California

Would you like to discover what conversations open up the brain for trust and what conversations close it down? Join Patti Reed as she shares from experience how to build or rebuild trust for the health and life of all your relationships. Learn how to have the greatest impact and influence on those you love.

We did it! Though excellence was ambitiously sought, mistakes were made. Transcripts were written with trepidation. Scholarships were received in awe. Relief and heart-stinging nostalgia set in. But before the rougher days are romanced with rose-colored glasses, let’s take an honest look back at what we got right enough, and what we’d do differently. Then discuss how homeschooling helps parents to grow as much, if not more, than the kids.

A live music workshop with professional musicians. Bring your favorite instrument, bring your musical ability in all shapes & sizes. Ages 8+

This workshop is designed to help first year homeschooling families get through the overwhelming beginning steps to creating a productive and loving environment. It will touch on tips and tricks that anyone can utilize to help in their homeschooling adventure. Wild Child Revolution is changing the way we learn and do life.

Think you might be an entrepreneur at heart? Come and learn the top 5 questions you need to ask yourself before taking the plunge. Then learn how to find the right market, avoid the biggest mistakes, and practical steps you can take today to set yourself up for future success.

Shortly after the birth of his first son, Paul lost the use of both of his arms and hands. For months he was forced to stop working and finally listened to the message that God was trying to share with him… that work had become an obsession and his family an afterthought. What Paul learned has transformed his perspective on parenting and what being a strong father means.

You love the freedom that homeschooling allows your family, but, like everyone, you need a rich community to support you as you guide your child’s educational journey. Have your child’s learning needs outpaced your content expertise, say, in Math, Science, World Languages, or college and academic counseling? Does your child struggle to engage with your curriculum? Have you ever wondered if there was a way to have the best of both worlds—the support of expert educators and the freedom and of homeschooling? After COVID, more and more families are discovering that supplementing their homeschooling program with digital courses, online tools, and virtual communities has revolutionized what’s possible for homeschoolers. In this workshop, you’ll learn how the digital future of homeschooling offers a way to have the choice and freedom you want to educate your children without giving up the expertise and support that you and your child need.

A powerful and attention-grabbing presentation on the vital importance of the Bible’s history in Genesis: how it is foundational to the Gospel and relevant to our world and society. The authority of the Bible is paramount. Items of scientific evidence are woven into the presentation in a way that is easily understood by the layperson, as is the Gospel message. Christians are motivated to become armed and equipped to be able to ‘give an answer’ and to be vastly more effective at personal evangelism, thus stimulating church growth. In addition, their own personal faith is strengthened. Non-Christians are challenged to see the issues in a different light, and at the same time get salvation-relevant information which an ‘evidence-only’ talk would not provide.

Whether your child is a beginning writer or a writing ninja, the emphasis needs to be on their great ideas, not style and mechanics. Without the burden of mechanics, kids learn to enjoy writing. Save the “style points” and grammar drills for later and instead focus on helping kids get their great ideas from their heads onto the paper. In this workshop, you'll learn how to use The Baran Method to show your kids where their ideas go on the page so that they no longer struggle with writing and instead become ninja writing masters.

Society is in deep distress right now and one of the many important concepts that youth must understand and practice is the value of helping others and being more aware and appreciative of all that is done for them. Whether it is their family, home, church, community, or the natural world, learning to make life better, happier, or safer for others, makes for a stronger family and healthier world. This seminar introduces the concept of Cooperative Ecology™ and how to use the educational materials designed to bring about an increased ability to work cooperatively with others.

How much does fun and laughter engage our childrens' developing minds? It's probably more than you think! In this workshop, professional educator and homeschool father of four, Dr. James Fazio, will address how playing tabletop games together as a family can be a highly effective way to stimulate children's learning, providing a fun and engaging way to develop a range of cognitive, social, and emotional skills.

Did you know that cows produce more milk when they listen to Mozart? This may sound like udder nonsense, but it’s true! And did you know plants grow stronger and faster if you serenade them with your violin? But enough with the cows and plants (for now). The effects of music on human beings are simply astounding. Music can reduce pain, help heal physical and psychological ailments, improve memory and concentration, relieve depression and anxiety, and much more besides. Want the maximum physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits? Learn an instrument! “There’s not a musical bone in my body.” Nah, you got this. Join me for a fascinating rediscovery of the blessings of music, while also learning how to successfully practice and play an instrument—even if you’re not musically inclined! (Notes—high and low—will be provided at the workshop.)

Discover the joy of adding Gospel moments into your homeschooling day. As Christian parents, we believe that the Gospel is not only the foundation of our faith but also the key to living a purposeful life. In this workshop, we'll explore the five key gospel truths your children need to know to develop a Christian worldview and be able to share their faith boldly with their friends. You’ll learn five key Bible verses your children need to know. And, we’ll map out where your discipleship fits within your homeschool week. Join us and discover the transformative power of the Gospel in your homeschooling journey!

Too many curricula teach students what to learn, but not HOW to learn. Rote memorization, lack of focus, and general disinterest can bring stress and anxiety to the homeschool experience. Using the latest Christ-centered neuroscience research, this fun, interactive session will introduce proven techniques for helping every student to memorize in a fraction of the time and effort with over 90% accuracy. How to improve reading speed by 70 wpm and learn a foreign language in one year. The good news—EVERYONE can do it the first time!

What do Robert Nagel, Paul Davies, J. Scott Turner, Antony Flew, David Bentley Hart, and Donald Hoffman have in common? One of these thinkers is an atheist, one is an agnostic, three are Christians, and the faith of one is unknown (to me). But these thinkers are saying the same thing about consciousness, purpose, and intentionality—that they pervade the creation and are not explicable according to physicalist evolutionary theory, or as expressed in the subtitle of (atheist) Nagel’s book, “Why the materialist neo-Darwinian conception of nature is almost certainly false.” In this workshop, we explore the work of these thinkers, the statements they have made about reality, and how these ideas relate to the Christian faith. We then consider the implications of these ideas for the way we teach science at classical Christian schools.

Take Aways:
1. Information to help families make their science instruction distinctly Christian.

2. Ideas about enriching science courses by elevating course content above the mere content in the text.

3. Ideas for motivating students in their faith based on new discoveries that continue to provide motivation for faith in the midst of a secular scientific culture.

Dr. Swain gives her personal testimony of growing up in poverty in rural Virginia to ultimately receiving 5 degrees and teaching at Princeton and Vanderbilt Universities. She shares her life lessons and truths she learned along the way that influence her views on our current American culture.

Gifted children provide unique educational opportunities for parents who do not do school but instead leverage childhood enthusiasms into unique curricula that lead to long-term success.

Scripture teaches that we are to be quick to hear and slow to speak. In this workshop,

Steve will share how his marriage was saved through learning to hear the heart of his

family. May God give us all hears to hear and hearts to understand what the Bible teaches

about communication.

Imago dei is a classical Latin phrase from church history that refers to each person being made in the image of God. In this session we’ll look at how the imago die gives students personal worth while also being the foundation for interpersonal Christian ethics ranging from the sanctity of human life to evangelism.

Join veteran homeschool moms Alice Rinehardt and Gretchen Roe as they talk about the lies
homeschool moms believe and how to step away from them to the truth of YOUR experience.
Come with your doubts, fears, and questions and be prepared to leave encouraged.

Learn the foundational tenets of a Charlotte Mason education and how to implement her methodology in your homeschool.

Help your child explore the exciting world of fire ecology! In this skills-based adventure program, they'll learn about the important role fire plays in our ecosystem and how to safely manage it. They'll gain hands-on experience in fire management techniques that will stay with them for a lifetime.

In education, "integration" is a huge buzz word! Children learn through multiple modes and musical theater of singing, dancing and acting satisfies so many of those. Seeing, Doing, Kinesthetically... we'll show you how to use musical theater skills and musicals to enhance learning the core subjects. Come ready to have engaging fun and learn THREE easy and effective ways to use musical theater to learn!

You may have a life verse, or some words to live by, but do you have words that anchor you when you write? Beloved Green Ember Series author  S. D. Smith offers (and explores) five anchor words to locate and center your identity as a writer in this practical, encouraging session.

Storytelling is everywhere, from Netflix and Disney+ to advertising and politics. Should Christian families be ignorant of the how and why of storytelling? In this talk, bestselling author S. D. Smith shares insights on how Christian parents can wisely think about the challenges and opportunities of storytelling. Christians should be at home with storytelling. After all, we follow a storytelling God.

The cast of the hit classical education podcast, Classical Et Cetera, will be recording a live taping of their show at the Great Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati!

Gather around the table for a thoughtful conversation about the qualities, strengths, and accessible nature of classical education for the modern homeschool parent.

They will cover the basics of classical education, the benefits of relying on a traditional and consistent curriculum, and the joy of joining a community that passes on the best of what has been thought and said to their children and students.

Join Shane Shaxon, Paul Schaeffer, Tanya Charlton, and Martin Cothran as they dive into the wonderful world of classical education.

Don't miss Classical Et Cetera: Live on Thursday, April 13 at 5:30 pm in the Grand Ballroom at the Great Homeschool Convention.

Dale will present his series of self-paced print and/or online food science courses. One course is for ages 6 through 10, the others are all intended for junior high or high school. Food science teaches all the "why's" behind food and is an excellent career path. Included will be a presentation of his popular course which uses LEGO bricks to introduce physics and engineering, for junior high or high school aged students. Come listen to a guy that created at Cheez-It!

The ins and outs of how to get started in Dual Enrollment. Is my student ready? What schools should I look in? Will these classes help my student in the future?

Our latest system, BuddyBooks, helps struggling readers, where the computer and the student “buddy read” books which keeps the child engaged in the story. Our library allows parents to select books from classic literature along with more modern books with strong family values. At the same time, the AI in BuddyBooks provides a review mode to help the child improve through “Self-Monitoring” and “Reading while Listening”. BuddyBooks encourages children to independently read at least 15 minutes a day, and we’ve seen on average a 24% improvement in fluency along with improvements in prosody.

All Foreign Language Programs are not equal in the eyes of the college admissions offices. This talk will help you to decide what type of World Language instruction will and be accepted by the admissions board BEFORE you start high school language learning. We will also discuss college prep for future college athletes and making our way thru the NCAA Clearinghouse.

How have you been helping your teen prepare for the process of getting a job? We’ll share the best resume template (hint: no pictures or colors!) and discuss why an accomplishments-based resume is more effective than simply listing experiences. We’ll also address how your teen can interview confidently by turning answers into conversations and how they can network with grace by using conversations to build relationships. The process of getting a job may seem daunting, but preparation and high-quality practice will lead to success!

Learn what is an essential oil, how to use them safely and effectively, why you should only use a medicinal grade oil on your family and how to use them for focus, concentration, memory and improving cognitive function in your homeschooling kids!

Whether your child is a beginning writer or a writing ninja, the emphasis needs to be on their great ideas, not style and mechanics. Without the burden of mechanics, kids learn to enjoy writing. Save the “style points” and grammar drills for later and instead focus on helping kids get their great ideas from their heads onto the paper. In this workshop, you'll learn how to use The Baran Method to show your kids where their ideas go on the page so that they no longer struggle with writing and instead become ninja writing masters.

Preparing for college does not have to be nerve-wracking! Join us to learn how to prepare for the admissions process, scholarships, crafting your essay, taking advantage of early college courses, and more. Soon, you will be the expert!

You love the freedom that homeschooling allows your family, but, like everyone, you need a rich community to support you as you your child’s educational journey. Have your child’s learning needs outpaced your content expertise, say, in Math, Science, World Languages, or college and academic counseling? Does your child struggle to engage with your curriculum? Have you ever wondered if there was a way to have the best of both worlds—the support of expert educators and the freedom and of homeschooling?

After COVID, more and more families are discovering that supplementing their homeschooling program with digital courses, online tools, and virtual communities has revolutionized what’s possible for homeschoolers. In this workshop, you’ll learn how the digital future of homeschooling offers a way to have the choice and freedom you want to educate your children without giving up the expertise and support that you and your child need.

There are a lot of opinions on homeschool transcripts, and as homeschoolers we have a lot of discretion. But what really matters is the opinion of colleges and employers. In this session you’ll discover: *Why what you see online is likely to be wrong *What do colleges and employers expect to see *How to get it right the first time

Babies and toddlers bring us so much joy, but they also present a unique challenge to the homeschooling day. How can we ever get schoolwork done with the older kids when these babies and toddlers are underfoot?

Sarah Mackenize had 3 babies aged 1 and under while also homeschooling a 12, 10, and 8 year old... and lived to tell the tale! Now those babies are 9 and 11, the older kids are off to college, and she’s here to give you practical tips and inspiration for these tiring years.

The reason it feels hard, Mama, is because it is hard. But there is a way to do it well, and with joy. If you need a strategy (and maybe a little spring in your step) for homeschooling with babies and toddlers underfoot, this is the session for you

It’s the question that plagues every homeschooler. Most days we rush about, never quite getting to everything that needs doing. On the rare day when things do go smoothly, we worry that we’re neglecting something important. Peace and contentment elude us.

How can we know if we’re doing enough in our homeschools?

In this session, Sarah offers practical help and a clear path for knowing if you’re doing enough. She’ll help you answer the question and tame persistent worry, so you can take God up on that offer for peace that transcends all understanding

The Theory Time music theory curriculum has been in circulation since 1996 and has been adopted by the National Federation of Music Clubs as the go-to study material for their national music theory-testing program. The Theory Time Online Academy offers video instruction for every lesson in the Primer-Grade 12 Workbook Series. Come and discover how to plug in at any of the 15 levels of this self-study program and become fluent in the musical language!

Most parents don't think about the middle school years as being significant. In this ebook, you'll discover just how important the middle school years are for college acceptance, scholarships, and your child's future! What you’ll discover in this session: *Why Middle School is so Important? *What can you do Now! *Why does this get your child Noticed!

Maybe you wonder why you homeschool or doubt your ability to homeschool. This session will show you how I understood that homeschooling goes beyond academics but encompassed developing my children’s God-given talents and fulfilling their purpose daily to impact the world. You will discover tools to help bring clarity to create a homeschool vision and guide your children to discover their unique giftedness and vision for fulfilling their calling.

Nature journaling provides a simple, enjoyable way to build observation skills, learn science, and explore the world around us… but sometimes it’s hard to actually make it happen! Do you feel intimidated by nature journaling, or don’t know where to begin? In this hands-on, encouraging workshop, you’ll learn how to make nature journaling happen in your homeschool in an enjoyable, simple way. In the workshop, we’ll be ready with paper, art materials, and nature books so we can have fun trying out nature journaling together (no show-and-tell required!) and learn how to implement nature journaling with your children, step-by-step. You’ll walk away ready to get started with nature journaling in your own homeschool! This workshop is taught by Kelly of SoCal Nature Kids - a Charlotte Mason homeschool mom and certified California Naturalist who is most comfortable drawing stick figures but has discovered the delight and benefits of nature journaling.

Are you a frustrated homeschooling parent? Many homeschooling parents struggle with stress, anger, and discouragement. Kathie discusses several causes of frustration, and then tells how to deal with them. She also stresses the importance of dealing with anger, and having the right spirit in dealing with our children.

Are you a homeschooling parent looking to equip your children with the financial knowledge they need to succeed in life? Do you suspect that simply teaching them to balance a checkbook or avoid personal debt may not be enough? Join us for an informative workshop where we'll dive deep into this crucial topic and explore how a sound understanding of the monetary system is critical to your kids' financial success.

This workshop will show you how to cook at home and feature Epicure food products and cookware to make a delicious meal in just 20 minutes. Family friendly, allergen friendly, clean ingredients to help you conquer your mealtime struggles.

YouTube is engrained in the culture of the rising generation. It is also one of many technology platforms that are addictive by nature - especially for kids. But what if we raised our kids to not just resist the harmful temptations of media, but also to use media for their benefit? What if our kids could actually be inspired, sharpened, and delighted by the content they consume? Join Erick Goss, CEO of Minno and dad of three homeschooled daughters, as he teaches us how to help our kids enjoy the best of what media has to offer - without being dominated, deluded, or distracted by it. Erick will give practical tools for forming healthy technology habits as a family, helping your kids become more self-regulated in their media choices, and finding content that fuels discipleship.

Does the thought of homeschooling High school feel intimidating? After all, you have to consider credits, transcripts, test scores, extracurriculars, college and more! Take it from us, high school can be THE most rewarding four years of homeschooling! Come with ALL your questions for veteran homeschooling moms who have not only navigated the high school years but also lived to tell about it.

Are you overwhelmed by all the homeschooling options? Not sure where to begin? In this workshop, Vicki walks you through a planning checklist to help you prepare for this homeschool journey (good planning is the key to any successful road trip)! Topics include research, goal-setting, getting supplies, scheduling, six tips for success, and more! Appropriate for parents with children of any grade level.

A discussion on raising children who learn to gather resources, collaborate with colleagues, experiment and demonstrate, analyze data, and present findings. Anyone can teach science!

Come hear about the tools of math that allow you and your family to believe that you are mathematicians, act like mathematicians, and think like mathematicians.

Classical education is the cultivation of wisdom and virtue by nourishing the soul on truth, goodness, and beauty by means of the seven liberal arts and the four sciences so that, in Christ, our students are enabled to better know, glorify, and enjoy God. In this session we will discuss virtue, the liberal arts needed to learn any subject and needed to govern ourselves. We will tug on each portion of this definition and find parallels within fairy tales and fables.

As the teachers of our homeschools, many demands are placed on us. The school as well as the home and activities outside of the home all need to be coordinated within their boundaries. We need to remain calm. The stories of our families as well as our faith all need to be kept and restated within our homes. We need to hold the memories. The truth needs to be told directly indirectly so that others are invited into its bright rays. We need to tell it slant. In remaining calm, holding the memories, and telling it slant, we can help our children manage the garden and wilderness spaces.

When is a writing program more than a writing program? By teaching the tools of thinking through teaching students how to write; we not only equip the next generation of writers, but also model loving our neighbors, communicating with our family, and considering the stranger. Come learn how a rhetoric program prepares our students for who they are becoming on the way to where they are going. This is a writing program that prepares parents with tools for conversations and prepares students with paths for future decisions.

This workshop for high school juniors, senior, and recent graduates and their parents explores a path to success in college (and tips for parents who are cheering them on). Topics will focus on academic success, social life, time management, finances, and what it takes to transition successfully to a post-graduation career. Topics for parents will include how to encourage and support students without being accused of “helicopter parenting.”

This workshop for parents of middle and high school students focuses on what parents and students need to know about academic preparation for college. Methods discussed will apply to a variety of homeschool styles. Other topics will include grades, GPA, and college admission testing. A discussion of the pros and cons of credit by testing and dual enrollment along with how to measure student readiness for them will be included.

The importance of teaching children based on their individual needs, how to identify the needs of each child, teaching methods, tracking progress and identifying when adjustments need to be made, teaching multiple children based on their individual needs.

How to integrate 4 key principles (Inspire, Nurture, Connect & Impact) to function as one "Master key to build a successful life", leaving a remarkable legacy behind that glorifies God? This is question that we'll discuss in this concluding workshop. The ultimate goal in life is to outlast our life here on earth. In this final workshop we discuss what such a life can look like.

Imago dei is a classical Latin phrase from church history that refers to each person being made in the image of God. In this session we’ll look at how the imago die gives students personal worth while also being the foundation for interpersonal Christian ethics ranging from the sanctity of human life to evangelism.

In this session we will look into the common question, “Why would a good God allow people to suffer?” Well go even beyond that question to equip students to suffer well while also equipping them to help their friends in hardship.

We all have a lens that we observe there outside world through - that essentially is our worldview. In this session we are going to look at what it means to have a Christian worldview and how we can build it into our everyday lives to filter everything from our conversations to media consumption.

If you are a new homeschooler, a relatively new homeschooler, or a prospective a homeschooler, this session will make you confident in understanding Ohio’s regulations and sending your notification. We’ll walk through the regulations and notification process step-by-step. Forms for notification will be provided to attendees.

You don't want to miss this important Legislative Update! Melanie will be providing the most current information regarding pending legislation. She will help attendees understand why it is so important that all families be aware of legislation that could affect families and freedoms, including the freedom to educate your children in the way you choose. She'll also help you understand how to communicate effectively with your elected representatives.

Join Brandon Harvath, CEO of Medi-Share, the nation’s leading healthcare sharing ministry, as he discusses the challenges and opportunities of being a values-based provider of services and the personal responsibility of making decisions and choices that support causes, issues, or people that share your beliefs.

This workshop will be an overview of the material and methods taught in Mitch Stokes' "Calculus for Everyone." This curriculum is the first of its kind. A truly classical approach to mathematics with philosophy, history, theology, and math organically integrated.

Students often get burned out on Latin. This is because they are introduced to grammatical terminology, case endings, and verb endings, but rarely, if ever, do these students actually use the language. This workshop will explore different methods and material that Latin students (even the youngest Latin students) can use in order to interact with the language in meaningful ways which causes the student to love Latin and learn it more effectively.

Today, more than ever, it's important to understand the significance of the relationship we, and our kids, have with: food, movement, relationships, self responsibility, and technology. In this workshop we bring awareness to how current culture might not have the next generations best interest in mind and how to be proactive in your families relationship in living a healthy lifestyle.

An experienced homeschool dad and role-playing gamer is here to provide critical information concerning the Woke agenda of most role-playing games. While having fond memories of these games, StorytellingRon will be warning of the huge shift of agenda. StorytellingRon will also provide an answer!. It is a 'sales pitch' for a full FREE GAME by StorytellingRon that is about families and friends playing a Christian missionary role-playing game that is fun, silly and adventurous. All free, downloadable pdfs and printer friendly game pieces! With lots of video tutorial and show support. And apologies to any offended, but this game has only two genders... the men will play and act like men, the women will have roles that are of the great strengths and qualities of women. I.E. no battle-axe wielding women! Pastoral duties will be of men, however women can certainly be great evangelists. So boys and girls will role-play their strengths and weaknesses, game wise, in this regard.

Learn why it's important to introduce your children early to core American values, including our Christian heritage, through Great Picture Books read together as a family. Share the enthusiasm of great stories and the joy of great art, while reading together with your children.

(Ages 12 - 99) Being creative is fun and seeing your creativity published in a good-looking book is even funner. So, if you tell stories to your kids/your kids tell stories to you or you write poetry/they write poetry or you/they take photos or you/they like to draw, you/they can easily, professionally, and economically publish their work and become a published author. Writing and Publishing Your First Book, presented by Jim Brewster, President of J2B Publishing (www.J2BLLC.com), will walk writers of any age through the steps involved in writing, publishing, printing, and marketing a book. He will point out the pitfalls to avoid, give valuable tips, and provide resources/links for your success. Since he writes children’s picture books himself, Mr. Brewster will also describe the process that is unique to picture books. Attendees will receive a copy of the presentation, a free book download, and a reservation for Mr. Brewster to listen to or review a book concept an attendee might want to present to him.

Learn how the Jon Peterson scholarship can enhanceyour homeschool endeavors for those who have students with special learning needs.

One of the most crucial things we can give our children is wonder. To be awestruck by the beauty and mysteries of the world is something that only belongs to humans. Good children's literature seeks to ignite the mystery in a child's imagination, so they can better see and relish the mysteries of life before them. Whether it be a great book series or a game like CLUE, we should ensure that our children know the most important thing they can possibly learn in their childhood. They must know that they don't know everything. They must understand that truth is something outside of themselves and worthy to be pursued with their free will. Our children are growing up around modern mantras like "this is my truth" which seek to put the individual at the center of reality rather than our Creator. It is crucial that a child's education attempts to instill the virtue of humility in their intellect. This workshop explores these concepts and posits solutions for how to expose your children to mystery.

The year is 2023 and nobody lives without the crutch of technology. Whether it's as simple as a car or as complex as an artificial intelligence natural language processing model, technology permeates every aspect of our lives. As parents, there may be no greater practical question than the presence of modern technology in the home. "What age should your child have a phone?" "What exposure should your child have to the internet?" "How much TV is too much?" These questions echo in the mind of the modern parent. But the question we so often forget to ask ourselves is "How much of a hold does technology have on my life?" These workshop not only seeks to explore the emerging technologies that will affect our children, but to also inspire self-reflection on our own technology use so that we can ensure that we are not 'the Robot Raising Our Children.'

Drawing on her experience as a mom of 17 homeschooled students and a curriculum counselor for a statewide homeschool organization, Vicki shares the secrets to mapping out a successful course of study for your children. This workshop helps beginners to get a solid start in home education and encourages veteran homeschoolers to re-examine their goals and priorities. It also includes a basic overview of different teaching approaches

As a busy mom, do you sometimes struggle with lesson planning, keeping the house somewhat presentable, teaching your kids, keeping up with the laundry, AND getting dinner on the table the same day you homeschool? Learn to apply these 7 truths of juggling skills to take your homeschool journey from sanity-defying circus act to a joyful and peaceful experience.

Are you overwhelmed by all the homeschooling options? Not sure where to begin? In this workshop, Vicki walks you through a planning checklist to help you prepare for this homeschool journey (good planning is the key to any successful road trip)! Topics include research, goal-setting, getting supplies, scheduling, six tips for success, and more! Appropriate for parents with children of any grade level.

Keeping good records need not be time consuming nor burdensome—it actually saves you time and effort in the long run. In this workshop, you’ll learn how and when to track your student’s progress through high school.

Roots of Knowledge is a stained-glass art installation at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. ROK (as it is affectionally called) is comprised of eighty windows which span a distance of nearly one hundred feet. The images in the glass depict the growth of human knowledge from prehistoric times to modern day. Its complexity and visual artistry is breathtaking and inspiring to behold. See: www.uvu.edu/rootsofknowledge/tour/. Families do not need to live in Utah to learn more about these windows and access the free resource every homeschooler needs. The ROK virtual tour, available for free online, is the perfect resource to teach Literature, Social Studies, Science, Art, and Humanities in a unique way that will engage every child. Here are just a few of the ways I cover in this workshop. Roots of Knowledge can be used to teach: *Theme Based Unit Studies on Music, Women's History, Architecture, Poetry, Inventions Around the World and more. *Time Period Study- Each window helps students visualize all the things that were happening around the world at a certain period of time. *Exploration Learning-- Students can choose items that interest them from a window panel and do their own research to learn more. *Historical Hero Study-- Discover the greatest men and women from history included in the windows. This short list gives you an idea of the scope and possibilities in Roots of Knowledge. Everyone finds something in these windows to engage and inspire them. There are hidden cultural Easter Eggs (like a miniature Star Trek Enterprise and an Indiana Jones fedora) that make studying these windows feel like a treasure hunt. The windows also become an incredible record of home learning, helping to aid recall and provide long lasting retention of what was learned. I would love to teach about this incredible free educational gem that no one yet knows about!

Exciting insight into emergency calls in relation to being a homeschool dad.

Effective and engaging ASL classes specifically for homeschool students.

The fossil and rock evidence match a worldwide flood about 4400 years ago.

The Lord Jesus is the form of truth so we should teach in that light. In this session, Kern shows that every lesson truly learned is a journey from darkness to light and that there is only one way to take that journey. When you know the way your children have to travel, you find it easier to align with them when you teach. Even in this context, Christ is the way who gives life to your teaching. Here's how.......

You want a Christ-centered curriculum but have discovered that a curriculum consisting of disconnected subjects can't become Christ-centered by throwing Jesus' name into the mess. Adding his name to a text book or adding prayer to a class isn't enough either. While you know that Jesus should be the object of your desires and your will, you also want him to be the sun of your mental solar system. You need Him to order your thoughts. This session shows how He does so. The simplicity might make you laugh.

It has become ever more obvious that we are not very good at deliberating. No wonder: deliberation is hard. Hard things takes practice. We have undercut the normal ways people practice deliberation, from the dinner tables to classroom to the senate chamber. Yet Kern argues that deliberation, not technology, is what raises the civilized person above the barbarian. Furthermore, everything valuable in civilized life comes from deliberation. Therefore, everything we teach our children should either enable, support, or extend their ability to deliberate. Finally, so as not to leave you frustrated, he shows how to do it.

Good news: it's not as hard as it might sound. Or maybe it is, but not for the reasons you might think.

We will discus how fiction and fantasy books can be used as a creative literacy tool for young readers and struggling students.

As Christian parents, we want our kids to grow to know God and His Word, but often it can feel like our conversations fall flat or are met by disinterested, distracted kids. Join children's ministry veteran, kids Bible teacher, and media expert Jess Wolstenholm as she shares practical, evidence-based tips and tools for cultivating rich spiritual conversations that meet kids right where they are.

In this talk Andrew Pudewa shares many humorous experiences (and painful lessons) he has learned over thirty years of teaching and homeschooling. You will be challenged, reassured, and sure to leave with an expanded vision of your calling as a home educator.

After years of teaching, Andrew Pudewa realized that students’ frustrations were often caused by teaching mistakes. Have you committed one of these errors in your teaching? Overcorrecting, holding back help, unclear assignments, and over-expectation can frustrate your students and hamper your best efforts. Join Andrew Pudewa to learn how to overcome and avoid these four deadly errors of teaching writing.

Most of us have presuppositions about what high school is based on our own experience. Times are changing, and the opportunities for home educating high schoolers have grown rapidly. Many of these opportunities will save time, help your family avoid higher education debt, and give your teens a head start on their next decade of life.

Join Andrew Pudewa in a contemplation of the fundamental human faculty of memory, examining some of the history and biology of memory and its impacts on language, imagination, joy, and virtue.

Historical fiction and "living books" can really help bring history to life in the classroom. Learn ways to incorporate historical fiction, find some great resources, and receive a free "Little House in the Big Woods Lapbook and Study Guide" ebook for participating!

The Classical and Christian tradition of education often regards education as the cultivation of virtue. Four of the chief virtues are prudence, justice, courage, and temperance, which are also called cardinal virtues (from the Latin cardo, hinge). For ancient Christians like Augustine, these virtues are harmonized and governed by the love of Jesus Christ who alone can transform the virtue into holiness and self-giving love. In this seminar, we will trace the history of the virtue tradition in education and the ways we can practically cultivate the cardinal virtues through the study of history, literature, and Scripture.

What we learn, we usually learn because of the gift and love of others who teach us, write, mentor, and guide us. In the classical Christian tradition, to teach is to love, and to love is to befriend. Aristotle taught that friends can be useful, pleasing, and also virtuous, helping us to become more virtuous ourselves. Augustine, however, believed that teachers should teach out of love for truth, love for students, and love for Christ who is the Teacher who indwells both teacher and student, creating a bond between teacher and student of sympathy and fellowship. Such an academic friendship is at the heart of deep, meaningful education. In this seminar, we will explore the ways in which education is friendship and the practical means we can employ to teach our own children not only as parents but as friends.

One of the Latin words for education was simply humanitas. To be educated is to grow as a human being created in the image and likeness of God, growing in all our God-given capacities to use language and number, to name and quantify all we find in creation, and to grow in wisdom, virtue, and holiness. In this seminar, we will explore the ways that a Christian education is deeply human education, recalling what it used to mean to study the “humanities.” We will trace the history of a Christian “human” education that was anything but “humanist”--and consider the practical ways that we can recover education as soul formation and humanitas.

We all know that education happens at the dinner table as well as during our homeschool instruction. In the classical Christian tradition, “education” is the raising up of our sons and daughters and not just formal instruction. Charlotte Mason complements this idea when she describes education as a discipline, atmosphere and life. In this seminar, we look at the daily and weekly, family-forming practices that can become our “habitation” and that are essential to a full-orbed education. We will examine several of the practical suggestions made by Justin Early in his excellent book Habits of the Home. We recommend the book and the free video interviews of Early on ClassicalU.com.

While most parents are familiar with and feel somewhat confident teaching the 3- R’s to their children, very few feel that same confidence with Foreign Language instruction. In my workshop, I hope to answer many of the questions that I have heard repeatedly during my nearly 40 years of Spanish instruction of children ages 4- 18 and my 15 years of homeschooling.I will also discuss the changes that are happening in the computer age to High School Foreign Language instruction and which credits are acceptable to colleges and universities. I will share my research on this very important topic in this interesting and informative workshop

*What is the best age to start teaching a foreign language? *What language should I teach?
*Should I teach Greek, Latin or some other language? *How can I teach a language that I don’t know myself? *What should I look for in a language program?

*How can I help my children become fluent in a language?
* How can I teach Foreign Language to my highschooler at home?
*Do my children need a foreign language to graduate from high school or to be accepted at a community college or university?

1. Online courses are a great tool to teach the subjects that you don’t feel comfortable or competent teaching. Your child needs to be prepared for a different type of learning experience. This talk will focus on what the parent should look for in an online course, what types to avoid and how to guide your child during the course to assure them a successful experience. We will also explore the proper balance of online and parent taught courses.

Can you remember what caught your attention when you were your kids age? What was the thing you couldn't stop dreaming about? As our culture accelerates its pace, the competition for our attention is overwhelming. If you can win your child's attention, you have a chance to win their heart. As a storyteller for kids with one of the largest kids podcast audiences, I've learned the secret ingredients to communicating with your kids to win their attention. Can I tell you a story?

What are the benefits of learning a foreign language? Did you know that learning a foreign language has been connected to preventing Alzheimers? Have you heard about how being bilingual makes the brain more flexible than monolingual brains? Let's talk about these benefits and learn how you can get started teaching a foreign language to your child even if you don't speak another language!

Anyone who has walked into the doctor’s office with a serious medical issue knows that somewhere along the way modern medicine lost its ability to see patients as people and to treat ailments in the context of the whole person. What led to this tendency to overlook the interconnectedness of human body systems, and how is that philosophy also responsible for the trend of high-side-effect pharmaceuticals? In a world that bases medical care on a flawed understanding of the human body – one that treats man as a byproduct of a purported evolutionary “history” from microbes through monkeys – it is no wonder that medicine has become divorced from the people who need treatment. This presentation will outline the evolutionary philosophy that undergirds many modern medical problems – from appendectomies to vaccination – and highlight the need to return to the same Creation-based medical paradigm that inspired historic advances in the understanding of the human body.

Successful people have at least one thing in common – a love of reading. How can you develop that love in your children? How can you overcome their complaints of reading being “boring” or seen as punishment? Join Soraya, who comes from a family of voracious readers and who raised her children to be readers. She will share 12 steps that you can follow whether you are raising girls or boys.

Discover your inner parent educator with Betsy Joy Wilcox as she demonstrates tricks, gives tips, and provides tools for leading your child to educational success. She enlightens her audiences with wisdom on instructor guides, learning styles, and enrichment activities to motivate you on your journey. You’ll walk away inspired, empowered, and better prepared to take on being your child’s best teacher.

What the Air and Space Force has to offer in regards to careers and education opportunities. We will also cover what the ASVAB is and how it can benefit the student to take the exam.

The practice of respectful, articulate discourse in our society seems all but lost. It’s easy to be disheartened and frustrated, but as Christians, we are called to be salt and light in a dark and dying world! The effective communication skills needed to cut through the noise and confusion don’t come naturally to everyone. Come hear some practical tips to help your children be better listeners, thinkers, and speakers at every stage of their educational journey. Effective communication can be taught and used to help fulfill our role of ambassadors for Christ wherever the Lord calls us!

• A person’s growth in language is intertwined with their intellectual progress. Yet, given the modern trend in education to move away from a language-intensive curriculum and towards skill-intensive programs, the nature of language and its place in education demand a thoughtful discussion.

• A true education should instruct the entire person. Education should never devolve into pure knowledge transference or mere job training. Come discover how a well formed curriculum fashions each student into a complete and well rounded whole.

• We spend much time, energy, and money on our homeschool curricula. We fret over how we will schedule our days and pack everything in. But do we pause to make the whole process lovely? In this talk I will extol the benefits of loveliness in the process of education, and I will share some concrete, practical strategies to bring loveliness into your home.

We read literature, in part, because we need to imagine virtue and valor, heroism and strength. This act of imagining both teaches us what it is to be good and attracts us by the allure and beauty of the telling. But not all admirable protagonists are the same. We meet very different archetypes in strong figures such as Theseus, chivalrous figures such as Galahad, and holy figures such as Saint Francis. In this talk, I will explain the progression from Hero to Knight to Saint, with examples from the classical literature, and I will argue that you should have all of these abundantly in your child’s curriculum

• I constantly hear from parents that picking curriculum for homeschooling their children makes them aware of just how much they missed in their own education. Sometimes this happens because we were terrible students. Usually, however, it wasn’t our fault—a classical education was taken from us because we happened to be born in the era of collapsing progressive education. So what do we do now? I’m here to tell you that it is never too late to get a classical education. In this talk I will explain how best to achieve this as an adult.

• Literature has a unique ability to inspire us and change us. Whenever we pick up a good book, we are participating in an event that can shape us and form us, growing us and spurring us on to virtue. Or, if we're not careful, influencing us towards vice. We have a responsibility, then, to understand how literature can affect us and our children so. Join me in exploring how literature—good literature—imparts virtue and the best literature makes us human.

• The ancient languages, even if they're no longer spoken, can still communicate great truths to us in words that have never lost their vitality. Latin and Greek paradigms and grammar rules may seem dead on a page, but their structuring impact on the mind and their ordering effect on perception disciplines the student, inviting the student into the excellent life of wisdom. Join me in defending the value of these ancient, vital languages as they shape us to grow in wisdom.

• Is a classical education only for the elite? Does a classical education have anything to offer a child with autism, learning disabilities, or Down syndrome? We answer these questions and provide you with the information you need to bring truth, goodness, and beauty to any child.

We carefully choose and use the best curricula for our home school. However, several factors have a far greater impact on day-to-day teaching and learning than the differences in materials or methods of instruction. From schedule to diet, exercise to environment, you can implement simple lifestyle adjustments to make home education less stressful, more joyful, and more effective.

When learning an art form—and writing is an art form—the rule to follow is: form follows function. This means that language arts should not be approached or taught the same way that we teach math. We can not simply give our children a mountain of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and capitalization rules and expect them to compose their ideas eloquently. In this case we are giving children “form” (building blocks) without any concept of “function” (purpose). Function is key to using form effectively. When IDEAS are the goal, writers are motivated to engage in the art of writing.

Curious how to incorporate games into education? Learn how to make it work with this interactive session with the designer/author as he walks through his game/book journey. We will start the session with an overview of gameschooling. Then we will dive into an overview of the game HODL UP, why he created it, and how it helps teach critical concepts simply through play. If tables are available, games will be set up for attendees can play.

Discover how we can build projects that make education more meaningful and valuable for our children through STEAM innovation and purposeful entrepreneurship. Attendees will walk away with multiple tools - both physical and digital - for creating entrepreneurial projects that integrate STEAM skills into core subjects, lead children to meaningfully apply lessons to their life, and invest in the entire well-being of the child. Let's talk about how we can create educational experiences that inspire children to use newfound knowledge to discover their God-given purpose and change the world.

School culture says your kids need to learn certain things in a certain way at a certain point in time. We don’t have to do it this way at home…so why do we worry so much about falling behind? What do learners do? How do they learn? And does speed really matter? Come learn with Laura Swain about how a Born Learner Mindset can change how you think about your homeschool and stop your worry for good.

Join master educator, Chandra, as she shares a simplified version of the five key components necessary to effectively teach young children how to read. No matter what curriculum you choose, we'll explore, discuss, and learn about what matters and what works in early literacy instruction.

Do you feel as though you are throwing your school year together as you are running full speed ahead? Do you find yourself surrounded by piles of unorganized and ungraded work? In this workshop we will talk about ways to plan your school year to prevent feeling as though you are “winging it”. We will also work through some different options of scheduling and organization to help find a plan that will work best for your family.

Learn practical tips to help in homeschooling high school, including developing a 4-year plan, grading tips, transcripts, and much more.

Our God is a God of order. Look at creation, the church, and the family, and you see it. Having a bit of organization in our life helps our days to run a bit more smoothly. Being organized in homeschooling is essential to help us stay on track to accomplish our daily, monthly, and yearly goals. Organization for each family looks different, just like each family's homeschool looks different. However, we all need a place to start. Learn some organizational tips and ideas for your school year, your school day, your books and material, and much more that you can modify and personalize to help you have a successful homeschool year.

Homeschooling a high school-age child can be a bit intimidating. However, developing a personalized high school plan for your homeschoolers can help you get them to high school graduation and beyond. Mapping out core courses and electives will keep you on track throughout the high school years, and it will help you guide your children in achieving their long-term goals. Discover the tools that will guide you in devising a tailor-made plan for successful high school years. We will discuss why core classes are essential and how to develop a plan for electives that highlight your child's strengths and interests.

Have you ever wondered if you could successfully homeschool your children and work a job? Come get some tips on how to do this from someone who has done it now for 12 years with 3 children! I will be sharing my journey and how God has led our family every step of the way in not only our initial calling and curriculum choices but in our spiritual growth and commitment.

Does the thought of homeschooling seem as challenging as climbing Mount Everest? With over 17 years of homeschooling 10 children, Cassandra will share the lessons she learned that helped her overcome the biggest challenges.

Does your child struggle to grasp the writer's message when he reads? Come and learn some strategies that can help your child read for understanding.

The Importance of a Biblical Worldview in Education

Workshop will take attendees through an episode of the Creating With Our Creator art tutorial series.

Research papers can be intimidating, not just for the students writing them but also for the parents/teachers guiding students through the process. However, these projects can be the most engaging and beneficial educational experiences students will ever have. In this interactive workshop, learn from a college writing instructor ways to simplify the process.

Multiple kids & multiple grades? Short on time or sanity? The unit study learning approach is a great option for incorporating various ages and learning style preferences and can help children develop into self-motivated learners as they discover and ignite their interests. Through this interactive workshop, learn easy and creative ways to weave all your children’s interests into core subjects.

Many Christians have never learned how to share their faith effectively with non-Christians in a short conversation. This session will give the students and parents practical tools with which they can confidently engage others in a conversation that leads them to a knowledge of Christ.

If God is all-powerful and all-good, why is there so much pain, suffering and evil in the world? This is one of the most common and pressing questions that Christian face. This lecture addresses some of the possible answers, and pitfalls, to this issue.

Leadership is a word that is thrown out in casual ways in our culture. We hear that everyone is a leader but we don’t understand what true leadership is. The Scriptures have much to say on the topic of leadership, primarily that we ought to lead as servants first and foremost. This session explores principles for servant leadership and the implications of those principles.

This lecture introduces students to the foundations of law and justice, including the source of law, the definition of liberty, and the principle of jurisdiction based on God’s delegated authority to separate and interdependent human governments—state, church, and family.

For more than 40 years Michael Clay Thompson has been developing an unique approach to teaching language arts in ways that children grasp quickly and enthusiastically and remember fondly forever after. His methods—based on the classics—will make your child the most outstanding student in university classes.

Gifted children with learning exceptionalities provide homeschool parents with a range of challenges, but a simple formula will open the way for these children to become successful and productive adults.

Gifted children provide unique educational opportunities for parents who do not do school but instead leverage childhood enthusiasms into unique curricula that lead to long-term success.

Parents, I know you want to raise sons who live with honor, but our society continues to strip away opportunities for our children to do honorable things. Here’s the great news...you can make sure that you are creating opportunities for your children to practice living with honor, but it requires parenting with purpose. Come and listen to master motivator Monica Irvine, inspire your family with lots of ideas of how to teach your sons the skills of honor through small simple acts of generosity. It truly can change their lives and yours as well. You don’t want to miss this!

Imagine what it feels like to watch your daughter continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of her life, because she knows she has endless potential and a great responsibility. She matures with a desire to be a voice for good and a contributor to making our world a better place. She seems fearless, yet uses great wisdom. She is courageous, yet humble. She is KIND.

You watch her as she exercises true empathy for those in need and although she holds herself to high standards, she never places herself above others. She has been taught by example of what a true lady is and she looks forward to one day being that example to her family. She is truly a lady.

Parents, this Master Class will help you understand how to create the example your daughter needs to become this lady. You don’t want to miss this.

The human genome is anything but simple. In fact, it is a super-complex computer operating system that far exceeds anything created by humans to date. New revelations about how it works have surprised us, and the complexity of the code is nothing short of astounding. The genome, perhaps more than anything else, defies naturalistic evolutionary theory.

Meet your ancestors: Adam and Eve!

We often can become so focused on “covering the basics” that we forget the importance of filling our homeschool days with truth, beauty, and goodness- then we wonder why homeschooling can feel so draining! In this talk, Julie Ross, the creator of A Gentle Feast, will explore how we can easily add more beauty in our days through nourishing routines and rhythms that will breathe life into our homes. Julie will show you how poetry, art, music, etc. are just as vital as any other subject in the educational feast. In fact, they are absolutely essential if our goal as homeschoolers is to develop students that are whole persons and magnanimous citizens that can bless the world with living ideas and love to learn for knowledge’s sake through the rest of their lives.

As the thermostats of our home, we are constantly setting the temperatures within our family by the thoughts that we repeatedly think. In order to transform our homeschools, we need to transform the negative thoughts that keep us stuck in self-defeating cycles. In this powerful talk, Certified Christian Life Coach and creator of A Gentle Feast, Julie Ross, will help you identify your negative mental patterns and give you practical tools to develop a success mindset. Including a combination of Charlotte Mason’s teaching on mental habits, cutting edge neuroscience, and Biblical principles, this talk will leave you empowered to transform your thoughts for a more positive homeschool.

In this lecture, Dr. Wile uses his development as a scientist to explain why most scientists are not
creationists, even though the scientific evidence for creation is so compelling. His frank discussions of indoctrination, discrimination, and bias show quite clearly that most scientists do not reject creationism on the basis of science. If you've ever wondered why evolution is so heavily entrenched in the scientific community, you will want to hear this lecture!

Math is so much more than memorizing rules and facts. With a unique and humorous approach, Steve demonstrates how to use hands-on manipulatives to illustrate important math concepts such as place value, double digit multiplication, fractions, algebra, exponents, squares, square roots, and factoring trinomials.

I have been asked if I could homeschool my children again, what I would do differently. I have often reflected what I would do as a dad and have several insights that I hope will be beneficial to your home. I could do many workshops on this topic, but I invite you to come and hear the main points in this one.

Steve begins by relating the ingredients for a doable plan of family worship and shares obstacles he wrestled with to lead his family. Then we will break up into small groups and practice having family devotions. Come and be equipped and encouraged.

After exploring the foundational concepts to be an honest and open communicator, we will break up into small groups and practice what we have learned. Healthy relationships are based on safe principles of communication.

Writing assignments in elementary and middle school emphasize creative writing, as they should. However, unless you intend to be a novelist, the high-school years require a shift in focus. Mastering professional and academic writing will open far more doors as an adult, from the team leader writing up a report to the college student who impresses the professor, academic/professional writing is far more useful to most adults. Randee Baty presents why you should make the transition, along with the major hallmarks of academic/professional writing.

The exceptional education engages the heart and soul as well as the mind. Classical literature runs the gamut of the human experience and presents a unique and relevant context for all three. The study of classical literature will illuminate the building blocks of Western civilization while challenging the student to explore their own values and what it means to be truly human.

In a world where language skills are in decline and text-speak is on the rise, the ability to communicate clearly has become a valuable commodity. In business, college, or blogging, language mastery is the mark of an educated professional, opening doors that would otherwise remain shut. Sentence diagramming is the powerful tool your visual learner needs to take language skills to the next level.

People have been studying history and archaeology for such a long time. Are there any big mysteries still left to be solved? We’ll look at some bizarre relics and peculiar places from the ancient world then we’ll consider the evidence. Discover the basic skills archaeologists, linguists, and historians use to solve ancient riddles and learn to apply those techniques. Maybe you’ll come up with the answers! Maybe you won’t.

Coding is often referred to as the superpower of the digital age. It allows individuals to bring their ideas to life by creating software, websites, and apps that can solve problems, automate tasks, and connect people from all over the world. Coding is like a universal language, it can be used to communicate with computers, and it allows developers to express their creativity, build new technologies and shape the future. With coding, you can create tools that can help people in many different ways, from improving education to fighting diseases, from creating art to building games, coding empowers people to make a positive impact on the world. It is a highly valuable skill that can open doors to many exciting career opportunities and give you the power to change the world. Swift App School will discuss the importance of learning coding and Computer Science. They also explain what they are doing to help break down the barriers and educate the youth so they are prepared for a future that will be driven by technology and artificial intelligence.

Is your child interested in a career in media? Whether that's making movies, creating video games or coming up with the next viral video channel on Youtube learn how you can shape your child's interest for creating media into a force for world change.

When someone asks me what is the most important thing to successfully homeschool I always have to tell them it is community. YOU need it, not just your kids. This will be the key to avoiding burnout and you will be amazed at the synergy that occurs when people come together for a common purpose. Learn the how and why of finding your tribe.

It seems that everyone is afraid of teaching teens. What if I told you that these are the BEST years of homeschooling? Imagine having deep conversations that explore philosophy and current events with your youth. They want to hear what you have to say; they ask questions and share their thoughts and ideas. You learn so much yourself in these years and both grow in unexpected ways. Doesn't this vision win hands down as compared to the typical teen age behavior that we've come to expect?

You know your child is born to do something special, but how do you create a learning environment that allows them to find that passion and purpose? Taking the best of time-tested teaching philosophies you can engage, strengthen and empower your child to adapt easily to whatever the world throws their way.

Come hear about the tools that teach your children how to think well and develop understanding of any subject, topic, or trade. Using the Seven Wonders of the ancient world as a springboard, we will model these tools allowing you to experience them yourself!

How porn infiltrates the internet, how it creeps into the home, and several takeaways of how to handle it.

This integrates sex ed as part of a homeschooling curriculum by introducing sex ed reclaimed and explains the basis of need for sex ed in the home.

Learning online is a quick way to boost your education. We will explore the resources, apps and tech to make your school experience take off.

We feel and have experienced in our own homeschools that creating a Team Culture is the MOST important thing to establish and nurture before any subject gets tackled. In this workshop, we will give you a game plan to honor God and create buy-in for your homeschool in these areas: TEAM COMMITMENT, TEAM TALK & TEAM BODY LANGUAGE. We know it will empower you with practical tips and applicable tools to use right away. Don't miss out on creating your family Team Pennant and a mindset that will ensure easier days!

Experience Classical Education in action! We will model and practice the three arts of the trivium: grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric. Using the triangles as a springboard, this interactive session will demonstrate how learning progresses throughout a student’s life.

Come learn about the tools of Classical education that teach your children how to think well and develop understanding of any subject, topic, or trade. Using the Seven Wonders of the ancient world as a springboard, we will model these Classical tools allowing you to experience them yourself!

This session will look at the impact that film, literature, and music can have on our children. With 30 years experience in the field, Heather has an insider’s view into the goals of the industry and how they package information in a way that can change our perspectives little by little. She calls on parents to be aware of what is entering their child’s heart and mind and offers clear strategies that your family can implement to change the tide.

Learning occurs instantly when the incoming knowledge makes sense. All of math can make complete sense to children, and a solid foundation is the key to continued success. Find practical help and hands on tools and techniques to simplify the basics of mathematics, forming essential foundation for upper level skills.

Learn practical strategies to create a homeschool environment where your child's skill far exceeds societal expectations, and the enthusiam to learn is driven by their intrinsic love of learning. You can have both!

We do the best at parenting as we can with the tools we have. But, so often, we don’t know what we don’t know. This class will give parent tools that anyone can use to help children and parents both learn to better communicate and solve problems. This toolkit will give you the tools you need for calmness, stopping push back, increasing family bonding and helping out, open discussion, and conflict resolution. Finally you’ll have the tools you need to unify the hearts and minds of your family so that you can become the family you are meant to be.

This session will discuss the implications of neuroplasticity and how the brain can change itself through different therapy methods/modalities. Specific information will be provided regarding key factors for attention and memory and how these parameters are measured. Useful strategies will be targeted for parents to apply at home as well as recommendations will be made for in-depth cognitive training. A discussion of the best interventions and resources will be done to improve executive functioning including Neurofeedback, a powerful diagnostic and therapeutic tool to track and retrain brainwave function.

How to train and equip your children to face current issues with Bible and Constitutional Principles

This workshop will help you teach your students how to handle money God's way verses the world's way. You will learn how to prepare them to handle money for a lifetime! How young should you start? As soon as they know what money is.

More than 18 million children (25%) in the United States live in a home without the presence of their biological father, step father, or male figure. We will discuss how, CHILDREN IN FATHER-ABSENT HOMES ARE: oTwice as likely to drop out of school oTwice as likely to repeat a grade in school. We will discuss barriers to father involvement in schools and how that has an affect on the students. We will discuss solutions to getting fathers more involved in their student's education. Participants will leave with tools that will equip them to engage fathers. They will also get a clearer understanding of the barriers fathers face to school involvement.

Have you ever had a hard day? You are not alone. Hard days are a part of the homeschooling journey. Come to this session to learn why having a hard day doesn't mean that you are doing something wrong or that something is wrong with you. Leave this session encouraged and empowered to tackle your hard days with grace and gentleness.

We will review the Childhood Neurodevelopmental Milestones and explore how they can go off track, what that means for later childhood neurodevelopment, and more importantly how to get them back on track and recapture brain function.

The way we teach math impacts our children's attitude about math which in turn affects their achievement in math. By developing healthy math-attitudes, our children will maximize their math-aptitudes. Brenda Barnett has a BS in Mathematics and taught for 7 years in Texas public high schools. She then homeschooled for 21 years, graduating four home educated children (including two National Merit Scholars,) and works with home educators around the country to maximize math potential. Join Brenda and learn how you can help your children to improve their mathematical ability as well as their critical thinking, analysis, and logical reasoning skills.

This is a presentation for teens and parents focused on using the Zilla app as foundational experiential learning academy where teens get to start a small neighborhood service business and in doing so gain valuable life skills and confidence as they earn while they learn. The ZIlla app is available on both the Apple and Google Play app stores and is a free service for homeschool families. Zilla will also provide an 'Entrepreneurial Coaching Curriculum' for the parents of teens.

Bookish kids and teens often find dear friends between the pages of their favorite stories. Carolyn Clare Givens was just one such reader, and she will introduce some of the young women she's met in books over the years and the lessons they've taught her. Carrie will share book recommendations for girls from age 9 through the teen years, both classics and new works with admirable female characters who grow in grace and strength as they live their stories.

No matter what your child’s struggle, it’s possible to take a struggling reader and help them become an avid reader! First we will review the top reading struggles, then we will show you how to help your child overcome these struggles using phonics. It does not matter your child’s age, it’s never too late to re-learn to read. We’ve seen thousands of children successfully use phonics as a remediation tool.

This workshop will invite you to use language, its development as "American" as distinct from English, and why and how this language became so varied and rich.

You may have a life verse, or some words to live by, but do you have words that anchor you when you write? Beloved Green Ember Series author S. D. Smith offers (and explores) five anchor words to locate and center your identity as a writer in this practical, encouraging session.

Storytelling is everywhere, from Netflix and Disney+ to advertising and politics. Should Christian families be ignorant of the how and why of storytelling? In this talk, bestselling author S. D. Smith shares insights on how Christian parents can wisely think about the challenges and opportunities of storytelling. Christians should be at home with storytelling. After all, we follow a storytelling God.

Your creative child needs encouragement, but also needs guidance and discipline. How to help kids gifted in and keen on music, writing, and the arts to say yes to their gifting and no to the destructive and selfish behaviors associated with artists.

What’s the fastest, most economical way for my high school student to earn college credit? How do I avoid sacrificing my Christian worldview to do this? This presentation provides an in-depth comparison of the three main ways of obtaining college credit while in high school: AP, dual enrollment, and CLEP. This comparison will assist homeschoolers to maximize progress toward their college goals. Participants will identify trends in higher education transfer activities, common forms of earning advanced standing while in high school, and better understand how to make an informed decision regarding the complex environment of college planning. They will also be given an evaluative rubric to determine the best choice for their family while planning for college, taking into consideration time and cost. This workshop gives students and families the tools you’ll need to begin earning college credit in a way that is congruent with your goals and aspirations.

Throughout history, dictators and despots of all stripes have gone after the kids, trying to propagandize the rising generation to support them. This trend continues today, even in the so-called “land of the free.” Our children are being raised in an ideological battlefield — a mind war — and we need to equip them with the critical thinking skills and support needed for them to survive and thrive. Come learn from Tuttle Twins author Connor Boyack how parents can help protect their kid in today’s mind war.

Great literature is a fabulous tool to teach with unlimited depth. Can modern children’s literature be great, and how can you utilize it to full advantage? In this workshop, publisher and teacher Kiri Jorgensen will show you how to find great literature your kids will engage with, then she’ll introduce you to the 3 levels of literature instruction: Reading at Whim, Literature Exploration, and Literature Analysis. Each level holds important keys to academic and personal growth, and your kids need all of them. Kiri will give practical advice for implementing each level into your homeschool plan, show you some tools to utilize, and get you excited about the possibilities of great literature in your homeschool.

There’s no way around it – parenting is a learn-as-you-go kind of thing. Unfortunately along the way we make plenty of mistakes (or at least I did). If I could travel 20 years back in time there are a number of things I would tell myself as a new parent; things that would spare me and my family a lot of heartache. But since I can’t do that I’ll do the next best thing – I’ll tell them to you. Whether you have 10 children or your first one is on the way, this talk is for you.

The toddler years can be deceptive. Children at this age are easily manipulated (to say nothing about them being sweet and adorable) and it can be easy to convince ourselves that with little effort we have everything under control. What many parents fail to understand is that so much of what they see in their 3 year old (for better or worse) is an incredibly prescient portrait of them as a teen. This talk will provide some practical thoughts on how to parent for the future during this formative time in our child’s life.

Raising teens is it’s own unique stage of parenthood with unexpected challenges but also surprising beauty; and despite what everyone tells you it certainly doesn’t have to be a season of rebellion. This talk will provide some practical tips and tricks on parenting your teen as you prepare them to launch out into the life that the Lord has waiting for them.

Do you want to throw your shoes at the TV every time you see another brainwashed college student spouting socialistic nonsense? Are you determined to arm your teen with the truth about government and economics? Do you want your homeschooler to understand—and be able to defend!—how the Bible upholds principles of limited government, property rights, and personal liberties? Find out how in this workshop, taught by homeschool dad, author, and co-op instructor Scott

Are you facing reading challenges in your homeschool? When your kids are differently wired, helping them become thriving and voracious readers doesn’t always go according to plan.

On one hand, gifted/twice exceptional students often read widely and fast—making it difficult to keep them in books that match their social and emotional maturity.

On the other hand, students who struggle with dyslexia may say they hate reading, causing you to worry that they’ll ever fall in love with books.

In this session, you’ll get practical tips and specific book recommendations from Sarah Mackenzie and Colleen Kessler to help your differently-wired kids become readers for life.

Homeschooling gifted, twice-exceptional, special needs, or otherwise neurodiverse children? Parenting these kiddos can be a challenge, and homeschooling them is that challenge squared.

On the surface, it seems like homeschooling advanced kids, curious, kids, creative and innovative kids would be a breeze and a pleasure. But, simmering underneath all the fun is a complexity you never anticipated.

There are so many things that don’t turn out the way you pictured they would, curriculums or styles that don’t fit, people who don’t “get”you or your kids, and so many sleepless nights wondering and worrying what the future holds.

In this session, you’ll get new perspectives and practical tips from Colleen Kessler and leave ready to start thriving in your homeschool and your parenting as soon as you get home.

The strangest thing about anxiety in children, especially neurodiverse children, is that it doesn’t always look like what we think of when we think anxiety. It can look like anger, frustration, perfectionism, depression, introversion, and so much more.

It’s also often BIG when it comes to our littlest ones. Big worries, coupled with a little’s life experiences, works out to kiddos who are overwhelmed and are in a constant battle between flight or fight.

For tweens and teens, it can mean questioning what they’re meant for, doubting what they know about themselves, or lead to negative thought loops and other challenges.

In this session, Colleen will share some of the ways anxiety can look in your children and teens, and give you practical tips, book recommendations, and other resources that can help you and your family start moving from the overwhelm into a calmer life for everyone.

Do you feel frustrated when trying to get your kids to follow through on a task, initiate a new one, make a plan, keep their rooms clean, or regulate their emotions? Executive function skills are tough for all kids to hone and harness, and especially challenging for neurodiverse kiddos.

Sometimes it seems like your overexcitable engineer can hyper focus on one thing for days on end, while at other times that same kid can’t remember to brush her teeth or tie her shoe. Your creative artist can paint for hours, but never remembers where she left her brushes and leave a mess in her wake. And your teen’s bedroom… well, some things may be beyond even this session’s allowed timeframe!

Executive function skills cover a lot of ground, so in this session Colleen will talk about what they are, what they mean for your kiddos and their learning, and how you can help improve them. You’ll walk away with practical strategies and tips, along with resources to help you help your family on their way to strong executive function skills.

Amidst the amazing privilege of schooling at home couples often experience a strain on their marriage. Life with toddler tantrums, and hormonal sways of tweens and teens can consume parents. How can couples balance building a healthy marriage with educating and raise well adjusted kids? How can you make time for each other amidst the captivity of activity? Rhonda Stoppe knows––she’s been there and she’s here to help you discover how your marriage can not only survive but thrive amidst the pressures of parenting and homeschooling. In this seminar, Rhonda’s real and engaging insights will help you realize you are not alone––and give you hope. Come learn valuable and practical insights for building a no regrets marriage, taken from Rhonda’s popular book: The Marriage Mentor-Becoming the Couple You Long to Be (Harvest House). Visit NoRegretsWoman.com to watch FREE marriage mentoring videos with Steve & Rhonda’s and to watch the Stoppe’s interview with Focus on the Family.

The first time Rhonda taught this message for moms raising boys was at a homeschool convention. The room was filled to capacity with standing room only. As Rhonda spoke moms hung on her every word. Afterward mother after mom came to ask for insights into their own journey as a mom guiding their sons toward manhood. From this experience Rhonda knew she needed to write a book to mentor moms in this incredible ministry of raising sons to men. Upon publication her book: Moms Raising Sons to Be Men became a best seller - because moms are desperate for mentors. Rhonda homeschooled so she gets it! She’s raised 2 sons and 2 daughters. Her boys grew up to become: one a fighter pilot and the other a worship leader (her eldest son is adopted). This seminar will encourage and inspire moms who are desperate to help guide their sons toward a life of purpose and passion. With practical insights, humor and biblical principles this seminar will give you the hope and inspiration you're looking for as a mom homeschooling her son. (Visit NoRegretsWoman.com to watch to Rhonda's Mothers of Sons interview at Focus on the Family.

Boys are in trouble. Hear Mark Hancock, Homeschool Dad, Mental Health Counselor, and CEO of Trail Life USA talk about proven processes for helping to pull boys out of the cultural mire that seems to want to declare them deficient. If you have a boy in your home or are leading boys, you will be equipped with an understanding and strategy to make a difference.

What we have thought of as the “traditional” version of homeschooling went out the

window in 2020. You CAN homeschool your children, as a single parent, or as a

grandparent stepping in to pinch hit for busy parents. Join Gretchen Roe as she

provides resources, insight, and ideas for making the nontraditional possible.

High school should definitely be the place you choose to continue your student’s homeschool

journey. Homeschool moms Alice Rinehardt and Gretchen Roe have prepared a wealth of

information for you regarding transcripts, goal-setting, and coordinating your student’s post-high

school experiences.

Math anxiety can undermine our confidence at any age! Successful evaluation of math

anxiety, filling gaps, and goal-setting can change outcomes for struggling students (and

parents). This workshop will benefit any age student but will be essential to parents of

middle and high school-level math students. Come learn why math anxiety is so

prevalent and what concrete steps you can take to resolve it in your household.

We each come to the homeschool journey differently. Whether it is for a season or a

lifetime, there are so many things to weigh as you begin. Join Gretchen Roe as she

helps you sort the important questions, shares practical advice from multiple veteran

homeschoolers, and successfully launches your homeschool ship.

What are the types of curricula available, what do they involve and who carries them? What’s the difference between a traditional box curriculum and classical? Who is Charlotte Mason and what is this thing called Unschooling. This session will examine the various types of curricula presented in the vendor hall as well as look at the pros and cons of each one. The desired outcome is helping you find the best fit for your family’s lifestyle.

Martin Cothran discusses the great tradition of boys adventure fiction that has been intentionally buried by the Woke book industry. Learn why it is good, not bad, for boys to be reading about dogs, pirates, sword fights, getting lost in the snow, being marooned on a desert island, learning how to be a cowboy, rescuing a prince from the clutches of revolutionaries, digging up buried treasure, and dying with your boots on. Stop worrying that your boys are reading, and start worrying about fresh batteries for the flashlights they'll need for reading under the bed covers.

An increased focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is now seen as the way out of the education crisis by many educational policymakers. It is only the most recent manifestation of the stress on vocationalism in our schools. But is the narrowing of the focus of our curricula really the answer to our educational woes? And is the abandonment of a focus on the arts and humanities the best way to accomplish even the goals of the STEM movement? Learn why classical education's focus on the liberal arts and the traditional humanities not only makes for better human beings, but provides the best foundation for any career. And learn how best to articulate this vision to your parents and your community.

The pandemic and political upheaval in the last few years have left many of us shaken and more concerned than ever about our children’s future. We want to give our children an excellent education academically, but we also want to prepare them spiritually and emotionally for challenges they may encounter. Christian psychologist and homeschool mom of six, Dr. Melanie Wilson, shares some practical ideas for preparing kids for adversity without increasing their anxiety.

Homeschooling parents are often fearful of the government or homeschool haters.

But they’re not the real threat. The real threat is in your house: a strong-willed

homeschooler that you’re unprepared for. If your kids are sweet, submissive

cherubs, you don’t need this session. Otherwise, you’ll want to join psychologist and

homeschool survivor, Dr. Melanie Wilson, to learn the strategies for outthinking,

outsmarting, and outlasting your strong-willed student.

Do you or your kids lose steam sometime after the beginning of the school year? Homeschooling doesn’t have to be a slog you endure until summer. When your motivation seems lost, there are simple steps for finding it again. When you implement these steps, you’ll not only have saved your sanity, but you’ll have taught the kids a valuable life skill. Join psychologist and veteran homeschooler, Dr. Melanie Wilson, for help getting and staying motivated all year.

Having a reluctant student can be demoralizing. You can find yourself trying all kinds of things to get your child interested in learning. Your efforts can be expensive, time-consuming, and ultimately disappointing. But what if you could start with approaches that have the highest possibility of engaging your student? You can! Drawing on her experience as a psychologist and long-time home educator, Dr. Melanie Wilson will give you a simple plan for reaching your reluctant learner.

Although designed for the general audience, biology teachers have reported the most benefit from attending this seminar by Dr. Jay L. Wile, a former university teacher. In his talk, Dr. Wile highlights some of the most amazing life forms that exist on earth. He shows how their complex biological structures and survival mechanisms are powerful evidence for the existence of a Creator. He talks about sensory mechanisms in creatures that are infinitely more precise and powerful than the most high-tech gadgetry produced by modern science. He discusses many examples of symbiosis and how evolution can never hope to explain them.

Why I Am A Creationist, When So Many Other Scientists Are Not

In this lecture, Dr. Wile uses his development as a scientist to explain why most scientists are not creationists, even though the scientific evidence for creation is so compelling. His frank discussions of indoctrination, discrimination, and bias show quite clearly that most scientists do not reject creationism on the basis of science. If you've ever wondered why evolution is so heavily entrenched in the scientific community, you will want to hear this lecture!

Resilience is a buzz word in culture. What does it mean to build resilience in children? In this session, you will learn about the 40 Developmental Assets to a Healthy Child Development and the characteristics that serve as the foundation to raising resilient contributors in God’s kingdom. We will explore external and internal developmental assets that can contribute to a healthy development in your children’s relationships, future, and decision-making. And how your parenting and the culture you create in your home contribute to the health and growth of your children.

There are at least 4 essential components of strong reading instruction for students who struggle: Student/Teacher ratio, Effective Curriculum/Teaching Methods, Ample Opportunity for Student Response and Immediate Corrective Feedback. Homeschooling provides the ideal environment for all 4! In this presentation we'll discuss how and why other educational settings may fall short.

This workshop will show how families can learn the relationship between food preparation, nutrition and food sustainability. Attendees will learn tricks to incorporating nutrition and cooking into their homeschool education as well as ways to prepare food in a sustainable way.

Homeschool pioneer Dr. Sandi Queen has been homeschooling her own six children since 1986. Early on, she discovered that what worked for one child did not necessarily work for another, and started to research different learning styles, and how to best teach each type of learner for maximum effectiveness. Are you struggling to “figure out” the best way to teach your child? Come and learn how you can end the struggle!

What is a “living book?” How can “copywork” really be that effective?” “How do I fit nature study into our day – and why do I want to?” “What about math, language arts, and other ‘core’ subjects?” Dr. Sandi Queen, award winning author of over 400 books for Charlotte Mason style educators, discusses who Charlotte Mason was, and how her ideas for educating children are as applicable today as they were during her lifetime. Come and learn how implementing the Charlotte Mason approach can lighten your load, increase your child’s retention and attention span, and foster a true love for learning. Also discussed will be how to identify curricula that fits into this style of learning in all subjects. For parents of children of all ages.

My child has dyslexia, now what? Dyslexia can seem overwhelming for both the child and the parent. This session will provide you will practical (and I do mean practical) methods every family can utilize. While teaching a child to read will require repetition and structure, helping a child retain information learned can be lots of fun. Don’t be discouraged. There is hope! Information will be presented in terms the whole family can understand. You will leave this seminar with valuable information, but more importantly, with hopefulness as you will be encouraged to find the gifts in your child. This presentation will be filled with stories that will probably make you laugh and cry.

Research tells us that parents and teachers alike can easily transfer their own mathematics anxiety to their children and students. In this session, I will share this research and what we know about why math anxiety can cause so many problems in learning. Then I will provide listeners with tips on how to address it, alleviate it, and even avoid it altogether.

In this session, I will share research from the field of mathematics education and neuroscience to explain why the moments when we are struggling are the best times for learning. Then I will demonstrate the ways that parents can reframe the concept of struggle with their children, to embrace these powerful moments rather than avoid them.

As a parent, our #1 priority is to keep our kids healthy. What most parents don’t realize is though is the majority of the issues adults have were caused by something that happened when they were a child. Dr. Ryan will explain their action steps for how to raise a healthy family. 1. Be a Healthy Parent 2. Have a Health Doctor 3. Follow a Nutrition Plan 4. Be an Active Family 5. Maintain Your Curiosity About Health

Picking the right educational platform is a big decision! At LUOA, we want to partner with you as you make that choice. Our program is flexible and designed to work for all families. Come discover our full-time, supplemental, and dual enrollment programs that are ready to help you and your child grow academically. LUOA is the best of homeschool, private school, and Bible-based education all rolled into one!

Are you searching for hands-on science activities with practical applications? Look no further than your kitchen! In this workshop, we’ll explore the role of science in cooking and discuss how to approach the subject in a way that leads to meaningful, delicious results.

Welcome to the family of homeschoolers! You are at the beginning of a beautiful journey! We know that this can be a little scary for some (and downright terrifying for others) at first. We have been there. Like every journey, you must plan your way so that you can savor the joy that it brings and be prepared for the challenges and roadblocks along the way. Let us help you get started. We will cover the details you need to know to help you set off on the right foot!

Do you have kids to teach, meals to cook, clothes to wash, activities to attend, lessons to plan, and don't know what to do? While you won't leave with new recipes or clean clothes, you can leave with a lesson plan or at least a better understanding of what they are and how to make one. Workshop Covers - What is a lesson pan? Why have a lesson plan? How to make a lesson plan that helps you, your student and satisfies the record keeping aspect of responsible homeschooling.

God blessed all that Joseph did...and...Joseph wasn't sleeping in or avoiding work. Through the lens of God's faithful care for us, we'll look at five key takeaways from the life of Joseph that challenge and inspire us to exercise faithful care in all we do.

Come find out why "guided inquiry" is easier and more effective than lecture-based and textbook-focused high school chemistry courses. Learn from a homeschool dad who also happens to be a public school chemistry teacher! You will get to experience the high school guided inquiry curriculum that has already benefited hundreds of thousands of public school students and is now enhanced for homeschoolers with complete, simple to understand online video explanations.

We live in a world of consumption where it is commonplace to sit and consume hours and hours of content (Netflix, video games, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) every single day. As a society, we are losing our ability to create and produce because of our tendency to consume. This class is not intended to teach you how to avoid consumption through screens and social media. Instead, we want to focus on teaching ways that you can change your usage of modern technology from consumption to creation. The tools we have been given are amazing, but we absolutely must use them to create and produce in lieu of using them as tools of consumption. We will discuss strategies to change our use of technology and introduce the production/consumption ratio.

Entrepreneurship is a powerful teaching tool for you and your homeschooler. Grit, determination, math, salesmanship, language skills, reading, writing, and so much more are learned when kids embark on creating a business. When taught correctly, these experiences can be transformational for our children, even if they don't become entrepreneurs when they are grown. However, that will only happen when we teach them correct principles along with the skills of entrepreneurship. Come and learn with us how you can teach the correct approach to money and entrepreneurship and let us help you get your kids going on their first entrepreneurship experience.