Flamingo Feathers

This week's episode is in response to a question I got from a listener regarding how we make a Charlotte Mason style exam week work for our kids, even if they don't typically "test well." Our family is in the middle of Term 2 exam week, so it's a perfect time to answer!

If you aren't familiar with Charlotte Mason's method for examination, I start the episode discussing exams.  I also talk about what Charlotte Mason's exam questions look like for our family and how they are different from the typical tests we all grew up taking in school. And finally I share how I modify questions or my exam giving methods based on what makes sense to accommodate my kids' different learning disabilities such as memory issues and dyslexia so that I can have a true idea of what my kids do know.

If you have been considering Charlotte Mason's methods, but exam week seems like more than your child can handle, I hope you'll take a listen!

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The Flamingo Feathers podcast is back from a hiatus. As I discuss in the opening of today's podcast, Flamingo Feathers is switching gears just a bit to focus more on Charlotte Mason and how her methods can be implemented for kids who learn differently. (Probably not much of a surprise for regular listeners!)

Also, please note that we are currently working on migrating our website over to a new host, so things are a little glitchy right now. We'll resume regular podcast show notes once that is finished.

Today's guest is Dr. Kelly Frindell from In House Test Prep.  She has been teaching students how to smartly take the ACT or SAT. Kelly also has quite a bit of experience in helping students who desire to go to college but have test taking challenges such as dyslexia, ADHD, and anxiety learn how to take the tests well and improve their scores so they can go to college. Be sure to check out her website for more information!

You can follow Flamingo Feathers on social media:
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Instagram https://www.instagram.com/flamingofeathers_beth/

Contact Beth at [email protected]

Welcome back to the Flamingo Feathers Podcast!! If you are homeschooling a child with learning disabilities or special needs, you are in the right spot! It's great to be back with a new season for you. We're kicking off this season with my top tips to help new and seasoned homeschool moms alike start the school year off with success (and not throw the whole family into a tailspin)!

If your homeschool is anything like mine, those first few weeks of homeschooling can be a little rocky as everyone gets used to their new books and rhythms of the day. (Throw in some kids who don't like a lot of change, and it can be disastrous if you aren't careful!)  So these tips will help you navigate the first days back to school and set your family on solid footing.

You can find all the past episodes of Flamingo Feathers and other materials on the website at www.flamingo-feathers.com.

You can also find Flamingo Feathers on Facebook and Instagram.

"Seeing where he came from, going to college with a 1.9 GPA, and I think he got whatever they give you on the ACT for putting your name on it....and then he has two PhD's. So I think as a homeschool mom it has helped me to relax and to feel like I don't have to make sure that my kids have learned every single thing because if they want to learn it, they will learn it. The learning doesn't stop when they leave our house."
 
My guests on this episode are Dr. Michael Gotcher and his wife Nheree Gotcher. Michael discusses his struggles with dyslexia and how he learned to find accommodations that contributed to his academic and professional success.  He also shares the programs and apps that he has found most useful.  Whether your child has dyslexia or a different special needs or learning disabilities, you will get practical tips and encouragement for your homeschool.

You can find out more about Dr. Michael Gotcher at his website or on his Facebook page.

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You can find the show notes for this episode here.

Thank you for leaving a kind rating and review. You help this podcast connect with other special needs homeschooling moms just like you!

Some people call it a variety show. I'm going to call it a layer cake. Because that is way more fun!

This episode of the podcast has three mini-episodes. First you'll hear from guest Shelly Moorehouse, who shares some expert tips on vacationing safely and sanely with kids who have special needs.

Then you will hear from Cindy La Joy and Natalie Vecchione, authors of Blazing New Homeschool Trails: Educating and Launching Teens with Developmental Disabilities as they share the story behind their new book.

Finally, you'll hear from me as I share more about my love for all things Charlotte Mason and what I am hoping to accomplish with character training this year in my homeschool.

You can find the full show notes for this episode at www.flamingo-feathers.com/32

Follow me on Facebook here and on Instagram @flamingofeathers_beth.

I've made it no secret that my family is switching to fully embrace Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy. In just a short period of time, I've seen a huge shift already.  That is why I was so excited to do this interview with Kim Scarbrough.

Kim is a veteran homeschool mom and adoptive mom.  Kim understands the world of neurodiversity, as she has children with dyslexia, dysgraphia, FASD, giftedness, and more. She has always taught her kids using Charlotte Mason's methods and has learned to follow the spirit of CM philosophy while adapting the methods for her kids' unique learning needs.

In this episode, Kim will share her about her special needs homeschooling journey and give practical ideas on how she has modified Charlotte Mason's methods such as narration, in order to give her students a rich feast of ideas.

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Join the Flamingo Feathers community on Facebook here.

Interested in sponsoring an episode or being a guest on an upcoming podcast episode? Email Beth for more information about sponsorship opportunities and guest spots.

Have you ever wanted to just drop everything and travel long term with your kids?
 Roadschooling is a growing trend among homeschoolers, and for good reason, as it provides once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunities.  But is it possible to roadschool when you have kids with special needs?

My guest for this episode is Shelly Moorehouse, of Family Adventure For All. She is an experienced roadschooler and special needs mama who helps homeschool families learn how to become full time roadschoolers--whether they have special needs kids or not.

You can view the full show notes, including lists of recommendations mentioned in the episode and the coupon code for a discount on Shelly's E-book,  at http://www.flamingo-feathers.com/30.

Shelly and all the resources from Family Adventure For All can be found at familyadventureforall.com.

When I talk to moms with kids who have Down syndrome, I frequently get the same two questions:

1. Is it possible to teach my kids to read and write?
2. Am I actually able to homeschool my child? Do I have what it takes, or would they be better off in public school?
This episode seeks to answer both of those questions.

My guest on this episode is Terry Brown. She is an expert when it comes to educating learners with Down syndrome. And she is the creator of the So Happy to Learn curriculum--a comprehensive reading, writing, art, and math curriculum written especially for how people with Down syndrome learn.

Even if you do not have a child with Down syndrome, you will find some great nuggets of encouragement in this episode!

The show notes and information on the So Happy to Learn curriculum are found on the show notes for this episode: http://www.flamingo-feathers.com/29

Connect with me by leaving a review, question or comment by emailing me at [email protected].

Just in time for Valentine's Day, let's talk about making our marriages a priority--even with busy schedules as special needs homeschoolers! 

It's been a weird year and I know regular dates sometimes just haven't been possible.  Not to mention, with my homeschooling schedule and having kids with special needs, it isn't always super easy to sneak away for a few hours. Can you relate? In this episode you'll get some ideas for creative date nights that you can do even if you don't have a babysitter!

The full show notes can be found at http://www.flamingo-feathers.com/28
Find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flamingofeathers

Love what you hear? Please leave a rating and review so Flamingo Feathers can reach a bigger audience!

The dreary days of January and February often find homeschooling moms who are weary and ready to throw in the proverbial towel.  Do you ever wonder if you are going to make it through the year? In this episode, you will find encouragement and some practical tips for self-care and self-stewardship to help sustain you and help you finish your homeschool year strong!

Full show notes can be found at http://www.flamingo-feathers.com/27.

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If you have a comment, question, tip, or word of encouragement that you would like to have shared on the podcast, please email me at [email protected].