Cheryl Swope's Blog, page 35

Teaching Reading with Special Needs: Isolated Words vs. Contextual Reading

On our SimplyClassical.com forum, a homeschooling mother asks about her 9yo son with dyslexia. She notes that, while he reads isolated word cards quite well, he does not integrate these skills with good reading fluency. She also requests help with his memory work and recitations. Read suggestions within the full … Continue reading →

Florida – FPEA Schedule May 2015

Join me for these sessions May 22-23, 2015 in Orlando, Florida: Friday & Saturday Workshops Location for all: “Osceola A” Visit the Memoria Press booth #711 throughout the conference. See the new Simply Classical Curriculum and provide input for future levels. I will be available nearly all day Saturday for … Continue reading →

Intro to O.T.: A Pocketful of Help

While working on another project, I found this resource: The Pocket Occupational Therapist for Families of Children with Special Needs. For anyone new to special needs, this handy little volume not only includes such practical items as scissors skills, sensory processing, and feeding therapy, but also explains commonly used terms … Continue reading →

Welcome to the “Simply Classical” Home Page

This is your home for simplified, beautiful classical education in philosophy & practice! Our encouraging guidebook is recommended for anyone new to classical education OR who would appreciate a restored vision with classical education OR who wishes to bring a classical education to any child with learning challenges. See Simply … Continue reading →

Relax OR Push? (The Answer Might Surprise You … )

Q: “Every year seems to slowly improve, which is the good thing, but it’s been a long road. I admit that my mother’s heart would almost prefer to just take it easy for a year, let her catch up, have some time for emotional growth. But then I feel that … Continue reading →

Meet Emotional Needs OR Push with Strong Academics? (The Answer Might Surprise You … )

Q: “Every year seems to slowly improve, which is the good thing, but it’s been a long road. I admit that my mother’s heart would almost prefer to just take it easy for a year, let her catch up, have some time for emotional growth. But then I feel that … Continue reading →

How Do We Write an I.E.P./S.E.P. for Special Needs … in a Classical Christian Context?

Mentally divide goals into 1) quantifiable and 2) “immeasurable.” Save the immeasurable, intangible goals for yourself. You want your child to love books, delight in words, and be kind to others. You want her to appreciate truth, goodness, and beauty despite her special challenges. As your child’s parent, you will … Continue reading →

Classical Lutheran Education Conference July 14-16, 2015

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Register before May 31 for the early-bird rate. CCLE XV Schedule is now available.  (Smart phone version here.) [For anyone near St. Louis, these discounted Southwest flights are inexpensive to Dallas Love Field through this Friday. Alternate link, if needed.] Listen to Faith & Family on … Continue reading →

5 Tips for Good Assessments: NeuroPsych, PsychEduc

How does comprehensive individual testing differ from waste-of-time testing? Consider 5 tips to find beneficial assessments for your child: 1. Obtain individualized testing from a pediatric neuropsychologist or someone trained in psychoeducational assessment, or both. See this FAQ about Neuropsychology. See also “Understanding the Psychoeducational Assessment.” Individualized testing can be … Continue reading →

Q&A: Teaching Reading to a Child with Possible Dyslexia

From a question to cherylswope@memoriapress.com, received yesterday*: Dear Cheryl, Our daughter has undergone numerous tests and evaluations.  She is currently in speech therapy and occupational therapy. After all results came back, it was determined that she is impaired in reading, writing, and math.  She doesn’t like to write, draw, color, … Continue reading →