Show Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post:

In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Zack Edwards, the creator of Historical Conquest and Xogos Gaming. They discuss the journey of creating an educational game that makes history engaging and fun for students. Zack shares his experiences with the game’s development, its mechanics, and how it fosters family engagement. The conversation also touches on the importance of parental involvement, the digital evolution of educational games, and the hope for a better future through learning and connection.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Historical Conquest and Xogos Gaming
• 06:17 Understanding Game Mechanics and Learning
• 11:20 The Importance of Retention in Learning
• 18:20 Creating a Safe and Engaging Gaming Environment
• 26:01 Gaming as a Tool for Engagement
• 32:11 Addressing Learning Loss Through Gaming
• 38:39 Creating a Hopeful Future Through Family Engagement
• 44:22 We Have Hope Kim Outro.mp3

Episode Highlights:

• Zack hated history in school due to poor teaching methods.
• Creating a project can make learning more engaging.
• Historical Conquest merges fun and education effectively.
• The game is designed to be played in 30 minutes to an hour.
• Parental involvement is crucial for children's learning.
• The digital platform Xogos Gaming enhances accessibility.
• Incentives for learning include earning coins through gameplay.
• The platform aims to create a safe environment for kids.
• Hope is essential for a better future in education.
• Games can help prevent learning loss during summer breaks.

More on The Good and The Beautiful:

• Website: Historical Conquest
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricalConquest/
• Email: historicalconquest@gmail.com
• Youtube: Historical Conquest Channel

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• Questions? Email Us! kim@loveyourschool.org
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.

Show Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post:

In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Patch Crowe, the Director of Media for The Good and the Beautiful, a popular homeschool curriculum company. Patch shares insights into the curriculum's five pillars, its accessibility, and the role of religion within the materials. He discusses the importance of community feedback and support for first-time homeschoolers, emphasizing the flexibility and adaptability of homeschooling. The conversation highlights the challenges and joys of parenting and education, ultimately conveying a message of hope and confidence in parents' abilities to provide for their children's education.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to The Good and the Beautiful
• 01:49 Overview of The Good and the Beautiful Curriculum
• 04:03 The Five Pillars of Education
• 04:53 Curriculum Structure and Subject Coverage
• 07:46 Religious Themes and Flexibility in Curriculum
• 09:58 History and Evolution of The Good and the Beautiful
• 12:34 Feedback and Community Engagement
• 15:23 Support for First-Time Homeschoolers
• 16:53 Personal Experiences in Homeschooling
• 18:17 Navigating Parenting Expectations
• 20:09 The Importance of Flexibility in Education
• 21:59 Curriculum Insights and Educational Resources
• 27:55 Homeschooling Dynamics and Daily Routines
• 29:39 Finding Hope in Parenting Challenges
• 33:16 We Have Hope Kim Outro.mp3

Episode Highlights:

• The Good and the Beautiful focuses on five main pillars: appreciation for God, family, nature, wholesome art, and strong teaching methods.
• The curriculum is designed to be easy to teach and enjoyable for students.
• Parents can access a variety of resources, including free materials, to support their homeschooling journey.
• The curriculum incorporates Christian themes but is not overly religious, allowing for secular use.
• Community feedback is essential for curriculum development and improvement.
• Support for first-time homeschoolers includes Facebook groups and a YouTube channel with helpful resources.
• Homeschooling can be flexible, with lessons tailored to each child's needs and learning styles.
• Parents are encouraged to trust their instincts and adapt their teaching methods as needed.
• The Good and the Beautiful offers a range of subjects and grade levels, including high school courses.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of hope and confidence in parenting and education.

More on The Good and The Beautiful:

• Website: Good and the Beautiful
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodandthebeautiful/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegoodandthebeautiful/

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• Questions? Email Us! kim@loveyourschool.org
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.

Show Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post:

In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Dr. Mindy Schiermyer, the owner of Redefining School, a literature and writing program for middle and high school students. Mindy shares her journey from traditional teaching to homeschooling her children and eventually creating a program that fosters community, critical thinking, and a love for literature. The conversation explores the importance of engaging students in meaningful discussions, preparing them for future opportunities, and instilling resilience and problem-solving skills. Mindy emphasizes the need for a supportive educational environment that nurtures relationships and encourages students to express their ideas freely. The episode concludes with insights on the enrollment process for Redefining School and the hope that the next generation brings to the future.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Redefining School
• 02:46 The Journey of Homeschooling
• 05:32 Building a Community of Learners
• 08:22 Engaging Literature Discussions
• 11:11 Teaching Critical Thinking and Soft Skills
• 14:02 Course Structure and Student Engagement
• 16:45 High School Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
• 26:55 Innovative High School Curriculum Design
• 28:24 The Importance of Over-Preparation in Education
• 30:12 Outsourcing Education: Finding the Right Fit
• 31:55 The Role of Parents in Education
• 33:56 Preparing for Opportunities: Skills for the Future
• 38:10 Enrollment Process and Course Offerings
• 46:32 Hope for the Future: Believing in Kids

Episode Highlights:

• Mindy's journey from traditional teaching to homeschooling led to the creation of Redefining School.
• The program focuses on literature and writing for middle and high school students.
• Building a community among students is essential for engagement and retention.
• Mindy emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and discourse skills in education.
• The curriculum is designed to keep middle school students engaged and motivated.
• Students learn to respect differing opinions and engage in meaningful discussions.
• Preparing students for future opportunities is a key focus of the program.
• Resilience and problem-solving skills are crucial for success in today's world.
• The enrollment process for Redefining School is structured to prioritize current families and waitlisted students.
• Mindy expresses hope for the future generation and their potential to make a positive impact.

Quotes:

• "I believe in kids too."
• "Kids are our future."
• "They are amazing."

More on Dr. Mindy Schiermeyer and Redefining School:

• Website: https://redefiningschool.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redefiningschool/

More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:

• Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!
• Questions? Email Us! kim@loveyourschool.org
• www.loveyourschool.org
• Visit our Facebook HERE!
• Visit our Instagram HERE!

This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.