Although homeschooling children who learn differently are a huge blessing, they can also be challenging, time-consuming, and confusing. Every child has unique needs and there are varied opinions and methods to sort through. This new Pre-conference Track will help to encourage and provide practical tips for those families who work with learning challenges daily. It will be a good jumpstart into a weekend full of workshops which will give you support, confidence, and hope.  The four afternoon workshops include...

What About Me?  -  Peggy Ployhar.

Speaking to the needs of parents who have a child with special needs, this talk turns the tables and asks parents to consider their own special needs. Speaking from the experience of being a parent and a foster parent of multiple special needs children, Peggy Ployhar has firsthand knowledge of the rigorous demands put on a parent who is raising and home schooling a child with special needs. Woven with personal stories, biblical truth, and lots of encouragement, this talk is sure to not only equip these special parents with a greater understanding their needs but also with an arsenal of practical ideas on how they can go about getting those needs met.

Realistic Homeschooling for Those with Special Needs Children - Kim Ury.

Traditional curriculum may not work for your child and with the multitude of options out there, it’s difficult to know what to choose. Learn about modifying curriculum, making accommodations on tests and adapting the environment to make your child successful. See examples of specialized curriculum, assistive technology and practical solutions.

The Importance of Social Skills - Kim Ury. 

Rigid behaviors, meltdowns, and social anxiety can make friendships difficult to achieve. How can your child successfully participate in homeschool co-ops, classes and field trips? What are the best techniques to teach social skills? What are friendship groups and can they really help your child? Learn why knowing the “social rules” isn’t enough and how to end the isolation while developing meaningful friendships.

Special Needs Panel - Moderated by Michael Ury. 

Here is an opportunity to ask questions and have them answered by a panel of homeschooling parents who are quite experienced in working with children who struggle to learn. To submit questions ahead of time, email them to MACHE’s Special Needs Coordinator, Kim Ury, at kim@mache.org.