Occupational therapy at home during COVID-19
by Kathy Kuhl — This spring, I’ve been speaking with pediatric occupational therapist Laurie Chuba of Learning Integrations. A veteran homeschooler, she helps children who are homeschooled or in private school. We discussed how COVID-19 was affecting her students with learning challenges and their therapy. But first, Why might my child need an occupational therapist? […]
Homeschooling in Kindergarten with Special Needs
by Kathy Kuhl Can you homeschool a small child with severe disabilities for kindergarten? It’s not for everyone. However, sometimes it’s the best option, and I’ve met several families who’ve done it successfully. There are advantages. You have more flexibility to adapt the schedule than a schoolteacher does, working around therapies, doctors’ appointments, and […]
Help Writing Numbers & Other Math Freebies from Math Experts
By Kathy Kuhl In today’s post, I share math resources from experts in teaching math to kids with challenges. Most of these resources are free. Writing numbers is tough for some kids Does your child write numbers backwards? Or does his or her hand move the wrong direction, pushing the pencil up to draw a […]
Let’s Play Math: review of a book to make math fun
By Kathy Kuhl Review of Let’s Play Math: How Families Can Learn Math Together—and Enjoy It by Denise Gaskins. 290 pages. Tabletop Academy Press. What if we’ve been teaching mathematics the wrong way? Denise Gaskins’ new book, Let’s Play Math, is revolutionizing how I think about the subject. She is a veteran homeschool mom who […]
More algebra with manipulatives
by Kathy Kuhl Last time, I began explaining bean algebra—a way to solve linear equations using beans. Manipulatives are simply objects you handle to help you understand a concept. The containers represent the variable x. I labeled mine with post-its. Last week, I showed you how to use beans to model equations like 14 =2x. Click here if […]
Teaching algebra with manipulatives
by Kathy Kuhl Teaching parents in Fort Worth last month, I promised to explain bean algebra—a way to solve linear equations using beans. (I learned this when I was a new public school math teacher in 1979, and I cannot remember or find the source. If you know, tell me.) What manipulatives you’ll need Manipulatives are […]
Filling in the math gaps
by Kathy Kuhl Make Your Own Math Review Cards for Systematic Refreshers Ever noticed a topic is missing in your child’s math curriculum—or in your child’s general math knowledge? “What? He still doesn’t know days of the week?” “She has no clue how long an inch is.” How do you fill in those gaps? Write […]
Tools to Help Students with Writing Difficulties
Know a child or teen who struggles with writing? Wonder what tools can help? In such a fast-growing field, it’s hard to keep up. But don’t stick with the old technology (like my old manual typewriter shown here). Try something new. I’ve found three resources this week: The mother-daughter team of Darla and Kaila Hatton […]
Carol Barnier’s How To Get Your Child Off the Refrigerator and On To Learning
Review by Kathy Kuhl How to Get Your Child Off the Refrigerator and On to Learning: Homeschooling Highly Distractible, ADHD, or Just Plain Fidgety Kids. [See below to order] When I first saw this title, I said, “Well, my child’s not hyperactive,” and thought the book wasn’t for me. I wish I’d seen the subtitle. […]
E-book: Holiday Social Skills for your Wired Child by Carol Barnier
Review by Kathy Kuhl Ebook from CarolBarnier.com. 37 pages. $4.95. Carol has written a clear, funny, and helpful workbook to make the holidays less stressful for your child and for you. In thirty-seven pages, she explains why social parts of the holidays are so difficult for our children, and offers practical activities to ease the way. The book […]