Empowering Homeschool Conversations
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Empowering Homeschool Conversations

Peggy Ployhar

Welcome to Empowering Homeschool Conversations, your authority in navigating the world of homeschooling diverse learners. 

Featuring Peggy Ployhar from SPED Homeschool, Annie Yorty from AnnieYorty.com, Leilani Melendez from Living with Eve, Stephanie Buckwalter from ELARP Learning, and Dawn Jackson from Dawn Jackson Educational Consulting & Tutoring.

With over 75 years of combined homeschooling expertise, experiences, and perspectives, this group is eager to share their wealth of wisdom to empower your homeschooling journey.

So, grab your favorite mug, settle in and get ready for insightful discussions, valuable insights, and practical tips as these experts and their guests dive into the hottest topics in homeschooling. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler, just considering this path, or anywhere in between you don't want to miss a minute of these enlightening conversations that will empower your child to thrive in their homeschool environment.

Join us to give your homeschool the power boost it needs to successfully educate the unique learners in your home.

Have a homeschooling question for our panel? Or want to view our upcoming broadcast schedule? Go to this page, scroll down to the show images and click on the upcoming episode you’d like to submit a question for: https://empoweredhomeschool.com/empowering-homeschool-conversations-schedule 

Links to Us:

https://spedhomeschool.com/

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@LivingWithEve

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

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Conquering Math Anxiety-Strategies for Frustration-Free Learning
July 23, 2024 - 52 min
In this enlightening episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Amy Sneath, the dynamic owner of Moxie Learning to talk about math anxiety and strategies for frustration-free learning. Amy takes us on a journey through the origins of math anxiety, offering insights on recognizing when your child has mastered a topic versus needing more practice. She delves into the transformative power of understanding concepts through the concrete, pictorial, and abstract stages. Discover why multiplication facts often trip up young learners and how conquering them can boost a child's confidence. Plus, Amy highlights the importance of incorporating games into learning and shares her expert tips on structuring an effective math lesson. Tune in for practical strategies to make math a fun and stress-free experience for your child! Amy Sneath earned her bachelor's degree in early childhood education, her eyes were opened to all that the homeschooling world offered. Since then, she created Moxie Learning, an alternative education platform that offers live virtual classes for students and resources to support homeschooling parents. Right now her and her husband, TJ are spending some time in their home state of California before heading out on their next adventure. They have lived in 8 states and 2 countries!   To connect with Amy visit her website link: https://mailchi.mp/moxielearning.us/classes Or look her up on social media @moxielearning Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@LivingWithEve https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Decoding Dyslexia-Unraveling the Neurodevelopmental Puzzle
July 16, 2024 - 60 min
Are you ready to dive deep into the world of neurodevelopment and discover the mysteries behind dyslexia? Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Dr. Jan Bedell, a renowned Master Neurodevelopmentalist. With her extensive expertise and passion for helping individuals unlock their full potential. Tune in to uncover the keys to understanding and supporting dyslexic individuals and gain a fresh perspective on the incredible capabilities of the human brain. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in the field! Jan Bedell, PhD, Master Neurodevelopmentalist is a seasoned special education homeschool mom and President of Brain Sprints (formally Little Giant Steps), a neurodeveopmental curriculum, consulting and support company. Jan also serves as the board chair for SPED Homeschool Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To connect with Jan and her resources, use this links: https://www.brainsprints.com/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@LivingWithEve https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/ Disclaimer: We apologize for the chopping conversation, but it was the best we could do to clean up the audio with our guest's poor internet connection.Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Parenting with Patience: Expert Advice on Managing Challenging Child Behavior
July 9, 2024 - 53 min
Navigating the complexities of parenting children who have experienced neglect or trauma can be daunting. In this episode, we sit down with Jayne E. Schooler to explore compassionate and effective strategies for managing challenging behaviors. Discover practical tips on fostering resilience, building trust, and nurturing emotional healing in your child. Tune in to learn how patience, empathy, and expert guidance can transform your parenting and homeschooling journey. Jayne E. Schooler is the author or coauthor of eight books in the field of child welfare, including Wounded Children, Healing Homes: How Traumatized Children Impact Adoptive and Foster Families and Parenting in Transracial Adoption: Real Questions and Real Answers. Jayne served full-time with Back2Back Ministries and regularly visited countries around the world to train and support organizations and ministries in creating trauma-informed programs. Jayne lives in Dayton, Ohio, is a mother by both birth and adoption as well is a grandparent of four. Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To connect with Jayne and her resources, use these links: New book: https://mediacenter.tyndale.com/p/caring-for-kids-from-hard-places/9781646070466 Website: https://schoolerinstitute.org/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@LivingWithEve https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Thriving Together-Strengthening Your Marriage While Raising a Child with Disabilities
July 2, 2024 - 57 min
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, your host Annie Yorty and her special guests dive into the unique challenges and beautiful complexities of maintaining a strong, loving partnership while navigating the demands of special needs parenting. Our expert guests bring a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the table, offering invaluable insights and practical strategies for fostering resilience, connection, and joy in your marriage. Whether you're homeschooling parents seeking support, or simply looking for ways to strengthen your relationship amidst life's challenges, this conversation promises to provide the inspiration and tools you need to thrive together. Let's embark on this journey of love and learning, together. Our guests, Dr. Todd and Kristin Evans, are celebrating 22 years of marriage. They are award-winning authors, speakers, and special needs parents. They co-authored their new book, How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities (Baker Books). They both earned their MA in Christian Educational Ministries at Wheaton College in Illinois and have served together in full-time ministry in church, camping, and retreat settings. Todd received his PhD from Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering and currently manages his own business, and Kristin earned her MSW from the University of Tennessee and is a Licensed Master Social Worker experienced in couples, child and family, substance abuse, and crisis counseling. They enjoy traveling and the outdoors together. To connect with our guests, visit: https://disabilityparenting.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Build-Thriving-Marriage-Children-Disabilities/dp/1540903737/ https://www.instagram.com/disabilityparenting/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@LivingWithEve https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
From Trauma to Triumph_ Homeschooling a Diverse Family
June 25, 2024 - 73 min
This episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations features an inspiring interview with popular Christian non-fiction author and speaker, Shari Howard McMinn! As the loving "Mom" to 11 children through marriage, birth, and adoption, Shari has homeschooled 9 of them to high school graduation. Peggy Ployhar, SPED Homeschool Founder & CEO, hosts Shari as she shares her journey from trauma to triumph, offering valuable insights into homeschooling a diverse family. Don't miss the chance to hear about her upcoming book, Embracing Diversity as a Family: Preparing the Next Generation to Flourish. Tune in for heartfelt stories and practical advice on raising resilient, thriving children in today's world! 📚✨ Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To connect with Shari and her resources, use these links: New book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5MKBBM1 Website: https://sharimcminn.com/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@LivingWithEve https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Unlocking Potential: Non-Traditional Teaching Methods for Students with Severe Learning Challenges
June 18, 2024 - 69 min
In today's episode, "Unlocking Potential: Non-Traditional Teaching Methods for Students with Severe Learning Challenges," we delve into the world of homeschooling children with intellectual disabilities who are often relegated to a perpetual elementary school experience. From addressing specific struggles in teaching a child with intellectual disabilities and adapting curriculum to understanding learning behaviors and incorporating life skills, this conversation will provide practical insights and tips for unlocking your child's full potential. Stay tuned as our guest and Empowering Homeschool Conversations co-host, Stephanie Buckwalter, uncovers ways to navigate the complexities of homeschooling children with severe learning challenges and to empower them to thrive beyond traditional expectations. Stephanie Buckwalter is a curriculum developer and the creator of the ELARP™ Method of homeschooling for students who are two or more years behind grade level in several core subjects, or simply stuck in perpetual kindergarten. She believes that the first step to homeschooling a special needs child is to assume intelligence. Once you realize there is more going on intellectually than your child can express, it opens up a whole new world of learning. Her family of five children has done homeschool, private school and public school (including the IEP process). In addition to homeschooling for over 18 years, Stephanie has taught classes locally and online, and helped start a robotics club, a classical education co-op and a special needs homeschool co-op. Her heart is to use her unique experience to help others experience success teaching their unique learners. Use this link that Stephanie created for parenting homeschooling students with Intellectual Disabilities: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/groups/students-with-severe-learning-challenges Connect with Stephanie and the resources she mentioned in this broadcast: ELARP Learning: https://elarplearning.com/ Art of Special Needs Parenting: https://artofspecialneedsparenting.com/ 3 Circles of Purpose printable (link: https://artofspecialneedsparenting.com/3-circles-of-purpose/) Teaching a Special Needs Child at Home and at School - Judith Munday Family Math - Stenmark, Thompson and Cossey Skills Evaluation for the Homeschool - Rebecca Avery, The Weaver Curriculum What Your Child Needs to Know When, An Evaluation Checklist for Grades K-8 - Rogin Scarlata Home Learning Year by Year - Rebecca Rupp Special Needs Expo, Shelby, NC, June 28-29 https://iajministries.ticketleap.com/t/SPEDHOMESCHOOL/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/  To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@LivingWithEve https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Secure Connections: Unraveling Parenting with Attachment Theory Insights
June 11, 2024 - 60 min
This episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations explores how attachment theory can transform parenting strategies, especially for children with poor self-image or trauma backgrounds. Watch today to discover how understanding attachment styles can empower your homeschooling journey and practical ways to build attachments and connections with your children as you interact with them every day! 🎙️🏡 Dr. Bill Senyard’s life has taken him from being an engineer, strategic management consultant, co-owner of an Inc. 500 high-tech company, to church ministry where he served multiple congregations as a Lead Pastor over 30 years. He is a popular conference and convention speaker in the US and abroad. He has written a number of books and workbooks on a wide range of important topics including, how frustrated parents of teens can be “more” good enough parents, how Christians can effectively and Biblically forgive others, and most importantly, God’s love for the unlovable. He produced a number of popular video series on Right Now Media and LifestreamTV networks. His weekly podcast, Gospel Rant, has over 800 downloads/month. His two online programs (Forgiving Path and Good Enough Parent) have had over 1500 participants. He is a nationally syndicated columnist for The Price of Business and serves as the president of Gospel App Ministries and lives with his wife Eunice in the Denver region. Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To connect with Dr. Senyard and his resources, use these links: https://gospel-app.com/ https://www.gospelrant.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@drbillsenyard https://www.instagram.com/gospelapp/ https://gospel-app.com/paths/good-enough-parent/ To find his new book on Amazon, use this link: https://www.amazon.com/Tale-Unlikely-Prince-Bill-Senyard/dp/B0CZQ8DY1C/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@LivingWithEve https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/ Click here to power up your at home teaching with courses and downloadable hand-selected for you! https://empoweredhomeschool.com/Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Unlocking the Power of Reading: Overcoming Dyslexia with Breakthrough Insights
June 4, 2024 - 63 min
Welcome to Empowering Homeschool Conversations, where we dive deep into topics that matter most to homeschooling families of diverse learners. In today's episode, we have a special guest, a true beacon of knowledge in the realm of dyslexia: Dr. Tim Conway. Get ready to unlock the power of reading as we explore groundbreaking insights on overcoming dyslexia. From unraveling the mysteries of this learning difference to discovering revolutionary strategies, this conversation promises to be a game-changer for your homeschool. Get ready to embark on a journey of empowerment and enlightenment! Dr. Tim Conway, Ph.D., is a world-renowned brain scientist with over three decades of experience in clinical research on dyslexia, developmental disorders, aphasia, and alexia. He is committed to developing innovative and evidence-based therapies to intervene or remediate reading and spelling difficulties associated with these conditions. Dr. Conway's passion for his work stems from his personal experiences growing up in a family where dyslexia was prevalent. Dr. Conway earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a concentration in neuropsychology from the University of Florida. His personal experiences and relentless research, combined with his role as a clinical research scientist-practitioner, would earn him the credentials and reputation as a sought-after expert, scholar and advocate in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders, which includes dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and a myriad of other learning disorders. He is committed to using his research and development of effective evidence-based programs to bring down high illiteracy rates in communities worldwide, making intervention services accessible to anyone who needs them. Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To connect with Dr. Conway and his resources, use these links: YouTube videos: The Morris Center Clinics https://www.youtube.com/@TheMorrisCenterClinics-mv4rz NOW Programs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sIvFHZvyuQ TED Talk https://youtu.be/M4LtozMLMNc?feature=shared Websites: The Morris Center https://themorriscenter.com/ The NOW Program https://www.nowprograms.com/ Dr. Conways research: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=K_5nHpcAAAAJ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@LivingWithEve https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Financial Strategies for Families with Disabled Children
May 31, 2024 - 63 min
Welcome to Empowering Homeschool Conversations, where we delve into the heart of crucial topics affecting homeschooling families. In today's insightful episode, we're honored to host James Lange, a distinguished CPA/Attorney and passionate advocate for families with disabled children. Join us as we unravel the complexities of financial strategies tailored specifically for these families. With James's unique perspective as both a professional advisor and a dedicated special needs parent, get ready for a conversation that promises invaluable insights and empowering guidance. Our special guest this week on Empowering Homeschool Conversations was James Lange, CPA/Attorney and special needs parent. James Lange is the President of two interrelated companies that provide financial services to IRA and retirement plan owners: 1) Tax planning and preparation CPA firm 2) Registered investment advisory firm that provides cutting-edge Roth IRA conversion strategies and money management James Lange one of the few CPAs who is also an Attorney, Financial Advisor, and a 3-time best-selling author. He provides advice on the topics of retirement, estate planning, and Roth IRAs has been featured on CNN, CBS, MSNBC and in the Wall Street Journal, Financial Planning Magazine, Kiplinger's, and hundreds of other sources. Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To connect with James and his resources, use this link: Get your free digital book and to learn more about the 3-day virtual summit, Financial and Life Planning Summit…for Parents of a Child with a Disability from June 18 to June 20. Go to https://DisabledChildPlanning.com/Podcast To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@LivingWithEve https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/  Join our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Finding Balance: Emotional Wellness Strategies for Special Needs Homeschooling Moms
May 28, 2024 - 65 min
In this enriching episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, all five of our dedicated hosts, experienced special education homeschooling moms, come together for an insightful and heartfelt discussion on a crucial topic: Finding Balance: Emotional Wellness Strategies for Special Needs Homeschooling Moms.From the unique challenges of homeschooling children with special needs to the emotional toll it can take, our hosts dive deep into the realities faced by many mothers in this journey. This episode is packed with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and spiritual insights aimed at fostering emotional well-being.Join us as we share stories of triumph, offer empathetic advice, and provide a comforting reminder that you are not alone on this journey. Our conversation is designed to empower and uplift, helping you find the balance and emotional wellness you need to thrive as a special needs homeschooling mom.Tune in and be part of a supportive community that understands your challenges and celebrates your victories. Viewers like you funded similar episodes, and other free resources from SPED Homeschool. To learn how you can support the nonprofit work of SPED Homeschool and this broadcast, visit https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit: https://annieyorty.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@LivingWithEve https://elarplearning.com/ https://solimaracademy.com/ Resource mentioned by Annie Yorty in this conversation: https://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/creative-ideas-for-dates-at-home.htmlJoin our mission to empower homeschool families!: https://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Meet Your Host
Meet Your Host
Peggy Ployhar, SPED Homeschool Founder & CEO, is a physicist turned home educator who left a lucrative career in the medical device industry to teach the struggling learners in her own home.

Peggy founded SPED Homeschool in 2017 after working in the special education homeschooling industry for over a decade and now she and her team empower families across the globe to homeschool students with diverse learning needs.

She is certified by the American Association of Christian Counselors and trained as a Precept Bible Study leader. Peggy is also a professional aerial silks performer and instructor. In her free time, Peggy enjoys vegan/gluten-free cooking, paddle boarding, hiking and reading. She and her husband Doug live in League City, TX, and after 19 years of homeschooling have now graduated all three of their children from their home school.

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