Empowering Homeschool Conversations

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.

In this inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Heather Anderson, founder of The Autism Oasis and Nonverbal Autism Homeschool, for a powerful discussion on Homeschooling Autism with Hope and Healing. As a former journalist and mother to a nonspeaking son with autism, Heather shares how her journey led her to create a research-based, parent-supported curriculum now used by over 800 families worldwide.

 

With practical insight and a deep well of compassion, Heather explains how homeschooling can be a place of growth and healing for children with communication challenges. Whether you're just beginning your autism homeschooling journey or seeking renewed encouragement, this episode offers real hope and practical tools for creating a nurturing, customized learning environment that meets your child right where they are.

 

To connect with Heather and her resources, visit: https://www.theautismoasis.com/

 

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.

In this heartfelt episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, co-host Dawn Jackson welcomes award-winning writer and podcaster Clarissa Moll for a powerful discussion titled "Finding Hope in the Hard Moments of Homeschooling and Parenting."

Clarissa, a former homeschool mom and widow of four years before remarrying into a blended family of nine, shares from her deep well of personal experience walking through grief while raising and homeschooling children. Together, Dawn and Clarissa explore how homeschooling parents—especially those teaching children with learning challenges, medical needs, or disabilities—often face their own kind of grief when milestones are missed or expectations go unmet.

Clarissa reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God is present, grief can become growth, and there is always hope to be found. Don’t miss this encouraging conversation that speaks to the heart of every homeschool parent navigating a difficult season.

 

To connect with Clarissa and her resources, visit: https://www.clarissamoll.com/

 

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.

Is your child struggling to read, despite your best efforts? You’re not alone! This week, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Dr. Joe Lockavitch, a renowned reading expert and the creator of Failure Free Reading, to share breakthrough strategies for helping nonreaders and struggling readers succeed. With over 30 years of experience training teachers, parents, and administrators, Dr. Joe believes that reading failure is not the fault of the student but rather the instructional approach.

 

In this episode, he’ll reveal:

-Why traditional methods fail struggling readers

-How to accelerate vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency—quickly!

-Practical, proven strategies parents can use at home

-Real success stories from students once deemed ‘nonreaders’

 

If you’re searching for effective, research-backed techniques to unlock your child’s reading potential, don’t miss this conversation!

 

To connect with Dr Joe and his resources, visit: https://www.failurefreeonline.com/educator/

 

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.

Homeschooling children with neurodivergent needs can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, it can also be incredibly rewarding. In today’s episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Leilani Melendez is joined by Felicia Johnson, a seasoned homeschooling mom of eight, to discuss “Homeschooling Hacks for Neurodivergent Families.”

 

With over two decades of experience, Felicia shares her best tips for tailoring education to fit each child’s unique needs, from navigating challenges like ADHD and dyslexia to leveraging strengths and fostering confidence. If you’re homeschooling a neurodivergent child, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you create a supportive, successful learning environment.

 

To connect with Felicia and her resources, visit: https://thetailoredhomeschool.com/?

 

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.

Homeschooling is a beautiful journey, but let’s be honest—it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and downright overstimulating! If you find yourself losing patience, feeling constantly drained, or struggling to stay calm amid the chaos, you’re not alone. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Whitney Whitten, a pediatric occupational therapist turned mom coach, to share practical strategies for managing parent overload and modeling calm at home. Tune in as we discuss sensory needs (for both kids and parents), ways to reduce overwhelm, and how to create a homeschool atmosphere that fosters connection rather than burnout.

To connect with Whitney and her resources, visit: https://sensationalmoms.com/

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://adaptedhomeed.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.

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by Stephanie Buckwalter, a fellow co-host, experienced homeschooling mom, and mentor with over 20 years of expertise in helping families navigate unique learning challenges. Stephanie has developed innovative approaches, including the ELARP™ Method and Spell As U Go™ curriculum, designed specifically for students who struggle with communication or are behind grade level.

Together, Peggy and Stephanie discuss effective strategies for teaching children with learning and communication barriers. This episode will equip you with practical tools to create a customized, effective, and encouraging learning experience at home for a nonverbal child.

To connect with Stephanie and her resources, visit:

Adapted Home Education: https://adaptedhomeed.com/

or Art of Special Needs Parenting: https://artofspecialneedsparenting.com/

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://adaptedhomeed.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.

Parenting and homeschooling come with unique challenges—especially when you’re a parent with ADHD. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, homeschooling moms with ADHD, offer wisdom, strength, and understanding for families navigating a similar path.

Join us as we open up about the lessons they’ve learned over the years in life, homeschooling, and motherhood. They’ll discuss practical strategies for staying organized, managing expectations, and embracing grace in the midst of struggles. Whether you’re a parent with ADHD or supporting a loved one on this journey, this episode will provide encouragement and real-life insights to help you homeschool with confidence. Tune in for an honest, hope-filled conversation that reminds us all: You are not alone, and you can create a thriving homeschool environment—even with ADHD!

To connect with Leilani visit: https://www.leilanimelendez.com/

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://adaptedhomeed.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.