Why do some students struggle to see math and science as more than just flashcards and formulas? In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar talks with Christian mom, certificated physics teacher, and innovative educator Margaret Shawver, who shares how one simple tool—differentiated graph paper—is helping homeschool students understand complex concepts by making them visual, relatable, and even worshipful.

Margaret discusses how different brains see the world—from analytical, system-driven thinkers to detail-oriented, story-minded learners—and how connecting prior knowledge to new learning can transform abstract ideas into meaningful insights. She also shares real-world examples, like what peanut butter cups and beehives can teach us about geometry, and how incorporating faith into scientific exploration deepens both learning and wonder.

Whether your child is a reluctant math learner or a curious thinker ready to explore God’s creation, this episode will give you practical strategies and a fresh vision for helping your homeschooler thrive in analytical subjects.

Topics include: Differentiated graph paper: What it is and why it works Teaching to different learning styles and brain types Bringing faith into STEM learning Making math tangible with everyday objects Encouragement for parents teaching subjects they struggle with

To find Margaret's graph paper, visit: https://www.walmart.com/ip/ColorGraph-Differentiated-Graph-Paper-0-25-in-squares-big-size/5401461569?classType=REGULAR&from=/search

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/

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.

How can homeschoolers move beyond rigid curriculum to craft meaningful, curiosity-driven learning experiences? In this powerful conversation, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Matt Bowman, co-founder of OpenEd and co-author of Open Education, to explore how personalized learning can empower students to thrive. Discover practical strategies for honoring your child’s strengths, fostering student agency, and building an environment where real-world skills and passions come to life—no matter your child’s learning challenges.

To connect with Matt and his resources, use these links: https://opened.co/

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/

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 heartfelt episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by pastor and author David Sunde to discuss how Christian parents can disciple their children even in the midst of exhaustion, uncertainty, and learning struggles. Drawing from his new book Homegrown Disciples, David shares seven simple yet powerful rhythms that help parents cultivate a home where faith can naturally grow—even when life feels anything but peaceful.

Whether you're homeschooling a child with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, or mental health needs, this conversation will encourage you to teach from what you know, lead from who you are, and trust that God is working through every step of your family’s journey. You’ll walk away with practical strategies, renewed hope, and the reminder that your imperfect efforts are more than enough in God’s hands.

To connect with David and his resources, use these links: https://www.davidsunde.com/

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/

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.

If your child dreads writing or struggles to express themselves, you're not alone. In this heartfelt conversation, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Julie Bogart—educator, author, and creator of the Brave Writer program—to explore how parents can gently guide their children toward confidence in both writing and communication. Learn practical strategies, encouraging mindsets, and simple tools to help your child find their voice—on paper and in life.

To connect with Julie and her resources, use these links: https://bravewriter.com/

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/

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 timely and compassionate conversation, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by child and adolescent development expert Sarah Boyd (M.Ed. Psych.), founder of Resilient Little Hearts and author of the upcoming book Turn Down the Noise: A Practical Guide to Building an Emotionally Healthy Family in a Chronically Overstimulated World. Together, they explore how modern life’s constant noise—from screens to schedules—can overwhelm both children and parents, especially in homeschooling families.

Sarah unpacks the neuroscience behind overstimulation, shares how to recognize and support the trait of high sensitivity in children (and ourselves), and offers practical strategies for simplifying family life to foster connection, resilience, and emotional health.

This episode is packed with empathy, insight, and actionable steps for parents raising children in a chronically overstimulated world. Whether you're homeschooling a highly sensitive child or just feeling stretched too thin, this conversation will leave you equipped and encouraged.

To connect with Sarah and her resources, use these links: https://sarahboyd.co/

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/

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.

Teaching life and social skills doesn't come with a tidy checklist—and for homeschool parents of unique learners, it can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and even lonely. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, our co-hosting team opens up about their own homeschooling journeys—sharing what worked, what took longer than expected, and how they found peace in the process.

Most of our team now has teens or adult children, so we’re looking back to offer perspective and encouragement for those of you still in the trenches. Whether you’re trying to teach daily hygiene, basic chores, social boundaries, or emotional self-regulation, we hope this conversation gives you practical ideas, honest insight, and a whole lot of grace.

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/

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.

What if the key to helping your child feel truly supported lies in how they connect with the older generation? In this heartfelt episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, Peggy Ployhar talks with Isabel Tom—author, mom of three, and expert in senior care—about how parents can teach their children to value, engage with, and build meaningful relationships with grandparents and other elders. You’ll walk away with practical tips, faith-based encouragement, and creative tools like the Grandkid Investigator Kit to help your child grow in empathy, communication, and support.

To connect with Isabel and her resources, use these links: Grandkid Investigator Kit (digital) - Grandkid Investigator Family Kit - NOW AVAILABLE! https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

Prepare to Care Digital Course with Isabel Tom https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/preptocare

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/

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 episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Amir Nathoo, CEO and co-founder of Outschool, to explore how online learning is transforming the homeschool experience—especially for unique learners. Amir shares Outschool’s mission to spark curiosity and self-directed learning through innovative, interest-based live classes, and how the platform has become a powerful tool for families seeking flexible, personalized education. Drawing on new research, Amir and Peggy discuss the shift in parental expectations post-pandemic, the rise in homeschooling and microschooling, and why more families are turning to alternative models that prioritize safety, creativity, and real-world readiness. Whether you’re homeschooling a neurodiverse learner or just curious about the future of education, this conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and possibilities.

To connect with Amir and his resources, use this link: https://outschool.com/

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/

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.