"Whatever is the meaning of life?" "Whatever happens when one dies?" "Whatever is your highest value?"—questions that demand more than a "Whatever!" answer. The "Whatever!" answer of Secular thinking dampens and even squelches serious thought and attempts at engaged conversation in our culture. The "Whatever!" of Secularism even invades the church. Rather than be discouraged, take heart in God's command in Deuteronomy 12:32.

Fear-based parenting drives us to make bad decisions despite the best of intentions. We choose curricula based on what our friends are doing, not what our kids need, because we're scared they'll miss something. We micromanage our teens because we're afraid they'll make mistakes. We stress and worry and can't sleep at night. Why do we fall so easily into the what-ifs? God has not given us a spirit of fear. This eye-opening session will point you to the real source of security and hope and free you to do what is best for your children no matter what anyone else is doing. Step up and take courage!

Does your marriage affect your kids? You bet. It affects them profoundly. It impacts their security, their identity, and their sense of worth. Beyond that, our marriage toolkit will be the one our kids reach for in their marriages. Come, take a look at your own marriage toolbox, pick up a few new tools, and learn five ways to tune up your marriage to make it even better for you and your children. Give them a legacy that will help them build a good marriage, too!

Often falling on the heels of making a bold decision in your family, a little voice in your head cries out, "What was I thinking?!! I can't do that!" Even when we are obedient to clear direction, we can become insecure and fearful. Humorous stories will lighten your load if you are feeling the press to make changes and will help you to stop listening to the accusations from within.

Have you just started your homeschooling journey? Come to this workshop to get information on legal requirements, what to expect in the first year or two, and how to navigate the various ages and stages of homeschooling. Whether you're starting with preschoolers or high schoolers, this session will help you start strong!

Twenty-two years ago, Marcia began using the Structure of Intellect (SOI) assessment to help each student and adult discover how they can do their best. She helps with visual, auditory, and sensory-balance enrichment; dyslexia intervention; screening for Irlen light sensitivity overload that may be causing problems with focusing, visual fatigue, headaches, reading delays; or a number of other possible challenges that can interfere with learning and behavior.

What plan would suit your high school student? What subjects do you teach and when? Do you follow a basic high school plan, a general college prep plan, or a rigorous college prep plan? This seminar will help organize your thoughts and lay the groundwork for a viable four-year plan. You'll learn about high school credits, simplifying grading, and the fundamentals of record keeping—transcripts, extracurriculars, and diplomas.

The wizards are everywhere in our culture today. They promise that if we follow their yellow brick road, we can have it all—a brain, a heart, and courage. However—"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12) The wiseman knows the right path to follow and to whom he should listen. Christians are to learn how to walk as wise men, "making the most of our time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). From this you will learn how to distinguish between the ways of the wizards and the way of the wiseman. You will learn how to destroy secular arguments "raised up against the knowledge of God" and learn how to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5).

Life is Sacred is an interactive faith-based presentation for high school-aged groups covering fetal development, abortion procedures, and pro-life apologetics.

HELP for the fabulous but forgetful and frustrated student- Does your child ever forget the basic information you just went over? Do they reverse letters, skip lines in reading, or fail to see the connection between 7 + 4 and 4 + 7? Is it challenging for them to know how to start a big project or break it down into manageable bites? Is physical coordination a bit hard? If any of these sound familiar, we have a class for you!

Ever wondered how NOT to organize your day? Veteran homeschool mom of 10 (7 still in home school) and creator of My Student Logbooks takes a fun look at what organization is and isn't, why sometimes trying other people's organizational systems is a disaster, and how to discover organizational tools that work for YOU.

Hear about how you can help your child acquire the essential habits to learn anything. This session will model these "core habits," allowing you to experience them yourself!

Many parents are confident managing decisions and educational choices through the middle school years but shake with fear when looking ahead to the high school years. The issues seem to have greater consequences, but Dr. Smith will show a mindset and approach that can energize you to make them the best years. Your emerging adults can become the ones who praise you instead of being your greatest critics. Together, you can not only save money, but you can launch your teens to find their own purpose in life.

When do you get started, and what do you do first? We've had precocious readers and late bloomers, but every one of them has benefited from being homeschooled from the beginning. Find out how to know when each child is ready for formal academics, how to get started, and what homeschooling looks like for young children. Learn to relax and introduce your little ones to the joy of learning in a gentle and realistic way that will prepare them to succeed academically.

Do you want to make your homeschool journey memorable in the lives of your children? Do you want them to look back with fondness on their growing up years and their educational experience? Jackie learned early on in her homeschool journey that she needed to keep homeschooling fun not only for her rambunctious children but also for her own sanity. She shares her continuing experiences and adventures with her children. Jackie will talk about different ways to get the most out of the few precious years we have to educate our children from preschool to graduation. Get ideas on how to take the drudgery out of homeschooling for both you and your children.

It can be intimidating to think about educating a kid who’s blowing the curve, racing ahead, and seems to want more. Can you really meet his needs, or would he be better off with professionals? How can you help him fit in socially? Should he graduate early or on time? Hal and Melanie were involved in gifted programs in school, and had several precocious children themselves. You can meet the needs of your bright child and enjoy doing it!

Creating a high school transcript is a vital part of your teen's high school records. In this interactive, practical seminar, you'll create a transcript that can be used as a pattern when designing your own. The session will guide you through the essentials of transcripts, how to evaluate credit, steps to simplify grading, and how to calculate grade point averages (GPAs).

The Nazis used language to redefine Jews out of the human race. Once that was accomplished, atrocities and death camps followed. Language is important because it lays the tracks that are the ideas that carry the consequences—boxcars filled with people's lives. Christians are on a search and destroy mission; we are destroying ideas but not people. Learn 4 Killer Questions that will empower you to derail faulty thinking and challenge others to think God's thoughts after Him

The turmoil of the tween/preteen years between nine and thirteen usually catches parents by surprise. Diligent students become addled and distracted. Kids raised in church start questioning the existence of God. Sweet children seem to climb on an emotional roller-coaster—and then invite you to join them. Don't get a ticket for that ride! Instead, learn to resist the temptation to lose it yourself and to shepherd our children through this challenging age with this funny and all-too-real workshop—and lay a foundation to make the teen years great!

Learn from pediatrician Dr. Roger Smith how stress and trauma affect a child's ability to learn and perform. Research on stress has yielded a better understanding of the biochemical and neurologic responses we see as "behavior." Parents can tap into this research to better guide their children through life's stresses. This session will review both the science and the social impact of emotions in the context of a biblical worldview. Dr. Smith will transform scientific gobbledygook into layman's language with tangible applications.

Do you want encouragement and strategies to help re-ignite your student's love of learning? Many factors impact a child's motivation level—stress, executive function, nutritional needs, media usage, and more. With a little bit of theory and a whole lot of practical application, Dr. Somerville equips parents with the tools they need to tap into their child's God-given gift of curiosity.

Oregon is blessed to have private homeschool options for families with special needs students. The Privately Developed Plan (PDP) is an evaluation option provided in Oregon for home school students with qualified disabilities. This session will explain how the PDP is cooperatively written by an academic advisor and the parents, and how the plan identifies, addresses, and measures student progress.

A college education can be a valuable enterprise that promotes spiritual maturation and intellectual depth in a student. However, identifying the right college can be a difficult task. There are many important aspects to consider beyond one's major, tuition costs, geographical location, and reputation. Vice President of Gutenberg College, Dr. Eliot Grasso, explains the inner workings of higher education and offers families essential tools for researching and identifying colleges that will align with their moral commitments and educational goals.

The wizards are everywhere in our culture today. They promise that if we follow their yellow brick road, we can have it all—a brain, a heart, and courage. The wizards even promise us a way home. However—"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12) Christians are to learn how to walk as wise men, "making the most of our time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). Come join us as we take a walk on the "wise" side. You will learn how to distinguish between the ways of the wizards and the way of the wiseman. You will learn how to destroy secular arguments "raised up against the knowledge of God" and learn how to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5). This is the third in the series

When you get to the end of your homeschooling, and your child leaves home, things get real. At that point, the only thing you'll have is relationship: their relationship with God and their relationship with you. Learn about encouraging research that highlights the critical importance of relationships in the spiritual life of our children, find out how to rebuild strained relationships, and get practical help to build the kind of relationship that will last through adulthood. Hal & Melanie's six oldest children have grown up and left home, and are their best friends.

Struggling to teach all the kids all the things? Finding it difficult to plan your days or keep from falling behind? Learn from a homeschool mom of six practical ways to organize your days, maximize your teaching time, and still make time for the joys of homeschooling.

What's a dad to do? In a busy home, dads often find themselves being dragged along in all the activities involving the children. But can it be another way? The influence of the father can be the thing that helps all the activities stay on course. Dads can make a significant contributions to the home even in the midst of a busy career. This will offer solutions and hope for increasing the influence of dad in the home, resulting in everyone being happier.

This session focuses on the use of evidence-based instruction methods that address the core issues of autism spectrum disorders: communication and social skills. It integrates developmental perspectives and strategies to provide practical, functional intervention approaches that you can easily implement within your daily homeschool routine.

Corey will walk families through some of the current issues in the broader culture and discusses them in comparison with a Biblical Sexual Ethic. We'll also address how to lead your families through these confusing conversations: What is being said in our culture – and how to respond; What does God's Word say; and How do we live yet remain true to a biblical worldview

This is the second in a series by Bill Jack The wizards are everywhere in our culture today. They promise that if we follow their yellow brick road, we can have it all—a brain, a heart, and courage. The wizards even promise us a way home. These wizards include evolutionists, new agers, atheists, and sincere followers of false religions. The wiseman, on the other hand, knows the right path to follow and to whom he should listen. Christians are to learn how to walk as wise men, "making the most of our time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). Come join us as we take a walk on the "wise" side. You will learn how to distinguish between the ways of the wizards and the way of the wiseman. You will learn how to destroy secular arguments "raised up against the knowledge of God" and learn how to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5).

Conflict with our children can cause a great gulf between us. Discipline in the home is a must, but it need not create tension between our children and us. The Smiths will share how biblical discipline is often misapplied, but more importantly, how we can pattern our family discipline after that of our Heavenly Father. Stories of parents doing it well will empower you to make needed adjustments in your approach to discipline.

So many parents ask, "Why doesn't my son enjoy reading? I want him to love it!" In this session, we'll look at ways to help your boys read better, enjoy reading more, and find joy in stories and in research. What's more, we'll talk about ways to help your son over his hurdles with writing assignments. Melanie homeschooled all six of her boys from the beginning, and all of them eventually loved to read and won awards for their writing, too.

So maybe you're considering homeschooling, or maybe you're new at it - but you've still got questions, concerns, even uneasiness. Will they get into college? Can they find a job? Will they have any friends? What about sports? What if they have special needs? Will we be weird? Hal and Melanie have homeschooled their eight children from the beginning; hear their first-hand experience with all of these issues!

Unpack the frequently asked questions of how to homeschool struggling learners and those who learn differently. Be encouraged and equipped with diagnostic checklists for struggling learners and discussing common roadblocks homeschooling parents face (and how to navigate around them). Receive strategies for achieving success with your children who learn differently.

This workshop will help students think through the beauty and purpose of marriage as God designed it. Discuss the challenges of dating in the 21st Century as well as tips and tools to help you figure out if someone you're interested in dating would be a good match for you. Prepare them well—and from a biblical worldview; Strengthen boundaries and intentionality; Empower them to use wisdom and discernment

The wizards are everywhere in our culture today. They promise that if we follow their yellow brick road, we can have it all—a brain, a heart, and courage. The wizards even promise us a way home. However—"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12) These wizards include evolutionists, new agers, atheists, and sincere followers of false religions. The wiseman, on the other hand, knows the right path to follow and to whom he should listen. Christians are to learn how to walk as wise men, "making the most of our time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). Learn how to distinguish between the ways of the wizards and the way of the wiseman. You will learn how to destroy secular arguments "raised up against the knowledge of God" and learn how to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5).

In this session, join us as we discuss why a revival of Civics and Constitutional education for our children is key to a bright future for America. You will come away with tools to immediately implement strategies and learning opportunities for your students.

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.

One in six people has a little-known condition called Irlen Syndrome that interferes with reading and learning. The fix is accommodations that use specific colors of plastic overlays, colored paper, adjusting screens, and precision-tinted lenses if there are extra environmental issues that trigger headaches or other health concerns. If you or your child lose your place reading, need to re-read, get visual fatigue, or possibly become anxious, concentrate poorly, or get headaches/migraines in bright light (or other symptoms), you will want to attend this workshop presented by Robin Firth, RN and fully certified Irlen Diagnostician. Presented by Positive Learning Solutions, LLC

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 as ambassadors for Christ wherever the Lord calls us! Presented by NCFCA

There's a huge demand for good MTs. As a result, there's more variety and volume of work than ever before. Learn about the reports we transcribe, earning potential, equipment, working for The Medical Transcription Service, and much more. Your instructor has been a medical transcriptionist for more than 35 years, operates a large MT business, and has taught for many other programs. You'll enjoy her warmth, humor, and practical advice. Presented by the Medical Transcription Service

If the children are the glue holding your marriage together, you are on the path to divorce. A healthy marriage has characteristics that lead to a thriving home. Bringing 40 years of experience in marriage to bear on the subject, the Smiths recognize that some stages are harder than others, while it is never too late to improve the health of the relationship. The Smiths will share several tools that can help to restore or invigorate a marriage in a busy home where no one seems to have any extra time. Leave this session with ideas to make an immediate difference.

Homeschool veterans toss around terms like unit studies, classical education, Charlotte Mason, and more, never dreaming how confusing it can be for someone new. Understand the different approaches available and get practical help in making this next year of homeschooling enjoyable and effective!

How do you teach a young man to keep his way pure when the red-light district is riding around in his shirt pocket – or his friend's? How can you help a boy think about the future when all he wants to do is game all day? Media addiction and porn are derailing young men at a rate that is hard to even believe. Learn how to teach your sons a healthy, biblical attitude toward entertainment and sexuality. Prepare them to make it a matter of honor to practice self-control, do what's right, and have healthy relationships with girls. Get them in the fight because there are no bystanders in this battle, and we don't want our sons to lose. The stakes are too high.

This session offers an overview of learners who are gifted and who also have some form of disability or learning challenge. You'll be equipped with a broader understanding of how different exceptionalities can manifest themselves within learning styles and preview resources that match your child's unique learning profile. Ultimately the goal of this workshop is to provide you with support so you can spend less time searching for information and resources and more quality family time with your child.

This workshop will provide parents with ways to talk about sex and sexuality with their children so that they will be prepared to make choices that reflect a Biblical Sexual Ethic. -Learn how to "go there." - Gain strength knowing you are not alone in wondering and stressing over this "age-appropriate" question - Discover creative ways to be intentional without a lot of stress - See the grave importance of being early versus too late to these conversations—the world wants to be first — I want you to be.

During this session, students will have the opportunity to study living sea stars and dissect a preserved sea star! Previous knowledge is not necessary. At least one parent must be present for the activity. Children as young as 5-years-old can be successful in this activity with direct parent support. All students must take directions and safety seriously, or they will be asked to sit out. Together we will answer questions which could include: How does a sea star feed? Where do sea stars live? Why did God make sea stars? What are the parts of a sea star? What types of sea stars live in the Pacific Northwest? Are sea stars and starfish the same thing?

Dads and moms, in all the busyness of life and swell of expert advice, we've forgotten the fundamental truths of homeschooling and family. In short, we’ve forgotten why we do what we do. We have plenty of “how tos” but have forgotten the “why tos” and it evidences itself in our lack of joy of homeschooling, family, and parenting. Join funny guy and familyman, Todd Wilson, as he sets the stage for a great homeschool convention and the best year ever as he brings us back to the basics of what we believe about family and homeschooling. You're not going to want to miss this for the world.

Your house is a disaster, your kids seem out of control, and you wonder how you'll ever make it through another day of school. Your "get up and go" has "gotten up and went". You used to think homeschooling was the best thing since sliced bread, but now you’re feeling like burnt toast. Take heart - you're not alone! No one homeschools because it's easy. You do it because you believe it is best. But there are times when you need to be reminded once again why it's best. Join me as we do just that. You'll laugh and be encouraged in the toughest job you'll ever...love.

Are you new to homeschooling or new to Pennsylvania? Are you thinking about homeschooling at some point in the future? Do you have questions about what homeschooling might look like and how to get started? This session is designed to encourage and equip you to homeschool your children. Topics include: why homeschool, how to get started in PA, a typical day, curriculum, record keeping, testing, portfolios, and evaluations.

The world our children live in today is quite different from the one we grew up in. They are constantly bombarded with post-modernism, which says whatever you want to believe is your “truth.” Now more than ever, we need to provide them with the tools to discern and combat the lies being hurled at them on a daily basis, even as they are being homeschooled. Join me in this session, where we will identify some of these lies and learn what questions to ask to separate truth from deception.

If you have a hyperactive or easily distractible child, you won’t want to miss this informative and sometimes humorous message that shares stories from his experience as an ADHD child himself. You will receive practical and Biblical insights into ADD/ADHD and will be encouraged that there is hope for your child!

Dan breaks down Pennsylvania’s homeschool law in easy-to-understand steps to help you homeschool with confidence. He also highlights legal issues and legislation that impact homeschooling and shares some of the ways he is advocating on behalf of homeschooling families.

I don’t know why what you expect is typically what you get, I just know that it’s true. Since that’s the case it makes sense to understand this powerful reality at work in our world. Understanding the power of expectations changes your relationships, your parenting, your professional life, and ultimately the course of your life. This session will talk about God’s expectations, what that means for you, and how your expectations will change you and those around you.

Are you having trouble finding the time and energy to meet the needs of your husband after a hard day of homeschooling? Maybe you've forgotten what his needs are. Would you like your husband to take a more active role in homeschooling? Maybe your husband refuses to be involved in training your children. Join me as we look at your role, not as a homeschooling mom, but as a homeschooling WIFE. Your husband will thank you for coming! The discussion will be led by a real husband of a homeschooling mom.

Despite many stereotypes, homeschooling programs are unique and vary widely based on the student. Dan, a homeschool graduate himself, shares from his experience the benefits and challenges of homeschooling as well as the reasons why he is homeschooling his children.

It has only been in recent decades--with the development of technology capable of scanning the human brain--that neurologists have been enlightened as to how learning occurs and how we can optimize new knowledge. This session will address some of the amazing intricacies of the brain, the principles of brain-based learning, how boys and girls learn differently, and how God’s Word teaches us to think for learning retention.

Do you know where the theory of peer group socialization originated? Learn what really drives the question: “What About Socialization?” Israel will go back in History and reveal the engineers behind modern social education theory. You may be surprised to learn what is truly behind this infamous question.

Homeschooling high school can seem intimidating. This is an informational session for those with children approaching high school or in high school. Basic information about transcripts, credits, tests, course descriptions, and some of the options available for high school courses and curriculum will be presented. This overview is designed to provide insight and encouragement as you enter this new phase of the homeschooling adventure.

The heart of leadership is influence and everyone influences someone. That means everyone needs some basic leadership skills, no matter who you are or what you do. You can spend a lifetime reading and studying leadership, and that’s not a bad pursuit, but this session will give you the basic leadership skills you need to understand so you can apply them immediately

The homeschool movement coined and promoted the idea of fostering a LOVE of learning…and yet most homeschooling moms have fostered a “hate” of learning. Instead of inspiring their children to love exploration, discovery, and learning, all of which homeschool SHOULD foster, moms find their children fighting them tooth and nail to “do school.”

The first step in safeguarding your homeschool is knowing your state’s homeschool law. Dan regularly communicates with school officials, social workers, and others regarding the legal requirements and legitimacy of homeschooling. In this workshop, Dan makes sure you know what is legally required of you while equipping you to confidently handle interactions with government officials.

Have your questions answered by a panel of homeschool veterans.

Why do you homeschool? When your children are grown, what will define success for you? What is the difference between a Biblical view of education, and the way most Christian parents (even homeschoolers) educate their children? This workshop will help you to focus on what is really important.

This session is for anyone looking for information about evaluations. It is for those who are preparing to meet with an evaluator as well as those who might be interested in becoming an evaluator. We will look at the requirements in Pennsylvania Home Education Law for both. There will also be time for questions. Barb will share her experience in doing evaluations over the past 21 years.

Why is it that almost half of college graduates can’t find a job? What’s missing? What does a student really need to learn between the ages of sixteen and twenty two to be ready for “real life”? Everyone focuses on academics, but you need more than academic ability to be fully equipped for the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood. This session will guide you through the seven essential skills and abilities that are crucial for successfully launching into adulthood. This time of life is a unique time, offering amazing possibilities. Come learn how to maximize this time, focus on the essentials, and be prepared and equipped for extraordinary success!

Homeschooling is hard, parenting is hard, and marriage…well, that’s way hard. And that’s OK and even normal. Trouble is we don’t like hard. We want easy, fast, and cheap, and at the same time we want successful results. But the truth is that good things are hard and hard things are good, and they go hand in hand. Sadly, most people don’t ever experience the good because they can’t handle the hard. They put the hard thing off, hoping it will get easier, or they avoid it all together, and all they end up with is a pile of regrets. Here’s the good news: you can handle the hard. In fact, if you’re faced with two choices, pick ‘HARD.’ During this hour, you’ll laugh with Todd as he shares how to embrace the hardness while keeping your eye on the joy and experience God’s best for you.

It's a fact! The only thing tougher than being a homeschooling mom is...being married to a homeschooling mom! Dad, your wife needs your help. Come join me as we discuss how to support and assist our wives in the homeschooling journey. We'll also do a lot of laughing, as I encourage men to be encouragers of their homeschooling wives.

After you’ve filed all your papers to homeschool, what happens then? What do I do with these children all day? What does a day of homeschooling like? Are there different ways to homeschool and what do they look like? How do you find the perfect curriculum? What counts as “school”?

The world, the flesh, and the devil are vying for the minds of our kids, often in such subtle ways that it goes unnoticed until they are in crisis. This session will delve into multiple venues in which our thoughts, our time, and our choices are influenced by our worldview. We will put many of these examples to the test of a biblical worldview with the goal of heightening awareness of where “little foxes” creep in and seek to spoil (Song of Solomon 2:15).

As homeschoolers, we are often accused of retreating from society instead of impacting it. What is the balance between sheltering our children and reaching out to a lost world around us? In this session, Israel explains how you can equip your children for the ‘real world’ by developing a family ministry.

Pennsylvania is one of the most regulated states for homeschooling. It is considered one of the “hardest” states to homeschool in, but it’s not as difficult as it seems. Come hear about how easy it is to meet the law requirements, see what a simple portfolio looks like, hear a description of what an evaluation looks like, and ask all your homeschool law related questions.

Presently there is a big identity crisis among males regarding what a man is. There is no clear transition from childhood to manhood, and the culture has defined men simplistically. As a result, many fathers are relationally isolated and emotionally disconnected leaving them at a loss for how to lead boys into manhood. This workshop will address the culture’s attack on boys/males, the impact of biology on boys/males learning style, mentoring and educational principles to help boys develop into honorable men and concrete action steps moms and dads can take in the developmental process of boys.

We like things nice and neat, orderly, and with a predictable outcome, but most of the time OUR plans don’t ‘come together’ as we hoped. Instead, our plans often fall apart, disintegrate right before our eyes, and leave us dumbfounded and stunned. I’ve talked to plenty of homeschooling parents who were sold a plan. They followed the plan and then later stood before me with tears in their eyes because the plan “didn’t come together.” “We did everything THEY said to do,” they say. “We didn’t have TV…we homeschooled…we ate organic…we only wore dresses…we sheltered and protected….we practiced courtship…they played the violin…we emphasized the classics…we never missed family devotions…we emphasized purity…we birthed our children at home…we had a home business” and on and on the list goes. They feel betrayed, angry, and lost….and their children are starting ‘tell all’ websites!!! I have to admit that several years ago when I heard their sob stories, I inwardly wondered what they had done wrong. I believed that they must have gotten the WRONG plan…or didn’t carry the plan out according to the instructions. And while some of that may be true, I know NOW that sometimes our plans don’t come together because God has a DIFFERENT PLAN. Join me as we take an honest and humorous look at plans, why they fall apart and what to do when they have.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, homeschooling has exploded. Millions of new homeschool students are experiencing the benefits of a customized education at home. But the growth of homeschooling has also caught the eye of policymakers who want to help—and those who don’t. Dan will bring you up to date on homeschooling trends and equip you to advance homeschooling freedom into the future.

The goal of this session is to share the joy of designing and teaching unit studies. Learn how this unique approach to teaching uses real-life experiences, books, games, projects, and other resources to encourage students to deeply explore topics and to become life-long learners. Discover ways to integrate subjects to make learning more meaningful and fun. Realize the wealth of knowledge to be gained through unit studies as well as easy methods of constructing them.

Many homeschoolers struggle with self-doubt and/or criticism for their decision by well-meaning friends and family. In this session, Israel will tackle some of the top objections people raise about home education and will give statistics and fact-based answers to help give you confidence to defend your choice to home educate.

Simplifying your homeschool could be the difference between a parent who makes it thought the long haul and one who gives up after a few years, sending her child back to school because she “can’t do this anymore.” This workshop is full of practical ideas to implement and philosophical thoughts to ponder. Bring your specific questions about a trouble spot in your homeschool and let’s see if simplifying will smooth it out.

People are everything. Relationships are the foundation that gives meaning to our lives. Today we’re more connected than ever before and at the same time more isolated than ever before. Why? A lot of people no longer know the basics principles of great relationships. This session teaches those basic relationship principles.

Drawing from over 40 years of experience in the home-education movement, Israel will help you to avoid some of the top errors many parents make in the homeschooling process. The tips offered in this session can save you hundreds of dollars and perhaps years of regret from committing these costly errors.

All children are created equal. Girls and Boys have equal importance and significance but there are certain responsibilities that we need to train our boys and girls differently. It’s not archaic or about inequality, it’s Biblical parenting and our children need us to prepare them for the future. Join Todd as he tackles this sticky topic and combines laughter, truth, and practicality together for a vital topic in today’s wacky and purple world.

If you have more than one child, you know first-hand that they come to us uniquely “crafted” by our Heavenly Father--no two are alike! This fact is especially challenging when homeschooling and trying to plan what to teach. This session will: • Address the imperative given to us in Proverbs 22:6 to “Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent]” (Amplified Bible), • Include several “personality” test options to help you understand your children and how they learn best, and • Provide teaching/learning strategies to help you utilize this information to inform your homeschooling efforts.

This engaging workshop will review several different teaching approaches found in homeschooling, and then help attendees identify resources and curricula to fit their family’s particular style. Are you just getting started homeschooling? Needing to refocus and redefine what homeschooling could look like for your family? Come benefit from Nancy’s almost 30 years of experience and enjoy her dynamic style.

As homeschool moms and dads, we plan and prepare, but let us never forget to pray for our children! It is easy to fall into the daily routine of lesson planning and teaching but forgetting that ‘except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1). Therefore, let us pray.

In a world that is moving at warp speed, it’s easy to forget that kids are still kids. Their needs haven’t changed: they need time to explore and experiment with the real world around them, to absorb life through all their senses, to process their thoughts at their own pace. All of these are crucial in laying a firm foundation for higher learning, but this TAKES TIME. Learn why this is so important and how to protect and defend your kids’ childhood.

an introduction to Charlotte Mason, including her belief in the child as a person and her viewpoint that education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life, and the science of relations. Who was Charlotte Mason? What was her educational philosophy? Can her methods be used in high school as well as in elementary school and middle school? Drawing from her 20 years of experience using Charlotte Mason’s methods, Nancy will talk about the basics of a Charlotte Mason education and how it can transform your homeschool.

Can you recall those early days when your children were very little? What do you remember most? The happy times? The fun adventures? Or do you remember the mistakes you made and the ways you failed? Science and research have shown that our brain is hardwired to recall negative memories over positive ones. It’s vital that you take steps now to ensure your memories are not distorted with this natural tendency to focus on the negative. In this session Jeannie will share what you can do now to preserve joys of your homeschool journey and how this will increase the joys your family experiences in your daily life.

The world of work is changing, and that change is being driven by technology. In this session you will hear about those changes and how to best prepare today's youth for tomorrow's workplace. We will discuss the changing landscape of needed workplace skills and technological developments that are reshaping the way America and the World works.

Time must be budgeted just like money. We must determine the difference between the fixed – what we must do, and the discretionary – what we would like to do and set our priorities. This workshop will be filled with practical tips and encouragement for everyday living as a homeschool family. Areas covered include understanding your calling, relationships, schooling, meals, household clutter and cleaning, and general household management. Attendees will leave with practical and applicable tips

Sometimes unexpected things disrupt the homeschool year. When this happens, it seems like all the best-laid plans go out the window. We will discuss how to make realistic adjustments to academics and life rhythms, manage stress and model resiliency for your teens.

Interested in a rich, vigorous, character-building education for your high schooler? Charlotte Mason had a successful plan for the high school years. Her offering was in response to the utilitarian system that was in place 100 years ago and unfortunately still reigns. This session will discuss Mason’s blueprint and offer principles and practices to begin planning what could be your student’s best years!

We all have clear reasons that we decided to homeschool, but as we continue this journey, the lines can become blurred. It can be so easy to get caught up in how our kids (and we) are (or aren’t) performing when it comes to homeschooling. But what if that isn’t actually what we are called to? Mastery can be important. God talks about becoming skilled and the importance of diligence. But what if we are giving up purpose and exchanging it for performance?

This workshop offers practical resources, lists of materials, and curricula to equip you as you work with a struggling learner in your homeschool. Faith explains multi-sensory teaching methods, direct instruction, modeled teaching, and “scaffolding” instruction. She also shares ideas for designing a unique home instruction program tailored to your child’s specific challenges.

Jobs in the building trades are projected to increase faster than jobs in every other sector in America over the next decade. Over the same period, many white-collar jobs requiring 4-year college degrees will cease to exist. This talk exposes the “Vital Lie” in our society that manual labor is only for low-paid, uneducated, dropouts. In fact, trades are among the highest-paid, longest-lasting, and most resilient professions

Ever feel lost when trying to do Picture Study, tour an art museum or teach basic drawing? This workshop will train your eye to notice the 7 elements of art and how to teach them to your children. Navigating the art world is tricky for the homeschool parent. How do you choose a curriculum? Is the internet an ok substitute for a teacher? How do you critique your child’s art without being an artist yourself? Learn not just what to teach about art, but how to see art with an artist’s perspective, and how to convey that to your children through your own teaching style and at your own pace.

“The Principality of Mathematics is a mountainous land, but the air is very fine and health-giving.” ~Charlotte Mason Is this indicative of high school math in your home? Are you enjoying the fine air and taking in the summit view, or does the air feel thin and your student is seemingly stuck hiking in a circle? In this workshop we will learn how to help students retrace their steps to build a more solid understanding of place value, fractions, decimals, integers, and exponents. Then with this firm ground under our feet, we will navigate how to breathe life into your upper-level math lessons through hands on discovery and practical examples of Algebra and Geometry concepts. Come explore with us, for a world of truth and beauty awaits to be found in this mountainous land!

The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties lends itself to overcoming the countless obstacles that life can bring. As adults, we have all experienced things we never thought we would face, and we know that our children will have their own share of difficulties. Though there is no way to know what those will be, we can prepare our children by helping them build resilience throughout their childhood