Vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic in the world today. This is because very few people understand how important it is. This is also because most people aren't getting enough through their diet or through sun exposure. There are at least 10 reasons why vitamin D is important to the overall health of you and your kids (Post contains affiliate links).
Vitamin D is important for bones and helps prevent rickets
Rickets is a disease of the bones that most people recognize as related to vitamin D deficiency. This disease causes bowed legs and soft bones. Prior to fortification of cow's milk, rickets was much more common. Since many people drink non-dairy milk substitutes, it should be a relief to know that most non-dairy milks today are also fortified with vitamin D. As a result of fortification, rickets is rare in developing countries, such as the US.
In addition to Rickets, Vitamin D is important for treating and preventing an enormous amount of other health issues. These diseases include, but are not limited to acne, autism, eczema, multiple sclerosis, various cancers, both Type I and II Diabetes, the flu (influenza), respiratory infections, and depression.
Vitamin D and Acne
Evidence abounds that vitamin D has a therapeutic effect on the severity of acne. For example, a study in 2016 showed that vitamin D treatment of 1000 IU/day significantly decreased the acne severity of the participants. Furthermore, when vitamin D levels were checked, nearly 50% of the participants (those with acne) were vitamin D deficient prior to the start of the study, compared to only 22% of the controls (those without acne).
Founder and Medical Director of the Vitamin D Council, Dr. John Cannell, wrote,
“When I was a teen, my acne almost disappeared in the summer. I thought it was the salty water I swam in-but not so. It improved in the summer regardless of any saltwater exposure.”
As a result of professional experience with patients with acne, Dr. Cannell at the Vitamin D Council website recommends the following:
“If you are a teenager or adult with acne, the Vitamin D Council recommends supplementing with 5,000 IU (125 mcg) to 10,000 IU (250 mcg)/day of vitamin D, depending on your weight (higher weight individuals may require more vitamin D). In 2 months, have your vitamin D levels tested. If your levels are below 60 ng/ml, increase your vitamin D intake by small increments until your vitamin D blood level is around 70 ng/ml. It may take about 2-3 months to begin to experience an improvement. However, maximum improvement may not occur for 5-6 months.”
Reduced Risk of Autism
Because of the increased incidence of autism in the past 20 years, much research is being done. Some of the research done is specifically to determine if there is a connection between low vitamin D levels and autism. This research has shown interesting results.
For example, several studies going back to 2008 have shown connections including:
Low maternal blood levels of vitamin D are associated with children developing autism by 8 years old.
Children diagnosed with autism tend to have lower blood levels of vitamin D
Therapeutic effects of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and after been shown to be effective for both mother and child.
Vitamin D reduces oxidative stress associated with autism.
For further research on vitamin D and autism, see the following articles and visit the Vitamin D Council Website.
Eczema, also known as, “atopic dermatitis,” is associated with low vitamin D levels. There are many studies showing a relationship between low vitamin D levels and eczema. Though not many of these studies have researched the role of vitamin D in the prevention of eczema, many have shown a role of vitamin in reducing the severity of symptoms.
Part of the reason for this is that vitamin D is important for a healthy immune system, and eczema is associated with impaired immunity.
The most common groups of people who develop eczema are infants and young children, though adults develop it as well. 10-25% of children and about 3% of adults develop eczema.
Much more has been written on the subject of vitamin D and eczema. For now, let me just say that there is overwhelming evidence that healthy vitamin D levels reduce the risk of eczema.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
When a person develops MS, the immune system attacks the nerves in the spinal cord and the brain. Studies have been unclear about the role of vitamin D in the development of MS. However, epidemiological studies have shown a connection.
Epidemiological studies are studies that compare 2 groups of people who are alike except for one factor. For example, people who have MS, are female, and are Caucasian, but who have a history of low versus high vitamin D status.
These types of studies show a relationship between low vitamin D levels and increased risk of developing MS. Other epidemiological studies have shown that persons with the highest exposure to sun are the least likely to develop MS. These studies show promise. However, by themselves, are not conclusive.
Various Cancers
Breast, endometrial, cervical, colorectal, esophageal, renal, and gastric cancer, and other cancers are all positively related to low vitamin D status. This means that the lower your vitamin D levels, the higher the likelihood you will develop some form of cancer in your lifetime. You can check the Vitamin D Society website for more discussion and references related to specific cancers.
Type 1 and 2 Diabetes (DM)
Type 1 diabetes is an immune disorder. When a person develops diabetes, the immune system attacks cells that are involved in the production of the hormone insulin. As a result of the immune system attacking, a person with type 1 diabetes eventually cannot make their own insulin. Thus, they must take insulin as medicine to digest carbohydrates properly.
There appears to be a connection between low vitamin D levels the first year of life and developing type 1 diabetes, but more research is needed.
The connection between vitamin D and diabetes type 2 appears to be related to insulin sensitivity. People who are type 2 diabetics have reduced insulin sensitivity. This means that when they eat a candy bar, insulin doesn't respond as well as it should, and their blood sugar stays higher for a longer period.
Type 2 diabetes develops slowly and is more common in adults over 40. (As opposed to type 1 diabetes which is usually seen in childhood). Some research is showing that adequate vitamin D levels may help to increase insulin sensitivity for people susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes. This means that people who have adequate vitamin D levels in childhood and early adulthood may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. More research is needed, however.
Influenza (Flu) (and other Infectious Illnesses)
Numerous studies show the benefits of vitamin D for preventing both colds and flu. The vitamin D council recommends 5,000 to 10,000 IU for adults every day, and 100 IU/kg/day for children to reduce the risk of the flu. Remember the amount of vitamin D considered safe is controversial. So, it is always a good idea to check with your own medical doctor before taking or giving your children therapeutic doses of vitamin D.
With the global pandemic of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) sweeping the world, it is particularly important to remember that Vitamin D strengthens the immune system and is the main reason it reduces risk of contagious diseases. So, if you are living in an area where you can't get direct sunlight, it is necessary for you to supplement with the active form of vitamin D (D3).
This is what my family uses. I take 6000 IU per day; my son gets 2000 IU every other day and my husband takes 2000 IU every day. This has NOT resulted in vitamin D toxicity despite years of taking these doses.
Note that with the doses we use, the drops last about 6 months.
Asthma
Eight people die from Asthma every day worldwide. Some studies have shown short term relief from severe asthma symptoms. Again, more research is needed.
Vitamin D and Depression
Results are mixed on this one. However, I have had personal experience with the amazing effects of consuming adequate amounts of vitamin D. Vitamin D improves mood. For example, when my son was in 1st grade, I spoke with a lady who worked at the public school where he was attending. She stated that at one time her husband was suicidal. They tried everything and nothing worked. Until they tested his vitamin D levels as a last resort. His levels were indeed low. So, his doctor prescribed vitamin D. His depression completely disappeared.
It wasn't until sometime later that I too was diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. My doctor put me on a 2000 IU dose. I am not kidding you when I say that within 3 days, I could feel a difference. My levels weren't that low, but they were below 30 ng/ml. Like I said in my other post, this doctor wanted my levels above 50 ng/ml, so she put me on 6,000 IU/day during the sunnier times of year and recommended 10,000 IU a day during the winter months. I still take 6,000 IU/day, even with my new doctor, and my last test was slightly below 50 ng/ml.
There are quite a few other diseases that may be improved by sufficient vitamin D or by therapeutic vitamin D doses. Some of these diseases that I didn't discuss include Tuberculosis, COPD, Leukemia, Sepsis/Septicemia (infection of blood), and more.
The vitamin D Council is the best site I have found on the subject: Vitamin D Society
You can find tons of cross references to the research on their site, and the articles are written by medical doctors.
This is a quick summary of why you need folate, also known as vitamin B9, in your diet. Folate is important for healthy fetal development. It is important in preventing heart disorders, sperm abnormalities, and birth defects. Folate also helps build muscles, and is needed for red blood cell production. Below are 5 reasons why you need folate. (This post may contain affiliate links).
1. You Need Folate for Healthy Fetal Development
Folate is important for healthy blood in adults as well as unborn babies. Thus, folate sufficiency reduces the risk of folate-deficiency anemia. Macrocytic anemia is another name for this type of anemia. “Macro” means big, “cytic” refers to cells. Thus, “macrocytic” literally means large red blood cells.
2. Red Blood Cell Production and Prevention of Anemia.
Anytime anemia is present, it means there is not enough oxygen being transported through the blood. This results in fatigue for the already born person. Anemia causes mental retardation, learning disabilities, and increased risk of infection and growth retardation. Thus, folate insufficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects in the unborn child.
3. Folate Prevents Birth Defects
Studies show that sufficient folate intake during pregnancy reduces birth defects by 50%.
4. Prevents Heart Disorders
Homocysteine is an amino acid that, when it is too high, leads to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Sufficient folate in the diet reduces harmful homocysteine levels in the blood. Thus, folate reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by reducing homocysteine levels in the blood.
Folate has also been shown to reduce the thickening of the arterial wall. This is another way that folate reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
5. Folate Fights against Chromosome Abnormalities
Folate fights against chromosome (think “genetic”) abnormalities in sperm. This means that it is possible to reduce the risk of birth defects even before conception by assuring you are eating enough folate-rich foods. This applies to men as well as women.
Originally I only intended to write about 5 Reasons Why You Need Folate. However, I found another good reason. (And there are more, but this is just a quick summary).
6. Folate is important for Healthy Muscles
Muscles are made stronger and bigger with the help of folate, which is required for the conversion of arginine to nitric oxide (NO). So, if you or anyone you know, is trying to strengthen and grow your muscles, a folate-rich diet will help with this process.
Below is a delicious recipe that is rich in folate, vitamin B6, iron, vitamin a, vitamin c, and fiber.
What exactly is vitamin B6 and why is it important? And if it is so important, how do I know which foods are high in B6? If you have asked or are asking any of these questions, you have come to the right place! Here are 6 reasons you need vitamin B6. (Post may contain affiliate links).
Vitamin B6, also known as “pyridoxine,” is an essential nutrient. Pyridoxal phosphate is the name for the active form of vitamin B6.
Vitamin B6 acts as a “co-enzyme” in many reactions in the body.
In case you don't know what an enzyme is, it is a chemical in the body that gets things done. For example, lactase is the enzyme that breaks down lactose, the sugar in cow's milk. Other examples of enzymes are lipase, the enzyme that breaks down fat. (Lipids are the technical term for fats). And amylase, which is in your spit, breaks down starch. Most of the time, if the word ends with “ase,” and it's connected to the human body, it is an enzyme.
So, vitamin B6 is essential for enzymes, such as lactase, lipase, and amylase, to work properly.
Vitamin B6 is also important in the synthesis of neurotransmitters (think transmission of nerves). Low amounts of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, are implicated in various mental health issues, including depression and ADHD.
B6 is necessary for hemoglobin synthesis. Hemoglobin is the molecule that carries oxygen through your blood. Low hemoglobin leads to anemia.
So, iron is not the only nutrient that is important for healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is necessary as well.
Vitamin B6 is an important co-factor in the body's production of other important nutrients, such as the essential mineral selenium. A co-factor is a “helper” for proteins in the body, and is similar to a co-enzyme.
B6 is important for the conversion of tryptophan to niacin. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid found in turkey and other foods. Niacin is another important and essential B vitamin. (vitamin B3)
Vitamin B6 is important for glucose metabolism.
Gene expression requires sufficient vitamin B6 in order to work correctly. (Think sufficient B6, reduced mutations/problems in the gene).
This is 6 reasons why vitamin B6 is important.
Why is Vitamin B6 inadequacy so common today?
Vitamin B6 is low in the American diet. This is because of low intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
What Foods are High in Vitamin B6?
Vitamin B6 is found in whole grain breads and cereals as well as fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Specific examples of foods high in vitamin B6 include:
Bananas, pistachios, chocolate, avocado, whole grain breads, whole grain pasta. (B6 is found in the highest amounts in the germ). Also, green leafy vegetables, milk, fortified cereals, red meat, eggs, and turmeric.
Click here to receive a FREE table on foods high in vitamin B6 as well as a table of foods high in Folate.
Does food affect autism? Though still a controversial topic, one thing I can definitely say is, “Yes, food affects autism.” How do I know this? It's simple. (Post may contain affiliate links)
FOOD AFFECTS EVERYONE
A healthy, balanced diet that is complete with all of the essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and good quality ingredients will make anyone feel better.
BUT Does Food Affect Autism?
Autism is traditionally viewed as a neurodevelopmental disorder. However, a large percentage of persons diagnosed also have digestive problems. Despite this, traditional treatments focus on controlling behavior through psychiatric and social therapies. These therapies are important in the overall treatment plan. But what has been largely ignored by the medical field is the role of diet in treating autism (and ADHD).
Research shows that the role of digestive disorders in the development of autism needs to be taken more seriously. Common digestive issues are constipation, diarrhea, and intolerance to milk products (casein) and gluten. And as many as 50% of children put on a gluten-free/casein-free diet (GF/CF) improve. Not only that, but other therapies, including supplementation, are shown to improve behavioral problems.
What follows is a brief summary showing the relationship between symptoms and nutritional status.
Different Diet Considerations
Dysfunction of the digestive system is more common in children with autism than in children without autism. Part of these dysfunctions can be explained by a lack of the enzymes required to properly digest certain carbohydrates and proteins. This helps to explain why many children respond well to a GF/CF diet. Gluten is the protein in certain grains and casein is the protein in cow's milk products.
Some children have problems digesting certain types of carbohydrates as well. This is one of the reasons why so many different diets have been proposed. For example, the ketogenic diet, which is extremely low in carbohydrates, and the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD), which limits certain carbohydrates. Also, a low oxalate diet is sometimes proposed.
The Ketogenic Diet
The main issue with putting your children on any of these diets is the potential for nutritional deficiencies. For example, the ketogenic diet (90% fat, low protein, low carbohydrate) is extremely low in fiber and high in saturated fat. So there is a risk of cardiovascular complications and constipation (which is often already a problem). The Ketogenic diet has been shown to be effective in about 25% of children, and is a good option to consider IF YOUR CHILD HAS PROBLEMS WITH SEIZURES. The Ketogenic diet has been used to treat epilepsy for decades, though it is not effective for everyone. However, it is a highly restrictive diet and should not be followed without the guidance of a physician and a dietitian.
This diet recommends limiting carbohydrates to monosaccharides, which are one molecule sugars. The rationale behind this idea is that polysaccharides (“poly” means “many) are harder to digest and contribute to digestive problems.
The logic goes something like this: “When foods aren't digested properly, sometimes there is “intestinal overgrowth” which leads to disease-causing bacteria in the gut.”
This diet is extremely restrictive, and in my opinion, not a diet that should be followed long-term. It may however, help with short term healing of the inflamed gut during acute flare-ups. But except for testimonials, the research is sorely lacking.
An example of what a SCD diet might look like is here.
Low Oxalate Diet
This diet is based on the possibility that high oxalate levels in the blood contribute to the symptoms of Autism. So, on this diet, foods rich in oxalates are avoided. For example, spinach, beetroots, cocoa, black tea, figs, lemon zest, and a whole slew of other foods.
The reason supplementation is usually helpful is because a large percentage of children are deficient due to inadequate intake and poor absorption of nutrients.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely important to the proper development of the nervous system in children. This starts in the womb and is why it is important that pregnant moms are getting enough omega-3s in their diet. Breastmilk contains the essential omega-3s which previously were lacking in formula. In approximately 1999, the FDA approved omega-3s to be added to formulas because there was so much evidence showing their benefits.
As children grow, omega-3s continue to be important. However, seafood is one of the top allergens. Plus people in the US usually don't consume enough fish to meet needs. Thus, supplementation is usually necessary to see a difference. And there is strong evidence that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids in kids with autism, aged 5-17, results in improvements in speech and articulation, openness to social interaction, as well as improved mental health.
In contrast, a deficiency of omega-3s results in loss of concentration, hyperactivity, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and the symptoms of autism. In other words, sometimes a contributing cause to the development of ADHD, autism, and other developmental delays is an omega-3 deficiency.
Vitamin B6 and Magnesium
Vitamin B6 is vital in the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. These are the neurotransmitters that are targeted when MDs prescribe medications to treat depression and sometimes ADHD. Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are also affected.
Research involving blood levels of vitamin B6 shows interesting results. Whereas blood levels of B6 are often high in persons with autism, the enzymes necessary to make the vitamin active, and thus useful to the body, are often low. This means that even if the child is consuming enough vitamin B6 through diet, it is possible that the B6 is not available for his body to use.
Research supports that vitamin B6 and magnesium supplementation improves behavior in persons with autism. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about your child's B6 or magnesium status.
But you can start by working to assure that adequate amounts of both of these important nutrients are in your family's diet. One big step is encouraging whole grains, nuts and seeds as much as possible. Also, magnesium is rich in all green vegetables.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and may have a protective effect. However, more research is needed in order to determine if vitamin supplementation is necessary. It is really not that hard to get enough vitamin C. One 8 ounce glass of Orange Juice, for example, has 120% of the US RDA of vitamin C. Broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, tomatoes, pineapple and mango are all good sources as well. Click here for a list of foods high in vitamin C.
Vitamin A
If your child is deficient in vitamin A, supplementation may be helpful. However, vitamin A can be toxic in high doses. So I don't recommend supplementation except as part of a multivitamin supplement. Most multivitamins contain vitamin A.
Vitamin D
Inadequate Vitamin D intake has been linked to increased risk for autism. This was discussed elsewhere. It has also been shown to have a “neuro-protective” effect, and may be important to proper action of neurotransmitters as well.
Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid
Deficiencies in the Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been seen in patients with ASD. This appears to be related to autoantibodies that bind receptors necessary for folate use by the body. As a result, even though folate is high in the blood, it is not available to the body for use. Both B12 and folate are important for a healthy nervous system. So, it is important to make sure there is adequate intake of both vitamins. B12 is found in all animal products and fortified cereals and nondairy milks. Folate is rich in green vegetables and orange juice.
Iron
Children with autism and other sensory processing issues often limit food intake. Thus, iron deficiency is a common problem. However, due to the common digestive problems associated with autism (and ADHD), often the iron deficiency is related to poor absorption. The first step to preventing iron-deficiency is assuring your child is getting iron rich foods every day. You can increase the absorption by combining vitamin C rich foods with iron rich foods. See here for a list of food combinations that increase iron absorption.
Also, if you are concerned, have your child's iron levels tested. If they are low, your doctor may suggest a supplement.
Keep in mind that a multivitamin with iron will not usually contribute to constipation problems. However, high dosage iron supplements often do lead to constipation. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and the risks.
Zinc and Copper
The relationship between zinc and copper is confusing and complicated. Suffice it to say that both zinc and copper can be low in children with autism, but it is a fine line between too little and too much. Zinc affects copper status and vice versa. So, it's important to keep them in balance. This is where a Registered Dietitian who specializes in treating autism with supplements can greatly help.
My autistic son hates school. Fortunately for me, he is willing to do what he has to do–to a point.
(This post may contain affiliate links).
I have fought with, struggled with, and forced him to do things he doesn't want to do. I've bribed, tried positive reinforcement, begged and pleaded. However, it takes a ridiculous amount of energy to get Nathan to do things he doesn't want to do–not to mention it is not a great way to promote a positive, loving relationship. As a result, I have been motivated to find creative ways to encourage learning that fits his learning style.
First, a little background…
I have one son, and he is 13 years old, in 8th grade. This is our fifth year homeschooling.
Nathan was in 4th grade when we started homeschooling. The first three years we used online public schooling. This worked out great for the first couple of years. One reason why was because the structure was provided. Also, I had a lot support through his IEP.
I learned a huge amount of stuff during those three years. However, by the time Nathan was ready to go into 7th grade, I was ready to venture out on my own.
A big part of the why was that the public school was not Christian. Thus, I felt like I had to constantly “rewrite” or add to the science and history curriculum. Also, things changed drastically in middle school, and I would have been severely limited in my role as a learning coach.
So in 7th grade I went independent.
Abeka and Apologia were my chosen curriculums. Both of these curriculums are awesome. However, they really are more appropriate for the typical learner, which Nathan is not. For example, I purchased the workbook for science. However, Nathan never wanted to write any words down. All he wanted to do was draw pictures of everything.
In addition, I had to read history, literature, science, and pretty much everything else to him. This is because he wasn't willingly reading on his own at that point, nor would he have been able to read quickly enough to keep up with the schedule. Also, everything was offline.
The good news is I LEARNED a lot of stuff I didn't already know.
However, by the second half of the year, I was exhausted. Plus, I was constantly adding this or that, supplementing with this or that because the curriculum just wasn't a great fit.
As a result of his unwillingness/inability to write things down, or read things in a timely manner, I switched to Monarch. Monarch is an online Christian (not live) curriculum by Alpha Omega Publications.
This program seemed perfect at first, because most of the work was completed online with very little hand writing required. Also, the curriculum has a text-to-speech feature, so he doesn't need to read it on his own. We are still using Monarch. However, I'm probably not going to continue with Monarch either.
This is because Monarch has a “typical learner” bent as well. As a result, I have been supplementing the curriculum with hands-on projects, unit studies, and more appropriate level reading/writing assignments.
This year I have finally started to “put it all together” on how I can teach my son, meet the requirements, and make it fun and as interesting as possible.
I have not found the perfect homeschool curriculum for my autistic son who hates school. However, there are parts of many different curriculums that I love. And I have discovered ways to teach my son in a nontypical way that requires way less fighting, arguing, bribing and so forth.
Along the way, I have discovered various tools that have been immensely helpful. I have also discovered that adapting school to at least sometimes match his preferred topics and interests makes a HUGE difference in his willingness to do an assignment.
The following math, reading, and writing tips and tricks are things I have gathered and used, and am still using today.
Adobe Creative Suite($19.95/month for students, compared to $59.95/month) – I don't think a lot of homeschoolers realize that you can have the ENTIRE creative suite, which includes Acrobat DC, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, and a bunch more for such a good price. I know I didn't until September of this year. Nathan is getting a serious head start by learning Photoshop. And he really likes it.
Dragon Speak Naturally– we don't use this program much anymore. However, it helped us when we first started out on the speech-to-text path. It is available through Amazon, and is under $50. You can download it on multiple devices. It gets to know you, so starts to be more accurate the more you use it.
Kindle Fire– I mention this one because it's the only tablet (including iPad) that I have been able to get to read any book we purchase. It is a computer voice, but it's better than nothing if you have a reluctant reader like I do. This was especially helpful a few years ago when Nathan wouldn't read anything on his own.
Audio books– Kind of pricey, but a lot of books are available for free through local libraries.
Whiteboard– Lap size whiteboards are portable and they make great scratch paper for math problems and for spelling tests. As a teacher, you can use them to help your children keep track of their schedule. I use a lapboard for PE class. That way I don't have to be there the whole time. The Whiteboard is helping my son to be much more independent.
Great for Visual Thinkers Who Hate Writing
Inspiration 9– This is a visual thinking organizer, and we absolutely love it! It has templates, or you can start from scratch. It converts bubbles to outlines and vice versa. You can create presentations, export to MS Word, and download pictures from the internet. It really helps me and my son organize our thoughts. You can learn a few things just from reading the premade templates.
Allow your child to sometimes write essays on topics not necessarily the same as in the subject, but still allow child to practice the skills.
How many specific dates, names and events do you remember learning in 6th grade?
My experience is that teaching facts and figures, dates and names just doesn't stick. What makes learning stick? Meaningful projects that add depth to the persons, places, dates, and events. They are much more effective at painting a picture that stays with you over time–especially if it is a subject your child is interested in.
Subjects on preferred topic – Trains, for example. (my son loves trains)! You can take the subject of trains, and assign a paper about the historical context oftrains during the Civil War, for example.
Online Unit studies – Thematic studies that focus on a certain flavor. For example, TechieHomeschoolMom.com has a Christmas Around the World Unit Study that we have been working through. We are learning about various countries around the world and how they celebrate Christmas. Also, Hide the Chocolate'sUnit Study on “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Unit studies are great for breaking up the sameness, or you can build an entire curriculum around them.
Autistic Son Hates School But loves Arts and Crafts
Lots and lots of arts and crafts and hands on activities – I believe that I started losing interest in school in junior high and high school because there were so few hands-on activities. I don't know where our school system got the idea that older kids don't need hands-on instruction. But I completely disagree with this idea. I don't think a kid ever outgrows the ability to enjoy hands-on activities.
Remember the point of learning is to grasp the subject matter being taught, not just memorizing facts.
Type of pencil used – It is amazing what a difference changing from the standard #2 pencil to a basic, plasticBic auto pencil has made in our house (there are also Pentel brand, but Nathan doesn't like those).
I don't know if you've noticed, but standard pencils are kind of “scratchy” when you write with them. Plus they get dull so quickly, you have to re-sharpen them almost constantly. (I can't stand writing with a dull pencil)!.
The auto pencils are a bit more expensive, but they are SO worth it! Nathan still doesn't like to write. But he now is more willing than before.
Grab My Book on Amazon by clicking on the book below.
I only promote products I use and love. Clicking on some of the images on this page will take you to a page of a company I am an affiliate with. If you purchase anything, I will get a small commission.
