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Speaking Life Into Motherhood ~ Rhythms, Child Development, Homeschool, Special Needs, Speech Delay, Systems, Autism, ADHD, Neurodiversity, Disabilities
**Top 3% Globally Ranked Podcast!**
Are you a Christian mom exhausted from navigating a tough season with your child? Are you worried your child is not developing normally, but have been told to "wait and see"? Has your child already been identified as having additional needs?
I'm Elyse, Speech Language Pathologist, Special Needs and Homeschool Strategy Coach, Family Advocate and a mom who has walked this journey. After being dismissed by providers about my own son's needs, I had to learn how to advocate fiercely—and I discovered how often exhausted moms like us are told to just "wait and see" when we know something more is needed.
That's why I created Speaking Life Into Motherhood. Each week, you'll gain the tools and confidence to advocate for your child whether you just have general concerns and are trying to be proactive, or your child has a speech delay, ADHD, autism, or developmental diagnosis, my goal is for you to feel supported and seen. You'll learn about typical development, alternative strategies that actually simplify your life (not complicate it), discover simple systems that create healthy rhythms for your neurodivergent family, and receive biblical truth that meets you right where you are in the trenches of motherhood.
Whether you're navigating IEPs or trying to decide whether to homeschool your child- searching for alternatives to medication, or just trying to get through the day with energy left for yourself, this podcast equips you with what you need to make the best decisions for your child—and finally feel empowered instead of overwhelmed.
Speaking Life Into Motherhood ~ Rhythms, Child Development, Homeschool, Special Needs, Speech Delay, Systems, Autism, ADHD, Neurodiversity, Disabilities
Is My Child Behind in Reading? Why Phonics Fixes What Sight Words Broke //74
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Does your child need to be reading by age five — or is that pressure setting your family up for unnecessary tears? Are sight words secretly working against your child's ability to actually read, instead of just guess? And if your homeschooler is years "behind" grade level, is it too late to fix the gap?
In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Jeffrey — former K-3 classroom teacher and host of the top-ranked Phonics for Homeschool Moms podcast — to break down what real reading instruction looks like at home. We cover developmentally appropriate reading timelines, why phonics-based instruction beats whole-language/sight-word approaches, playful ways to build early reading skills, and how to help older or struggling readers (including kids with suspected dyslexia) close the gap without shame or burnout.
Connect with Melanie:
Website: phonicsrulesforkids.com
Podcast: Phonics for Homeschool Moms
Resources mentioned:
- Superhero Sounds Drill (car game for blending/segmenting)
- CVC words (consonant-vowel-consonant) as first reading words
- Melanie's curriculum: Teach K-2 Child to Read: From CVC Words to Confident Reader
While you're here, please leave a quick rating or review! I pray this episode blesses you! Remember, you don't just have to survive mama- you can thrive!
Connect with the host: Elyse Scheeler
- Subscribe: Speaking Life Into Motherhood
- Website: www.speakinglife.co/motherhood
- Email: hello@speakinglife.co
- Facebook Group: Christian Special Needs Moms: Simple Systems, Energy & Natural Support
- Email Newsletter: https://speakinglife.co/subscribe/
- Foundational Wellness Bundle + Freebies! https://link.doterra.com/VfA_h5
- Speaking Life Into Homeschool Group Coaching Program: http://www.speakinglife.co/homeschoolplan
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Speaking Life Into Motherhood. None of the advice or discussion on the podcast is medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider before using any supplements, essential oils, or therapy methods.