Homeschool Strategies That Help Kids Make Sense of the World
Tue Aug 19 2025
Why do some students struggle to see math and science as more than just flashcards and formulas? In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar talks with Christian mom, certificated physics teacher, and innovative educator Margaret Shawver, who shares how one simple tool—differentiated graph paper—is helping homeschool students understand complex concepts by making them visual, relatable, and even worshipful.
Margaret discusses how different brains see the world—from analytical, system-driven thinkers to detail-oriented, story-minded learners—and how connecting prior knowledge to new learning can transform abstract ideas into meaningful insights. She also shares real-world examples, like what peanut butter cups and beehives can teach us about geometry, and how incorporating faith into scientific exploration deepens both learning and wonder.
Whether your child is a reluctant math learner or a curious thinker ready to explore God’s creation, this episode will give you practical strategies and a fresh vision for helping your homeschooler thrive in analytical subjects.
Topics include: Differentiated graph paper: What it is and why it works Teaching to different learning styles and brain types Bringing faith into STEM learning Making math tangible with everyday objects Encouragement for parents teaching subjects they struggle with
To find Margaret's graph paper, visit: https://www.walmart.com/ip/ColorGraph-Differentiated-Graph-Paper-0-25-in-squares-big-size/5401461569?classType=REGULAR&from=/search
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/
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.
More
Why do some students struggle to see math and science as more than just flashcards and formulas? In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar talks with Christian mom, certificated physics teacher, and innovative educator Margaret Shawver, who shares how one simple tool—differentiated graph paper—is helping homeschool students understand complex concepts by making them visual, relatable, and even worshipful. Margaret discusses how different brains see the world—from analytical, system-driven thinkers to detail-oriented, story-minded learners—and how connecting prior knowledge to new learning can transform abstract ideas into meaningful insights. She also shares real-world examples, like what peanut butter cups and beehives can teach us about geometry, and how incorporating faith into scientific exploration deepens both learning and wonder. Whether your child is a reluctant math learner or a curious thinker ready to explore God’s creation, this episode will give you practical strategies and a fresh vision for helping your homeschooler thrive in analytical subjects. Topics include: Differentiated graph paper: What it is and why it works Teaching to different learning styles and brain types Bringing faith into STEM learning Making math tangible with everyday objects Encouragement for parents teaching subjects they struggle with To find Margaret's graph paper, visit: https://www.walmart.com/ip/ColorGraph-Differentiated-Graph-Paper-0-25-in-squares-big-size/5401461569?classType=REGULAR&from=/search 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/ 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.