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Thank you so much for taking the time to share your personal perspective on having a child with an invisible need. So often being an invisible needs mom isn't talked about. My son was diagnosed with autism a year ago and since he doesn't meet the stereotypical profile of a child with autism, I've found that the responses he gets for just being his beautiful, loving, inclusive self aren't always kind. I appreciate you recognizing the difficulties we face and how overwhelming it can be, and the weight we carry in being the best Mom's we can be for them.
Thank you for the encouragement on kids with special needs…not beating ourselves up and it being okay to not homeschool for every single year. I needed to hear that. I enjoy all of your content. I don’t know how you do it all! It’s such a blessing, thank you. 🤍
Behavioral issues here. Food was a huge piece for us. God has really led us and opened our eyes to the needs of our children. I know the pain of dealing with a child who has behavior issues that push you to your absolute end. It’s hard. Praying for peace.
Part of the beauty of homeschooling is that they can each go at their own pace and it sounds like you found the perfect place to help support that for Noah. ❤
Homeschooling vids are what I’m here for. Even if they’re far and few in between I cherish your homeschool advice/ideas and styles. Thanks so much! -homeschool mom of 3 boys
From 2 grade into high school I went to a private school for kids with dyslexia and learning disabilities. They gave me confidence, and knew how to teach me the way I needed. I didn’t read until age 8, and because of this school I felt no shame whatsoever. I am very proud whenever I get to tell someone that I have dyslexia. I had the most amazing teachers, they were all passionate and people I respected. That school changed my life, and by my last year I was one of the top three students in my class. I wrote beautiful essays on Shakespeare, and to this day I feel proud about my writing and ability to express myself. We wrote poetry too, and had vocabulary tests every week with 100 words or more. I am so thankful I had that school.
I have a son with dyslexia and can completely relate to this.. the early years were so hard and I definitely felt the guilt once we discovered it. He has been in tutoring via zoom for three years now and I’m just blown away at his progress!! I think it’s so wise to get the help.. in the words of Julie Bogart, “Help helps!”
@@charitywheeler9278 Where do you live? We are from Birmingham, AL and there’s some great resources here. If you aren’t close, I can ask them to check what is close to you. 😉
I was a gramma of 50 (I'm now 69) before I learned my math difficulties my entire life were due to an actual math disability. I did fine with the very early years of elementary school but once we hit multiplication, I struggled. Once I hit college in my later life, I had learned ways to cope and I made it through college math be putting forth herculean efforts but I did it. I'm nearly in tears being so glad you are approaching Noah's issues early on. He is such a charmer and will do amazing with the extra help!
My son was diagnosed w autism at 3. I understand the tears but i also see the the drive to raise children w values! You are doing all the right things. We did 3 yrs of therapy. 40 hours a week. It was difficult for all of us. However it was so worth it. He is off to college this year a well rounded, well liked young man. God chose you to be his mom! His life will be rich and successful because of That Godly choice.
I’m not a parent and I don’t always watch your homeschooling content. But I do usually watch the videos about organising the homeschooling spaces. And I just want to say how much I admire your perseverance in rearranging and organising spaces to fit your needs. You don’t get caught in “I spent so much time organising this space 6 months ago” you just think, “well we tried that and it’s not working or our needs have evolved so we’re gonna change it up again” maybe you get tired of it, but I enjoy seeing your idea come to life and how you adapt spaces and furniture for new purposes. Keep it up.
I had to pause the video just to tell you how much I understand! My son was recently diagnosed with a disability that falls under a learning disability, but as time goes on they are starting to explain it as a developmental disability. I know quite a bit about this area, but he is also gifted, and most people think since he’s gifted he shouldn’t have any disabilities. It’s very hard to explain and can be exhausting. I wish you the best in your journey. ❤❤
It’s hard, and to top it off they barely skim the surface of giftedness in education programs. I reached the point that I was so frustrated regarding the information out there about gifted children and the struggles they have that I returned to school for cognitive psychology. More people need to understand that just because a child can academically thrive doesn’t mean they can’t struggle elsewhere. I wish you the best of luck when handling people that question you regarding your son. ❤
Us as well. We went in for an evaluation for dyslexia and ADHD and came out with a twice exceptional diagnosis, I had never even heard of that before. Trying to help guide and school a kiddo with giftedness and unseen learn difficulties has been quite a trial. You are not alone either! ❤
I sympathize. My child was diagnosed with both very young but it's not always obvious to on-lookers. Also even professionals; doctors, therapists, etc would not fully understand and need to be reminded constantly of when our child is age/ grade-level with certain things but like a toddler with others. And that can vary depending on the stress of the week, etc. There are periods of drastic regression when stressful events occur, such as the shut downs, or someone moving. They have lower communication so they handle a lot of their own. It can be heartbreaking but we do our best to help her cope. She looks older and "normal" on the surface most times, but will randomly show a bad habit from her disability and people assume she's a NT kid that isn't being taught to NOT do those things. Even though we've worked tirelessly, just honestly need to pick our battles. Anyway, I hope you understand but also it's sad if you understand of course. Challenges make us stronger though, and I have found that to be true of parents in the special needs community! 🩷✨✌️
My daughter could read fluently like an adult from 4 without ever being taught. She didn’t understand most of what she read but corrected the teachers spelling etc. She looked regular and pretty, fitting in with social norms but had/has a host of problems that impact greatly on her life.
I understand so well the blurry lines in determining behavior issues that need to be disciplined and addressed vs behavior that is just organic and coming from a very “spectromy” place. It has been the very hardest part of parenting so far. Love to you.
I was nodding my head to alot of what you said. When you said how it can be harder sometimes when your child has a disability that you cant see, that really resonated with me. My son has a stutter and believed to have some sort of adhd. All I can do is get him whatever help is available. He is in occupational therapy, speech, and a program called "special friends " where they teach him how to control big emotions and playing with others. 💕
Thank you for sharing. We are a family of 6 with 4 children adopted from foster care. My 5th daughter has pretty severe effects from the drug exposure. It's very hard because her only diagnosis is ADHD, but it's SO much more than that. She is currently in school, getting all the testing as well. God has shown me that I have to surrender my desires in regards to their education. You definitely have to have another level of trust.
I love your vulnerability and willingness to share. My son has Asperger’s/ADHD and we had the opposite effect where public school was causing all of our problems. I was a public school educator and had to make the decision to leave my career and homeschool him. Since then we were able to take him off all of his medicine. He also was suffering from Trichotillomania which completely went away. It was the scariest but the best decision we have ever made.
The important thing is now you know and are moving forward together. Sometimes kids need to learn sideways because that’s how their brains work. We’re all rooting for you Noah!!!
I am so proud of you, Angie! I have been around the homeschool world for a while now. I have seen many moms unfortunately, not get their children outside help. I think sometimes they will feel as if it is their own failure and inability to teach their child, when it’s not you are setting an incredible example to so many homeschool moms that sometimes you have to seek help outside of your self for your children’s education when it becomes necessary. Thank you thank you thank you.
As a mom of a child who has learning disabilities, I’m so thankful for you speaking on this and the struggles that not only our children face, but what we face as parents when trying to make the best decisions for them! We take the wins when we get them, no matter how small! ❤️
Prayers mama, it IS difficult! I have a beautiful son with invisible disabilities and it is hard. Hugs to you ❤️ and all the parents doing the best for their kiddos!
All in one! I made my own this year but would love one already made for me. Space for multiple children, a calendar, meal planner, cleaning schedule spot, kids chores, and even a spot to write down bills/budget. I know that’s asking a lot but that would be the perfect planner!
I stopped using homeschool planners and stared creating individual syllabi for each kiddo. They know what they need to get done each day and use a highlighter to mark off each thing they’ve completed. It has been great, and I plan on using this system for years to come.
Thank you for doing what Noah needs even when it's hard. I grew up with learning disabilities but the adults in my life wouldn't do all the testing needed so I was a teen before I knew why I struggled so much.
I have tried having designated homeschool areas. I even moved our table to the kitchen to use the dining room for homeschool and put the kids’ desks in there for them and all they needed. But they just ended up fussing. Inevitably, one of them would end up lying at the back door in the floor where the sunshine comes in and is warm. So then I got new desks and set them each up in their rooms with everything. They used the desks to pile junk on. I finally sold their desks and they have lap desks now so they have a surface to write on wherever they want to do school. Most of their work is self explanatory so they just need me if they get stuck. It finally dawned on me one day that part of homeschool was so it wouldn’t feel or be like public school which they know nothing about anyway. So now I’m trying to go with the flow and as long as they get their assignments finished, I don’t give them time constraints or care where they work at. Some days they just want to be in the room with me. Some days they might want to be together and sometimes they want to be alone or lie at the back door in sun! I hope you get your diagnosis for your son. I think my 12 year old has auditory processing disorder. He mishears so much! I tried to get him diagnosed when he was younger and they gave him some academic tests and said he was too smart for assistance. I wasn’t trying to get assistance. Just a diagnosis. He passed all his hearing tests. I knew he was smart enough. Not sure what that had to do with APD.
I’ll comment on both homeschooling special needs kiddos and the planner. First, my 13 year old is special needs. I made the decision to bring him home finally after 10+ years of special ed and unfortunately loads of battles and advocating to ensure he was getting his needs met. Finally our family could bring him home after receiving proper evaluation (Institutes for the Achievement of Human Performance in Philadelphia) and a very customized plan. So glad you found a good spot for your guy. Regarding the planner - I’m a new HS Mommy - I brought my two girls home only (nearly) two years ago. I use my planner only for HS planning because I can quickly plot out plans and goals and then concretize them in my Google calendar if needed. I do think I enjoy the separation of HS from other parts of life otherwise it feels as though it’s taking over my life (which in practical ways it does/will expand into life and it should). I guess I’m also too tied to my electronic calendar and don’t ever see myself only have paper planners for it all. Maybe you could figure out how to bridge that gap? 😅
Thank you so much for always being so honest and open about everything. Homeschooling is not always the same or easy but God is good. About the planner, the more simple the better. I always find that a separate planner for life and homeschool is the best. Keep up the good work!!
My preference is an "all life planning" in one planner. I use the Happy Planner and the week by week calendar that is divided into vertical columns for each day with 3 sections in each column. I put my appointments and "To Do" checklist in the top box, the middle box is all homeschool accomplishments for the day (that I divide into 5 sections for my 4 kids and group), and the last section in the daily column is where I do brief journaling of the happenings for that day and things going on in life. I write meal plans for dinner for the week across the tops of each column too.
I don't know how you fit everything into one box for 4 kids! I have 4 I'm schooling now, and even brief "subject X:lesson Y" kind of notes wouldn't fit. 🙈 I've used a happy planner in the past, but usually a classic size. The big was too big. 😅
@@amieparham7657 haha! I keep it very basic and write what subjects they completed that day vs specific lessons since it's usually one lesson a day, ie: "Math, LA, typing, robotics, etc. Maybe I write small too. My Pilot 0.38 pen is very helpful with that 😁. I use the classic size too 'cause I don't like how big the large is.
I adopted my three kids from foster care and I homeschool the youngest and have benefited so much from what you have shared. They all have different health/behavior/sensory issues. It is HARD. Sharing the hardness is helpful. Thanks for sharing with such grace and addressing that education "success" is low on the priority list. And that is a good thing. There are greater priorities for sure.
THanks for sharing something so personal. It's good to be encouraged to get help if you need it, because we often think that we are the only ones that can help ourselves and/or our children, blocking out outside sources/resources that can be of benefit to us. I applaud you Angela and CR for making your children's needs a first. priority and encouraging others to do the same.👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤❤
Thank you for the update. My daughter got diagnosed with ADHD last year but it was in the middle of the year. It was a struggle to school her through it. You are not alone. I thunk it is great that you are putting him first and helping him.
Thank you for sharing your story about Noah. My son has a development delay and we have found a lovely school that nurtures and helps him. During the year of lockdown, he was making little progress at home with me and sometimes homeschooling doesn't work for some children. I'm just grateful that he loves coming home and sharing what he has learnt with us ❤️ hope you and your family are keeping well. X
I hear my daughter's story in Noah's. It's so hard on momma when her baby is struggling. I'm so proud of you for pushing forward to find out what is best for each child! ❤️
I want a home school planner that isn't by the day but has space on the left for tasks that need to be done through the week and on the right has check boxes for M-F to show when it was done.
This video was very helpful. Thank you for sharing. I would like a planner with room for homeschool activities and personal things like dr appointments , etc so that I don’t overlap
My 5 year old has Down Syndrome. When you have a child with special needs, you really need to do what works best for you and your child. I love all my son's therapists and teachers.
I started crying because you spoke straight to my heart... The blurry lines part of what you shared is exactly what I'm going through. My daughter has a rare chromosomal duplication (less than 100 documented cases worldwide). No two cases are the same and we literally have no idea what is going to happen in her future. Blurry lines is exactly right.
My heart goes out to you as parents and Noah during the process. The "figuring it out" phase is really difficult. But it gets you to the other side (which is not necessarily easier) where success can look more individualized and better achieved. My sister has a more obvious disability, and my son is a rather masked one that makes some think "those parents..." type ideas. I find myself feeling the need to forewarn others maybe to prevent the inevitable judgment. So glad you found something that works for you all right now and prayers and hopes that more solid info comes your way soon.
Just homeschooling. Needs to be super flexible. I would like a “process” page for quarterly/seasonal/term review/analysis/evaluation. Just some questions to help prompt for tht process and think it all through and then record…BY student. So you can set original goals and check/adjust, record achievements and further growth opportunities in one place for each kid.
I’m a SLP and have worked with many kids with learning difficulties. I believe you are doing the best for your son. Building his skills as well as his confidence, friendships and confidence. Many homeschoolers wouldn’t reach out like you do. 👍
I find it SO encouraging how youre bending and adjusting. Even with the jungle room, having to make decisions on what works best for your kids in THAT season. ❤
My second son is dyslexic and I feel this so much. I had to step back and recognize what's most important and everything you said resonates with me! You are a good momma
I feel for you. I have 2 special needs. Many expect them to mold to us and our way. I have learned over 22 years is..... I mold to them. Hope that helps.
I love your homeschool videos. I had no idea what I was doing when I started 5 years ago and probably still don’t but you’ve always encouraged me to change what isn’t working and just keep going. ❤
Knowing that you’ve already tried a number of things, I’d encourage you to look into reflex integration as a therapy. We had seven foster children of which we were able to adopt two and though they’re now in their teens it’s taken till now to find this form of therapy for them. I’m amazed at the difference it makes.
Planner- a place to plan for future school years. Mardel’s planner has been my absolute fav for the past couple years but they have changed it up this year. 😞
Another great video. As Mamas, we can be so hard on ourselves. If we are aware of our children’s unique needs, and we respond to meet them, that means we are successful. It can be difficult when our plans are derailed. You inspire me to be my best. Thank you for this video. I have submitted the form so I won’t add my planner “issues” to this comment. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.
One that has everything please. I wish I could have a planner that had space for life/family, homeschool and work. Keeping up with three different planners is A LOT!
As someone who grew up and living with a learning disability I have never let it define who I am as a person. And don’t let him think he can’t do something just because of it. He can do anything and everything he wants to! That took me a very long time to understand and I wish someone had told me earlier in my life I could do it all it will just be hard work sometimes.
I am a person that needs to have a well organized every day homeschool and daily life planner. I need to have the space for homeschooling, my to-do list, meal plan, upcoming project ideas and plans. And definitely something with enough surface area I need space to write in fit all in.
Hi , I use a separate school planner for my high schooler. She fills it out as she does her work. The planner has a place for each subjects, a box where she outs what pages or lessons she did on that day, and is a weekly 2 page set up. I can reference it for daily work, tests, and it keeps track of school days, sick days, and holiday breaks. Very simple for both of us to use.
These are what I want in a planner: ♡ undated (just days of the week) for more flexibility for those of us who don't follow the usual school year ♡ no hours either so we can just write what we accomplished on days when we don't plan for anything (reverse planning or diary style) ♡ has a page for the student's basic info (age, height, weight, photo, etc.) so it can function as a yearbook as well ♡ basically, a planner that is designed more like a journal/diary than a business or school planner
Thank you for this. I've been struggling with figure out what is best for us. Putting the dates and checking off my teachers manual for My Father's World has been the best that works for me. When I remember I also write in down in a spirlal notebook and phone. Thank you so much for all you do.
I was so into the planners from Well Planned Gal. But a few years into creating my own mishmash of homeschooling curriculum, and I realized I needed more structure just as much as my children need structure. We’ve been doing solely My Father’s World this year and oh my goodness the load off my mind! Everything is planned for me and is mostly open and go. And the best part is that it’s working beautifully for my children. Catering to what works with one’s family as well as the individual children is so so important. And I hope new and vet homeschool parents realize this can take years! And it’s okay if it does!!! ❤
I use a sheet protector folder and put the current month in the front. Just a basic month with margin at top for a to do checklist. Just write lesson numbers completed, holidays and outings. I do have a wall calendar for appointment details by the door. I have a separate notepad for todo list details grocery, home improvement ect and a spiral note pad for lesson plans/ notes on progress, work samples. I used to journal but just have a 365 bible and make notes in that. I like a clean simple monthly calendar now but love seeing new organizational ideas. Thanks
Thank you so much for sharing this. I am walking through trying to figure out what myself and my kids may be dealing with also. Part of this process is dealing with some grief that has come up for me in wondering if *I* have been part of the problem for my sweet kiddos because of disciplining them for things that I now am realizing they weren't doing by choice. It is not a road I ever envisioned traveling as a mom, but, with the Lord as my strength, I am here for it.
I started using homeschool planet last year and it has been perfect. So easy to plan and reschedule when the plan ultimately falls behind. Each kid gets their weekly checklist printed out for their clipboard.
One where I can write down childs name and subject line. With enough space to write down details of the curriculum and perhaps what we worked on and completed for that day. Field trips and activities. Group meet ups. Outside appointments for children recurring to school. Extra homeschool sources for web and books. I for one would love a compiled list of all the websites you know about for homeschool. And books you use for read aloud.
Wow. This video for me is divine intervention. I have loved your videos/ family/ books for years etc. but I don't usually watch homeschool content much anymore as our homeschool journey closed (for now at least).... today for some reason I felt the need to watch this and if it wasn't exactly my story with one of my own sons... just days ago I received more information on his evals/ diagnosis.... I have advocated for him and fought so hard to support my baby and your words on how you felt have healed me a little because like you I had so much guilt. then all your words on success you want for your children - perfection. I so needed this. Thank you always for just being you. sending you & your family lots of love!
I loved this video and the things you said about your children and the things you said you want for your babies. I have a son in the same position and it's been quite hard and watching this video made me tear up because I did the same thing with the discipline and afterwards felt horrible for not being more understanding. Absolutely loved this video and your transparency without sheding a tear doing it. Very powerful and sending support ❤
I'll answer for my sister who homeschools 6 kids 13 and under. She loves hard cover, good quality spiral bound, non-dated homeschool planners that are simple horizontal boxes for each child with the date across the top, she does sometimes add the meal plan in the bottom row of boxes. Additional pages for field trip or co-op planning would be great. A visual tracker for how far a book is along would be nice - like boxes you fill in for how many chapters or lessons you've done. Additional pages for resources found by subject would be nice - like these are the youtube/documentaries/books I'd like to use for history or grammar or science, etc. If there was a perforated piece at the bottom you could rip off to give go your child or for the meal plan grocery list, that would be cool. It's nice to use as a life planner but is also used as the curriculum proof so they are kept after the fact - if it is a hard bound book then "homeschool 2023-2024" would be great on the spine. A planner that runs August through July with pages for planning the next school year. She fills it out at the end of the day to say what was completed and not ahead of time so it is an accurate summary of tasks actually completed. A list of books read together or 5 star things we did as an extra worksheet would be fun to look back on. And many braindump pages... and a folder pocket at the front...but don't need trackers for things like water intake 😅
I am now a adult but diagnosed with ADHD & learning disability. I truly believe I have autism high functioning. I didn't get the assistance in school, support from family. I admire you as a parent with a child with challenges. I am still struggling because of my childhood. I'm so glad Noah is getting the help he needs and have the family support & love that he needs and deserves that I didn't get. I know Noah will do great things in his life even with the struggles he's had in his younger years.
I love your channel! I've been homeschooling for 2 years now and I've struggled. But since finding you, you've helped me feel better about all of it. I have a 10 yr old who is behind tremendously with reading and it has stressed me out, especially considering that 6 of 8 of my kids are school aged, so it's overwhelming. But your advice to read to them has absolutely helped us all love to read more!
We had our homeschool space upstairs in a bedroom and it was really hard to do homeschooling up there. We set it up cute, but I found that my daughters work better on their school throughout the day while I do house work, meals, and my work. We now do school in the kitchen, at the dining room table, and in our little office room on the main floor. School really is part of life-not separate from life. :) I think the jungle room will be a great change for homeschooling!
I so much appreciate that you show grace towards homeschooling families. I love homeschooling my kids but found some respond better than others. With the less responsive kids I felt very guilty and pressured to exclusively homeschool. Now that I see how much my kids are thriving in their different learning environments the guilt has left. I do miss the flexibility of exclusivity homeschooling but not at the sacrifice of their happiness and interest in learning.
I really like a planner with a place for notes, monthly calenders, weekly calenders, and then the daily. Upcoming events, daily to do lists, priority lists, grocery lists, maybe even cleaning lists for each week that can be marked off. I like to put down in a planner what we did get done at the end of the day. With everything including homeschool. I think planning first and then at the end a separate place to write what did get done so that I'm not feeling bad about what I didn't get done but am motivated by what I did get done. :)
I do a “FrankenPlanner”….a bit of a mixture! I make my own with a Happy Planner and so I can print and add in what I want. The BIGGEST thing I’ve liked is the Productivity digital planner from Jordan Page with the blocks. I fill out the blocks for the day, the homeschool block includes our group subjects. Then I use the layout that come with the planner to write a list of each general kid’s list for the day. Really liked the Faith layout from Happy Planner. The older kids are also filling out their own planner for the week from Not Consumed ministries to help them have more accountability and independence. In the front of my planner, I’m able to punch schedules from our classes, theater practice etc so it’s all in one place.
Reading logs for each kid, place to track days, monthly calendars that can be blank so I can use each year, I use a book much like yours to record our daily work, 5 squares down and 8 across. A place to record resources for each subject, maybe a weekly planning sheet.
Noah man will do just fine and blossom with both you as parents who can recognise he needs a bit of help and also his teachers and class's mates who will celebrate his achievements along the way. I hope he is enjoying it! How did the girls enjoy coming to the UK and how are the new horses?! X
I really enjoy a simple planner. But I do use my planner for “life” planning too! My son has some disabilities and I am so glad you can open up. It helps make others , like me, not feel so alone.
I started watching you for the homeschool videos, it brings me so much joy to see this video!! As someone who two special needs kiddos thank you for this video !
I’d have to agree with others on the “all life” kind of planner. I tried the school planner and life planner. I would end up with appointments then lag behind on the schooling, all because I didn’t have them meshed together. I also like a week-planner-page along with a day-planner page, with to-do lists I can cross off or check off. As far as your video, i think it is such a strong thing to do, seeing your child’s need, recognizing it and doing what’s best for him. As a homeschool mom myself, I know it can almost be a part of our identity. What you’re doing now will change his course of history!
The minimalist school planner by school nest is the closest to what I like. All I need is what my state requires, a place to log attendance and a place to record work.
I just found out that my 24 year old son is on the spectrum . I had a feeling about him being like that. I just kick myself that I didn't see the signs earlier to get him the help he needed. Now I am slowly learning about his spectrum he has and something new pops up it seems like every day. And I am thankful he is finally getting help he needs.
I can relate regarding Noah. I have 4 kids. Our oldest is neurotypical. Our 2nd has Aspergers, ADHD, and OCD. Our 3rd has moderate to severe autism. Our 4th has ADHD. The younger 3 had or still have evaluations and speech therapy and occupational therapy. I understand your guilt and I'm sending you hugs. You have a great attitude about it all.
I LOVE my Penny Pincher planner and made adjustments to include our homeschool routine. I love that I can look at everything I need to do during the week and cross off each item. I use a line at the top to do "attendance" (I don't mark per kid, I either get all the kids or mark who was sick). I add a couple boxes at the end of the week to record that we finished our science and history lesson as a family. My only complaint is that I haven't figured out a good way to record which subjects my kids each completely individually each day.
I've recently gone through the same thing. My oldest recently got two diagnoses and it's been such a challenge. I've regretted how I handled what I now know was her frustration and overwhelm and I thought it was defiance. This video resonated with me deeply!
Thank you so much for this video. It really spoke to me as recently my adopted son was identified as likely having behavioural development needs and I have felt like a failure, frustrated, so unbelievably sad for him at times, and at others like I am going mad. Having now had some outside help from adoption UK things are steadily improving as I now have the tools and techniques to speak to nursery and soon his new school as to how to beat support him which is a load off my mind. You are such a fierce advocate for your kids and I really admire that. Have followed you over the years from the UK. You brought Benji home as a newborn at a v similar time my son came home through closed domestic adoption at 13ms. All the very best to Noah xxx
Thank you for voicing how difficulty with Noah needs vs. Rosie's. I get that visible disability vs invisible. My son, now 32, was diagnosed early with ADHD. I thought he was on the spectrum way back when, but it was decided to focus on the ADHD. My son is a dear hardworking, happily married with 6 kids. But, he does share his constant maintenance of his focus and other ADHD symptoms. We must always be our child's advocate.
I love your homeschool videos! I have been homeschooled, been to private school, & public school. In all of the cases: I wish that my parents would have gotten me additional outside help. I have dyslexia & ADD. Most of my years in school left me putting maximum effort into the simplest things & feeling stupid when ‘it still wasn’t good enough’. I did great in most of my subjects, but so needed SO MUCH HELP in my the other subjects. I plan to homeschool our children. My personal experience has taught me not to be afraid to outsource.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to share your personal perspective on having a child with an invisible need. So often being an invisible needs mom isn't talked about. My son was diagnosed with autism a year ago and since he doesn't meet the stereotypical profile of a child with autism, I've found that the responses he gets for just being his beautiful, loving, inclusive self aren't always kind. I appreciate you recognizing the difficulties we face and how overwhelming it can be, and the weight we carry in being the best Mom's we can be for them.
Thank you for the encouragement on kids with special needs…not beating ourselves up and it being okay to not homeschool for every single year. I needed to hear that. I enjoy all of your content. I don’t know how you do it all! It’s such a blessing, thank you. 🤍
Behavioral issues here. Food was a huge piece for us. God has really led us and opened our eyes to the needs of our children. I know the pain of dealing with a child who has behavior issues that push you to your absolute end. It’s hard. Praying for peace.
Part of the beauty of homeschooling is that they can each go at their own pace and it sounds like you found the perfect place to help support that for Noah. ❤
Homeschooling vids are what I’m here for. Even if they’re far and few in between I cherish your homeschool advice/ideas and styles. Thanks so much!
-homeschool mom of 3 boys
Me too! I homeschool 3 boys too :)
From 2 grade into high school I went to a private school for kids with dyslexia and learning disabilities. They gave me confidence, and knew how to teach me the way I needed. I didn’t read until age 8, and because of this school I felt no shame whatsoever. I am very proud whenever I get to tell someone that I have dyslexia. I had the most amazing teachers, they were all passionate and people I respected. That school changed my life, and by my last year I was one of the top three students in my class. I wrote beautiful essays on Shakespeare, and to this day I feel proud about my writing and ability to express myself. We wrote poetry too, and had vocabulary tests every week with 100 words or more. I am so thankful I had that school.
That is so cool you were able to attend a school like that!
I have a son with dyslexia and can completely relate to this.. the early years were so hard and I definitely felt the guilt once we discovered it. He has been in tutoring via zoom for three years now and I’m just blown away at his progress!! I think it’s so wise to get the help.. in the words of Julie Bogart, “Help helps!”
I am in the same place with my daughter.
SAME here ❤
Can I ask who you use as a tutor? We are looking to go that route with my son with dyslexia
@@charitywheeler9278 Where do you live? We are from Birmingham, AL and there’s some great resources here. If you aren’t close, I can ask them to check what is close to you. 😉
@@rhonda-loggins we’re in Virginia
I was a gramma of 50 (I'm now 69) before I learned my math difficulties my entire life were due to an actual math disability. I did fine with the very early years of elementary school but once we hit multiplication, I struggled. Once I hit college in my later life, I had learned ways to cope and I made it through college math be putting forth herculean efforts but I did it. I'm nearly in tears being so glad you are approaching Noah's issues early on. He is such a charmer and will do amazing with the extra help!
Go Noah, go! You are going to accomplish amazing things, just as God intended you to do them 🌟
My son was diagnosed w autism at 3. I understand the tears but i also see the the drive to raise children w values! You are doing all the right things. We did 3 yrs of therapy. 40 hours a week. It was difficult for all of us. However it was so worth it. He is off to college this year a well rounded, well liked young man. God chose you to be his mom! His life will be rich and successful because of That Godly choice.
I’m not a parent and I don’t always watch your homeschooling content. But I do usually watch the videos about organising the homeschooling spaces. And I just want to say how much I admire your perseverance in rearranging and organising spaces to fit your needs. You don’t get caught in “I spent so much time organising this space 6 months ago” you just think, “well we tried that and it’s not working or our needs have evolved so we’re gonna change it up again” maybe you get tired of it, but I enjoy seeing your idea come to life and how you adapt spaces and furniture for new purposes. Keep it up.
I also love the homeschool decor:)
I had to pause the video just to tell you how much I understand! My son was recently diagnosed with a disability that falls under a learning disability, but as time goes on they are starting to explain it as a developmental disability. I know quite a bit about this area, but he is also gifted, and most people think since he’s gifted he shouldn’t have any disabilities. It’s very hard to explain and can be exhausting. I wish you the best in your journey. ❤❤
My son has the same issues. Why is he "gifted" but has this disability? ugh... it's hard.
It’s hard, and to top it off they barely skim the surface of giftedness in education programs. I reached the point that I was so frustrated regarding the information out there about gifted children and the struggles they have that I returned to school for cognitive psychology. More people need to understand that just because a child can academically thrive doesn’t mean they can’t struggle elsewhere. I wish you the best of luck when handling people that question you regarding your son. ❤
Us as well. We went in for an evaluation for dyslexia and ADHD and came out with a twice exceptional diagnosis, I had never even heard of that before. Trying to help guide and school a kiddo with giftedness and unseen learn difficulties has been quite a trial. You are not alone either! ❤
I sympathize. My child was diagnosed with both very young but it's not always obvious to on-lookers. Also even professionals; doctors, therapists, etc would not fully understand and need to be reminded constantly of when our child is age/ grade-level with certain things but like a toddler with others. And that can vary depending on the stress of the week, etc.
There are periods of drastic regression when stressful events occur, such as the shut downs, or someone moving. They have lower communication so they handle a lot of their own. It can be heartbreaking but we do our best to help her cope.
She looks older and "normal" on the surface most times, but will randomly show a bad habit from her disability and people assume she's a NT kid that isn't being taught to NOT do those things. Even though we've worked tirelessly, just honestly need to pick our battles.
Anyway, I hope you understand but also it's sad if you understand of course. Challenges make us stronger though, and I have found that to be true of parents in the special needs community! 🩷✨✌️
My daughter could read fluently like an adult from 4 without ever being taught. She didn’t understand most of what she read but corrected the teachers spelling etc. She looked regular and pretty, fitting in with social norms but had/has a host of problems that impact greatly on her life.
I prefer one with stickers and for homeachooling areas for each kid!
I understand so well the blurry lines in determining behavior issues that need to be disciplined and addressed vs behavior that is just organic and coming from a very “spectromy” place. It has been the very hardest part of parenting so far. Love to you.
I was nodding my head to alot of what you said. When you said how it can be harder sometimes when your child has a disability that you cant see, that really resonated with me. My son has a stutter and believed to have some sort of adhd. All I can do is get him whatever help is available. He is in occupational therapy, speech, and a program called "special friends " where they teach him how to control big emotions and playing with others. 💕
Thank you for sharing. We are a family of 6 with 4 children adopted from foster care. My 5th daughter has pretty severe effects from the drug exposure. It's very hard because her only diagnosis is ADHD, but it's SO much more than that. She is currently in school, getting all the testing as well. God has shown me that I have to surrender my desires in regards to their education. You definitely have to have another level of trust.
I love your vulnerability and willingness to share. My son has Asperger’s/ADHD and we had the opposite effect where public school was causing all of our problems. I was a public school educator and had to make the decision to leave my career and homeschool him. Since then we were able to take him off all of his medicine. He also was suffering from Trichotillomania which completely went away. It was the scariest but the best decision we have ever made.
The important thing is now you know and are moving forward together. Sometimes kids need to learn sideways because that’s how their brains work. We’re all rooting for you Noah!!!
I am so proud of you, Angie! I have been around the homeschool world for a while now. I have seen many moms unfortunately, not get their children outside help. I think sometimes they will feel as if it is their own failure and inability to teach their child, when it’s not you are setting an incredible example to so many homeschool moms that sometimes you have to seek help outside of your self for your children’s education when it becomes necessary. Thank you thank you thank you.
I can relate with wanting…”forward motion.” It’s a struggle but the Lord does provide!
As a mom of a child who has learning disabilities, I’m so thankful for you speaking on this and the struggles that not only our children face, but what we face as parents when trying to make the best decisions for them! We take the wins when we get them, no matter how small! ❤️
Prayers mama, it IS difficult! I have a beautiful son with invisible disabilities and it is hard. Hugs to you ❤️ and all the parents doing the best for their kiddos!
All in one! I made my own this year but would love one already made for me. Space for multiple children, a calendar, meal planner, cleaning schedule spot, kids chores, and even a spot to write down bills/budget. I know that’s asking a lot but that would be the perfect planner!
Yes!!! And a no date calendar.
I stopped using homeschool planners and stared creating individual syllabi for each kiddo. They know what they need to get done each day and use a highlighter to mark off each thing they’ve completed. It has been great, and I plan on using this system for years to come.
Thank you for doing what Noah needs even when it's hard. I grew up with learning disabilities but the adults in my life wouldn't do all the testing needed so I was a teen before I knew why I struggled so much.
I have tried having designated homeschool areas. I even moved our table to the kitchen to use the dining room for homeschool and put the kids’ desks in there for them and all they needed. But they just ended up fussing. Inevitably, one of them would end up lying at the back door in the floor where the sunshine comes in and is warm.
So then I got new desks and set them each up in their rooms with everything. They used the desks to pile junk on.
I finally sold their desks and they have lap desks now so they have a surface to write on wherever they want to do school. Most of their work is self explanatory so they just need me if they get stuck.
It finally dawned on me one day that part of homeschool was so it wouldn’t feel or be like public school which they know nothing about anyway.
So now I’m trying to go with the flow and as long as they get their assignments finished, I don’t give them time constraints or care where they work at. Some days they just want to be in the room with me. Some days they might want to be together and sometimes they want to be alone or lie at the back door in sun!
I hope you get your diagnosis for your son. I think my 12 year old has auditory processing disorder. He mishears so much! I tried to get him diagnosed when he was younger and they gave him some academic tests and said he was too smart for assistance. I wasn’t trying to get assistance. Just a diagnosis. He passed all his hearing tests.
I knew he was smart enough. Not sure what that had to do with APD.
I’ll comment on both homeschooling special needs kiddos and the planner. First, my 13 year old is special needs. I made the decision to bring him home finally after 10+ years of special ed and unfortunately loads of battles and advocating to ensure he was getting his needs met. Finally our family could bring him home after receiving proper evaluation (Institutes for the Achievement of Human Performance in Philadelphia) and a very customized plan. So glad you found a good spot for your guy. Regarding the planner - I’m a new HS Mommy - I brought my two girls home only (nearly) two years ago. I use my planner only for HS planning because I can quickly plot out plans and goals and then concretize them in my Google calendar if needed. I do think I enjoy the separation of HS from other parts of life otherwise it feels as though it’s taking over my life (which in practical ways it does/will expand into life and it should). I guess I’m also too tied to my electronic calendar and don’t ever see myself only have paper planners for it all. Maybe you could figure out how to bridge that gap? 😅
Thank you so much for always being so honest and open about everything. Homeschooling is not always the same or easy but God is good. About the planner, the more simple the better. I always find that a separate planner for life and homeschool is the best. Keep up the good work!!
My preference is an "all life planning" in one planner. I use the Happy Planner and the week by week calendar that is divided into vertical columns for each day with 3 sections in each column. I put my appointments and "To Do" checklist in the top box, the middle box is all homeschool accomplishments for the day (that I divide into 5 sections for my 4 kids and group), and the last section in the daily column is where I do brief journaling of the happenings for that day and things going on in life. I write meal plans for dinner for the week across the tops of each column too.
I don't know how you fit everything into one box for 4 kids! I have 4 I'm schooling now, and even brief "subject X:lesson Y" kind of notes wouldn't fit. 🙈 I've used a happy planner in the past, but usually a classic size. The big was too big. 😅
@@amieparham7657 haha! I keep it very basic and write what subjects they completed that day vs specific lessons since it's usually one lesson a day, ie: "Math, LA, typing, robotics, etc. Maybe I write small too. My Pilot 0.38 pen is very helpful with that 😁. I use the classic size too 'cause I don't like how big the large is.
Happy Planner too. I have one for my kids cyber school. Then one for work and one for general times. All open and working during the week.
I adopted my three kids from foster care and I homeschool the youngest and have benefited so much from what you have shared. They all have different health/behavior/sensory issues. It is HARD. Sharing the hardness is helpful. Thanks for sharing with such grace and addressing that education "success" is low on the priority list. And that is a good thing. There are greater priorities for sure.
THanks for sharing something so personal. It's good to be encouraged to get help if you need it, because we often think that we are the only ones that can help ourselves and/or our children, blocking out outside sources/resources that can be of benefit to us. I applaud you Angela and CR for making your children's needs a first. priority and encouraging others to do the same.👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤❤
Thank you for the update. My daughter got diagnosed with ADHD last year but it was in the middle of the year. It was a struggle to school her through it. You are not alone. I thunk it is great that you are putting him first and helping him.
Great to meet each child where they are at and getting the help they need ❤️
Thank you for sharing your story about Noah. My son has a development delay and we have found a lovely school that nurtures and helps him. During the year of lockdown, he was making little progress at home with me and sometimes homeschooling doesn't work for some children. I'm just grateful that he loves coming home and sharing what he has learnt with us ❤️ hope you and your family are keeping well. X
I like the simple strictly homeschool planner idea
I hear my daughter's story in Noah's. It's so hard on momma when her baby is struggling. I'm so proud of you for pushing forward to find out what is best for each child! ❤️
You are such a good mom, and your children are blessed to have you. 🤍 Thank you for sharing and being an encouragement to the rest of us mamas. 🤗
I want a home school planner that isn't by the day but has space on the left for tasks that need to be done through the week and on the right has check boxes for M-F to show when it was done.
This video was very helpful. Thank you for sharing. I would like a planner with room for homeschool activities and personal things like dr appointments , etc so that I don’t overlap
My 5 year old has Down Syndrome. When you have a child with special needs, you really need to do what works best for you and your child. I love all my son's therapists and teachers.
Wow how wonderful you find a school that can help him! What a blessing.
You're wonderful parents, and your children are blessed to have you as much as you're blessed to have them.
I started crying because you spoke straight to my heart... The blurry lines part of what you shared is exactly what I'm going through. My daughter has a rare chromosomal duplication (less than 100 documented cases worldwide). No two cases are the same and we literally have no idea what is going to happen in her future. Blurry lines is exactly right.
I have been watching your videos for like 5 years and I feel like I know you. You have helped me in my homeschooling journey ❤
My heart goes out to you as parents and Noah during the process. The "figuring it out" phase is really difficult. But it gets you to the other side (which is not necessarily easier) where success can look more individualized and better achieved. My sister has a more obvious disability, and my son is a rather masked one that makes some think "those parents..." type ideas. I find myself feeling the need to forewarn others maybe to prevent the inevitable judgment. So glad you found something that works for you all right now and prayers and hopes that more solid info comes your way soon.
I just experienced the same issue last fall. I think it is wonderful that you are sharing not just the ups but also the hard things.
Just homeschooling. Needs to be super flexible. I would like a “process” page for quarterly/seasonal/term review/analysis/evaluation. Just some questions to help prompt for tht process and think it all through and then record…BY student. So you can set original goals and check/adjust, record achievements and further growth opportunities in one place for each kid.
I’m a SLP and have worked with many kids with learning difficulties. I believe you are doing the best for your son. Building his skills as well as his confidence, friendships and confidence.
Many homeschoolers wouldn’t reach out like you do. 👍
I find it SO encouraging how youre bending and adjusting. Even with the jungle room, having to make decisions on what works best for your kids in THAT season. ❤
So proud of you and your husband and happy for Noah!!!
My second son is dyslexic and I feel this so much. I had to step back and recognize what's most important and everything you said resonates with me! You are a good momma
Bravo, Mom! So glad he is a part of your family. ❤
I feel for you. I have 2 special needs. Many expect them to mold to us and our way. I have learned over 22 years is..... I mold to them. Hope that helps.
I love your homeschool videos. I had no idea what I was doing when I started 5 years ago and probably still don’t but you’ve always encouraged me to change what isn’t working and just keep going. ❤
Knowing that you’ve already tried a number of things, I’d encourage you to look into reflex integration as a therapy. We had seven foster children of which we were able to adopt two and though they’re now in their teens it’s taken till now to find this form of therapy for them. I’m amazed at the difference it makes.
Planner- a place to plan for future school years. Mardel’s planner has been my absolute fav for the past couple years but they have changed it up this year. 😞
Another great video. As Mamas, we can be so hard on ourselves. If we are aware of our children’s unique needs, and we respond to meet them, that means we are successful. It can be difficult when our plans are derailed. You inspire me to be my best. Thank you for this video. I have submitted the form so I won’t add my planner “issues” to this comment. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.
One that has everything please. I wish I could have a planner that had space for life/family, homeschool and work. Keeping up with three different planners is A LOT!
As someone who grew up and living with a learning disability I have never let it define who I am as a person. And don’t let him think he can’t do something just because of it. He can do anything and everything he wants to! That took me a very long time to understand and I wish someone had told me earlier in my life I could do it all it will just be hard work sometimes.
I am a person that needs to have a well organized every day homeschool and daily life planner. I need to have the space for homeschooling, my to-do list, meal plan, upcoming project ideas and plans. And definitely something with enough surface area I need space to write in fit all in.
Hi , I use a separate school planner for my high schooler. She fills it out as she does her work. The planner has a place for each subjects, a box where she outs what pages or lessons she did on that day, and is a weekly 2 page set up. I can reference it for daily work, tests, and it keeps track of school days, sick days, and holiday breaks. Very simple for both of us to use.
These are what I want in a planner:
♡ undated (just days of the week) for more flexibility for those of us who don't follow the usual school year
♡ no hours either so we can just write what we accomplished on days when we don't plan for anything (reverse planning or diary style)
♡ has a page for the student's basic info (age, height, weight, photo, etc.) so it can function as a yearbook as well
♡ basically, a planner that is designed more like a journal/diary than a business or school planner
Thank you for this. I've been struggling with figure out what is best for us. Putting the dates and checking off my teachers manual for My Father's World has been the best that works for me. When I remember I also write in down in a spirlal notebook and phone. Thank you so much for all you do.
It is amazing that you are finding the resources that he needs to succeed.
I was so into the planners from Well Planned Gal. But a few years into creating my own mishmash of homeschooling curriculum, and I realized I needed more structure just as much as my children need structure. We’ve been doing solely My Father’s World this year and oh my goodness the load off my mind! Everything is planned for me and is mostly open and go. And the best part is that it’s working beautifully for my children. Catering to what works with one’s family as well as the individual children is so so important. And I hope new and vet homeschool parents realize this can take years! And it’s okay if it does!!! ❤
I use a sheet protector folder and put the current month in the front. Just a basic month with margin at top for a to do checklist. Just write lesson numbers completed, holidays and outings. I do have a wall calendar for appointment details by the door. I have a separate notepad for todo list details grocery, home improvement ect and a spiral note pad for lesson plans/ notes on progress, work samples. I used to journal but just have a 365 bible and make notes in that. I like a clean simple monthly calendar now but love seeing new organizational ideas. Thanks
Thank you so much for sharing this. I am walking through trying to figure out what myself and my kids may be dealing with also. Part of this process is dealing with some grief that has come up for me in wondering if *I* have been part of the problem for my sweet kiddos because of disciplining them for things that I now am realizing they weren't doing by choice. It is not a road I ever envisioned traveling as a mom, but, with the Lord as my strength, I am here for it.
I started using homeschool planet last year and it has been perfect. So easy to plan and reschedule when the plan ultimately falls behind. Each kid gets their weekly checklist printed out for their clipboard.
One where I can write down childs name and subject line. With enough space to write down details of the curriculum and perhaps what we worked on and completed for that day. Field trips and activities. Group meet ups. Outside appointments for children recurring to school. Extra homeschool sources for web and books.
I for one would love a compiled list of all the websites you know about for homeschool. And books you use for read aloud.
Wow. This video for me is divine intervention. I have loved your videos/ family/ books for years etc. but I don't usually watch homeschool content much anymore as our homeschool journey closed (for now at least).... today for some reason I felt the need to watch this and if it wasn't exactly my story with one of my own sons... just days ago I received more information on his evals/ diagnosis.... I have advocated for him and fought so hard to support my baby and your words on how you felt have healed me a little because like you I had so much guilt. then all your words on success you want for your children - perfection. I so needed this. Thank you always for just being you. sending you & your family lots of love!
I loved this video and the things you said about your children and the things you said you want for your babies. I have a son in the same position and it's been quite hard and watching this video made me tear up because I did the same thing with the discipline and afterwards felt horrible for not being more understanding. Absolutely loved this video and your transparency without sheding a tear doing it. Very powerful and sending support ❤
I'll answer for my sister who homeschools 6 kids 13 and under. She loves hard cover, good quality spiral bound, non-dated homeschool planners that are simple horizontal boxes for each child with the date across the top, she does sometimes add the meal plan in the bottom row of boxes. Additional pages for field trip or co-op planning would be great. A visual tracker for how far a book is along would be nice - like boxes you fill in for how many chapters or lessons you've done. Additional pages for resources found by subject would be nice - like these are the youtube/documentaries/books I'd like to use for history or grammar or science, etc. If there was a perforated piece at the bottom you could rip off to give go your child or for the meal plan grocery list, that would be cool. It's nice to use as a life planner but is also used as the curriculum proof so they are kept after the fact - if it is a hard bound book then "homeschool 2023-2024" would be great on the spine. A planner that runs August through July with pages for planning the next school year. She fills it out at the end of the day to say what was completed and not ahead of time so it is an accurate summary of tasks actually completed. A list of books read together or 5 star things we did as an extra worksheet would be fun to look back on. And many braindump pages... and a folder pocket at the front...but don't need trackers for things like water intake 😅
I am now a adult but diagnosed with ADHD & learning disability. I truly believe I have autism high functioning. I didn't get the assistance in school, support from family. I admire you as a parent with a child with challenges. I am still struggling because of my childhood. I'm so glad Noah is getting the help he needs and have the family support & love that he needs and deserves that I didn't get. I know Noah will do great things in his life even with the struggles he's had in his younger years.
I love your channel! I've been homeschooling for 2 years now and I've struggled. But since finding you, you've helped me feel better about all of it. I have a 10 yr old who is behind tremendously with reading and it has stressed me out, especially considering that 6 of 8 of my kids are school aged, so it's overwhelming. But your advice to read to them has absolutely helped us all love to read more!
Yes I want a life/homeschool planner! And one where I can separate kids/subjects/day- and have enough room!
I love vertical planners with hourly separations so I can create a rhythm for the day, but not be tied to "times"
We had our homeschool space upstairs in a bedroom and it was really hard to do homeschooling up there. We set it up cute, but I found that my daughters work better on their school throughout the day while I do house work, meals, and my work. We now do school in the kitchen, at the dining room table, and in our little office room on the main floor. School really is part of life-not separate from life. :) I think the jungle room will be a great change for homeschooling!
As a mom of three, all of which have varying disabilities, I can totally relate to this video. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us❤️
I so much appreciate that you show grace towards homeschooling families. I love homeschooling my kids but found some respond better than others. With the less responsive kids I felt very guilty and pressured to exclusively homeschool. Now that I see how much my kids are thriving in their different learning environments the guilt has left. I do miss the flexibility of exclusivity homeschooling but not at the sacrifice of their happiness and interest in learning.
Learning differences not learning disabilities …. What we call them in public education and when not filling out paperwork for LD
I really like a planner with a place for notes, monthly calenders, weekly calenders, and then the daily. Upcoming events, daily to do lists, priority lists, grocery lists, maybe even cleaning lists for each week that can be marked off. I like to put down in a planner what we did get done at the end of the day. With everything including homeschool. I think planning first and then at the end a separate place to write what did get done so that I'm not feeling bad about what I didn't get done but am motivated by what I did get done. :)
I do a “FrankenPlanner”….a bit of a mixture! I make my own with a Happy Planner and so I can print and add in what I want. The BIGGEST thing I’ve liked is the Productivity digital planner from Jordan Page with the blocks. I fill out the blocks for the day, the homeschool block includes our group subjects. Then I use the layout that come with the planner to write a list of each general kid’s list for the day. Really liked the Faith layout from Happy Planner. The older kids are also filling out their own planner for the week from Not Consumed ministries to help them have more accountability and independence. In the front of my planner, I’m able to punch schedules from our classes, theater practice etc so it’s all in one place.
Reading logs for each kid, place to track days, monthly calendars that can be blank so I can use each year, I use a book much like yours to record our daily work, 5 squares down and 8 across. A place to record resources for each subject, maybe a weekly planning sheet.
Noah man will do just fine and blossom with both you as parents who can recognise he needs a bit of help and also his teachers and class's mates who will celebrate his achievements along the way. I hope he is enjoying it!
How did the girls enjoy coming to the UK and how are the new horses?! X
I really enjoy a simple planner. But I do use my planner for “life” planning too! My son has some disabilities and I am so glad you can open up. It helps make others , like me, not feel so alone.
I did the form but I've thought of a few more things to add. I guess I'll send an email I get your newsletters. Thanks Angela. Xx
I started watching you for the homeschool videos, it brings me so much joy to see this video!! As someone who two special needs kiddos thank you for this video !
Great video! Thanks for the honest update. I would enjoy a fairly simple planner with sections for other areas of life also.
I’d have to agree with others on the “all life” kind of planner. I tried the school planner and life planner. I would end up with appointments then lag behind on the schooling, all because I didn’t have them meshed together.
I also like a week-planner-page along with a day-planner page, with to-do lists I can cross off or check off.
As far as your video, i think it is such a strong thing to do, seeing your child’s need, recognizing it and doing what’s best for him. As a homeschool mom myself, I know it can almost be a part of our identity. What you’re doing now will change his course of history!
The minimalist school planner by school nest is the closest to what I like. All I need is what my state requires, a place to log attendance and a place to record work.
I just found out that my 24 year old son is on the spectrum . I had a feeling about him being like that. I just kick myself that I didn't see the signs earlier to get him the help he needed. Now I am slowly learning about his spectrum he has and something new pops up it seems like every day. And I am thankful he is finally getting help he needs.
I can relate regarding Noah. I have 4 kids. Our oldest is neurotypical. Our 2nd has Aspergers, ADHD, and OCD. Our 3rd has moderate to severe autism. Our 4th has ADHD. The younger 3 had or still have evaluations and speech therapy and occupational therapy. I understand your guilt and I'm sending you hugs. You have a great attitude about it all.
I LOVE my Penny Pincher planner and made adjustments to include our homeschool routine. I love that I can look at everything I need to do during the week and cross off each item. I use a line at the top to do "attendance" (I don't mark per kid, I either get all the kids or mark who was sick). I add a couple boxes at the end of the week to record that we finished our science and history lesson as a family. My only complaint is that I haven't figured out a good way to record which subjects my kids each completely individually each day.
I've recently gone through the same thing. My oldest recently got two diagnoses and it's been such a challenge. I've regretted how I handled what I now know was her frustration and overwhelm and I thought it was defiance. This video resonated with me deeply!
Thank you so much for this video. It really spoke to me as recently my adopted son was identified as likely having behavioural development needs and I have felt like a failure, frustrated, so unbelievably sad for him at times, and at others like I am going mad. Having now had some outside help from adoption UK things are steadily improving as I now have the tools and techniques to speak to nursery and soon his new school as to how to beat support him which is a load off my mind. You are such a fierce advocate for your kids and I really admire that. Have followed you over the years from the UK. You brought Benji home as a newborn at a v similar time my son came home through closed domestic adoption at 13ms. All the very best to Noah xxx
Thank you for voicing how difficulty with Noah needs vs. Rosie's. I get that visible disability vs invisible. My son, now 32, was diagnosed early with ADHD. I thought he was on the spectrum way back when, but it was decided to focus on the ADHD. My son is a dear hardworking, happily married with 6 kids. But, he does share his constant maintenance of his focus and other ADHD symptoms. We must always be our child's advocate.
I just removed my TV from off the wall!! It's been so nice! I'm so thankful my husband was on board with it
I prefer in all in one life and Homeschool so that I can just have one to go to I don't like to many planners I feel overwhelmed with 2 or 3 lol.
I love your homeschool videos! I have been homeschooled, been to private school, & public school. In all of the cases: I wish that my parents would have gotten me additional outside help. I have dyslexia & ADD. Most of my years in school left me putting maximum effort into the simplest things & feeling stupid when ‘it still wasn’t good enough’. I did great in most of my subjects, but so needed SO MUCH HELP in my the other subjects.
I plan to homeschool our children. My personal experience has taught me not to be afraid to outsource.