by Gina Noble | Aug 10, 2023 | Compass Blog
Homeschooling provides a unique opportunity to tailor your child’s education to their individual needs and interests. In recent years, an innovative approach called gamification has gained momentum in the education sector, offering a dynamic and engaging way to enhance learning experiences.
Gamification involves integrating game elements and mechanics into educational activities, creating a motivating and immersive environment for students. In this blog post, we will explore how incorporating gamification can breathe new life into your homeschool curriculum, focusing specifically on the subjects of history and language arts.
The Power of Play in Learning
Why do kids (and even adults) enjoy playing games? The answer lies in the intrinsic motivation and enjoyment that games provide. Gamification harnesses this power by introducing elements such as challenges, rewards, competition, and a sense of accomplishment into the learning process. When applied effectively, gamification can transform seemingly mundane subjects into exciting quests, turning your homeschool into a vibrant hub of discovery.
Gamification in History
History often comes across as a collection of dates, names, and events. However, by infusing gamification, you can turn history into an interactive adventure that your child will eagerly embark upon. Here are a few gamification strategies to consider:
1. Time Traveler’s Quest: Create a narrative-driven game where your child becomes a time traveler exploring different historical eras. As they progress through different periods, they unlock clues, solve puzzles, and complete challenges that correspond to significant historical events.
2. Historical Role-Playing: Assign your child the role of a historical figure and have them research and present their character’s life. This approach not only builds research and presentation skills but also fosters empathy by allowing them to step into the shoes of someone from the past.
3. Museum Mysteries: Design virtual or physical “museum” exhibits based on different historical themes. Your child can curate exhibits, write descriptions, and even create artifacts to showcase their understanding of specific time periods.
Gamification in Language Arts
Language arts encompasses a range of skills, from reading and writing to communication and critical thinking. By introducing gamification, you can nurture these skills while making the learning journey entertaining:
1. Literary Adventures: Turn classic literature into an immersive experience by encouraging your child to create alternate endings, design book covers, or even write letters from one character to another. This approach enhances their comprehension and analytical skills.
2. Vocabulary Duels: Transform vocabulary building into a friendly competition. Use flashcards with words of varying difficulty levels and assign points for correct usage in sentences. Create a leaderboard to track progress and motivate your child to expand their vocabulary.
3. Storytelling Challenges: Encourage your child to develop their own short stories, incorporating specific elements such as a particular setting, character, or plot twist. This fosters creativity and narrative skills while adding an element of fun.
Benefits of Gamification in Homeschooling
Incorporating gamification into your homeschooling routine can yield a myriad of benefits beyond just making learning enjoyable:
1. Increased Engagement: Gamification taps into the natural human desire for challenge and achievement, making your child more enthusiastic about learning.
2. Enhanced Retention: The interactive nature of gamified activities helps improve information retention and understanding, as concepts are learned through practical application.
3. Skill Development: Gamification promotes the development of various skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and time management.
4. Personalized Learning: Through gamified experiences, you can tailor activities to your child’s learning style, pace, and preferences, maximizing their educational growth.
5. Positive Reinforcement: Rewards and achievements in gamification provide a sense of accomplishment, boosting your child’s self-esteem and confidence.
6. Reduced Learning Stress: By turning challenging subjects into games, gamification can alleviate the anxiety often associated with learning.
A Game-Changer
Incorporating gamification into your homeschool curriculum can be a game-changer, elevating your child’s learning experience in history and language arts. Through imaginative approaches like time-travel quests, historical role-playing, literary adventures, and vocabulary duels, you can ignite a passion for learning while fostering crucial skills. As you embark on this gamified journey, remember that the goal is to create an environment where education and entertainment seamlessly merge, propelling your child toward a brighter, more engaging future. So, power up your homeschooling with gamification, and watch your child thrive as they play their way to knowledge and excellence.
by True North Homeschool Academy | Jul 11, 2023 | Compass Blog
True North Homeschool Academy: Pioneering the Next Frontier in Homeschooling
Homeschooling has gained immense popularity over the years, providing families with the flexibility and freedom to tailor education to their children’s unique needs. At True North Homeschool Academy we use an innovative educational platform and have emerged as a leading advocate of next-generation homeschooling approaches.
Thursday, July 13, 1pm CST, 2pm EST. Live, via Zoom.
One such method we champion is the SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition) model, which revolutionizes how technology is integrated into homeschool curricula.
As the homeschooling movement continues to evolve, Lisa Nehring, the founder of True North Homeschool Academy, is at the forefront with her upcoming seminar, “Not Your Mama’s Education,” offering insights into the next frontier of homeschooling.
The SAMR Method: Enhancing Homeschooling through Technology
At the heart of True North Homeschool Academy’s innovative approach lies the SAMR model, a framework that guides educators and parents in leveraging technology effectively. The SAMR model classifies technology integration into four levels: Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition.
Substitution refers to the basic replacement of traditional tools with technological alternatives. Augmentation enhances the learning experience by adding additional functionality. Modification involves redesigning tasks to foster more creative and collaborative activities, while Redefinition empowers students to engage in tasks that were previously inconceivable.
By employing the SAMR method, True North Homeschool Academy harnesses the potential of technology to engage students, promote critical thinking, and foster deeper understanding. From online discussions and interactive assignments to virtual labs and digital simulations, technology becomes a catalyst for transformative learning experiences.
The Next Frontier: “Not Your Mama’s Education” Seminar
Lisa Nehring, the visionary behind True North Homeschool Academy, is hosting an exciting seminar titled “Not Your Mama’s Education.” This eagerly anticipated event will delve into the future of homeschooling and explore emerging trends and methodologies that challenge traditional educational paradigms.
The seminar aims to equip parents with practical strategies to embrace the next frontier in homeschooling.
Participants will gain valuable insights into integrating cutting-edge technologies, fostering personalized learning environments, and nurturing critical 21st-century skills. By embracing innovative methods like project-based learning, interdisciplinary studies, and real-world applications, homeschoolers can effectively prepare their children for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
In a Word
True North Homeschool Academy and the SAMR method are revolutionizing homeschooling by combining technological advancements with next-generation educational practices. Lisa Nehring’s upcoming seminar, “Not Your Mama’s Education,” promises to inspire and equip parents with the tools and knowledge needed to embrace the next frontier of homeschooling.
As homeschooling continues to evolve, the need for flexible, personalized, and future-ready education becomes increasingly important. By staying at the forefront of educational innovation, True North Homeschool Academy and Lisa Nehring are empowering families to navigate this new era of homeschooling, ensuring that children receive a holistic education that prepares them for success in an ever-changing world.
by True North Homeschool Academy | Aug 23, 2022 | Homeschooling, Special Needs
When homeschooling a struggling learner, communication can be difficult. Without healthy communication, it will be impossible to help your child, let alone teach them effectively so that they make real progress. Communication strategies for struggling learners are essential.
As a parent to an Asperger’s son who struggles in several areas, I have been blessed with a child who communicates effectively. I have learned a lot from him and our journey these last 11 years as a homeschooling family characterized by a close relationship. I learned this from a great resource I frequently use, AspergerExperts.com. The founder, a young man with Aspergers, teaches about what he calls defense mode and how to get your child out of it.
So what makes the difference? Let me share these five key communication strategies to help you with YOUR struggling learner.
1) Intentionally enter their world.
I must have instinctively known this because it’s something I’ve always done. I take note of my son’s interests and come alongside him to learn and listen.
Whether that was building legos with him or playing cars when he was young or even attempting to play a video game, I make it a point to spend time doing what he loves. This builds trust.
Trust is a foundation of communication, which leads me to the second point:
2) Spend time with your struggling learner APART from school.
Years ago, I learned that my son VALUES spending time with me. Going out to lunch or coffee together satisfies him the most. So I’ve made a point of going out weekly with him for coffee or lunch. Sometimes we take school with us and do school after our food comes. Other times, we just talk.
Regardless, taking this time together regularly sends the message to him that I value his company, which has helped our schooling tremendously.
3) Actively listen.
It’s easy for a parent to get defensive and feel like you’ve failed. I’ve been there many, many times. But when I listen to my son and what he has to say, I can truly understand what’s going on with him.
Case in point: several months ago, I had him evaluated at LearningRx, and we found out he struggles with visual processing. Several weeks after we were working on the school, he told me that he CANNOT visualize, which upset him. I didn’t realize this, so for all those years; I was mistakenly approaching how we did school. I had been using a lot of visual resources rather than audio ones. I had completely missed it!
But because I actively listened to what my son was saying, I finally understood, and now we’re using more audio resources.
4) Treat your child with respect.
Respect goes both ways. Of course, as parents, we deserve respect, but children need and deserve our respect. What does this mean practically?
It means little things like giving your struggling learner advance warning. For instance, rather than demanding my son stop everything he is doing right now instantly, I give him at least a fifteen-minute warning. Or I will give him choices. Like, “Hey, would you like to do school at 10:00 or 10:30?”
And always have empathy. I learned this most from Love and Logic. LEAD with empathy and mean it, especially if your son or daughter has made a wrong decision or they are struggling in a minor way. Because you never want to minimize their feelings or tell them they are not feeling a certain way. That will lead to them shutting down and not trusting you. Feelings are feelings, and perceptions are reality.
So just saying a simple “I’m sad for you” when your child is struggling can go a long way!
5) Be consistent.
I have a hard time with this, but it’s so important. When your child is having a hard time or being defiant, making empty threats will only worsen your situation. You’re training your child to ignore you until that moment when your tone gets serious, and they know they have to obey.
Communicating up front your expectations and the consequences if these expectations are not met is so important. And then follow through! And don’t threaten something that’s not realistic or will hurt you in the long run!
Communication is so important when teaching a struggling learner. Communication is essential in EVERY aspect of life. These keys will not only help you with your child but will assist in all areas of your life!
Do you need more help with your struggling learner? Check out our special need courses, tutoring, and advising at True North Homeschool Academy.
About the Author:
Dana Susan Beasley, a graphic artist, writer, and musician, is the principal/publisher/program director of AngelArts. Dedicated to providing excellently-designed ebooks, books, homeschooling curriculum, cards, stationery, gifts, and art services to homeschooling families, inspirational artists, entrepreneurs, and art enthusiasts, Dana delights in sharing her gifts and talents and the talents of others with people who are passionate about spiritual, personal, educational, professional, ministerial, artistic, and relational growth.
Married to Travis Beasley, Dana is a homeschooling mother to her Asperger’s son, Sam. She helped her husband start his architectural business, Essential Pillar Architecture, and assisted him with marketing and administration.
by True North Homeschool Academy | Aug 19, 2022 | Homeschooling, Special Needs
You pulled your child from traditional school (or maybe you never started at all) because the environment just wasn’t suited for their needs. Now you’re at home, learning together, all the time. You’ve started noticing little things preventing your child from focusing and truly showing their abilities. It’s so frustrating!
Easy Homeschool Hacks for Kids with Special Needs
There are simple ways that you can 100% change your homeschooling story.
Some of these are adapted from the traditional classroom – but only because they work! As with all things homeschooling, do what works best for your child today. Try things out, make some tweaks, and keep on learning together!
Task List or Schedule Chart
One thing that trips a lot of kids with special needs – as well as typically developing kids – up is keeping things in order, knowing what’s next, and anticipating changes.
Making a simple visual schedule helps children feel settled and in control. They can see their week, day, morning, or even their current task.
You can adapt traditional classroom tools to DIY your schedule! Grab a hanging single strip calendar organizer with clear plastic pockets and some schedule cards or sentence strips. Write out things that you do in your homeschool regularly. Think subjects, special activities, breaks, etc. For pre-readers, you can use pictures printed online. For older kids who can tell time, include a time. You can just add this on the spot with sticky notes or use a whiteboard marker.
Hang your daily schedule in your learning zone or a prominent place in your home. To make a change in the schedule, just swap the cards around. If your child can’t handle a full day of things to do, keep it super simple with just the first 2-4 activities.
Your child will be able to anticipate what’s coming up and feel more confident flowing through the day.
Above the Line/Below the Line
Everyone has things they’d prefer to do, especially kids. For children that push back on learning one particular subject or doing a certain activity, an above-the-line/below-the-line chart helps.
It’s a contract between you and your child. If they can commit to completing 2-4 items of “must do” work, then they can reward themselves with a preferred activity from below the line.
For example, my child must complete Daily Language, one math lesson worksheet/activity, and clean up any learning materials used. Then, she can grab a book to read together, choose an educational show to watch, or enjoy free time with the music of her choice.
Showing the reward for positive, productive work on non-preferred items is a super motivational tool.
Make your own chart by laminating a piece of construction paper. With a permanent marker, draw a line about ½ to ⅔ of the way down. Above the line, draw as many lines as work items you’d like your child to complete, numbering each line; every day, write in your child’s “must do” work. Below the line, using a whiteboard marker, write out the rewards available each day. This keeps things adaptable. Simply erase yesterday’s work and rewards to have a clean slate!
Chunking Work for Success
Plowing through all your work in one big learning session does seem like the most sensible thing to do sometimes. Unless it backfires and you’ve got a meltdown on your hands before half the things are done.
Instead, try chunking out your working time. Work for 5-10 minutes, then take a break and do something else. This is a great time to do physical activity like yoga or “heavy work” – squats, pushups, etc. You could also put on soft music and dim the lights to meditate. Having a healthy snack is another great option!
Building in breaks helps the work seem more manageable. These breaks shouldn’t be super long. Just a few minutes, about 3-5 minutes, is usually enough to reset.
There are two ways to handle the work chunks.
- Work in 5-10 min blocks, continuing with the same task/subject/project until complete before switching to a new task or subject.
- Work on one task for 5-10 minutes, take a short break, then start a new task or project; whatever you get done in each working block is considered good enough for today; you can continue with the same assignment tomorrow if needed.
Sensory Tools to Stay Focused
Ever notice that your child calms down when they’re holding a certain blanket or bouncing on an exercise ball? Use it!
Try these simple sensory hacks to help your child focus:
- Velcro strip: attach a small piece of Velcro – either one side or both sides – to your child’s primary working space; your child can stick and unstick two pieces of Velcro or rub their fingers over their preferred side (rough/soft).
- Exercise ball seating: for kids that wiggle, sit them on an exercise ball – either on its own or as part of a chair system; balancing or bouncing keeps their body engaged, works out the wiggles, and helps their mental focus.
- Squishy things: use a stress ball, slime or other squishy things to help your child focus; your child can manipulate the squishy as they work – providing a calming and focusing effect.
- Resistance band chair: stretch a heavy resistance band around the front two legs of your child’s chair; they can rest their legs on it to swing back and forth or push down against the pressure.
- Fidgets: slide beads along a rope, play with a Koosh ball or fiddle with a small car – fidgets can help your child keep their mind more focused by providing movement.
- Get creative! Use what your child already loves; offer a preferred object as a reward or to hold/use while working.
These three simple changes can make homeschooling a child with mild to moderate special needs, like ADHD, much easier.
What are your favorite hacks to simplify homeschooling a child with different learning needs or styles?
(Are you looking for academic advising or online courses for your special needs homeschool student? Check out all of our services at True North Homeschool Academy.)
About the Author:
Meg Flanagan, the founder of Meg Flanagan Education, is a teacher, mom and military spouse. She is dedicated to making the K-12 education experience easier for military families. Meg holds an M.Ed in special education and a BS in elementary education. She is a certified teacher in both elementary and special education in Massachusetts and Virginia.
Meg regularly writes for MilitaryOneClick, Military Shoppers, and NextGen MilSpouse. You can find Meg, and MilKids, online on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.
To get actionable solutions to common K-12 school problems, parents should check out Talk to the Teacher by Meg Flanagan.
by True North Homeschool Academy | Aug 5, 2022 | Special Needs
Struggling Learners vs. Special Education
Many parents ask questions about the difference between struggling learners and special education. A struggling learner is working at or just below grade level. It might take them longer to catch on, they might need a few more examples.
Struggling Learner
When our children struggle with reading, writing, and math, it is sometimes hard to know what exactly is going on. Is it just this concept they are struggling with? Does math (or reading) come easy, whereas other things are harder? Especially if it is your first child and if you have never taught children before, it is hard to know how much help you may need or if you should just “wait it out.”
When our struggling learners are younger, it can be difficult to decide whether to seek help or not.
Dianne Craft, MA, CNHP, suggests considering the following things:
- At least 7 ½ to 8 years of age?
- Is the child a boy or girl? Boys sometimes take longer to mature and be ready to learn.
- Can your child say (not sing) the ABCs in order, differentiating L, M, N, O, and P?
- Can your child hold a pencil?
- When your child writes, does he reverse letters?
- Does your child have a desire, an eagerness to learn?
- Is a younger sibling catching on to concepts faster or catching up?
- Does your child like to be read to?
By around 10, children should be moving from learning to read to reading to learning. This means they should be able to read the words without much difficulty on age-appropriate levels and begin to build an understanding of what they are reading and learn from it.
So what about older kids who need some help? At what point should you be concerned?
Can your child:
- Look at a set of objects (or fingers) and tell you how many are there (without counting, up to 10)?
- Know math addition and subtraction facts or a quick strategy to solve them (not counting fingers).
- Know multiplication and division facts or a quick strategy to solve them (not skip counting from the 1x place).
- Understanding multiples and factors
- Understand decimals and fractions
- Tell time on an analog clock (not digital)
All children learn differently, and it is true that some children simply need time and repetition to be ready to learn certain concepts.
So when is it important to seek testing and/or services for struggling learners?
- When it will benefit your child to get them needed therapies
- When your child is preparing for a trade school or college/university that requires a current “diagnosis” for support
- When you choose to utilize services available from the local school district (this varies by state and district)
- When there are state services that are available to you with a diagnosis (such as audiobook programs available to those who have vision impairments or dyslexia diagnosis)
- To seek recommendations to better understand how to help your child learn (at these times, seeking out someone who understands homeschooling would be beneficial).
- Your child becomes overly frustrated by their limitations and struggles.
Special Education
A Special Education student, however, generally has a specific diagnosis (Autism, Down’s, Intellectual Disability, severe ADHD or Dyslexia, and many others). These students generally are 2-3 grade levels or developmentally 2-3 years behind their peers in specific areas or across all areas.
When do I need to seek out a diagnosis?
When a parent asks me if they should seek out a diagnosis, I ask them to consider the following:
- Why do you need a diagnosis?
- What questions are you hoping to answer with a diagnosis?
- How would a diagnosis benefit you and your child?
A diagnosis might be beneficial if:
- You utilize public school services (some states allow this even for homeschoolers)
- You will be eligible for services or resources not currently available without a diagnosis
- You need a diagnosis for your state due to testing regulations
- You are preparing for college, and a diagnosis is required for needed accommodations for classes or testing (the testing usually has to be less than 3 years old going into college)
- You don’t know what to do or how to help your child, and you are looking for help in how to approach teaching them
- You know something is “off” or “not right” or a “problem,” but you can’t quite put your finger on what’s going on. The hope of naming your unrest will bring you some peace and hope to help your kiddo.
What do I do after I receive a diagnosis?
No matter how prepared you think you are going into an evaluation process, receiving a diagnosis comes with a mix of emotions. You are relieved because you discover something is going on (and you weren’t just THAT crazy mom after all). However, parents need to be prepared.
There is always a grieving process that comes with receiving a diagnosis. There will be anger, sadness, and doubt, and eventually, you will feel stronger and better equipped to help your child.
Here are some tips to help you through this process:
- Don’t make any immediate changes that aren’t necessary. Give yourself time to adjust before changing the educational setting (especially to homeschool from public school or vice versa), curriculum, or how you approach things.
- Educate yourself. Find some articles, a video, or a book to read on the specific diagnosis. Even if you know a lot about it already, it helps to see the information through the new eyes of KNOWING what is going on.
- Find some support. Facebook groups and friends are great places to start.
- Say some prayers. The road will be long and hard, even armed with a diagnosis. Prayers for understanding and peace go a long way.
How to find support…
One of the most important things to do as a parent of a child who struggles or has special needs is to find a support group. Friends who will pray with and for you, families going through similar struggles, and a good sitter are all important. Here are some great ideas for finding support:
- Church – a lot of times you can find support through a church. From support groups to an hour to be an “adult” on Sundays while your kids are in Bible Class can do a lot for how you feel the rest of your week. Talk with them about your needs and advocate for yourself and your child.
- Facebook groups – Not all Facebook groups are the same, but there are some wonderful ones out there. Some I recommend to parents:
- Friends – Find your “Tribe.” Friends who can understand and be the shoulder you lean on when things get tough. Parents going through similar situations are great because they are in the trenches with you. Being able to offer support at times can be beneficial too.
Struggling Learners and Special Needs students will take more faith, perseverance, and resources but be encouraged! There are more resources, books, conferences, and groups now than ever, including small group classes offered live online through True North Homeschool Academy. We also offer Special Needs and Struggling Learners Academic Advising. We would love to link arms with you as you seek out what’s best for your Struggling Learner or Special Needs student!
Original article written by: Amy Vickrey, MSE.
Amy holds a Master of Science in Education, Specializing in Curriculum and Instruction, from the University of Central Missouri and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas State University-San Marcos. Also, she spent 2 years of college studying Interpretation for the Deaf and Deaf Studies and knows American Sign Language. Her teaching certifications include Special Education, English as a Second Language, and Generalist (early childhood through fourth). She is now part of the Struggling Learners Department of True North Homeschool Academy and loves the discovery approach to learning. Teaching children how to learn will help them reach their goals and dreams.
