For a blink of history, government schools have experimented with institutional "grading" and embedded it into our culture as "essential" for learning. Yet, for thousands of years, educators have used other methods to evaluate learning that are more individualized and effective than testing and letter grades. Find out more about assessment options, fit, and appropriate use of a broader range of tools. Dr. Dikkers will provide context, examples, and cognitive science to support your move to "project" and "conversational" assessments so you can confidently recognize and document your child's learning.

For the history lovers, this session will review 150 years of government schooling in America against the backdrop of freedom keeping Christian education. We'll review key legislation, key thought leaders, and the motivation, design, and intentions of education leaders. We'll answer questions like "What were government schools designed for?", "Where did they go so wrong?", "How might the system itself be contributing to the dumbing down of learning?", and clarify how powerfully different home discipleship is in contrast.

Education and discipleship are not the same as mass schooling. They have different traditions and different expectations. Have you ever asked, “How do I know if they are on pace?” “What if they miss something?”, “How do I know if they are learning?”, or even “I’m not sure I know enough to teach high school!” Then this session should settle your mind and help you plan for discipleship with excitement. Explore some of the key differences and save massive amounts of time and stress trying to recreate schooling at home.

Tired of worksheets, endless reviews, and tests? Is your child generally sick of school? Have you ever wondered, 'Why are we learning this?" It may be time to try an entirely different and very effective approach---Project-based learning (PBL). Meet with the lead designer of the Portals Project-Based Curriculum to learn more about PBL, the research behind it, and how to get started in a few minutes. This session covers an overview, what makes PBL effective, how it has helped traditional homeschoolers stand out, and how it can be a part of every subject area.

What makes for a joyful marriage? How do some couples grow closer together over time, and some do not? Seann and Steph will share the biblical design for marriage, communication strategies, and ways to enjoy growing through seasons of life together. Marriage is the hearthstone of the family, and God wants your marriage to bring warmth, affection, and love into your home. This session is great for married couples, dating couples, singles, and anyone who wants to hear great ideas and wisdom in the lifelong adventure of marriage. Learn from experience, bring your Bibles, and connect with others doing life the way the bible guides us to. When done God’s way, there simply is no greater blessing than a loving spouse!

For the history lovers, this session will review 150 years of government schooling in America against the backdrop of freedom-keeping Christian education. We’ll review key legislation, key thought leaders, and the motivation, design, and intentions of education leaders, answering questions like “What were government schools designed for?” “Where they go so wrong?”, “How might the system itself be contributing to the dumbing down of learning?”, and clarify how powerfully different home discipleship is in contrast.

What drives our learning? What convinces anyone to pursue knowledge, invest, and embark on great endeavors? Is ‘boredom’ necessary or to be avoided? Why do we learn new skills? This session will explore learning for joy, motivational strategies, and outline practical planning tools that will help you take any content and foster joy in the process. If your child is less than motivated, this session may help answer why and offer key approaches you can use starting tomorrow.

Education and discipleship are not the same as mass schooling. They have different traditions and different expectations. Have you ever asked, "How do I know if they are on pace?", "What if they miss something?", "How do I know if they are learning?", or even "I'm not sure I know enough to teach high school!" then this session should settle your mind and help you plan for discipleship with excitement. Explore some of the key differences and save massive amounts of time and stress trying to recreate schooling at home.

It's easy to recognize how valuable play is to our children. They love it! It is not so easy to convince ourselves that play has a variety of long term benefits and that play is actually learning. It is arguably the most pure form of learning we have. Dr. Dikkers will walk us through an overview of the physical, developmental, social, and academic benefits of non-directed outdoor play time.

What drives our learning? What convinces anyone to pursue knowledge, invest, and embark on great endeavors? Is "boredom" necessary or to be avoided? Why do we learn new skills? This session will explore learning for joy, motivational strategies, and outline practical planning tools that will help you take any content and foster joy in the process. If your child is less than motivated, this session may help answer why and offer key approaches you can use starting tomorrow.

No child should sit in front of a screen all day. If we can agree on that, then the core question for parents is, "How much, if any, screentime is good for children?" What does research and common sense say about cognitive growth and the strengths and weaknesses of digital tools for learning. If our children are entering workplaces that use computers, how can we equip them over time, give them spiritual armor and ethics around usage, and find balance for a healthy family.

It’s easy to recognize how valuable play is to our children. They love it! It is not so easy to convince ourselves that play is actually learning too.