Cheryl Swope's Blog, page 20

Michelle’s Poetry – Highlighted Today on a Writer’s Site!

Why do we cry when our challenged children receive recognition? Perhaps because we alone see the pain on their faces when they disappoint, fail, and suffer. Today my daughter received recognition that brought a smiling blush to her cheeks and a tear to my eyes. For National Poetry Month, author … Continue reading →

Does the “Simply Classical Curriculum” Work?

Some say that any curriculum will work, so long as you teach it! Even so, we were thrilled to see the Before & After videos of a child learning from the Simply Classical Curriculum, voted #1 in Special Needs*. This student began with echolalic language and limited skills. He is … Continue reading →

Eastertide – Christ as the Victor – Even in our Challenge

My daughter Michelle – the complex, gifted young woman with autism, specific learning disabilities, severe mental illness, and medical conditions – whose story is told in Simply Classical – had not written a poem in a very long time. I wondered if she would write again. And then, inspired by … Continue reading →

Special Needs – To Enroll or To Homeschool?

Q: I wonder whether to homeschool my preschool-age son with special needs or enroll him in a program for his schooling. I find that his current therapists do not push my son to achieve nearly as much as my husband and I are accomplishing at home.* … Will school be … Continue reading →

Need to Teach Manners, Bible, Math, Phonics, Science, Writing? – Curriculum for Special Needs Now Available BY SUBJECT!

Our unique Simply Classical Curriculum for special needs provides the academic answer to those who wonder how to put “education” back into special education. Voted #1 in Special Needs by OldSchoolhouse Magazine 2014 and reviewed favorably by Cathy Duffy 2015, our full Simply Classical Curriculum is integrated, cohesive and thematic … Continue reading →

LCMS – Eternal Treasures: Teaching Your Child at Home – More Reviews from Lutheran homeschoolers

Will this book benefit YOU? Eternal Treasures. Consider these thoughts from Lutheran homeschoolers: “I will be a better equipped parent for reading this book…. The book is positive, energetic, and thorough, and the upbeat and supportive messages are healing…. There are outstanding nuggets, both educational and theological.” -Mary Moerbe / … Continue reading →

Q&A: Homeschooling with Simply Classical Curriculum -Can this Help Selective Mutism?

A mom writes, “I just listened to your podcast with Sarah Mackenzie, and I am really intrigued by your curriculum, Simply Classical.” She continues to ask whether the Simply Classical Curriculum might help her daughter who struggles with the anxiety disorder of Selective Mutism. [Keep reading for the response.] A: … Continue reading →

How to Teach Level A – Simply Classical Curriculum – with Reviews

Whether teaching from the full Curriculum Guide $30 available here or Individualized Lesson Plans, follow these simple steps each week: 1. Create an Opening (A full daily opening is included in the Simply Classical Level A Curriculum Guide.) For example: Open with a prayer. Discuss the calendar and weather. Recite … Continue reading →

Help for Visually Impaired/Low Vision/Weak Visual Processing – Special Needs

We received a phone call from someone concerned about a child whose visual impairments require an enlarged font to read. For anyone else in a similar situation, including children whose learning disabilities require adjustments in visual teaching techniques, find resources via the hyperlinks within these headings: Reading machines and other … Continue reading →

Friendship/Social Skills – Special Needs

Since his toddlerhood we have attempted to coach our son (autism, speech difficulties, coordination delays, and severe mental illness) to reach outside of himself and befriend others. Now 6’2″, Michael is manifesting lessons learned. Yesterday before a visit to see my 90-year-old father-in-law we coached Michael, “Pop may not recognize … Continue reading →