process through
  • Ability To Add Visuals/Imagery for any language-based concepts (ie vocabulary needs to be supported with visuals)
  • Use Quizlet for Spelling and vocabulary practice for all subjects (including history, science, math, etc)


    • Recommended Resources mentioned in this episode:

    ————————————————————————————————–
    Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Aademy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

    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.

    How to modify online curriculum for special needs students

    Podcast: Play in new window | Download

    Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Android | Stitcher | TuneIn | RSS | More

    Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology Tagged With: , , ,

    The role of tech with special needs students

    A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
    July 22, 2020 by Leave a Comment

    Using Tech with Special Needs Students

    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.

    Using Tech with Special Needs Students

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    Economics Explained So You Can Understand It

    A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
    July 20, 2020 by Leave a Comment

    Finish Well Homeschool Podcast, Podcast #117, Economics Explained So You Can Understand It, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

    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.

     

     

     

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    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

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    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!

    Economics, Finances, and Business Economics, Finances, and Business Answer Key HIS Story of the 20th Century by Meredith Curtis HIS Story of the 20th Century: High School Workbook by Meredith Curtis
    American Literature & Research British Literature & Writing High School Class Communications 101:Essays and Speeches High School Class Foundations of Western Literature by Meredith Curtis
    Real Men 101: Godly Manhood Real Men 102: Freedom, Courtship, Marriage, & Family Real Men 103: Leadership Who Dun It? Murder Mystery Literature and Writing High School Class
    God's Girls 101: Grow in Christ God's Girls 103: Courship, Marriage, and the Christian Family High School Class God's Girls 104: Motherhood by Meredith Curtis God's Girls 105: Homemaking by Meredith Curtis

    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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    Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Android | Stitcher | RSS | More

    Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

    A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
    July 6, 2020 by Leave a Comment

    Finish Well Homeschool Podcast, Podcast #116, 6 Ways for Your Homeschool Co-op to Be Special Needs-Friendly, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

    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.

     

     

     

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    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.

    Homeschooling Special Needs Conference - July 21, 2020

    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.

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    100 Homeschool Hacks by Meredith CurtisSign up for our newsletter and get your copy of 100 Homeschool Hacks. You can sign up here.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Resource: Online Conference on June 21

    Meredith Curtis Speaking at the Homeschooling Special Needs Online Conference - July 21, 2020

    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

    Friends to the End Lovely to Behold God's Girls Brand New Life Bible Study God's Girls Beauty Secrets
    Real Men 103: Leadership Making of Real Men Real Men Build Bible Study Workbook A Wise Woman Builds by Meredith Curtis
    God's Girls 101: Grow in Christ Real Men 101: Godly Manhood God's Girls 104: Motherhood by Meredith Curtis God's Girls 105: Homemaking by Meredith Curtis

    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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    Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Android | Stitcher | RSS | More

    Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

    A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
    August 6, 2019 by 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. This interview with Peggy Ployhar of SPED Homeschool gives inspiration, encouragement and success tips for parents of special needs teens. #HomeschoolHighSchoolPodcast #HomeschoolSpecialNeeds #SpecialNeedsTeens #SPEDHomeschool

     

    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.

    Peggy Ployhar from SPED Homeschool

    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.

    SPED Homeschool

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

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