Unlocking the Full Potential of Homeschooling: Insights from Amy Bodkin
Homeschooling is a journey that differs for each family, and for parents teaching neurodivergent children, especially those on the autism spectrum, it can offer a unique set of challenges and rewards. Amy Bodkin, an expert in educational psychology and a homeschooling advocate, shares her homeschool wisdom with us as an autistic adult and homeschool mom. Amy also talks about her own systems for maintaining her executive functioning, fostering a learning environment filled with fun and magic akin to Disney, and her inclusive and accessible methods for homeschool planning.
3-Step Process to Embracing Individualized Development Tracking
Amy shares her three-step process for tracking the developmental progress of children. We also cover her different approach to testing, which eschews standard usage and instead focuses on the individual’s year-over-year growth.
- Assess where your child currently stands – This is not about comparing them to others but about understanding their unique abilities and challenges.
- Focus on strengths to navigate weaknesses – Amy shared an inspiring story of a child who embraced auditory learning through music when visual methods proved challenging.
- Record non-standardized skills – Look beyond standardized tests and document progress in areas like arts, life skills, and foreign languages. These areas are just as important as traditional subjects.
Encouragingly, Amy reinforces that homeschooling should value diverse learning methods and perspectives. Moreover, she urges parents to appreciate the progress and growth unique to each child.
Practical Solutions for Homeschool Success
Amy delved into strategies for keeping on track with executive functioning in homeschooling setups. By using individual schedules that evolve from simple lists to fostering independence, parents can create a structure that empowers their children.
Drawing an analogy with Disney, Amy reminds us that education should be an enchanting and enjoyable adventure, not a sterile checklist of tasks. Her approach to planning education is centered around making it a magical experience for both parents and children.
Amy Bodkin’s method of planning and organizing your homeschool the neurodivergent way involves using her unique resources—such as form guides and her developmental guide—to curate an individualized educational experience. This method requires only a few hours each day for a week out of the year, accommodating busy schedules and diverse learning needs.
Cost-Effective and Creative Curriculum Planning
Brainstorming is an important part of planning a homeschool curriculum. We suggest that parents utilize a combination of books, free resources, and custom curriculum options to provide a rich learning experience without breaking the bank.
Amy provides a treasure trove of educational resources on her website, specifically in the “boost” section. Here, parents will find a supportive environment with materials and packets to aid in homeschooling activities.
Empowerment Through Community
Our conversation provides not only strategies and tools but also a sense of empowerment. We want to remind parents that homeschooling offers an incredible opportunity to cater to their child’s unique developmental journey.
Remember, the homeschooling path may be varied and sometimes challenging, but it’s within your power to make it a magical and fulfilling experience for your children. Embrace the changes, celebrate the milestones, and join a community that understands and supports your endeavors to provide the best education at home.
OT is IN #11: Exploring Unique Learning Paths in Homeschooling with Guest Amy Bodkin
In this episode we are talking with the incredible Amy Bodkin, a former school psychologist and an autistic adult herself, she brings her unique perspective on homeschooling autistic children with distinct executive functioning skills. Together, they touch upon the critical role of executive functioning skills, metacognition, and adapting educational plans that focus on both group and individual needs.
In this episode you’ll hear about:
- Discussion on measuring and tracking the progress of children’s development
- Amy’s Three-Step Process for Developmental Tracking
- Individualized Approach to Standardized Testing
- Balance and Tailoring in Homeschooling
- Strategies for Managing Executive Functioning
- Tools and Resources for Homeschooling
- Parental and Children Collaboration
- Planning the Academic Year using form guides and seeking children’s input for subjects
- Prioritization and Problem-Solving including brainstorming for homeschool curriculum planning
- Organizational Techniques including Amy’s use of loop scheduling to manage curriculum
- Custom Curriculum Creation: utilizing guides for a tailored education
Links and Resources From Today’s Show
- Amy Bodkin’s Webiste
- Booklist to talk about Executive Functioning
- Executive Functioning Focus Group from Homeschool OT
- What are Executive Functioning Skills?
- Educational Resources from Amy Bodkin
- Booklists from Read Aloud Revival
- Charlotte Mason Plenary Form Guide
- Heritage Mom book recommendations
- Give Your Child the World Book List
- Primitive Reflexes on Special Needs Kids Are People Too episode 55
Connect with our Guest, Amy Bodkin
Amy Bodkin is an Autistic Consultant and Public Speaker and uniquely qualified to help families with a wide variety of needs. Amy is an Autistic Adult, has an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology, a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology, and homeschools her two Autistic kiddos. At Amy Bodkin Consulting, we like to say it’s as easy as ABC: Ally, Boost, and Connect! Ally with Amy through her podcast, “Special Needs Kids Are People Too!” Get a Boost with her Educational Resources. And Connect through her Membership Group and Private Consultations!
