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.

Children like to do what they can do, they want to do what they think they can do, and they hate to do what they think they cannot do. If you want excited and enthusiastic children who learn well, you must understand these key laws of motivation, and focus on the essential requirement of relevancy. If it matters, children will learn it, and if it doesn’t, they won’t. This session will enlighten you with specific ways to find and create relevancy for children, even when they have no apparent interest.

Imagine your children chew with their mouths closed, never announce what they don’t like at the table, sit respectfully while eating, show gratitude when they are served a meal, and help clean up afterwards, This is possible. It's all in how you approach table manners. Learn the pattern of teaching your family how to have impeccable table manners and how to make it fun and doable. Parents, this is not rocket science, however, if you think that your children are going to “get it” by just constant correction, then allow me to ask, “How’s that working for you?"

Letting your children be more involved in helping at has some great benefits—both for training them in character and practical skills AND for your sanity! But where do you begin? This foster mom to over 50 children shares tips and practical helps that have enabled her to homeschool 17 children and still be able to open the front door to guests.

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “joyful mother”? If you aren’t sure this describes your perspective on motherhood right now, come learn six steps to guide you to the joyful path! We also discuss practical strategies to help us stay “tuned up.”

Geography affects so many aspects of our lives. This workshop will fill you with ideas on how to bring the world into your classroom including fictional titles, activities and resources. This is primarily geared toward the elementary student classroom, but some basic ideas will be given for middle school and high school families.

Critical thinking is a well-used phrase in homeschooling circles, but’s what the big deal? Why is critical thinking one of the most important skills to master and how can you best help your child?

Why is it hard to find people that want to work in the trades? How has our education system and government failed to promote the trades industry? What can we do to reverse this trend? Come find out: • “who” might enjoy the different types of careers in construction • “what” level of education is needed for a construction career • “why” a career in construction can be a very fulfilling experience • “where” can a construction career path take me • “how” can we introduce construction through our education

In this talk, Andrew shares many humorous experiences (and painful lessons) he has learned over thirty years of teaching and homeschooling, including: It’s hard not to do to your kids what was done to you; Process over product; All kids are different; “Progressive” education doesn’t mean progress; What real “college and career readiness” is, and two secret keys to successful teaching. You will be challenged or reassured (or both!) but sure to leave with an expanded vision of your calling as a homeschooling educator.

Come hear Brian Young as he encourages the graduates and challenges all of us. Learn what to expect as we become soldiers in the Kingdom of God.

A Multigenerational Vision: It is high time for young men and women to stop bowing down to the mediocre expectations of modern culture. This talk is given directly to your children. The future of this nation and her church is upon them

“Education vs. schooling" ...they are NOT the same! Most people think of “schooling” when they hear the word “education”. In reality, however, the two are not intrinsically linked in any way. Learn why most people are schooled but never truly educated and how you can ensure your children get a great education...even without schooling.

We all have at least one of these children. They take extra time to complete every lesson, if they complete them at all. We may fall into the trap of sitting by them to “help” them finish, only to become an educational security blanket. We need to encourage these children to take up their own responsibilities. Their desire should be to work diligently for the Lord. Join us as we go over helpful suggestions to encourage those less-than-enthusiastic children.

Is there truly an infinite, loving, personal God who exists, and can be known? How can I believe in God when I can’t experience Him through my five senses? Do I just accept it by blind faith? How do I answer the objections made by atheists and agnostics? This session will enable you to have certainty that not only does truth exist; God does as well.

If you’re anything like Jamie, you love homeschooling, but sometimes you only like it for 10 seconds, especially when you’re having a bad day or a string of bad days. Pair homeschooling with long-term illness, the death of a loved one, a job loss, or just an over-committed schedule and you have the makings of a perfect forfeit. But you don’t have to quit during a season of crisis. You just have to learn to homeschool differently. Be encouraged and learn practical tips for teaching from a place of delight, not defeat, during difficult days.

Let’s face it. At one time or another we all feel that by homeschooling our children, they are missing out on “something.” After all, we’re pretty sure the 7th grader down the street is up for a Nobel Prize, everyone else is receiving a full-ride scholarship to Princeton, and we haven’t even begun to cover 13th century humanities in China! RELAX. This workshop will talk you down from the cliff – or at least encourage you that homeschooling is the BEST thing for your children. Join Sherri as she shares how she went from stressing over teaching everything about everything to trusting in the path, resources, and experiences God had for her children.

Give your child what is most important. Instead of academic or social pressures, Charlotte Mason encouraged mothers to give their little ones a full six years of developing good habits, getting acquainted with nature, exploring with the five senses, growing in their spiritual lives, and more. Learn how to give your child a quiet growing time.

A child who learns to serve others with joy is sure to become the kind of husband or wife who brings genuine joy into their own family. The servant spirit, which Jesus said makes a person “the greatest of all”, is better caught than taught—that is, one must pick it up by being around people who love serving others! Dennis and Naomi have raised four sons who find great delight in serving others and they know how that outlook and attitude is passed on to children.

What the Bible calls “a good conscience” is vital for our children to form in their youth. Parents can strengthen the conscience, so a child grows into an adult of strong convictions and is compelled from within away from sinful living and towards righteous choices, even when parents are not present. Let’s make one of the goals of our instruction “a good conscience” (1 Timothy 1:5). A practical plan for achieving this is the focus of this workshop.

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.

The pressure to conform is all around us, but we are called to “quit the herd.” In this workshop, we’ll take a look at what it means to quit the herd, why we should quit the herd, examples of biblical and historical herd quitters, and how your choice to be a herd quitter can impact your homeschool, your family, and your legacy.

It’s easy to get caught up in the mentality that we’ve got to add more: we must do more, we must get more, and our children must study more. More, more, more! But the funny thing is that when we keep adding more, we usually end up with less of what really matters. Come discover the richness that simplicity can bring to your schedule, your home, and your children’s education.

Come with your most questionable questions for this distinguished panel of experienced homeschool mothers. The format will be a town hall setting with questions answered in two minutes or less. Line up, let’s go!

Mr. Black will share encouragement along with biblical and historical support for choosing to home educate your children. His wife, Andrea, will join him as they list their top-ten lessons learned from living for twenty-four years in the trenches of home education. From the obvious to the original, Andrea and Chuck share from their hearts ideas to incorporate into your home to help you be successful in the journey.

This workshop is a must for all new homeschoolers…or for those wishing they could call a do-over! In this fun, encouraging, and upbeat workshop, Angela covers what to expect your first year of homeschooling, tips for choosing curriculum for your unique family, and keeping your sanity – short term and long term. Come get the skinny on making your first year (or your re-start year) the best homeschool year ever.

No two homeschools are alike, no two children are alike, and many times, no two days, weeks, or months are alike. Life happens, children grow, skill levels change, and what worked just yesterday doesn’t work anymore. Homeschooling truly is like aiming at a moving target. Topics will include: learning to be flexible, being aware of the changes our children are going through, learning to set goals with open hands, and seeing the bigger picture.

Gender is under attack in our culture, and for good reason. The enemy of God hates gender because he understands its power. If parents make it their greatest ambition to teach their sons what it means to be men, and to teach their daughters what it means to be women, then their children will succeed.

Explores the natural sequence of language learning beginning with the early years of learning to speak, followed by the reading stage, and then on to writing. Discusses the stages that are input or output, what’s essential, and how to set goals for different seasons. Topics covered include phonics, reading, penmanship, grammar, spelling, creative and formal writing, and literature. Get a fresh perspective on this subject that frequently frustrates or confuses homeschool parents.

This workshop addresses both the spiritual battle being waged on our children and the physical effects of the technological age we live in. Angela pulls from her training as a child development specialist to address how stress leads to anxiety, which if not addressed, may turn into depression and even suicide. Come and gain guidance in setting limits on technology in our homes and learn de-stressing techniques help ourselves and our children.

This workshop explores your changing role in your children's lives as they mature, graduate, and launch into independence: college, career, marriage, and children of their own. What’s next for you as you work yourself out of our a teaching job? Come and hear what Rebecca has learned raising her five children and share any wisdom you have gathered with yours.

There is more to building a solid worldview than having a right catechism of creation. Our culture is on the move to destroy Biblical faith. This is no more apparent than in the treatment of the book of Genesis. Part of the solution for our kids is in knowing what the Bible says and how is explains the physical earth around them. Learn about evidence for the Flood and the truth of the Bible with every step you take!

Anxiety has become a familiar house guest to a strong majority of modern-day Christians. Many of us accept it as a personality issue, rather than addressing it as a dangerous enemy. The Bible teaches a life of fearlessness. And, to many of us, the idea of fearlessness, sounds wonderful, but wishful. This session was built to train the Body of Christ in how to cultivate the fearless life that laughs at empty bank accounts, mocks disease, chuckles over impossibilities, and smiles at the future.

The constant declaration of the Christian life should be “I can’t, but God can!” Our lives were made to be inhabited by the living God, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, to be used as a “glove” upon His hand. This enabling power of His life, called grace, supplies all we need for life and godliness. Grace is far more than a mere hug of God. In this life-changing message, Eric Ludy equips you with the spiritual tools to stop trying to manufacture the Christian life and instead let God do it in and through you.

When the winds and rains beat against your house, are you movable? Do you grow weak in the knees when bad news strikes? Are you susceptible to the bait of anxiety, foreboding, fretting, and fear? This message holds the secret to an immovable soul. We'll give you a hint: it's a person.

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.

This word is usually used in regards to strong fortresses of old, but it is also meant to describe the believer's life - fortified. In this session, Eric expounds on how to live a fortified life spiritually, physically, and emotionally in order to remain strong against the enemy of our soul.

Homeschool graduates still encounter discrimination when applying for employment, civil service, admission to colleges and trade schools, and participation in extracurricular competitions and programs. While homeschooling is now widely recognized as a legal form of education, there is still much work to be done to ensure that students and graduates are not discriminated against because their parents choose to exercise their right to homeschool. HSLDA continues to advocate for students and graduates who face this kind of discrimination. Come hear the stories, legal battles, and solutions for how to end homeschool discrimination.

1 Peter 3:15 commands us to have answers and always be ready to defend the Christian faith. This presentation will supply people with vital information about fossils and the Flood. This is a great presentation designed to train people in how to share the Christian faith using the creation account found in the book of Genesis.

In this workshop Marian will continue to share from her personal experience of spiritually investing in the lives of her children. Come glean some creative, inexpensive and practical ways to enjoy praying with your children. Marian will share how to organize these ideas into a weekly prayer plan. Kristen, one of Marian’s daughter will share about her prayer journey. This workshop is for mothers.

Sandi and I wanted to give our sons a good foundation in language arts and math along with a love for learning. Our vision worked, for each of our sons is a lifelong student and always learning and growing. We catch a fire from someone who has a fire. This workshop will share strategies for encouraging a passion for learning through books, family excursions, and exposing your family to fellow firebrands.

The messages of pop culture conflict with biblical teaching, and major gateways for these conflicting messages comes through smartphones, computers, and other technology. This session is about using technology for good, setting reasonable boundaries, and nurturing the hearts of our children.

This workshop is Steve’s testimony of the last thirty years as the father of a child with special needs. He shares what his family has learned as a result of Johnny’s disability, and the special, rewarding, and joyful role he has played in their lives. Even in the difficult experiences of life, God proved faithful. His grace sustained them and brought good out of their struggles and disappointments.

In this session, Dr. Sandi Queen shares how, during her youngest son’s 3 1/2 year battle with cancer, and her own diagnosis two years into her son’s struggle, the Lord allowed her to continue to not only persevere through daily life in a busy household and care for her ailing son, but also write 40 books during this time. No matter what your struggle is - caring for an aging parent, loss of your own health, going through a divorce or other di cult family time, this session discusses practical ways to get through your days, and will be a blessing and a help.

Homeschooling is an amazing journey—the adventure of a lifetime. There are unique challenges, opportunities, and experiences. Getting our priorities straight will not only honor God, but it will also improve and enhance the quality of education you’re giving your children.

Do you have a child who doesn’t want to be homeschooled, in-laws who don’t understand your reasons for homeschooling, a spouse who isn’t sold on the idea, or worse – a guilt complex reminding you that you have no business homeschooling your children? Those nagging, sometimes-silent disapprovals can crush a person under the weight of guilt and despair and snatch away firmly held convictions if we allow them to. Join Todd for an hour of laughter and encouragement as he goes face to face with the Conviction Snatchers and shows you how to address their concerns, questions, and critical comments. You’ll be glad you did.

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.

Homeschooling is not easy. As a matter of fact, it can be downright overwhelming, tempting us to slip into survival mode. Homeschooling is the adventure of a lifetime, and God will be your strength. It is not His will that you just survive—He wants you to thrive. Hear Rachael discuss what it takes to soar like an eagle.

For way too many kids these days, their only outlet is…well…an outlet. Are your kids bored and grouchy unless they are plugged in to the Internet or a video game? What ever happened to catching frogs, picking dandelions, climbing trees, and lying in the grass to see the shapes formed by clouds in the sky? There is a world outdoors just waiting to be discovered. In this session, Davis states that every child should explore the wonders of God’s creation because of three truths that can be found in one of the most exciting classrooms that exists — the one outside.

Feeling weary? Worried that you’re failing your children? Need a boost of confidence to keep plugging along? Join Nancy as she reminds us that God has placed our children in our families and that He has equipped us to raise them. She’ll share encouragement from God’s Word that will refresh you and revitalize you in your mission as a homeschooling mom.

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. Listen as we do just that. You’ll laugh and be encouraged in the toughest job you’ll ever…love.

The first five years of parenting are crucial times of development for young children. Foundations are set that give them a perspective of God, themselves, and others. During these early years, children gain an understanding of love, obedience, and responsibility. Their worldview will be shaped by the books you read to them (including the Bible) and the freedom they are given to sing, dance, play, and explore the great outdoors of God’s wonderful Creation. Is this parenting, homeschooling, or both? In this workshop, you will discover ten lessons your young children should learn and experience that can make a big difference in the first five years of their life.

Homeschooling parents of a child with special needs often ask themselves questions like “Am I qualified to do this?” or “What can I possibly offer?” and “Shouldn’t I leave this to the experts?” As a mom of four dyslexic learners and a daughter with Down Syndrome, Beverly has a unique insight into the doubts and concerns of parents wondering whether they can adequately educate their special needs child. Find encouragement for this challenging task.

For the last twelve years, you’ve probably felt the tension of “what’s next?” for your children. You hoped the dilemma would solve itself, but it didn’t. In fact, there are all sorts of homeschool graduates who are stuck in the “what now zone” or were discouraged from traveling a particular path. It’s time to put your fears aside, look the cap and gown in the eye, and take an honest look at life after graduation. Should they go to college or try a college alternative, do a gap year, start their own business, stay at home, get a job, travel the world…join a monastery??!! Don’t be afraid. God has a plan for your child, and part of that plan is that He’s given them YOU to help guide them into their next phase of life.

All too often the lessons are finished, the books read, and the frogs dissected, but what priority are you giving the principal? When does he get time with his favorite teacher? Is it time for a principal-teacher meeting (a.k.a. a date)? Standing by our husbands through this challenging lifestyle choice is often neglected. Come and remember the blessing of a well-prioritized home.

When you and your family are faced with a challenging life situation, homeschooling can seem daunting. Homeschooling is probably the last thing you want to think about taking on. Is it possible to homeschool when life is difficult? Come hear a mom of seven share how her family homeschooled through a challenging season in life. Be encouraged and gain practical insight.

Having trouble staying on schedule with your chosen curriculum? Wondering if you can keep up with everyone else for just one day? Hear Rachael’s confession of her own personal battle with homeschool schedules and how she looks to God to help her persevere.

Homeschooling one child can be a challenge but throw in multiple children and things can get crazy. If you are overwhelmed with homeschooling several children then find encouragement and practical tips in this workshop. Janelle Knutson, veteran homeschool mom of seven children, will share how to homeschool multiple grades without losing your mind.

Let’s be honest, the Bible is full of grace and full of works. Why are they both there, since we’re saved by grace alone and not works?

For over ten years now, I have been reminding moms and dads of the truth behind homeschooling. I tell them it’s about relationships and letting their children be what God has created them to be, and blah balh blah blah blah… Moms often come up to me and say, “I believe everything you say…but how do I do that? How do I homeschool in light of all these truths?” Well, Madam Homeschooler, I’m going to get down to the nuts and bolts of homeschooling in light of these truths. Buckle your seatbelts!

What face comes to mind when you hear “that child”? Do you smile or scowl when you see that face? Do you struggle to like that child? That child is a world changer. God has a plan for that child. All of that energy, all those questions, all that strength, all THAT, is God-given for His glory. Come learn strategies for learning to enjoy that child, to embrace that child, and to train that child for God’s purposes.

As an obsessive-compulsive-perfectionist-control-freak herself, Rachael is sometimes her own worst enemy when it comes to taking advantage of the freedoms of home school. Are you too tied to your plan? Do you shiver at the idea of change or adjustment? Are you missing out on significant moments because you are focused on the trivial? Join Rachael for a lesson on how to chill out and turn control over to God.

Learn about successful crisis management and the disposition needed to turn disturbance into blessing. There are life events outside of our control but to which we must respond. Unemployment, health crisis, loss of a loved one, moral failure, and a long list of other “surprises” are either a basis for family implosion or can be handled in a way with redemption and growth as outcomes.

Have you ever felt paralyzed by the idea of your children having huge glaring gaps in their education? Heather helps you face your fear and conquer it! Fear is a joy-thief. There is nothing quite so horrible as being held hostage this way. Join us to learn four tips that set the stage for a life-long pursuit of learning and help you conquer that fear of the gaps!

In 1984, the State Superintendent of Education told Zan Tyler that he could have her put in jail for homeschooling her son. Zan knew this was no idle threat. The shock and fear that riveted her and the imminent threat of being jailed forced her to count the costs of homeschooling and decide if it was really worth it. Zan learned some powerful lessons about fighting for freedom, family, and faith that remain pertinent today. Our nation is once again at a crossroads where the liberties we often take for granted are at stake. We must all continue to work to preserve our homeschool freedoms, while intentionally raising up a new generation of freedom fighters. But how do we do that? Come to this session to be encouraged and equipped with powerful principles to share with your children and teens. Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Tyler_Zan_1.pdf

Bearing responsibility for the education of a child is a high calling, one that brings with it great challenge and the potential for great anxiety. In this talk, Brian Phillips looks to Scripture, Church history, and classic literature, drawing practical lessons to encourage the hearts of educators in the trenches. The struggle will continue, but there is strength available to face it.

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.

We like things nice and neat, orderly, with predictable outcomes. Often OUR plans don’t ‘come together’ as hoped. Instead, they fall apart and leave us dumbfounded and stunned. I’ve talked to plenty of homeschooling parents who were sold a plan. They followed it and later stood before me with tears in their eyes because the plan “didn’t come together.” “We did everything THEY said to do.” “We didn’t have TV…we homeschooled…we ate organic…we only wore dresses…we sheltered and protected….we did 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!! Years ago when I heard their sob stories I wondered what they had done wrong. I believed they must have gotten the WRONG plan…or didn’t carry the plan out according to instructions. 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 a traditional classroom environment, students have an average of eight to ten individual interactions with their teacher each day. In your homeschool, these verbal interactions can number in the hundreds and greatly enhance the education your children receive at home. Zan Tyler shares how the simple and free tool of conversation can help your children replace boredom during lessons with a motivation to learn. Discover why parents make the best teachers and capitalize on these strengths. Explore strategies to minimize conflict in your home and promote camaraderie, enthusiasm, and learning with stimulating academics instead. Conversation is the key! Conversation IS core curriculum. Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Tyler_Zan_3.pdf

From teaching phonics to graduating teens, from refereeing fights to nurturing faith, our lives as homeschooling parents run the gamut from the very mundane to the very meaningful. In the midst of the mind-boggling demands of homeschooling and everyday life, we constantly need to remind ourselves that our work as homeschooling moms and dads has tremendous Kingdom significance. Using the lessons of Scripture and history, this workshop will expand your vision of how God is using the homeschool movement, as well as your specific work as a homeschooling parent, to usher in spiritual and educational revival. Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Tyler_Zan_4.pdf

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.

Do you ever have those moments of panic when you wonder if you are giving your children everything they need to succeed in life? Do you worry that you are inadequate for all that homeschooling requires of you? Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night plagued by the long list of important things that still need to be done—and know there will never be enough time in the day to accomplish them? In this session, we will discuss five areas that pose particular challenges to homeschool moms and be reminded that He always holds us in the palm of His hand. Join Zan and be encouraged by God’s promises of hope, strength, power, and help for those of us who are weary and imperfect. Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Tyler_Zan_6.pdf