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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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”?

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.

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 comprehensive overview of teaching methods specifically geared to 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.”

HSLDA membership? That’s some kind of legal thing, isn’t it? If you think you know what membership in HSLDA is all about, think again! From one-on-one advice from our educational consultants to nationwide store discounts, HSLDA provides so much more than legal peace of mind for your homeschool. Discover the ins and outs of HSLDA and why your membership might be the best $12-a-month investment around.

Why Homeschool? This is a question we must even ask ourselves. In a culture that has abandoned truth, it is more important than ever that we build our homeschool ‘why’ on a solid foundation that will not give way as the storms come. The right ‘why’ is what will keep us rooted and grounded on hard days, thwarting off the doubts that come. It is what will stop the naysayers in their tracks and encourage those that are looking for answers. Aby discusses the heart of homeschool and the greatest ‘why’ of all. Have your passion for His calling lit on fire! This session is for all homeschool parents.

This presentation takes attendees step-by-step through the process of getting started in homeschooling. From visiting HSLDA and the attendee's state homeschool organization website for information on how to homeschool legally, to finding a support group, picking curriculum and setting up a home for homeschooling, this covers it all!

Are you trying to decide what to do with your child during the preschool years? This workshop will cover the benefits of keeping your preschooler at home, things to think about before purchasing preschool curriculum, what your child really needs to learn during the preschool years and ideas for learning through play and life experiences.

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

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 home school, or are still sitting on the fence, come learn more about homeschooling and requirements here in Massachusetts. Susan will address 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.

What is wrong with our society today? How did we get here? We actually raised up these generations to be exactly where we are. We believe the Bible clearly states that God has given parents the responsibility to teach and train their own children. This workshop goes over many of the Scriptures related to this as well as showing the end result of not obeying these commands. It only takes one generation to lose our children and their children for generations to come. But the blessings abound when we obey God’s commands and keep His children Home Where They Belong.

Homeschooling is the fastest growing educational model in the country, with millions of students doing at-home learning. Yet, peer bullying, classroom chaos, outdated learning environments, and online opportunities make leadership and families reimagine the possibilities of homeschooling. Veteran homeschool mother of five and trusted leader addresses the long-term benefits of staying the course. Connie Albers offers encouragement wrapped in humor from her 35 years of parenting and uses real-life stories as she paints pictures of possibilities for your homeschool success.

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 will address 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 session, Faith discusses the ultimate goal of reading instruction: comprehension. She also explores various types of thinking and processing skills required for proficient comprehension. Faith shares tips, techniques, and strategies for developing the vocabulary of very young, as well as good habits of mind in order to lay a solid foundation for comprehension with our wee ones (up to age 5).

If Godly children are the answer to the evils of the future, then Godly parents are the answer to who should teach them. What do Godly parent/teachers look like? God desires parents that will teach the next generation not only academically, but most importantly, biblically. The outcome is good for the society, the church, the student, and our future generations. The best teacher that cares about your children and their future as much as you do—is you! Deborah reminds homeschoolers that they are making the best educational choice possible as they keep their children Home Where They Belong.

Parents are often surprised when their homeschooled teen becomes unmotivated, angry, or uncooperative. — Up to that point, homeschooling had been a magical learning adventure marked by self-directed learning and effortless discovery. Parents wonder What happened? — What did I do wrong? This workshop will address common challenges when homeschooling high school: motivation, attitude, puberty, achieving high school requirements, and more. It will also provide solutions and insights that produce real results and homeschool success.

As you pour yourself into discipling and educating your children, gain confidence in your ability to·Teach multiple children·Accommodate your child's unique learning style·Identify your child's changing needs·Inspire and encourage a child facing learning difficulties·Help advanced learners identify and cultivate their gifts·Teach high school

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 covers the North Dakota requirements for home schooling. She gives 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.”

In this workshop we will be completing a dissection together while taking a closer look at the challenges a dissection at home can present. Together we will also answer questions such as where specimens can be sourced, what preservation methods are available and what are important safety considerations.

This session is courtesy of the Christian Heritage Start-to-Finish Parent Qualifying Course. Are you ever frazzled, frenzied, and frustrated because you can’t get it all in? A hint: We can’t! But we can significantly reduce the pressure by making choices based on God’s priorities. So, come and learn practical ways to design a workable, flexible, Bible-based schedule by evaluating, from God’s perspective, the myriad of viable “good” activities in order to choose what is very “BEST” for YOUR FAMILY. And discover that using His principles can bring joy and peace to your home-based discipleship adventure.

This session is courtesy of the Christian Heritage Start-to-Finish Parent Qualifying Course. What else is there to learn about child training? What do you do when your parenting seems to be missing the mark? Here is a perfect opportunity to learn wisdom and practical specifics by: learning more in-depth the foundations of training, identifying and correcting negative character traits like laziness and pridefulness, and helping your children mature and develop more of a Christ-centered focus.

Many people think that some are just born with a “photographic memory”. But we now know that this amazing ability can be easily taught. The ability to use the photographic memory is one of the best gifts you can give your child. Your child can store his spelling words in his photographic memory for quick retrieval. Vocabulary is learned in a totally different way! Imagine your child actually having fun improving his vocabulary for the SAT.

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 I’m going to tell you why.

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 a variety of ways you can effectively teach to various learning styles in your children.

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.”

“Montessori, Charlotte Mason, Unit Study, Un-Schooling, Project-Based Learning, Waldorf, Traditional Textbook, and the list goes on! There are so many different teaching methods and approaches to homeschooling that it can be overwhelming to choose just one. They all have their strengths. But, then again, they all have their struggles. Let me introduce you to the most popular methods and philosophies of education, show you the pros and cons of each, and help you to discover which, if any, is right for you and your kids.

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 (Nebraska) and gain valuable information for your homeschool journey. This workshop is a MUST for new homeschoolers!

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.

This session covers the North Dakota requirements for home schooling. Theresa gives 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.”

There is a spiritual war being waged for our families. Our enemy is strong and we are in his territory. Dad, if you don’t fight for your family, no one else will. A soldier in enemy territory is alert, focused, and purposeful about every move he makes with weapons ready. Only you stand between the enemy and your family, for God has given you the authority and the responsibility to stop him from destroying your marriage and your children. This takes courage, but your calling is noble…it is God's call to arms. Chuck offers straight answers and practical help for dads who are looking to protect, train, equip, and launch soldiers for Jesus Christ.

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.

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 workshop takes you step-by-step through the process of getting started in homeschooling. From visiting HSLDA and the Homeschool Idaho websites for information on how to homeschool legally, to finding a support group, picking curriculum and setting up a home for homeschooling, this workshop covers it all!

Homeschooling jargon can be confusing even for seasoned homeschool parents. In this workshop, Nancy will give an overview of many of the most common curriculum approaches including textbook, unit studies, classical, Charlotte Mason/living books, eclectic, and relaxed/delight-directed learning. We will also go over examples of curriculum and resources that tend to work best with each approach.

Some children practically teach themselves to read, but most will need to begin with good preparation and continue with sustained instruction along the way. Before beginning to work with a phonics curriculum, there are helpful things you can do right now to ensure that your child is prepared to read successfully. Learn more about the value of pre-reading skills, what those skills are, and what to look for in a sound, thorough phonics curriculum.

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.

This workshop will help you know what to think about, what to do, and what decisions to make as you begin your homeschooling journey. With practical advice and real-life illustrations, you will be encouraged and informed. Whether you’ve already made the decision to teach your children at home, or are still considering, this workshop will answer the questions you’re asking. Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MuraJessica_1.pdf

This workshop will help you know what to think about, what to do, and what decisions to make as you begin your homeschooling journey. With practical advice and real-life illustrations, you will be encouraged and informed. Whether you’ve already made the decision to teach your children at home, or are still considering, this workshop will answer the questions you’re asking. Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MuraJessica_1.pdf

How does Dad meet the challenge of homeschooling when he is working one or more jobs and still trying to maintain his influence and leadership in the home? Jake MacAulay will give practical advice and encouragement from his personal experience.

Nancy shares tips she’s learned along the way for making the home education adventure more effective and fruitful...and more enjoyable, too! We’ll talk about what success looks like and share 12 obstacles to success. Glean ideas to help you organize your time, your home, your schedule, and your life in ways that will foster a successful homeschool experience with your children

Homeschooling doesn’t have to cost hundreds of dollars each year. With some extra time and energy, you can teach on a budget. Dara and Tracy Halydier started homeschooling while Tracy was in seminary and without a job. They continued on a minister’s salary while home-schooling five children through high school. Dara will share ideas from beginning to graduation on bargain buying and teaching without the textbooks

This session will cover the North Dakota requirements for home schooling. Theresa will provide instruction asnd 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.

Breaking out of the box of traditional schooling brought flexibility, creativity and substance to the Leedahl family. Cam will share how real life experiences can teach character, valuable life skills, and augment academic subjects. She’ll cover how to use your child’s strengths and passions in forming their homeschool plan, give practical tips for success, and show how to document learning that does not come from a book.

Homeschooling jargon can be confusing even for seasoned homeschool parents. Nancy will give an overview of the most common curriculum approaches including textbook, unit studies, classical, Charlotte Mason/living books, eclectic, and relaxed/ delight-directed learning. We will also go over examples of curriculum and resources that tend to work best with each approach

What should “school” look like for early learners? What things are developmentally appropriate? This fun and informative session will provide an overview of teaching methods specifically geared to 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."

A growing trend in the homeschooling world is the number of families that include both parents working while homeschooling. This will be a practical workshop designed to help you get a clear plan for juggling work, school, chores, self-care, and more!

Are you just starting to homeschool and want to make sure your child actually enjoys math? Seeing math frustration in your older child and want to change course? We’ll help you dodge mistakes when teaching math and put you on the path to true math understanding and success with easy-to-implement techniques.

Home schooling more than one child? Do you find it hard to get everything done? This workshop is designed to assist moms who are attempting to homeschool two or more children at one time. It includes suggestions for schedules, organization, record keeping, curricula, preparing for potential problems and other ideas gleaned from homeschooling fourteen children

Do you ever wonder what you were thinking when you signed up to homeschool? Do you tend to compare yourself, your school, and your children with others? Dara will address issues like feelings of inadequacy or insecurity, being overwhelmed, etc. She’ll use a Biblical base, personal stories and humor to encourage moms that God is able when we are not!

Does your son or daughter seem to be faltering in their efforts to learn to read? Is it the curriculum? Is it you? Based on current research, this workshop is designed to help parents better understand the most essential elements of the reading process, along with those critical ingredients that must be emphasized to produce a successful, capable reader.

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. There will also be time for questions.

God has hard-wired us to learn, and the science behind His masterful plan will strengthen your resolve to help your child blaze new neural pathways. Come and get the inside scoop of how the lightbulb of learning goes on, and more importantly, how you can increase “ah ha” moments on Monday. Beth Mora, author, blogger, and former Certified Rehab Nurse in discovering that science is rooted in God’s words of wisdom. This information is perfect for all types of learners including gifted and those with special needs.

There are certain challenges that are common to most or all homeschool parents and their children, especially in the “early years” of home educating. And there are key considerations, pieces of philosophy, and practices that significantly enhance home educators’ success, attitudes, and joy. Dr. Ray will present to you some of the nuggets that he and his wife have gleaned from the home education of their eight children (now ages 30s to 19), and from years of research and learning from thousands of parents and families from around the world.

No matter how picture perfect someone’s Facebook post appears, everyone has difficulties. These are part of your homeschool journey. It’s easy to let the issue of the day, or year, become such an emotional energy drain that we end up feeling deflated and defeated, unable to experience joy. God’s Word promises that if we will look at our unique trials through His eyes and allow Him access to our heart, mind and spirit, we will find that our problem is really God’s gateway to peace.

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 12 and 13 and gain valuable information for your homeschool journey. This workshop is a MUST for new homeschoolers.

This workshop will give you solid reasons for educating and training your children at home. You can teach your children positive socialization skills, train their character and develop an academic program to fit their needs. You’ll also learn about the homeschool law in Hawaii and gets some tips on how to get started.

"I’m not strong enough."
"My kids are going to have gaps in their education."
"Everything depends on me."
"I’ve failed too many times."
"I can’t do this right."
"I’m screwing up my kids."
"Everyone else’s kids are doing better than mine."

Have you heard the lies, too? Join Heidi as she talks about her own experience of homeschooling out of fear and into faith. You’ll want to bring a friend to this one!

Toddlers, Tweens, and Teens, OH MY! Do you have a houseful? Are you planning on having a houseful? If so, then this is a great workshop for YOU! Heidi and Jay St. John are the homeschooling parents of seven perfect, never messy, always obedient, very sweet, usually tidy, generally obedient, always energetic, very curious children. They have homeschooled all the way through high school.

One of the most challenging aspects of homeschooling a houseful is figuring out how to teach them all while finding time to manage the rest of your day! Moms are always wondering if they are “doing enough” and finding the time to teach individual subjects, well, individually… can be overwhelming.

In this workshop, Heidi will share seven secrets of multi-level teaching that will empower, encourage and enlighten you! If you’ve got a houseful, then you’ve got your hands full! Let’s laugh together, and rediscover the JOY of homeschooling with a full heart AND a full house

Want to give your preschooler and kindergartner an edge? Though it may seem counter-intuitive, having a playful relaxed, yet intentional attitude towards learning in the early years develops creativity, encourages curiosity, builds independence, expands attention span, enhances relationships, and has fun, too. And it is PROVEN to give them an academic edge! Join Heather as she share's the art of teaching young children through play.

Question: What is the end goal of Christian home education? Answer: To love God more and serve more. Parents, your elementary-aged child needs an education in dreaming big. “But wait!” the parent says, “He can’t even complete his regular assignments!” Dreaming big can turn your ho-hum learner into an active one. We all need purpose behind even the simplest of tasks. We, as home educating families can get buried in a pile of book learning and forget what education is really for, to serve others. Please bring your wiggly child with you to this inspiring talk that just might change your city, state, country, or even the world. Disclaimer: There may be no stopping your child!

If homeschooling up 'til now feels more like drudgery than delight, or if the thought of homeschooling makes your knees shake and your palms sweat, this is the workshop for you! Perhaps you've been hearing from “experts” that view homeschooling as just another form of education, like any other. Public schools think that way, but homeschooling is nothing like the school system. It's just the opposite. Learning at home is an adventure, a journey, a new lifestyle. Join veteran homeschool mom of seven (including one homeschool graduate!) Heidi St.John as she talks about the three things you’ve got to know as a new homeschooler that will set you on a track for success and enjoyment with your children.

Most teens crave to be independent, express their opinions, and control their lives. Smart parents will channel these tendencies to propel homeschool forward. Learn how to start to communicate with your teen to work together on your teen’s homeschool strategy.