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.

Show Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post:

In this episode, Kim Dully discusses the importance of engaging families in a child's education, particularly at the high school level. She emphasizes the need for teachers to reflect on their communication with parents and to consider the barriers that may prevent effective engagement. Dully provides practical strategies for improving family involvement, including ensuring accurate contact information and being proactive in reaching out to families. The conversation highlights the critical role that family support plays in student success and encourages educators to foster stronger connections with families.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Family Engagement in Education
• 02:25 Understanding Family Participation Trends
• 04:48 Encouraging Student Responsibility and Communication
• 11:08 Strategies for Effective Parent Communication
• 15:36 Overcoming Barriers to Family Involvement

Episode Highlights:

• Engaging families is crucial for student success.
• Teachers should reflect on their past communication with parents.
• Understanding family dynamics can help in supporting students.
• Self-awareness is key when contacting parents.
• Barriers to communication must be identified and addressed.
• Accurate contact information is essential for effective communication.
• Teachers should encourage students to take responsibility for their education.
• Proactive outreach to families can improve engagement.
• Building relationships with families enhances student support.
• It takes one adult to invest in a child's future.

Quotes:

• "How can we engage families?"
• "Students need to hear that you care."
• "Is my information correct?"

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 Chad Stewart, the creator of an animation course aimed at middle and high school students. Chad shares his journey from a young cartoon enthusiast to a professional animator with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He discusses the structure of his animation courses, the importance of storytelling, and how students can engage with the material. The conversation also touches on the significance of networking in the animation field and the value of feedback in the creative process. Chad emphasizes the importance of hope and perseverance in pursuing one's passions, encouraging students to explore their interests in animation.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Animation and Storytelling
• 02:42 Chad's Journey into Animation
• 05:25 Training and Education in Animation
• 08:18 The Animation Process and Techniques
• 11:00 Course Structure and Offerings
• 13:46 Student Engagement and Feedback
• 16:37 The Importance of Animation Skills
• 17:06 Embracing Feedback in Animation Education
• 18:33 Preparing Students for Real-World Challenges
• 20:51 Class Structure and Scheduling
• 22:24 Course Registration and Pricing
• 24:16 Interactive Learning and Community Building
• 28:56 The Meaning of Hope in Education

Episode Highlights:

• Chad Stewart has over 20 years of experience in animation.
• The animation course is designed for students aged 11 to 18.
• Courses provide a broad overview of animation and storytelling.
• Students can take multiple levels of animation courses.
• Feedback from professionals is integral to the learning process.
• Networking is crucial in the animation industry.
• The course structure includes live classes and recorded sessions.
• Students can explore different software used in the industry.
• The importance of perseverance in creative education is emphasized.
• Hope drives individuals to pursue their passions.

Learn more about Chad Stewart and The Animation Course:

• Check out Chad’s IMBD Profile.
• Register for classes here.
• Follow The Animation Course on Facebook.

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, host Kim Dully interviews author Christine Devane about her children's book, Elephant Beach. Christine shares her journey from being a shy child to becoming a teacher and author, emphasizing the importance of understanding different personality types, particularly introverts and extroverts. The conversation explores the writing process, the significance of community support, and the challenges of navigating grief through literature. Christine also discusses her future projects and the impact of storytelling on children, encouraging patience and acceptance for shy kids.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Elephant Beach
• 02:00 The Inspiration Behind the Story
• 04:51 Understanding Shyness and Personality Types
• 07:20 Finding Your Voice and Overcoming Shyness
• 09:33 The Importance of Feedback in Writing
• 12:50 The Process of Writing a Children's Book
• 15:40 The Journey to Publication
• 18:07 Connecting with Young Readers
• 22:27 Engaging with Children in Classrooms
• 23:52 Future Writing Projects
• 25:55 Books on Grief and Loss
• 28:46 Navigating Grief in Children
• 31:28 Understanding Shyness in Children
• 38:14 Encouraging Individuality in Kids

Episode Highlights:

• Christine Devane wrote Elephant Beach to address the experiences of shy children.
• The book features a shy girl who learns to embrace friendship with elephants.
• Storytelling can help children understand their emotions and personalities.
• Community support is crucial for writers, especially in children's literature.
• Writing a children's book involves careful consideration of language and structure.
• Perseverance is key in the journey of publishing a book.
• Engaging children through interactive storytelling enhances their learning experience.
• Literature can be a tool for discussing difficult topics like grief.
• It's important for parents to accept their children's personalities without pressure.
• Children can learn to navigate social situations at their own pace.

Learn more about Christine Devane:

• Purchase Elephant Beach on Amazon
• Purchase Lola and Sophie’s ABC Adventure on Amazon
• Follow Christine on Instagram

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 Allison McKee, the owner of WonderEd, a micro school that emphasizes project-based learning. They discuss the innovative approaches to education that WonderEd employs, including community engagement, student choice in curriculum, and the importance of parental involvement. Allison shares her journey from traditional public schooling to founding her own micro school, highlighting the challenges and rewards of this transition. The conversation also touches on the significance of hope in education and the impact of creating a supportive learning environment for students.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to WonderEd and Micro Schools
• 02:46 Project-Based Learning in Action
• 05:48 Curriculum Flexibility and Student Choice
• 08:31 Community Engagement and Parental Involvement
• 11:21 Navigating the Education Landscape
• 14:06 Allison's Journey and Advice for Educators
• 16:53 The Importance of Hope in Education

Episode Highlights:

• WonderEd is a private-based micro school focused on project-based learning.
• Students engage in real-world work experiences through community partnerships.
• Curriculum flexibility allows students to choose what they want to learn.
• Parental involvement is crucial for the success of the micro school.
• Allison emphasizes the importance of exploring what students don't like.
• The school aims to prepare students for real-life challenges and responsibilities.
• Allison's journey reflects resilience and adaptability in the education field.
• Hope is a central theme in education, helping students rise from challenges.
• Rolling enrollment allows for flexibility in student admissions.
• Creating a supportive community is essential for student success.

Learn more about Mountaineer Academy of Excellence:

• Fran to help you with enrollment 727-645-1409
• Allison McKee to talk to about the school 240-406-9098
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1ALJaEqnXi/
• Website: https://wonderedk12.com/index

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.