Writing Starts in the Brain, Not on the Page

Welcome back to Part Two of my S5E23 @schoolutionspodcast conversation with Stacey Shubitz. We discuss the importance of looking beyond just IEP goals and accommodations in special education. Stacey emphasizes considering child development and the need for downtime, joy, and culturally relevant books. Caregivers can use these parenting tips to provide emotional support and foster inclusive education for children with disabilities outside of school hours.
Stacey reveals the surprising advice a speech pathologist gave her: "Take care of your marriage," tucked between recommendations for two-word sentences was perhaps the most important guidance she'd receive. She shares what happens when caregivers don't take care of themselves (shorter fuses, emotional overwhelm, everything feeling like a catastrophe) and the permission we all need to hear: it's okay to skip therapy homework sometimes.
This isn't about surviving—it's about thriving. About curating joy intentionally. About finding children's books that help siblings develop empathy. About protecting your relationships while advocating for your child.
Key Topics Covered:
- The 130 hours: structuring life beyond school walls
- Permission to take "speech therapy vacations" and why downtime matters
- Curating joy vs. relentless therapy schedules
- Children's books as windows, mirrors, and doors for disability understanding
- Supporting siblings through literature and conversation
- Caregiver self-care isn't optional—it's essential
- Nurturing couple relationships while parenting children with disabilities
- What happens when we don't take care of ourselves
- Creating safe spaces for family dialogue about disability
- The whole child approach to family life
💫Check out Part One if you missed it on Monday!
🔗 Get Stacey's book: Make the School System Work for Your Child With Disabilities at (PROMO CODE EMJAN1533 for 15% off (expires 2/21/26)
Chapters
0:00 Introduction: The 130 Hours Nobody Talks About
1:00 Beyond IEPs: Life Outside School Walls
2:00 Welcome Back: Part 2 with Stacey Shubitz
3:00 Why Include Life Beyond School?
4:00 Permission to Take Speech Therapy Vacations
5:00 Curating Joy Intentionally
5:30 The Importance of Downtime and Rest
6:00 When Your Child Says "I Can't Practice Today"
7:00 Vision Therapy Without Homework: A Game Changer
8:00 Modeling Healthy Rest Habits
8:30 Connection Through Reading Together
9:00 Children's Books That Nurture Empathy
10:00 Windows, Mirrors, and Doors in Disability Literature
11:00 Books for Siblings: Building Understanding
12:00 Creating Safe Spaces for Family Dialogue
13:00 What Happens When Caregivers Don't Self-Care
14:00 The Marriage Advice That Changed Everything
15:00 Finding Your Anchor: Partners and Support Systems
16:00 Vulnerability, Mentorship, and Gratitude
17:00 Resources and Book Recommendations
18:00 Promo Code for Stacey's Book
18:30 Next Week: Foundational Writing Skills Research
19:00 Closing: You're Doing Better Than You Think
Next Week: Melanie Meehan and Maggie Beattie Roberts are joining me to reveal groundbreaking research behind their new book on foundational writing skills. We're unpacking how understanding the brain's role in writing—from handwriting to executive function—can transform how we teach every child to become a confident, capable writer.

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.