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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Simple Methods for Restoring Rest in Your Home
January 9, 2024 - 55 min
Does a restful home seem elusive to you, especially in the mix of homeschooling and teaching a child with unique learning challenges? Never fear. Rest CAN be found, and our guest this week shares ways you and your family can restore rest with some simple methods any family can use to find more peace and connections in their home. Our special guest this week on Empowering Homeschool Conversations was Lauren Gaines, an author, speaker, teacher, and homeschooling mother. She is the creator of Inspired Motherhood, a thriving online community for moms to find practical tools to raise spiritually and emotionally healthy kids. Lauren shared with us about "Simple Methods for Restoring Rest in Your Home" 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 Lauren and her resources, use these links: Website: https://inspired-motherhood.com/ Book: Unshakable Kids: Three Keys to Raising Spiritually Strong and Emotionally Healthy Children https://www.amazon.com/Unshakable-Kids-Spiritually-Emotionally-Children/dp/1540902455 To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ Check out our most recent articles on SPED Homeschool at https://spedhomeschool.com/articles/ 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.
Homeschooling from To-Do List to Purposeful Pursuit
January 2, 2024 - 61 min
If homeschooling, learning, and educational remediation are ruling your life, then it is time to step back and determine if what you are doing is just checking boxes that you were told you needed to check to help your student progress or if your pursuits are learning to the desired outcome you are hoping for. Our special guest this week on Empowering Homeschool Conversations was Dawn Jackson M.Ed has over 30 years of experience in education and is a retired homeschool mom. She is the owner and director of Solimar Academy with credentials in General education, Special Education, and a certified Learning Styles Coach. Dawn shared with us about "Homeschooling from To-Do List to Purposeful Pursuit" 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, visithttps://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To connect with Dawn and her resources, use these links: Website: https://solimaracademy.com/ The book Dawn reference during the interview is Dumbing us Down by John Taylors Gattos https://www.amazon.com/Dumbing-Down-Curriculum-Compulsory-Schooling/dp/0865718547 To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ Check out our most recent articles on SPED Homeschool at https://spedhomeschool.com/articles/ 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.
Extend Learning: How to Homeschool after High School
December 26, 2023 - 62 min
Is your student nearing the end of their high school years and not ready to move onto a job, university, or trade program? Have you ever considered how you can help them during this transition time at home by developing a customized program to specifically meet their needs? Then is episode is for you as we talk with one mom who created programs for two of her children to help them prepare for life after high school at their own pace and pursuing their own interests. Our special guest this week on Empowering Homeschool Conversations will be Stephanie Buckwalter, special needs homeschooling mom, curriculum developer, and the creator of the ELARP™ Method. Stephanie will share with us about "Extend Learning: How to Homeschool after High School" 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, visithttps://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To connect with Stephanie and her resources, use these links: Website: https://elarplearning.com/ https://artofspecialneedsparenting.com/ Other resources shared by Stephanie: https://www.indeed.com/ https://www.coursera.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/learning/ https://www.skillshare.com/ https://www.udemy.com/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ Check out our most recent articles on SPED Homeschool at https://spedhomeschool.com/articles/ 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.
Christ-Centered Homeschool Christmas Learning
December 20, 2023 - 62 min
Would you like to be more intentional about how your family celebrates Christmas, but the demands of homeschooling a struggling student with the added busyness of the season make that desire seem more like a faraway fantasy? The fact is, it is possible, and to get more of Jesus in Christmas, you need to start with Jesus. Join our conversation to learn how and to make your homeschooling time this season more Christ-Centered and joy-filled. Annie Yorty joined us on Empowering Homeschool Conversations this week as our special guest. She's a wife, mother, special needs homeschooler, writer, and speaker. Annie shared with us about "Christ-Centered Homeschool Christmas Learning" 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, visithttps://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To connect with Annie and her resources, use these links: Website: https://annieyorty.com Use this link to get Annie's free resources This article at Crosswalk as a resource on advent https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/advent-the-best-way-to-prepare-for-christmas.html Annie's advent devotional to offer as a gift to listeners: Celebrate Christ – A Four-Week Devotionalhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1yWpufdkU62FZV-a3QGzYXo2sDksjCUjg/view Book: From Ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed through Down Syndrome https://www.amazon.com/Ignorance-Bliss-Revealed-through-Syndrome/dp/1649498365/ref Annie's current project which will come out in 2024: Find Christ in 25 Symbols of Christmas https://elklakepublishinginc.com/annie-yorty/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ Check out our most recent articles on SPED Homeschool at https://spedhomeschool.com/articles/ 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.
Create Harmonious Spiritual and Homeschool Rhythms
December 12, 2023 - 57 min
Does your homeschool and life as a homeschool parent feel out-of-sync, distracted, frustrating or in need of some more peaceful practices? Instead of a new planner or teaching approach, a harmonious rhythm comes from re-evaluation, which is what this week's conversation is all about. Our special guest this week on Empowering Homeschool Conversations was Katie Westenberg, a follower of Christ, a wife, a mom growing faithfully alongside her four homeschooled children, and author. Katie shared with us about how to "Create Harmonious Spiritual and Homeschool Rhythms" 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 Katie and her resources, use these links: Website: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/profile/katie-westenberg/ Book: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/but-then-she-remembered/401450 To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ Check out our most recent articles on SPED Homeschool at https://spedhomeschool.com/articles/ 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.
Motivating Writers: Ideas are Genius!
December 5, 2023 - 60 min
Does your student hate writing? More than likely, it is not writing your student hates, but the process most traditional approaches use to teach writing. Learn how to unlock the genius writer in your student by tapping into their ideas to move your student from hating writing to asking to write more. Our special guests this week on Empowering Homeschool Conversations were Sara Evans and Kimberly Bredberg from the language arts business Blackbird & Company. Sara and Kimberly shared with us about "Motivating Writers: Ideas are Genius!" 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, visithttps://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To connect with Sara and Kimberly and their resources, use this link: https://blackbirdandcompany.com/ Here are some other related articles on their website we recommend checking out: https://blackbirdandcompany.com/litropolis/writing-is-not-calculus/ https://blackbirdandcompany.com/uncategorized/editing-level-1-writing/ https://blackbirdandcompany.com/uncategorized/editing-level-1-writing-part-2/ https://blackbirdandcompany.com/writing-workshop/lets-talk-grammar/ To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ Check out our most recent articles on SPED Homeschool at https://spedhomeschool.com/articles/ 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.
Ways to Include Grandparents in At-Home Learning
November 28, 2023 - 62 min
Are you looking for ways to include your children's grandparents in your homeschooling and life, but not sure how to navigate setting boundaries, determining roles, or using their gifts to cultivate a vibrant and healthy learning environment in your home? Then this conversation is just what you need to start building a multi-generational teaching and support system for your home education. Our special guest this week on Empowering Homeschool Conversations was Leilani Melendez, YouTuber, educator, Florida homeschool evaluator, public speaker, and homeschool mom to four, including one child with special needs. Leilani shared with us about "Ways to Include Grandparents in At-Home Learning" 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 Leilani and her resources, use these links: YouTube channel: @livingwitheve   Website: http://livingwitheve.com/ Teachers Pay Teachers:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Living-With-Eve-Leilani-Melendez Book: Freedom to Learnhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/freedom-to-learn-leilani-melendez/1141757895 To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ Check out our most recent articles on SPED Homeschool at https://spedhomeschool.com/articles/ 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.
Simple Solutions for Challenging Child Behavior
November 21, 2023 - 61 min
Are you unsure of how to handle your child's challenging behavior? In this episode, we talk about parenting strategies for emotional and nervous system regulation, behavior problem-solving techniques, and how to have respective and productive parent-child conversations for better behavior outcomes. Our special guest this week on Empowering Homeschool Conversations was Lauren Spigelmyer, Founder and Executive Director of The Behavior Hub and UPenn Professor. Lauren shared with us about "Simple Solutions for Challenging Child Behavior" 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, visithttps://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To connect with Lauren and the resources she shared, use these links: Website: https://www.thebehaviorhub.com/ Podcast: https://www.thebehaviorhub.com/podcast Blog: https://www.thebehaviorhub.com/blog To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ Check out our most recent articles on SPED Homeschool at https://spedhomeschool.com/articles/ 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.
Natural Sleep Strategies for Children
November 14, 2023 - 59 min
Does your child have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, waking early, or transitioning to a no-nap schedule? This conversation will give you natural strategies for these common childhood sleep issues and lead to better overall rest, behavior, and academic achievement for your student. Our special guest this week on Empowering Homeschool Conversations was Nicole Johnson, mother of two boys, Lead Sleep Consultant, and owner of The Baby Sleep Site. Nicole shared with us about "Natural Sleep Strategies for Children" 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, visithttps://spedhomeschool.com/donate/ To connect with Nicole and the resources she shared, use these links: Main website: https://www.babysleepsite.com Toddler Sleep Secrets, free e-Book: https://www.babysleepsite.com/toddler-sleep-training-secrets-free-ebook/ How Much Sleep Does Your 3 Year Old Need: https://www.babysleepsite.com/toddlers/how-much-sleep-does-a-3-year-old-need/ Work one-on-one on a Personalized Sleep Plan: https://www.babysleepsite.com/services Stay in Bed Clock - https://amzn.to/492y32m Discipline Books: Positive Discipline - https://amzn.to/3SdawG4 1-2-3 Magic - https://amzn.to/3QugocI Setting Limits With Your Strong-Willed Child - https://amzn.to/473z4VW To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ Check out our most recent articles on SPED Homeschool at https://spedhomeschool.com/articles/ 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.
Homeschooling Creators: Two Young Authors Share Their Stories
November 7, 2023 - 50 min
In this engaging podcast episode, we sit down with two remarkable homeschooled students who have ventured into the world of authorship. Our guests discuss their captivating books, each with a unique and valuable perspective. The first student penned a book that weaves a delightful tale of time-traveling dogs imparting history lessons to her readers, while the second student authored a guide for high schoolers on navigating homeschooling without the stress and resentment. Their passion for learning, creativity, and homeschooling shines through in this conversation, making it a must-listen for students, parents, and educators alike. Join us as we dive into their inspiring journey and the wisdom they've gained along the way. To find out more about SPED Homeschool, visit our website at https://spedhomeschool.com/ Check out our most recent articles on SPED Homeschool at https://spedhomeschool.com/articles/ 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.
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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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