How I Complete Our Homeschool Academic Year
Holly Leary Holly Leary

How I Complete Our Homeschool Academic Year

As we wrap up our homeschool year, I still incorporate standardized testing—but thoughtfully. After trying IXL, STAR, and Edmentum, I realized my daughter was more affected by the format than the content. It raised a bigger question: are we really testing knowledge, or just test-taking ability? While we homeschool to move away from rigid systems, I still use testing to help her build confidence and resilience. But the heart of our year-end reflection lies in creating a personalized portfolio—a meaningful keepsake that celebrates her growth through field trips, projects, and books read. Here's how we blend assessment with joy.

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How to Plan a Homeschool Day at Animal Kingdom’s Pandora (Ages 8-12) With AVATAR Movie Tie Ins
Holly Leary Holly Leary

How to Plan a Homeschool Day at Animal Kingdom’s Pandora (Ages 8-12) With AVATAR Movie Tie Ins

Discover how to plan an engaging homeschool day at Disney's Animal Kingdom with an Avatar-themed unit study in Pandora. Perfect for ages 8–12, this lesson uses metacognitive learning, QR-linked activities, and cross-curricular projects tied to Avatar: The Way of Water. Includes educational prep tips, book recommendations, and reflective prompts to deepen learning in the park.

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Prepping for a Homeschool Day at EPCOT (Mexico Pavilion Edition) Ages 8-12
EPCOT, Planning Day Holly Leary EPCOT, Planning Day Holly Leary

Prepping for a Homeschool Day at EPCOT (Mexico Pavilion Edition) Ages 8-12

Discover how to plan the ultimate homeschool day at EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion with this step-by-step guide for kids ages 8–12. Learn how to integrate history, geography, language arts, and metacognitive skills using the Ultimate EPCOT Workbook, a free KWL chart printable, and engaging educational books. Perfect for homeschoolers visiting Walt Disney World, this post shows how to turn your Disney trip into a cross-curricular learning adventure focused on ancient civilizations, Mexican geography, and cultural storytelling.

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What to Expect at Walt Disney World with Anxiety, Autism, or ADHD
Holly Leary Holly Leary

What to Expect at Walt Disney World with Anxiety, Autism, or ADHD

Learn what to expect at Walt Disney World with anxiety, autism, or ADHD (Neurodivergency at WDW). Discover tips for managing sensory sensitivities, using Disney’s DAS pass for extreme cases, and planning breaks. Explore DisneyHomeschool.com’s guides on quiet spaces, sensory-friendly fidget toys, and ride sensory facts for each park to ensure a magical trip for the whole family!

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Ten Quiet Places in WDW’s Animal Kingdom: Top Spots to Reset Sensory Overload in Walt Disney World
Holly Leary Holly Leary

Ten Quiet Places in WDW’s Animal Kingdom: Top Spots to Reset Sensory Overload in Walt Disney World

Discover the top 10 quiet places in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to manage sensory overload and recharge during your visit. Perfect for autism, ADHD, and anxiety, this guide highlights serene spots like the Oasis Exhibits, Rafiki's Planet Watch, and the Flame Tree BBQ pavilions. Learn how proper planning, sensory solutions, and these peaceful areas can create a magical experience for neurodivergent families at Walt Disney World

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Ten Quiet Places in Hollywood Studios: Top Spots to Reset Sensory Overload in Walt Disney World
Holly Leary Holly Leary

Ten Quiet Places in Hollywood Studios: Top Spots to Reset Sensory Overload in Walt Disney World

Discover the top 10 quiet places in Hollywood Studios to manage sensory overload at Walt Disney World. Ideal for autism, ADHD, and anxiety, this guide highlights serene spots like Echo Lake, Animation Courtyard, and the Muppet*Vision 3D Courtyard. Perfect for neurodivergent families, learn how proper planning and sensory solutions can create a stress-free and magical Disney experience. Explore tips for finding peaceful breaks and managing sensory sensitivities during your visit

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Ten Quiet Places in EPCOT: Top Spots to Reset  Your Sensory Overload in Walt Disney World
Holly Leary Holly Leary

Ten Quiet Places in EPCOT: Top Spots to Reset Your Sensory Overload in Walt Disney World

Discover the top 10 quiet places in EPCOT to reset and recharge from sensory overload. Perfect for autism, ADHD, and anxiety, this guide highlights serene spots and sensory solutions for neurodivergent families in Walt Disney World. Learn how proper planning, including identifying peaceful locations like the Japan Pavilion Gardens and the Norway Stave Church Gallery, can make your EPCOT visit stress-free and magical. Explore tips for managing sensory sensitivities and creating a memorable experience for everyone.

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Ten Quiet Places in Magic Kingdom: Top Spots to Reset Your Sensory Overload in WALT DISNEY WORLD
Holly Leary Holly Leary

Ten Quiet Places in Magic Kingdom: Top Spots to Reset Your Sensory Overload in WALT DISNEY WORLD

Discover the top 10 quiet places in Magic Kingdom to reset and recharge sensory overload at Walt Disney World. Perfect for autism, ADHD, and anxiety, this guide highlights serene spots and sensory solutions for neurodivergent families. Learn about planning tips, stress-relief strategies, and how to create a magical experience with proper preparation. Explore Disney's DAS accommodations and find the best spaces for managing sensory sensitivities

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The Ultimate Sensory Guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Holly Leary Holly Leary

The Ultimate Sensory Guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Plan a sensory-friendly visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom with our comprehensive sensory guide, updated October 2024! Perfect for families navigating autism, ADHD, or anxiety, this guide breaks down the sensory details of each attraction, from lighting effects and loud sounds to motion and surprises. Discover tips for managing sensory sensitivities while enjoying thrilling rides like Expedition Everest, serene experiences like the Na’vi River Journey, and educational animal encounters. Brought to you by DisneyHomeschool.com, your trusted resource for blending education and magic at Walt Disney World

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The Ultimate Sensory Guide to Hollywood Studios: Attraction Ratings
Holly Leary Holly Leary

The Ultimate Sensory Guide to Hollywood Studios: Attraction Ratings

Explore the ultimate sensory guide to Disney's Hollywood Studios, updated October 2024! Perfect for families navigating autism, ADHD, or anxiety, this comprehensive guide breaks down sensory elements for each attraction, including lighting effects, loud noises, motion, and surprises. Discover tips for creating a sensory-friendly Disney experience while enjoying thrilling rides like Rise of the Resistance and family favorites like Toy Story Mania. Brought to you by DisneyHomeschool.com, your trusted resource for blending education and fun at Walt Disney World.

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The BEST Top 20 Sensory and Fidget Toys for Stimming and Sensory Needs at Walt Disney World
Holly Leary Holly Leary

The BEST Top 20 Sensory and Fidget Toys for Stimming and Sensory Needs at Walt Disney World

Discover the top 20 sensory and fidget toys for managing sensory needs at Walt Disney World! From noise-canceling headphones to chewable jewelry, weighted lap pads, and bubble poppers, our comprehensive guide helps parents prepare for a smoother Disney experience. Perfect for kids with sensory sensitivities or those who benefit from stimming, each toy offers unique benefits, whether it's calming tactile feedback, gentle visual stimuli, or soothing vibrations. Ideal for waiting in lines or winding down after a ride, these sensory-friendly toys will help make your family’s Disney trip more magical and comfortable!

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How to Homeschool in Walt Disney World: Planning for Learning
Holly Leary Holly Leary

How to Homeschool in Walt Disney World: Planning for Learning

Discover how to homeschool at Walt Disney World with our guide on turning park days into educational adventures. Learn how The Ultimate EPCOT Workbook and The Ultimate Magic Kingdom Workbook offer 250+ pages of pre-park, in-park, and post-park activities for kids ages 6-12. These printable resources cover science, history, math, language arts, and more, making Disney trips both fun and educational for homeschoolers. Perfect for parents looking to enhance their child’s learning with hands-on Disney-themed activities!

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The Ultimate Sensory Guide to EPCOT: Rating Rides for Sensory-Sensitive Guests
Holly Leary Holly Leary

The Ultimate Sensory Guide to EPCOT: Rating Rides for Sensory-Sensitive Guests

Planning a sensory-friendly day at EPCOT? Our updated October 2024 sensory guide to EPCOT attractions at Walt Disney World breaks down the sights, sounds, smells, and movements of each ride. From loud noises to lighting effects, water elements to unexpected drops, this guide helps families with sensory sensitivities enjoy a magical Disney experience. Learn how to navigate EPCOT with ease, with tips from DisneyHomeschool.com—a resource for blending education and entertainment in the theme parks!

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The Ultimate Sensory Guide to Magic Kingdom Attractions: Rating Rides for Sensory-Sensitive Guests
Holly Leary Holly Leary

The Ultimate Sensory Guide to Magic Kingdom Attractions: Rating Rides for Sensory-Sensitive Guests

Planning a sensory-friendly visit to Magic Kingdom? Discover our comprehensive guide to the sensory elements of each ride and attraction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Learn about the smells, lighting effects, loud noises, periods of darkness, movement, and more that may affect sensory-sensitive guests. From gentle attractions like ‘it’s a small world’ to thrilling rides like Space Mountain, we break down what to expect so you can plan an enjoyable and comfortable Disney experience for the whole family.

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What learning opportunities are available in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs?
homeschool resources Holly Leary homeschool resources Holly Leary

What learning opportunities are available in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs?

Discover the educational opportunities at Disney Springs, where shopping, dining, and entertainment combine with hands-on learning. This guide explores how Disney Springs offers unique lessons in art, design, culinary arts, music, science, and business. Perfect for homeschooling families, learn how to turn a visit to Disney Springs into a rich educational experience that complements your curriculum.

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Are Water Parks Like WDW’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach Educational? Yes!
homeschool resources Holly Leary homeschool resources Holly Leary

Are Water Parks Like WDW’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach Educational? Yes!

Explore how Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks offer educational opportunities beyond just fun. This guide highlights how these water parks can teach students about environmental science, engineering, cultural studies, and more. Perfect for homeschooling families, discover how to integrate real-world learning experiences into your visit, turning a day at the water parks into a valuable educational adventure.

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Which Walt Disney World Resorts Are Educational? Theme Parks and Themed Resorts
homeschool resources Holly Leary homeschool resources Holly Leary

Which Walt Disney World Resorts Are Educational? Theme Parks and Themed Resorts

Discover the educational value of Walt Disney World resorts, where learning extends beyond the parks. Explore how resorts like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Polynesian Village Resort, and Wilderness Lodge offer immersive experiences in wildlife conservation, cultural studies, American history, and more. Perfect for homeschooling families, this guide highlights the unique educational opportunities at WDW resorts, turning your stay into a rich, learning adventure.

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How Is Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Educational?
homeschool resources Holly Leary homeschool resources Holly Leary

How Is Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Educational?

Explore how Disney's Hollywood Studios serves as an educational experience for homeschoolers, blending film studies, history, technology, and the creative arts. This guide highlights the park's unique opportunities for learning, from the art of filmmaking and storytelling to insights into cultural history and technological innovation. Perfect for parents looking to integrate engaging, hands-on learning experiences into their homeschooling curriculum, discover how Hollywood Studios can inspire creativity and critical thinking in students of all ages.

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How Is Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World Educational?
homeschool resources Holly Leary homeschool resources Holly Leary

How Is Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World Educational?

Discover how Disney's Animal Kingdom serves as an educational experience for homeschoolers, blending wildlife conservation, cultural exploration, and hands-on science learning. Explore how this unique theme park offers interactive opportunities to teach children about ecology, global cultures, and environmental stewardship. Perfect for parents looking to integrate fun and education into their homeschooling curriculum, this guide highlights the educational value of Animal Kingdom's attractions and programs.

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How is EPCOT in Walt Disney World Educational? Exploring Learning Opportunities in Every Corner
homeschool resources Holly Leary homeschool resources Holly Leary

How is EPCOT in Walt Disney World Educational? Exploring Learning Opportunities in Every Corner

Discover how EPCOT at Walt Disney World serves as an educational treasure trove for homeschooling families. This blog post explores how EPCOT’s attractions and pavilions offer rich learning opportunities in global cultures, science, technology, art, and innovation. Learn how to turn your visit to EPCOT into an immersive educational experience that complements your homeschool curriculum, making education both fun and memorable.

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