Beyond the Box Learning

Marianne Sunderland
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Educating and encouraging parents and teachers of kids who learn differently, author, blogger, and veteran homeschool mom of seven of her own outside the box learners Marianne Sunderland teaches honestly from her many years educating her own kids with dyslexia and ADHD. Marianne asks the hard questions about what is really important as we educate our kids encouraging parents to step beyond the box of traditional education to meet the real needs of their kids. With a unique blend of research and practical experience, Marianne will help you gain the confidence you need to teach your kids.

  1. 4d ago

    How to Build Independent Learning With Dyslexia and ADHD

    Does it feel like your kids need you for every single part of the homeschool day? You’re teaching one child while another needs help logging into math. Someone forgot what they’re supposed to be doing. Someone else can’t find their pencil. And the child you just got started is back three minutes later because they’re stuck. 😂 For kids with dyslexia, ADHD, and executive function weaknesses, independent learning can be especially challenging—but often not for the reasons we think. In this episode, I’m talking about why struggling learners may have a harder time working independently and, more importantly, how we can gradually help them need us less without expecting them to do things their brains simply aren't ready to do yet. We’ll talk about: Why independence is actually a collection of skills that need to be taught How executive function weaknesses affect independent learning The difference between an independence problem and an access problem Why accommodations like audiobooks, speech-to-text, checklists, and timers can actually create more independence What happens when "Mom becomes the executive function system" How to transfer some of the support you provide to tools and systems your child can use on their own Why independent work doesn't always need to be academic How to gradually transfer responsibility instead of suddenly expecting independence Why we shouldn't compare the independence of kids with dyslexia and ADHD to other children their age Choose one activity your child currently needs your help with and ask: 1. Why do they need me?Is it reading? Directions? Attention? Initiation? Organization? An academic skill? 2. What could replace some of my support?Could a tool, accommodation, checklist, routine, timer, audiobook, or shorter assignment help? 3. What is one small step toward doing this with less help? Don't try to "make your child independent." Just make one thing a little more independent. Need ideas for what your kids can actually do independently while you're teaching another child? I've put together a FREE Independent Learning Ideas download with practical activities your kids can do on their own while you're working with a sibling—or simply helping them build greater independence. Download the Free Independent Learning Ideas here. Remember, the goal isn't to remove all support. The goal is to transfer support from you to tools, accommodations, skills, and systems your child can eventually use independently. Executive Function Resources If you have a child that struggles with executive function, weakness, here are resources on my site to give you the skills to support your kids and grow their executive function skills. Executive Function Master Class The ADHD Intensive

  2. Aug 24

    Avoiding the Comparison Trap

    Comparison can sneak into our homeschools even when we know what we're doing is working. In this episode of the Beyond the Box Learning Podcast, I share a recent conversation with an experienced homeschool mom who found herself questioning her family's individualized approach after seeing another family choose a more traditional homeschool program. We explore why traditional education can remain our unconscious measuring stick, why comparison is so often based on assumptions, and how homeschooling kids with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences can require us to completely rethink what a successful education looks like. You'll also hear some better questions to ask when comparison hits—questions that turn your attention away from what everyone else is doing and back toward the strengths, needs, interests, and growth of the child right in front of you. Because your homeschool doesn't need to look impressive from the outside. It needs to work for the children living inside your home. Free Student Interest & Learning Style Inventory: [DOWNLOAD HERE] My book, No More School: Meeting the Educational Needs of Kids with Dyslexia and Language-Based Learning Difficulties: [LEARN MORE / GET THE BOOK] Book a 1:1 consultation with Marianne here. Kids who learn differently need to be taught differently.

  3. Aug 11

    Back-to-school Expectations

    Every August, homeschool parents are filled with hope. This is going to be the year. The year your child finally loves reading.The year you stick to the schedule.The year every curriculum choice is perfect.The year everyone enjoys homeschooling. But what happens when reality doesn't match those expectations? In this encouraging episode, Marianne shares why unrealistic expectations can quietly steal our joy—and how embracing flexibility can actually make us better homeschool parents, especially when we're raising children with dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning differences. Drawing from more than 30 years of homeschooling seven children with dyslexia, Marianne offers practical wisdom for approaching the new school year with confidence, grace, and realistic expectations. You'll learn: Why there is no such thing as the perfect homeschool yearHow to respond when a carefully chosen curriculum simply doesn't workWhy some classes are a poor fit for kids who learn differentlyWhat to do when your child resists your "perfect" homeschool planWhy children with dyslexia often develop reading skills on a very different timelineHow to avoid feeling behind by focusing on your family's true prioritiesWhy flexibility—not perfection—is one of the greatest strengths of homeschoolingDon't lower your expectations for your child. Adjust your expectations for the journey. Children with dyslexia and ADHD often reach the same destination by a different path. When we stop measuring our homeschool against an imaginary "perfect year," we create space for meaningful growth, individualized learning, and lasting success. As Marianne often says: "Kids who learn differently need to be taught differently." 📚 Homeschool Planning Week (Begins August 17) If you're feeling overwhelmed planning your homeschool year, join Marianne for four practical days of planning designed specifically for families homeschooling children with dyslexia and ADHD. During Planning Week you'll learn how to: Set priorities that actually matterChoose curriculum wiselyBuild a realistic daily scheduleCreate a homeschool plan that works for your unique child—not someone else's👉 Learn more and register here:https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/planning-week/ 📖 Explore more free articles and resources: https://HomeschoolingWithDyslexia.com If this episode encouraged you, please consider: Following the podcastLeaving a reviewSharing this episode with another homeschool parent who needs encouragement this back-to-school season Your support helps more families discover that kids who learn differently truly can thrive when they're taught differently.

  4. Aug 7

    You Don't Have to Recreate Public School at Home

    Most homeschoolers start their homeschool years by recreating their public school experience at home. Learn why that is especially harmful for families homeschooling kids with dyslexia and ADHD and learn 2 other homeschool freedoms essential to know for parents homeschooling with dyslexia and ADHD. Beyond the Box Learning Podcast with Marianne Sunderland One of the biggest mindset shifts you'll make as a homeschool parent is realizing that you don't have to recreate public school at home. If you're homeschooling a child with dyslexia, ADHD, or another learning difference, trying to copy the traditional classroom often leads to frustration—for you and your child. In this episode, Marianne shares why homeschooling gives you the freedom to teach differently, why individualized education works so well for struggling learners, and how letting go of comparison can transform your homeschool. As she often says: "Kids who learn differently need to be taught differently." Why most homeschool families begin by trying to recreate traditional schoolThe freedom homeschooling gives you to personalize your child's educationWhy pacing matters for children with dyslexia and ADHDHow remediation, accommodations, and assistive technology help children learn at their intellectual abilityWhy comparison is one of the biggest obstacles to homeschool confidencePractical encouragement from 30 years of homeschooling seven children with dyslexia and ADHD Get Marianne's latest book, No More School: Meeting the Educational Needs of Kids with Dyslexia and Language-Based learning Difficulties here:https://amzn.to/4wjE84X Homeschool Planning Week Join Marianne for this practical five-day planning event designed especially for busy homeschool families. August 17–21 You'll receive: Four short video lessonsPrintable Planning WorkbookDaily planning assignmentsLive Friday Zoom Q&AReplay accessLifetime accessBy the end of the week, you'll have: A clear plan for each childA realistic homeschool routineA curriculum plan you feel confident aboutA personalized homeschool blueprint for the yearGreater peace and confidence as you begin the school yearRegister here:https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/homeschool-planning-week/ 🌐 Website:https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com 💌 Join the email community for practical encouragement, teaching strategies, and resources for homeschooling children with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences. If today's episode encouraged you, would you take a minute to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another homeschool parent? Your support helps more families discover that there is another way—and that children who learn differently truly can thrive.

  5. 03/18/2025

    Can Parents Really Homeschool Their Kids With Dyslexia?

    Can parents teach their kids with dyslexia? Teaching a child with dyslexia to read, write, and spell is a challenge, yes, but homeschooling allows parents to give their kids the individualized education they really need. Read this episode and find the resources mentioned on the blog: https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/can-really-homeschool-child-dyslexia/ --- My website, HomeschoolingWithDyslexia.com exists to both educate and encourage parents and teachers of kids who learn differently. Kids who learn differently need to be taught differently. Read my latest book, No More School: Meeting the Educational Needs of Kids With Dyslexia and Language-Based Learning Difficulties. Like this info? Sign up for my weekly newsletter for teaching tips, product reviews, and encouragement for your journey. Sign up here!

  6. 02/11/2025

    The Minimum Viable Homeschool Day

    There’s not a homeschool parent out there that doesn’t desire a more productive homeschool day. Juggling the many needs of running a home, caring for family needs, and nurturing a marriage can often leave us out of time or out of energy when it comes to teaching our kids at home. Introducing the Minimum Viable Homeschool Day! Learn how to choose a few essentials each day to feel more productive and confident. See this post on my website: Homeschooling With Dyslexia https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/productive-homeschool-day/ --- My website,HomeschoolingWithDyslexia.com exists to both educate and encourage parents and teachers of kids who learn differently, Kids who learn differently need to be taught differently. Read my latest book,No More School: Meeting the Educational Needs of Kids With Dyslexia and Language-Based Learning Difficulties. Like this info? Sign up for my weekly newsletter for teaching tips, product reviews, and encouragement for your journey. Sign up here!

  7. 01/24/2025

    5 Ways to Increase Motivation in Dyslexic Kids

    It's not uncommon for homeschooled kids with dyslexia and ADHD to lack motivation to learn. This episode gives you 5 ways to increase INTERNAL motivation to learn; that is being self-motivated to learn. Find this post and all resources mentioned on my web site here: https://homeschoolingwithdyslexia.com/5-ways-increase-motivation-dyslexia-adhd/ --- My website, HomeschoolingWithDyslexia.com exists to both educate and encourage parents and teachers of kids who learn differently. Kids who learn differently need to be taught differently. Read my latest book, No More School: Meeting the Educational Needs of Kids With Dyslexia and Language-Based Learning Difficulties. Like this info? Sign up for my weekly newsletter for teaching tips, product reviews, and encouragement for your journey. Sign up here!

  8. 01/20/2025

    The 10 Stages of Homeschooling Kids with Dyslexia

    After homeschooling kids with dyslexia for nearly 30 years, here are the different stages I've gone through; from confusion to confidence. Read the post here. Join my online mentoring group for parents homeschooling their kids with dyslexia here! --- My website, HomeschoolingWithDyslexia.com exists to both educate and encourage parents and teachers of kids who learn differently, Kids who learn differently need to be taught differently. Read my latest book, No More School: Meeting the Educational Needs of Kids With Dyslexia and Language-Based Learning Difficulties. Like this info? Sign up for my weekly newsletter for teaching tips, product reviews, and encouragement for your journey. Sign up here!

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Educating and encouraging parents and teachers of kids who learn differently, author, blogger, and veteran homeschool mom of seven of her own outside the box learners Marianne Sunderland teaches honestly from her many years educating her own kids with dyslexia and ADHD. Marianne asks the hard questions about what is really important as we educate our kids encouraging parents to step beyond the box of traditional education to meet the real needs of their kids. With a unique blend of research and practical experience, Marianne will help you gain the confidence you need to teach your kids.

Information

  • Creator
    Marianne Sunderland
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Marianne Sunderland
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Box Learning

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