We Have Hope

Love Your School West Virginia
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Every Family Should Be Able To Answer The Question, “Do You Love Your School?” With A Resounding “YES!”When it comes to education in West Virginia, families have so many possibilities… We’re here to help families explore the many school options available and celebrate each one through creative storytelling, relevant and fun resources, and practical support so every family can love their school!

  1. APR 30

    111. How Squiggle Squad Reinvents Handwriting Education

    Show Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post: Holly Britton, founder of Squiggle Squad, discusses the importance of handwriting as a foundational skill for children's learning, its connection to cognitive development, and practical strategies for effective handwriting instruction. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Handwriting Challenges03:06 Rethinking Handwriting as a Tool05:48 The Cognitive vs. Mechanical Aspects of Writing08:39 The Importance of Handwriting in Education11:33 Squiggle Squad: A New Approach to Handwriting14:21 Developmentally Appropriate Handwriting Instruction17:12 The Progression of Handwriting Skills19:57 Addressing Learning Differences in Handwriting19:59 The Importance of Early Handwriting Instruction23:37 Group vs. Individual Instruction in Handwriting26:42 Connecting Handwriting with Thought Expression28:39 The Neurological Connection of Handwriting33:15 Resources for Handwriting Instruction36:34 The Impact of Technology on Writing Skills38:33 Hope for the Future of Handwriting Education41:13 We Have Hope Kim Outro.mp3 Episode Highlights: The importance of handwriting as a tool for thoughtMotor skills development and age-appropriate instructionThe systemic issues in handwriting education and teacher trainingThe science behind handwriting and cognitive developmentQuotes: "If your hand can't flow, your thoughts can't.""Handwriting is the base unit for writing.""Writing your thoughts out is incredibly powerful."More on Holly Britton and Squiggle Squad: Squiggle Squad Website - https://squigglesquad.comHolly's Substack on Science of Handwriting - https://hollyonsgood.substack.com More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode: Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!Questions? Email Us! kim@loveyourschool.org www.loveyourschool.orgVisit our Facebook HERE!Visit our Instagram HERE!This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.

    42 min

  2. APR 10

    110. The Power of Myofunctional Therapy

    In this episode of the We Have Hope podcast, Kim Dully interviews Laura Foster, the owner of Family First Myology. They discuss the concept of myology, which is the study of muscle function, particularly in relation to myofunctional therapy. Laura explains how this therapy can help improve oral and facial muscle function, which in turn can enhance airway health and overall well-being. The conversation delves into the connections between sleep disorders, behavior issues in children, and the importance of early intervention. Laura shares insights on how myofunctional therapy can benefit both children and adults, the structure of therapy sessions, and the collaborative efforts with other health professionals. The episode emphasizes the need for awareness and education regarding myofunctional disorders and the hope that comes with effective therapy. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Myology and Its Importance03:09 Understanding Myofunctional Therapy05:35 The Connection Between Sleep and Behavior08:44 Identifying Myofunctional Disorders11:29 The Role of Myofunctional Therapy in Children14:09 Therapy Sessions and Progress Tracking16:59 Collaboration with Other Health Professionals19:51 Insurance and Accessibility of Services22:18 The Importance of Early Intervention24:53 Hope and Healing Through Myofunctional Therapy42:24 We Have Hope Kim Outro.mp3 Episode Highlights: Myology is the study of muscle function, particularly in the mouth and face.Myofunctional therapy can improve airway health and overall function.Sleep disorders can significantly impact children's behavior and cognitive function.Chronic congestion and mouth breathing are red flags for myofunctional disorders.Myofunctional therapy is suitable for children aged four and up.Therapy sessions typically last 30-45 minutes and focus on muscle exercises.Collaboration with pediatricians and other health professionals is essential for comprehensive care.Insurance coverage for myofunctional therapy can be limited, but options exist.Early intervention is crucial for preventing long-term health issues.There is hope for better health through myofunctional therapy, which can lead to significant improvements in quality of life. More on Family First Myology: Phone: (304) 627-4329Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573731564275Email: familyfirstmyology@gmail.com More on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode: Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!Questions? Email Us! kim@loveyourschool.org www.loveyourschool.orgVisit our Facebook HERE!Visit our Instagram HERE!This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.

    43 min

  3. MAR 31

    108. The Good and the Beautiful: Helping Families Homeschool with Confidence

    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 Beautiful01:49 Overview of The Good and the Beautiful Curriculum04:03 The Five Pillars of Education04:53 Curriculum Structure and Subject Coverage07:46 Religious Themes and Flexibility in Curriculum09:58 History and Evolution of The Good and the Beautiful12:34 Feedback and Community Engagement15:23 Support for First-Time Homeschoolers16:53 Personal Experiences in Homeschooling18:17 Navigating Parenting Expectations20:09 The Importance of Flexibility in Education21:59 Curriculum Insights and Educational Resources27:55 Homeschooling Dynamics and Daily Routines29:39 Finding Hope in Parenting Challenges33:16 We Have Hope Kim Outro.mp3Episode 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 BeautifulInstagram: 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.orgVisit our Facebook HERE!Visit our Instagram HERE!This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.

    34 min

  4. MAR 31

    109. Transforming History Through Gaming

    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 Gaming06:17 Understanding Game Mechanics and Learning11:20 The Importance of Retention in Learning18:20 Creating a Safe and Engaging Gaming Environment26:01 Gaming as a Tool for Engagement32:11 Addressing Learning Loss Through Gaming38:39 Creating a Hopeful Future Through Family Engagement44:22 We Have Hope Kim Outro.mp3Episode 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 ConquestFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricalConquest/Email: historicalconquest@gmail.comYoutube: Historical Conquest ChannelMore on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode: Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!Questions? Email Us! kim@loveyourschool.org www.loveyourschool.orgVisit our Facebook HERE!Visit our Instagram HERE!This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.

    45 min

  5. MAR 1

    107. More Than Grades: Raising Thinkers

    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 School02:46 The Journey of Homeschooling05:32 Building a Community of Learners08:22 Engaging Literature Discussions11:11 Teaching Critical Thinking and Soft Skills14:02 Course Structure and Student Engagement16:45 High School Curriculum and Graduation Requirements26:55 Innovative High School Curriculum Design28:24 The Importance of Over-Preparation in Education30:12 Outsourcing Education: Finding the Right Fit31:55 The Role of Parents in Education33:56 Preparing for Opportunities: Skills for the Future38:10 Enrollment Process and Course Offerings46:32 Hope for the Future: Believing in KidsEpisode 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.orgVisit our Facebook HERE!Visit our Instagram HERE!This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.

    54 min

  6. FEB 16

    105. Engaging Families in Education: A Teacher's Guide

    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 Education02:25 Understanding Family Participation Trends04:48 Encouraging Student Responsibility and Communication11:08 Strategies for Effective Parent Communication15:36 Overcoming Barriers to Family InvolvementEpisode 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.orgVisit our Facebook HERE!Visit our Instagram HERE!This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.

    16 min

  7. JAN 27

    104. The Art of Animation: Insights from Chad Stewart

    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 Storytelling02:42 Chad's Journey into Animation05:25 Training and Education in Animation08:18 The Animation Process and Techniques11:00 Course Structure and Offerings13:46 Student Engagement and Feedback16:37 The Importance of Animation Skills17:06 Embracing Feedback in Animation Education18:33 Preparing Students for Real-World Challenges20:51 Class Structure and Scheduling22:24 Course Registration and Pricing24:16 Interactive Learning and Community Building28:56 The Meaning of Hope in EducationEpisode 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.orgVisit our Facebook HERE!Visit our Instagram HERE!This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.

    38 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    103. Navigating Childhood Personalities Through Literature

    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 Beach02:00 The Inspiration Behind the Story04:51 Understanding Shyness and Personality Types07:20 Finding Your Voice and Overcoming Shyness09:33 The Importance of Feedback in Writing12:50 The Process of Writing a Children's Book15:40 The Journey to Publication18:07 Connecting with Young Readers22:27 Engaging with Children in Classrooms23:52 Future Writing Projects25:55 Books on Grief and Loss28:46 Navigating Grief in Children31:28 Understanding Shyness in Children38:14 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 AmazonPurchase Lola and Sophie’s ABC Adventure on Amazon Follow Christine on InstagramMore on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode: Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!Questions? Email Us! kim@loveyourschool.org www.loveyourschool.orgVisit our Facebook HERE!Visit our Instagram HERE!This show has been produced by Love Your School WV.

    41 min
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Every Family Should Be Able To Answer The Question, “Do You Love Your School?” With A Resounding “YES!”When it comes to education in West Virginia, families have so many possibilities… We’re here to help families explore the many school options available and celebrate each one through creative storytelling, relevant and fun resources, and practical support so every family can love their school!

Information

  • Creator
    Love Your School West Virginia
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    114
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 We Have Hope
  • Show Website
    We Have Hope