Have you just started your homeschooling journey? Receive 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!

Getting Started Handout

Preschool and kindergarten are fun and wonder-filled times! But how do you know what to teach them? How do you give them the best start and set up your homeschool for success? It's easy to get overwhelmed or think we must replicate what the public school is doing. But there is great freedom in homeschooling, even for these early ages! Tauna, a homeschool mom of 6, will help you navigate these precious early years with confidence and find joy in teaching your kids the things that matter most.

Hear from the panel of veteran homeschooling moms as they discuss their struggles and triumphs of homeschooling. They will share how they scheduled their days, taught multiple levels, managed high school while also having toddlers, what hindsight has revealed, and much more! Receive encouragement from moms just like you! (Followed by Q&A.)

Explore how to tailor your homeschooling curriculum to match your child’s unique learning style. This session delves into understanding various learning modalities and practical strategies for selecting or adapting curriculum materials accordingly. Whether you're a novice or an experienced homeschooler, discover how to create a personalized learning experience that aligns with your child's strengths and interests.

Learning Styles Handout

This session covers everything you need to know about Iowa’s homeschool law so you can homeschool with confidence. It includes a thorough presentation of the basics with plenty of time for questions.

Doubt is the number one enemy of all homeschoolers. So it stands to reason that overcoming doubt is the key to homeschool success. Peggy Ployhar, the CEO of SPED Homeschool, has 18 years’ experience battling doubt in her own homeschooling endeavors. But, instead of letting those doubts creep in and destroy her homeschool, she learned with each battle just how much God’s grace and truth provided strategies for conquering her doubts. This talk is filled with biblical fighting strategies to equip every homeschooling parent to do battle head-on with their own doubts so they can overcome them and homeschool victoriously.

What should “school” look like for early learners? What things are developmentally appropriate for the younger ages? How do we keep our “littles” appropriately occupied while homeschooling their siblings? This fun and informative session will provide a plethora of ideas specifically geared to engage your pre- and elementary-age children. Nancy will share resources, fun games, toddler tips, and easy activities, all designed to help parents think outside the box when it comes to “doing school.”

So you’ve got a box full of unused planners and half-erased lesson plan books. Trust me, you’re not alone! From curriculum to the daily schedule, there is a simple way to plan your whole school year in just ONE week. Reclaim your Sunday nights and your sanity by joining veteran homeschool mom, Kim Sorgius Jones, for this practical session.

Ready to homeschool, but not sure how to get started? Need help with paperwork? Need some guidance on just what homeschooling is? This talk will help you leap off the fence and hit the ground running on your homeschool journey.

Unsure of how to support your wife’s new interest in homeschooling? Concerned about your kids? Unsure of what to do as a homeschool husband and dad? In this session we will discuss how to support your wife and kids as the head of a homeschooling family.

If you find yourself constantly comparing your homeschool to others or looking outward for answers, you might be an insecure homeschooler. Join a second-generation homeschooler who lives to tell the story that this is possible and that your kids are going to be okay. Learn some tools and key points to help you trust your own discernment and listen to what God is saying to you about your homeschool so you can follow His lead. Give yourself some grace for the journey and then rise up and stand firm—not easily swayed or moved with your feet planted on your path. You are not doing this by accident, and you, my friend, are not alone.

How do grades work in homeschooling? Do you grade your kids from kindergarten on? Can my child skip a grade? What exactly is the supervisor's role? In this helpful chat, Ginger shares new thoughts about grades, grading, and the process of learning. There may just be a few thoughts about 'Things I Wish I Knew', too!

In this talk I share stories from my own homeschool upbringing and the indelible lessons I unknowingly learned through the experience. In a profound way they informed my own journey as a homeschool parent. I hope these lessons from the perspective of a homeschool graduate will encourage homeschoolers from all backgrounds and remind them that they are uniquely positioned and equipped by God to teach their children in ways that reach deeper than the pages of any textbook, lesson plan, routine, or test.

Are the “Terrible Twos” eating your lunch? Need help managing your homeschool day with toddlers in the house? In this workshop, Megan draws on her many years of homeschooling experience with eight toddlers in tow to help you craft a plan for success. Find out how to use “self-control practice” to help your toddler become an integral part of the family team. Intensely practical, this session will help you transform the terrible twos into the terrific twos!

Homeschooling provides an education that is beyond comparison with any other method. That said, Idaho code requires that homeschoolers provide instruction, “in subjects commonly and usually taught in the public schools.” This is often summed up as a requirement to provide a “comparable education.” But how are we to meet that requirement without stifling the amazing educational freedom that homeschooling offers? Join Linda Patchin as she unpacks various teaching methods used by homeschoolers and how they can each meet, and exceed, the statutory requirement of a “comparable education.”

So you’ve got a box full of unused planners and half-erased lesson plan books. Trust me, you’re not alone! From curriculum to the daily schedule, there is a simple way to plan your whole school year in just ONE week. Reclaim your Sunday nights and your sanity by joining veteran homeschool mom, Kim Sorgius, for this practical session.

Are we teaching the right things at the right time? Will there be gaps if we teach outside the box? This session is all about fostering a love of learning and creating a flexible, interest-driven curriculum all while meeting the academic needs of your kids and keeping the important things in focus.

Can you overcome self-doubt and lack of experience to teach the harder subjects like pre-algebra, chemistry, or English literature? Instead of putting it off, find out what your options are! Karri Iverson, veteran homeschooling mom and author of The Mystery of Science series, will share how she’s used resources available to teach her kids through high school.

The most important thing we can do as we raise our kids is strive to win and keep their hearts! When we have their hearts, we are able to influence them and their values. That is one of the main reasons many parents feel led to home school their children - so THEY can be the ones influencing their children's values. When we fail to win their hearts, or that heart connection becomes weak, our kids will often begin to look to their friends for relationship, and no longer be open to our teaching. Kathie will share some things to avoid that often lead to losing their hearts, and then give 6 key things to help you win & keep their hearts.

How to start, where to find curriculum, when to school, and what a typical day looks like are some of the areas discussed. Get an understanding of Rule 13 and gain valuable information for your homeschool journey. This workshop is a MUST for new homeschoolers.

Have you pulled your child out of public school where he or she used to have an IEP (Individual Education Plan)? In this workshop, you’ll learn the purposes and benefits of an SEP, the homeschool version of an IEP. You’ll receive guidance on drafting your own SEP, explore sample plans, obtain your own template, and leave with a resource list of books to set you and your student up for success.

Are the “Terrible Twos” eating your lunch? Need help managing your homeschool day with toddlers in the house? In this workshop, Megan draws on her many years of homeschooling experience with eight toddlers in tow to help you craft a plan for success. Find out how to use “self-control practice” to help your toddler become an integral part of the family team. Intensely practical, this session will help you transform the terrible twos into the terrific twos!

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with the demands of parenting? Life is certainly a challenge for parents, and especially those who accept the added responsibility of home education. But there are ways to make life easier and more productive, and this workshop discusses some of those. Marilyn Boyer, mother of fourteen children and a veteran home educator of more than forty years' experience, shares her techniques for accomplishing a mammoth amount of housework while giving her children a superior education at the same time.

One of the biggest mistakes new homeschoolers make is trying to recreate the traditional classroom setting in their homeschool. This workshop will help you start to think outside the box & hopefully encourage you towards freedom and joy in your homeschooling journey.

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. Just getting started in homeschooling? Needing to refocus and redefine what homeschooling could look like for your family? Come benefit from Nancy’s over 30 years of experience and enjoy her dynamic style.

Mrs. Deckert will cover the North Dakota requirements for homeschooling. She will also give practical hints including suggestions for lesson planning and record keeping. This is the place to start if you are just beginning the home education journey or are just “checking it out.”

Gain a fresh perspective on how your children’s actions and attitudes help you discover their natural bent, so you can plan strategies that will help them grow into the person they were created to be. We’ll peel back the layers to reveal pieces of the puzzle that go beyond the usual “auditory, kinesthetic, and visual” discussions. This workshop will provide you with insight into your children on a new level to help you reach and teach them more effectively.

Before mass compulsory schooling,students learned to investigate, reason, and form independent attitudes. Today's home educating parents are discovering many exciting ways to get beyond packaged curriculum and experience real books, real experiences, real relationships-real learning.

The choices are overwhelming! The multiple approaches and options of curriculum makes our heads spin. Some decisions matter most that lead to homeschool success. This session will help you feel more confident in many of the decisions you face. You will gain insights about teaching multiple ages, schedules, co-ops, on-line learning, extra curricular activities and more.

You might feel like Alice falling down the rabbit hole, but it can all be explained! This session will give you a brief overview of educational styles and curricula choices to help you navigate which way to go. Different styles are for different people, and we will give you an honest evaluation of the various choices with the pros and cons of each type. Tips to discern who you are, who your children are, and what will work for you will help you to hone in on appropriate choices for your year.

Have you ever felt lost amid all the "stuff" that is marketed to homeschoolers, confused by the many voices telling you to do it this way or that way? There's no need to panic. The wisest man in history has some advice to offer. Hear powerful, practical solutions that will help you get your priorities straight. God wrote the Proverbs for parents just like YOU.

Have you just started your homeschooling journey? This workshop provides 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!

Academics are important, but they are not the key to a successful life. When your children grow up and leave your home, you want to make sure they have learned the life lessons that will serve them well for time and eternity. This workshop discusses the issues that matter most in life and how you can pass them on to your children in the brief time you have with them.

This session covers everything you need to know about Iowa’s homeschool law so you can homeschool with confidence. It includes a thorough presentation of the basics with plenty of time for questions.

Our Homeschool Iowa Regional Representatives, seasoned homeschooling moms with lots of experience, will give the “real-life” version of how to home educate. Insider tips and helpful resources will be included.

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. Just getting started in homeschooling? Needing to refocus and redefine what homeschooling could look like for your family? Come benefit from Nancy’s over 30 years of experience and enjoy her dynamic style. This workshop is also listed below, in Workshop Session I, as it is open to all attendees.

We often downplay the impact of small actions by thinking they aren’t enough. But what if Connie Albers told you those small actions could lead to a big change? Connie explores the power of small actions and how they contribute to positive changes to your mental well-being and a child’s mindset. We’ll look at real-life examples of ordinary individuals and organizations that have achieved remarkable results through small, incremental steps, and offer practical tips and advice for parents who want to help their child make a difference, no matter how small of an action. If you’ve ever felt like your efforts were too insignificant to matter, or if you’re looking for inspiration on how to make a positive impact in your child’s education, this talk is for you.

If you are just getting started on your homeschool adventure, this is a great workshop for you to hear! Come with questions and leave with answers. Homeschool Idaho Board Member Audra Talley is a homeschool graduate as well as a homeschool mom. She has a wealth of information to share.

Each of the featured speakers this year share a 5 to 10 minute introduction of themselves and the topics they are most passionate about. Hear the lineup of INCH 2023 speakers: Meeke Addison, Steve Demme, LaNissar James, Phlyicia Masonheimer, Andrew Pudewa, Kim Sorgius, Rebecca Spooner, Israel Wayne, Todd Wilson, and Ginny Yurich.

How do you know that you are doing enough? The pressure to do it right, not mess up your kids, and fill in all the gaps is coming from all sides-- often to the detriment of our children. This session is all about permission: permission to make homeschooling what it needs to be for you, to raise out-of-the-box thinkers, to skip that lesson, and to refuse to settle. If this question has been plaguing you, then this session will remind you that you don't have to aim for the national average... you can choose extraordinary!! Raise world changers!

We're all set. We've got the curriculum, the co-op, and the extra-curricular activities. The days shape up nicely, when they do shape up nicely... but what about Christ? Have we neglected the primary reason for homeschooling? In this presentation, Meeke and Wil encourage parents to check the heartbeat of their homeschool. The end of homeschooling isn't homeschooling or even education!

Frustrated by the fact that what works for your homeschooling friends doesn't seem to work for you or what works for one of your children doesn't work for all your children? For the first time ever discover the FOUR homeschool Temperaments. You'll discover if you're a Falcon, Owl, Swan, or Sand Piper and how to homeschool in light of those traits. As you listen, you'll laugh, nod your head in agreement and find yourself saying, "That finally makes sense." Todd will discuss tips for each temperament, how to teach your children who may NOT be your temperament, and what types of homeschool curriculum works best for your temperament. This will be fun as you discover your homeschool temperament!!

"Are you new to homeschooling? Are you nervous about starting? Then this is for you. We will consider the why's and how's of homeschooling; discuss why homeschooling is a rich option for today's parents, including a few statistics along the way, and look at various teaching approaches and available resources. We'll finish by giving you a simple outline for a gentle start, even if you're not quite ready to begin."

An in-depth look at the neuro-physiological differences between boys and girls- how they hear differently, see differently, handle stress and pain differently-- as well as the implications for our teaching of both boys and girls. (This is an expansion on Andrew's "Boys" talk.) With added research, together with humor and practical stories, this presentation will delight and enlighten parents of boys, girls, or both!

This message comes from an all-star team. Learn how to legally homeschool in Michigan. Attorney Dave Kallman, who fought to legalize homeschooling in Michigan in the 1990's will join our Michigan HSLDA attorney to covers everything you need to know about our homeschool law, so you can homeschool with confidence. It includes a thorough presentation of the basics with plenty of time for questions.

If you love the idea of a flexible curriculum guided by your child's interests but aren't sure how to make that happen without holes or headaches, this session is for you. 20+ year veteran homeschool mom Kim Sorgius will show you how to create your own curriculum plans for your child's interests, using tools and resources to make the job easy. It's time to think outside of the box!

Designed for moms of kids 1-8, this session teaches you how to integrate Scripture and theology into your parenting from the youngest ages. You'll learn how our theology of sin, holiness, love and grace directly impacts our parenting and how to teach Scriptural truths without becoming legalistic or overbearing. It's possible to LOVE the little years while disciplining effectively!

Are you trying to homeschool, keep up with your house, fit in your job, and find time for yourself? How do you juggle it all when you are doing practically three full-time jobs at once? If you are working (or considering how feasible it might be), this session is for you. Hear from Rebecca- author, speaker, CEO of an international company, and homeschool mom of five-- as she shares her strategies and tips. Yes, this is possible... but it is going to take determination, a fresh perspective, and a whole lot of God. Bring coffee and a notebook-- we have a lot to talk about!

You've tried all the things that seem to work for other people yet still can't find the right homeschool schedule for you. Trust me-you're not alone. Figuring out how to teach multiple ages, fold the laundry, and keep the toddlers from writing on the walls with markers can feel overwhelming. Join 20+ year homeschool veteran and work-at home mom Kim Sorgius as she shares practical ways to wrangle your homeschool schedule for good.

This two hour session includes presentations by Rebecca Spooner from Gather ‘Round and Ginny Yurich from 1000 Hours Outside, and a Q & A time with a panel of veteran homeschoolers. It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to beginning your homeschool journey. Rebecca’s segment, "To the Newbie... It's Going to Be Ok," encourages you that you're not just going to survive; God wants you to thrive! Ginny’s "Jumpstart Guide to Homeschooling," provides a quick start guide to starting your children on their home education. This special seminar is designed to help encourage those who are considering homeschooling or beginning to homeschool. We want you to know: You CAN do it! (Audio only)

You've decided to take the homeschool plunge or you're on the fence and need more information. Now what? This session explains what homeschool is, what it can look like, and how to get one's feet wet in the homeschool pool. There will also be a smattering of tips and tricks to help encourage you on your new journey.

Ever read through the PA Homeschool Law? Find the paperwork process confusing? Do you wonder what the law really means? Find out how to comply with PA's homeschool law and what the requirements are in plain language.

Most parents place a high value on education. It prepares children for life and gives hope for a happy future. In the old days, the three Rs of schooling included reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic. Is homeschooling succeeding because it is reclaiming the tried-and-true educational philosophy or is something else going on? This workshop presents a compelling case for you to believe in the power of homeschooling and seven new Rs to back it up.

Many homeschoolers struggle with self-doubt and/or criticism for their decision by well-meaning friends and family. Here we’ll tackle some of the top objections people raise about home education and will give statistics and fact-based answers to build confidence to defend your choice to home educate.

Are you ready to run the race set before you? As in any race or journey, the better informed you are, the better the experience. Whether you’ve already made the decision to homeschool, or are still sitting on the fence, come learn more about homeschooling and requirements here in Massachusetts. Susan addresses a few of the most frequently asked questions and address common concerns of parents just getting started. She hopes her practical advice will leave you informed and encouraged as you begin one of the most important adventures you’ll ever take – the journey of homeschooling your children.

In this fun and creative workshop, you will learn how to create an amazing preschool experience while keeping your child at home. From the latest in scientific research to the organization of supplies, this information packed workshop will help you prepare your child for lifelong learning and make wonderful memories along the way.

When you welcome a baby into your family, the journey called home education has begun. From the first breath to the first step to the first book read and all the way to the milestone of graduation, learning doesn’t end. Here we will look at when education begins and who is responsible for teaching. We’ll cover the history of homeschooling, true socialization, individualized instruction, rewards of obedience, and many Scriptures related to successful home education.

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

Their first five years are crucial times of development for young children. Foundations are set that give them a perspective of God, themselves, and others. During these 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 have to sing, play, and explore the great outdoors of God’s wonderful Creation. Is this parenting, homeschooling, or both? We’ll uncover ten lessons your young children should learn and experience that can make a big difference in their first five years.

Are you concerned that you might be missing something in your reading instruction? Is there more to reading than reading well orally and decoding? How does your phonics instruction affect your child's reading comprehension? What techniques can you use before, during, and after reading to help your child comprehend? How does the comprehension taught in reading instruction affect other subject areas?

Good readers are not necessarily early readers. Early readers don’t always grow to love reading. God designs each child differently as He deems fit for His purposes. Deborah Wuehler will talk about her own struggling readers and the practical things that helped them jump those hurdles. She’ll show you how to have victory over your own obstacles as you keep your children Home Where They Belong.

Math and Language arts are two of the most important building blocks in the early education of our children. In this research-based workshop, Parents will learn to approach these topics playfully with their children, while watching for readiness for next steps. Handouts will include useful developmental guidelines, resource suggestions, and book titles.

Whether you are a parent seeking to motivate your reluctant learner, or you desire to break through your own limitations, you will make more progress if you learn to listen better and ask the right questions (the right way!). Learn how you can help yourself and others recognize hidden assumptions and overcome obstacles through learning the art of asking questions.

Duplicate of 23-07

With daily stress and the physical and emotional demands of the job, it’s easy to forget why we are homeschooling. We may think, “Someone else could do this better!” or “What was I thinking?” So many things can weaken our courage to continue. Relatives, friend, strangers, and even our children may ask why we do this. Do we have answers? It is important to remember why we are homeschooling so that when tough times come, our home school will not collapse.

Wouldn’t it be nice if it were? Wouldn’t it be nice if all our problems could be solved with good family time and great curriculum, and if all we had to do was adopt a certain schedule, read certain books, and follow a certain educational philosophy? What if there were a simple, daily checklist to guarantee success? But, there’s not. There is, however, an answer to all that ails us; the sin and death, pain and misery. Come be reminded of the Answer and the hope it engenders.

In this workshop, Karen will discuss the characteristics of the four personality types: Popular Sanguine, Powerful Choleric, Perfect Melancholy, and Peaceful Phlegmatic. Then she will discuss how these different personality types learn and how to apply these characteristics in how you teach/train your children.

How to start, where to find curriculum, when to school, and what a typical day looks like are some of the areas discussed. Get an understanding of Rule 13 and gain valuable information for your homeschool journey. This recording is a MUST for new homeschoolers

What should “school” look like for early learners? What things are developmentally appropriate for the younger ages? How do we keep our “Littles” appropriately occupied while homeschooling their siblings? This fun and informative session provides a plethora of ideas specifically geared to engage your pre- and elementary-age children. Nancy shares resources, fun games, toddler tips, and easy activities, all designed to help parents think outside the box when it comes to “doing school.”

Homeschooling places great demands on parents and leads to great expectations. This combination can set us up for an intense sense of failure and disappointment. Homeschooling doesn’t always go according to our plans. Even when we are doing our best to follow God and love our families, we may find ourselves in the “fiery furnace,” like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Learn the causes of burnout and shares ways to avoid them. Get many practical tips for simplifying your life. Develop a biblical vision for what you are ultimately trying to accomplish in your children’s lives through homeschooling—a vision that will sustain you through the hard times and difficult days that are sure to come.

Does your child have a learning disability or severe special needs? Have you pulled your child out of public school where he used to have an IEP (individual education plan)? Learn the purposes and benefits of writing an SEP (student education plan), the homeschool version of an IEP. This workshop provides guidance on drafting an SEP. Look at sample student education plans and receive a template of a Student Education Plan, as well as a resource list of books that will assist in drafting a homeschool student education plan

(This is a duplicate of Friday session 304) How to start, where to find curriculum, when to school, and what a typical day looks like are some of the areas discussed. Get an understanding of Rule 13 and gain valuable information for your homeschool journey. This workshop is a MUST for new homeschoolers.

Mrs. Deckert will cover the North Dakota requirements for home schooling. She will also give many practical hints including suggestions for lesson planning and record keeping. This is the place to start if you are just beginning the home education journey or are just “checking it out.”

Do you have to prod your children from assignment to assignment? Do they find homeschooling to be boring or a burden? If education isn’t fun and exciting, then something needs to change. Come and learn how to turn your child from a lazy student to one of initiative, hard work, and dedication.

The pressures of society and the lies of modern philosophy have convinced many parents to doubt their ability to educate their children. God’s Word is clear. Not only can you do it, but you can do it better than anyone else, and Jared will tell you why.

Homeschooling is accessible to everyone, including single parents, working parents, and families on a very tight budget. Nicki has homeschooled through all of these life circumstances and learned that it’s not about your money or your schedule; it’s about truly understanding education at home. Learn how to brainstorm, schedule, and budget so that you can educate your children at home no matter what your lifestyle looks like.

Women thrive on relationships! But, are our relationships glorifying God or do they draw our hearts away from faithful obedience to the Lord and His Word? Megan will encourage women to use their relationships to encourage, edify, and exhort one another. As sisters in Christ and homeschooling moms, we have the unique opportunity to build up and strengthen one another. Every homeschooling mom will benefit from giving and receiving encouragement from other women. This session will challenge you to examine your friendships and to structure Christ-centered, God honoring, and faith-deepening relationships.

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!

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!