We Have Hope

Love Your School West Virginia

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. Jun 1

    113. Montessori at Home: The Power of Hands-On Education

    In this engaging interview, Caroline Moulsdale, founder of ABC Crate, shares her journey from Montessori teacher to educational entrepreneur. Discover how her hands-on, Montessori-inspired kits empower parents and children, fostering lifelong learning and independence. Episode Highlights: Montessori philosophy in homeschoolingDevelopment of ABC Crate educational kitsParent-guided, hands-on learning strategiesQuotes: "Everybody else messes it up. It's a miracle""I love the hands-on philosophy of Montessori""Mistakes are teachable moments"More on Caroline Moulsdale and ABC Crate: Email: abcrateorders@gmail.comABC Crate Website - https://abc-crate.comMontessori Philosophy - https://www.montessori.org/HOPE Scholarship Program - https://hopescholarshipwv.gov/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.

    44 min

  2. May 31

    112. How Nancy Larson Science Builds Confident Homeschoolers and Classrooms

    Show Notes/Brief Summary/Blog Post: In this episode, Anne Davis, an educational consultant for Nancy Larson Science, shares insights into the curriculum's development, implementation, and benefits for homeschooling and classroom settings. Discover how this science program supports student learning, teacher and parent confidence, and the importance of hands-on, spiral learning approaches. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Nancy Larson Science02:52 The Development of the Curriculum05:39 User-Friendly Design for Parents and Teachers08:26 Curriculum Structure and Purchase Options11:13 Flexibility in Homeschooling14:09 Implementation in Schools16:51 Support and Training for Educators19:38 The Importance of Early Science Education22:22 Secular Nature of the Curriculum23:05 Curriculum Flexibility and Individual Needs24:14 Teaching Multiple Ages Together25:20 Meeting Children Where They Are26:51 Learning Alongside Your Child27:28 Exploring Nature and Science28:11 Accessing Educational Resources29:56 The Importance of Non-Fiction Reading31:58 Critical Thinking and Application33:22 Hope in Homeschooling and Science EducationEpisode Highlights: Curriculum development and field testingHomeschooling and public school useHands-on and interactive science learningTeacher and parent support and trainingAlignment with national standardsQuotes: "Hope is about confidence in teaching science.""It's okay to fall back on what you've learned.""Knowing where to find information is a key skill."More on Anne Davis and Nancy Larson Science: Nancy Larson Science Website - https://www.nancylarsonpublishers.com/Peterson Tree Guides 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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About

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
    116
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 We Have Hope
  • Show Website
    We Have Hope