Finding balance in the whirlwind of homeschooling can feel like an insurmountable challenge, especially for parents juggling multiple children with varying abilities and needs. Leslie Martino, a seasoned homeschooling mom of four and author of “The Joy of Slow,” brings a refreshing perspective that makes the homeschool journey not only manageable but profoundly fulfilling. Leslie’s…
How do we create an environment that supports each child’s unique learning journey, especially when working with neurodivergent children? Understanding your child’s educational needs can be a daunting task, especially when considering the mix of abilities and challenges within a family. I had the pleasure of chatting with Nicole Santiago, an IEP coach and special…
As parents, guiding our children through their executive functioning development can sometimes feel like a chaotic endeavor. Balancing routines, managing impulsivity, and teaching planning skills often require patience and creativity. But how do we navigate this, especially during the bustling holiday season? Real-Life Activities as Learning Platforms My recent conversation with parenting coach, Marnie Love…
Homeschooling during the holiday season can indeed be a joyful yet challenging endeavor, especially when catering to varying needs within a neurodivergent household. How can we balance the festive spirit, educational growth, and sensory processing challenges? Incorporating holiday joy into homeschooling through activities that are not only fun but also skill-building. Cynthia Heren, a member…
Exposure to nature and outdoor play provides children with invaluable developmental opportunities, from building fine motor skills to a deeper understanding of their environment. But how do we make this possible for families with children of varying ages and abilities? This year in our community group, we embraced nature-based activities that anyone could enjoy, regardless…
As homeschooling parents, we continually search for innovative ways to make learning engaging and effective for our children. One critical area often discussed in our community is how to foster fine motor skills and sensory engagement, particularly with multiple ages and abilities under one roof. In this episode of The OT is In, we had…
Handwriting is more than just putting pen to paper—it’s a gateway to lifelong skills and academic success. But how do we nurture these capabilities amidst the daily bustle of family life, especially within a diverse homeschool or co-op environment? Teaching Handwriting and Fine Motor Skills in a Multi-Age Classroom In a homeschool setting with a…
Literacy and speech development are deeply intertwined and understanding this connection can significantly impact your child’s learning journey. How can we nurture these skills effectively, especially in a homeschooling environment? Let’s delve into the insights shared by Sydney Bessard, a speech therapist I recently talked to. Sydney passionately explored the symbiotic relationship between literacy and…
As homeschooling parents, we add another layer of complexity to our already bustling lives. How do we navigate this intricate dance of educating our children at home while nurturing their emotional and sensory needs? I recently talked with Whitney Whitten about her journey as a homeschooling mother of four and her discovery of the crucial…
Imagine a scene where a parent tries to navigate the complexities of getting their baby on a schedule and achieving those longed-for, full nights of sleep. While organizing routines might seem like the ultimate goal, my friend Gigi reminded me of the real goal, connection. It’s not just about the schedule; it’s about understanding and…