Often our aim for our children’s development is to see them “above-average” or “better than most.” But, when the Truth of our super-conquering Jesus Christ is infused into the training of our children, nothing short of “children that change the world” will do. In this session, Eric Ludy will pass along both a vision and a practical platform for beginning to think and parent with even greater boldness and purpose.

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.

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.

Parental rights are foundational to a parent’s right to homeschool. While the Supreme Court has historically recognized parental rights as fundamental, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Troxel v. Granville in 2000 has led to confusion and intensified attacks on parental liberty. Come learn how you can help protect parental rights for years to come.

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.

Kirk Thomsen, a homeschooling Dad of over 25 years, will share on the practice of prayer in living the Christian life. Our home is where discipleship happens in the family and our children learn from what is practiced. So, how do we do that? How do we talk with God and how do we teach our children? Come discover practical steps for growing in this foundational part of our relationship with God.

Melanie, Kristen and Melissa Thomsen, homeschool and college graduates, share about how the habit of a daily Quiet Time can help us grow in our relationship with God. They will share why the Quiet Time is important, how simple it can be and the difference it makes in their personal lives. Bring your Bibles and join other mothers and daughters in learning how spending daily time with God is not only doable, but tremendously rewarding. This session is for daughters ages 10-20 and their moms.

In this session, multiple award winning author and longtime homeschool mom of six Dr. Sandi Queen discusses the many facets of language arts - phonics and reading, grammar, handwriting, spelling, vocabulary, writing, etc., and how to teach each of these using the Charlotte Mason approach. Included will be information on how to identify and choose materials that fit into this method.

Raising up followers of Jesus is a noble calling for parents. The first twenty years of our children’s lives are the most important in terms of a parent’s investment. But all investments require a strategy, careful planning, and detailed execution. Enabling and encouraging our children to follow Jesus is our most important mission as parents. As a former home schooling father of three home school graduates, Kirk reflects on how he and his wife Marian purposed to accomplish that mission.

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.

Parents have tough questions. “Can I make Snapchat safe from sexting? How can I block the bad stuff on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media? Can I be notified if someone e-mails or texts my teen a sexual picture or video? Help me protect the whole device!” If you’re looking for answers to solve today’s tech dilemmas, this session is for you.

Math is so much more than memorizing rules and facts. With a unique and humorous approach, Steve demonstrates how to use hands-on manipulatives to illustrate important math concepts such as place value, double digit multiplication, fractions, algebra, exponents, squares, square roots, and factoring trinomials.

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

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.

When Steve is asked why we made the decision to teach our children at home, I respond, to train our sons to live forever. Join Steve as he reflects on strategies discovered in the word of God on how to influence our children to follow Jesus.

This seminar highlights 15 principles or standards of behavior which will serve as an anchor for a man as he pursues noble manhood (Christlikeness). The principles will act as a compass to guide him as he reaches his God-given potential as a spiritual warrior/leader. Each father should know and internalize these principles in order to be equipped to pass on authentic, biblical manhood to his sons. A man’s principles help him guide his instincts and assess the quality of relationships he develops. The seminar will challenge men to think in advance about the principles and ethics that he wants to establish for his life and family.

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.

What is a “living book?” How can “copywork” really be that effective?” “How do I fit nature study into our day – and why do I want to?” “What about math, language arts, and other ‘core’ subjects?” Dr. Sandi Queen, award winning author of over 400 books for Charlotte Mason style educators, discusses who Charlotte Mason was, and how her ideas for educating children are as applicable today as they were during her lifetime. Come and learn how implementing the Charlotte Mason approach can lighten your load, increase your child’s retention and attention span, and foster a true love for learning. Also discussed will be how to identify curricula that fits into this style of learning in all subjects. For parents of children of all ages.

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.

Part of training up a child in the way he should go includes setting boundaries, discipline, and instilling godly character traits. The session will give practical tips to accomplish all three from the toddler years through the teens.

Homeschool pioneer Dr. Sandi Queen has been homeschooling her own six children since 1986, and is still homeschooling today. Early on, she discovered that what worked for one child did not necessarily work for another, and started to research different learning styles, and how to best teach each type of learner for maximum e effectiveness. Are you struggling to “figure out” the best way to teach your child? Come and learn how you can end the struggle!

Time is given to equally to everyone. It is a valuable gift that can be squandered through disorganization and the accumulation of material goods. The session will include practical and simple ways to conquer clutter once and for all, and to teach children to do the same.

In this workshop Marian will share from her personal experience of spiritually investing in the lives of her children. She will share a very important decision she and her husband Kirk made that greatly influenced all of their homeschool years. Come glean some creative, inexpensive and practical ways to study and memorize God’s Word with your children. Discover how to intentionally plan for a consistent time in God’s Word with your children each school day. Kristen, one of Marian’s daughters will share about the impact spending time in God’s Word as a child has had on her life. This workshop is for mothers.

Debra will moderate a networking meeting for anyone leading a homeschool group or considering it. Learn new ways to recruit and cultivate volunteers, keep your members engaged, and fund your endeavors. Debra is the founder of three homeschool co-ops that are still going strong today.

If your child gives you the “blank stare” when you ask him to do a creative writing lesson, don’t despair – there is help! Dr. Sandi Queen, author of the multi-award winning “Language Lessons” series and homeshooling mom of six, shares how to let your child know what is expected in his writing, how to draw out the reluctant writer and inspire confidence, and more in this session for parents of all ages.

We know from the Bible that a gentle spirit is precious to God. This session will examine how both parents and children can develop a gentle and peaceful spirit, and maintain it in the midst of difficult or frustrating days.

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

Does it seem that your older teen is ‘behind’ in school? It could be because of learning challenges, family or health distractions, previous school history, etc. Whatever the reason, the school ‘to-do’ list seems to be larger than the amount of time you feel you have left with your child. In this session, Bev will talk about strategies you can use when determining what concepts must be covered, how to capitalize on your child’s strengths to cover the material, the necessity of supporting their sense of self, and what resources might be ‘friendly’ to this type of situation.

Ever feel like you are about to lose your mind as a stay-at-home mom? There’s so much to do and so little time! How do you balance it all? How do you know what to do and what not to do? Laugh along with Rachael as you see how insane our culture is and how peaceful walking with God can be.

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!

Parents have a dream for how they envision their sons will ‘turn out’ at the end of the journey. How can you carry out the plan successfully if your son spends all day under the direction of a woman? In this session, Beverly will share ways to implement practices that will encourage your teen boys to grow into happy, mannerly, intelligent leaders for their future families – leaders who respect and protect women, embrace their role with confidence, and are comfortable in their manhood. Be encouraged by a mom with six sons that it is in fact possible…and fun!

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.

If you are looking for ideas on how to organize your homeschool then this workshop is for you. Janelle will be sharing numerous ideas for lesson planning, organizing your student’s work and grades, creating ways for your child to work independently and setting up your homeschool. There are plenty of ideas to choose from. Pick the ones that work best for you and your family.

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.

Math is sequential. Often students struggle in math due to gaps in understanding of basic concepts either previously presented or not presented at all. The first step is to find the gaps, then effectively fill in those missing pieces. Sue will provide ways to evaluate and develop strategies to develop math confidence and understanding.

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.

Nancy Manos // Johnson Wellness Participating in a co-op can be an amazing opportunity to enrich your home education adventure. A small co-op can be an exciting and motivating way to study a particular subject or topic with a few friends, without replacing the parent as the primary instructor. It builds lifelong friendships, too. Nancy will share from her own experiences the benefits of doing cooperative enrichment learning, along with practical information that will help you succeed in enjoying your own homeschool co-op experience.

You can homeschool a struggling student! Although there isn’t one single quick fix, there are specific things you can be doing in your home to help lessen the burden on your student. Listen as Bev shares the little things you can easily implement to help your struggling learner find success. Strategies that support our children’s thinking skills and set the stage for more effective learning can become part of your daily routine.

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!

If you have ever wondered how to design a high school course of study, evaluate the results, develop a transcript or award a diploma, then this is the workshop for you! Linda will cover all of these subjects and more in one quick hour.

Kids may adore fantasy and science fiction, but everyday reading is filled with nonfiction—from newspaper articles to recipes and game instructions. Sometimes nonfiction feels dry and boring; but it doesn’t have to be. Carol Peterson will look at different techniques for writing nonfiction, what they are used for, how writers make them fun for kids to read and how to make them fun for your kids to write.

How do you plan for the homeschool high school years? What subjects do you teach and when? Do you follow a basic, general college prep, or rigorous college prep plan? How do you evaluate credits? Determine grades? Make a transcript and diploma? If you are just beginning to think about high school homeschooling, Carol helps you get organized and lay groundwork for a viable four-year plan.

God invented physics to make the world, so it should be wonderful. But terribly intimidating formulas and equations scare off many would-be explorers. Instead, maybe an introduction to physics should teach the big concepts rather than getting lost in the details. Learn about the seven major gears that drive the universe and rediscover the wonder of God’s physical universe.

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

The high school years are a prime opportunity to equip your teens with skills they need for future success. If your teen is headed to college, the workforce, or the military, they benefit from study and time management skills. Parents, join Carol for ideas to incorporate these skills into high school coursework and lists of resources to help teens cultivate these essential skills.

We hear about the brain a lot these days and sometimes it’s tempting to cram more book learnin’ into our children’s heads to produce little geniuses. But this is counter-productive. Some important tips and tricks can be easily incorporated into everyday learning and living to maximize your children’s learning potential. Come find out ten key ways to turn your child ON to learning and have that learning STICK

When you had one child, it seemed easy. But adding more children sometimes makes homeschooling feel like a zany plate-spinning act. Vicki shares ideas for keeping the homeschooling “plates” from crashing to the floor! Come hear practical tips for teaching multiple ages, from a mom of seventeen homeschool students. (Seven school-aged kids at one time!)

Financial foundations, begun with individual habits and practices early in life, emerge later in the life of the family. Savings, investment, and proper planning for your life begun at a very young age can serve as a blessing to a young married couple. What do you need to know about debt, operating a business, buying a house, managing possessions as a steward of God’s resources and other important topics?

Kevin obtained his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering but would be first to tell you he didn’t like science very much (as taught in secular college). He has a passion for making mathematics and science meaningful to children by bringing it back into a God-centered view. Why do we study science? And how can we make it 10,000 times more thrilling for our children than the average teacher? It can be done!

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!

This homeschooling dad has been teaching Shakespeare to homeschooled students for more than a decade; his online Shakespeare courses have transformed reluctant students all over the country into ardent Shakespeare fans. In this workshop, he will show you six things no one ever told you about our greatest writer. In the process, you will discover why no other writer in English is in the same league as Shakespeare—and why knowing and understanding Shakespeare is indispensable for all our students.

Kathy Dunfee acquired a deep reverence for the beauty and wonder of nature from spending her childhood in her backyard. She invites you to re-awaken your sense of childlike wonder by simply stepping outside your back door. Based on Charlotte Mason’s approach to nature study, Kathy offers simple and practical “no-to-low-prep” ideas on how to engage children of all ages in nature through the language of poetry, literature, picture books, art, music, and adventures that enrich daily life. Nature Study is not a curriculum. It’s a way of life. A way of seeing the wonder all around us. Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/DunfeeKathy_2.pdf

Have you ever wondered what the value is in art? Art magnifies the handiwork of our God and His merciful blessings in allowing and equipping human beings to create and imagine beautiful things! Art is a motivator that inspires, uplifts, and develops “artistic confidence” that encourages all ages to have trust in their creativity and to be able to express their imagination. The Bible is full of artists with the most prominent being Bezalel in the Old Testament. Art is found in everything around you- from the classes you take in school to the beauty in the world God created. Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/PappasMonique_1.pdf

The Church father Tertullian famously asked, What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem? Many conclude that the answer is nothing; an answer which poses problems for classical educators who teach pagan literature from nearly every historical period. So, what are Christians to do with pagan stories? Should Christian students read such books? If so, how should Christian educators engage with such writings? This talk examines Tertullian’s important question in light of Scripture and several classic writings, drawing principles for how Christian educators and their students can better interact with classic literature and ideas.

Faith addresses the importance of spelling and presents the developmental stages of spelling. She also shares various strategies, techniques, and fun, hands-on, multisensory methods for spelling practice, as well as specialized spelling programs and strategies to help you transform “I am a terrible speller” to “I am a good speller!” Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Berens_Faith_2.pdf

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

Parents and teachers trying to provide a classical education to their students are in the difficult position of providing what they did not receive themselves. That is, the overwhelming majority of classical educators were not classically educated themselves. So what do we do? This talk explores how classical teachers and homeschooling parents can better prepare themselves to model and provide a classical education for their students by developing habits of lifelong learning.

Kathy began homeschooling armed with how-to books and award-winning curriculum thinking she would do all the teaching and her children all the learning. Charlotte Mason’s writings completely transformed her approach. Kathy offers simple and practical ways to engage your children and yourself in a Charlotte Mason education by preparing a feast, laying down tracks (habits) for life to run more smoothly upon, and fostering an atmosphere of grace, truth, and beauty. God meets us in our weaknesses and failures, and we are changed. Charlotte Mason’s profound yet practical methods light a fire in the hearts of both teacher and student. Handout: https://masshope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/DunfeeKathy_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

Have you ever wondered how people could live to be 900 years old? Where did Cain get his wife? Are dinosaurs in the Bible? What about the Ice-Age? Did dinosaurs go on Noah’s Ark? How old is the earth? Did dinosaurs live with man? All these and many more questions will be answered as we examine the world before Noah’s Flood

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

Romance, passion and negligees...for too many home-schoolers these are things of past. Dad goes to work, Mom is busy from sun up to sun down with the house and kids, and there are still obligations outside of the home. Everyone falls into bed exhausted! But marriage is still the bedrock of the home and must be nurtured! Dara will give you some creative ideas on keeping your marriage a priority and maybe even a little bit steamy.

Readers are leaders...and writers have the opportunity to help forge the future through the books those leaders read. Whether you are eight or forty-eight, there are key fundamentals to excellent fiction writing that readers and publishers alike are looking for. Chuck shares his insights on how to write fiction that captures the hearts and minds of all ages

It is a rich experience where learning is a hands-on, multi-sensory, interactive adventure. Nancy will share easy-to-implement, inexpensive, rewarding ideas for incorporating hands-on learning for children of all ages. You can make learning a joy for your child without a huge investment of time, energy, or resources

What does a godly child look like compared to a perfect child? Trying to raise a perfect child will lead to rebellion, low self-esteem and other problems, while raising a godly child will lead to grace, joy and freedom. We will walk through aspects of God’s law that can be incorporated into our families and then give ideas of moving the child to grace as they mature and grow.

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!

You've schooled and fed them, wiped their tears, and showed them the way. You’ve introduced them to Jesus and encouraged them to have a relationship with Him. Now, how do you let them go? Dara will address concerns of teens and parents as they enter this next phase of life. There is a way to prepare your teen for what is to come and to prepare your heart as well

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.

This hands-on workshop is a helpful source of practical advice, information, and application for correct vocal technique. Emily will discuss the fundamentals of vocal technique, including the basics of posture and breathing as well as offering insight into the more nuanced aspects of performance, including stage presence, expression, and performance etiquette

Carol will guide parents in considering critical aspects of a high school student’s homeschool plan. Topics presented will include what subjects to teach and their timing, whether to follow a basic high school plan or a rigorous college prep plan, how to evaluate credits and determine grades, and whether or not transcripts and diplomas are needed. If you are beginning to think about homeschooling during the high school years, this seminar will help you organize your thoughts so you can begin laying the groundwork for a viable four-year plan.

Handout available at: https://www.oceanetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/Developing-High-School-Plan.pdf