In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, we sit down with Chad Stewart, a veteran Disney and Sony animator whose pencil brought characters to life in Tarzan, The Emperor’s New Groove, The Polar Express, and more. But beyond the studio, Chad spent 20 years homeschooling his eight children, blending creativity, character training, and practical skills into a powerful, personalized education model.

Chad shares how animation principles—like storyboarding, iteration, and character development—can become dynamic teaching tools. Parents will learn how to unlock their child’s interests, use storytelling to build confidence and comprehension, and foster resilience through creativity. Whether you have a highly visual learner, a child stuck in a learning rut, or you’re simply seeking a new lens for home education, Chad’s journey offers both practical encouragement and innovative ideas. You don’t need to be an artist—just a parent willing to see learning a little differently.

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://www.spedhomeschool.com/

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Make sure to subscribe, share and comment!

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.

In this inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Leilani Melendez sits down with Dani Ward, a homeschooling mom of two and creator of a practical family Bible study on the fruit of the Spirit. Dani shares how a single quote—“Comfort should not be our core value”—transformed her perspective on motherhood, homeschooling, and faith. From embracing rhythm over balance to choosing obedience over ease, Dani opens up about the discomfort that often precedes growth and how stepping outside her comfort zone led her to create resources for meaningful family discipleship.

If you’ve ever felt stretched thin or unsure about what God is asking of you in your homeschooling journey, this episode will encourage you to lean into faith and trust that God equips those He calls.

To connect with Dani and her resources, visit: https://stan.store/raisinghomemakers

To learn about the other Empowering Homeschool Conversations Co-Hosts and their resources, visit:

https://www.spedhomeschool.com/

https://annieyorty.com/

https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

https://elarplearning.com/

https://solimaracademy.com/

Make sure to subscribe, share and comment!

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.

In this insightful episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, co-host Dawn Jackson chats with Pam Kafer, host of the Lead Your Homeschool Co-op podcast and a seasoned co-op leader with a heart for inclusion. In "Choosing the Best Homeschool Co-op for Your Child’s Needs," Pam shares practical guidance for families navigating the often-overwhelming world of homeschool co-ops—especially those with children who have special needs.

Drawing from years of hands-on experience, Pam offers encouraging stories, helpful strategies for collaboration between parents and teachers, and tips for helping children with IEPs or special education needs successfully integrate into co-op settings. Whether you're new to homeschooling or looking for a better fit for your unique learner, this episode will help you feel confident and equipped to find a co-op that supports both academic growth and belonging.

To connect with Pam and her resources, visit: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast/lead-your-homeschool-co-op-community-building-servant/id1689867945

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/

NEW to SPED Homeschool and the Homeschool Heroes platform:

Consultations and Cognitive Testing. Here is Now What's Available for Your Family through SPED Homeschool:

One-on-One Consultations – Get expert guidance in homeschooling a struggling student, curriculum choices, accommodations, behavior strategies, executive function support, high school planning, and more. Our consultants provide personalized recommendations to help you move forward with confidence. https://www.spedhomeschool.com/consultants

MindPrint Cognitive Assessment – Finally, a strengths-based approach to education. This easy, at-home cognitive assessment provides unbiased insights into how your child learns best. It helps you understand where they’ll naturally excel and where they may need extra support—allowing you to tailor your teaching effectively with data that tells you exactly how your student learns best! https://www.spedhomeschool.com/store/products/4344/mindprint-student-assessment

MindPrint + Consultation Bundle - When you bundle the MindPrint test with a consultation, you unlock a database of MindPrint teaching resources only accessible to our consults, which gives you even more in-depth and personalized homeschooling help to help your student learn successfully. https://www.spedhomeschool.com/store/products/4345/mindprint-student-assessment-plus-consultation

You don’t have to struggle through this journey alone. We’re here to give you the tools and confidence you need to create a home learning environment where your child flourishes. 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.leilanimelendez.com/

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.