Practical and straightforward, this talk helps moms see that “busy” isn’t always a problem and that even so, we all always have time for the things that matter most. She also offers hope and advice for what to do when our time and our plans get derailed.

Your kids’ ability to focus, learn, and manage emotions is closely tied to what’s happening inside their body. In this session, you’ll discover how nutrition, digestion (gut health), and blood sugar directly impact their ability to focus and absorb information. When these foundational pieces are supported, children are better able to think clearly, problem-solve, and stay engaged. You’ll leave with practical, easy-to-apply strategies to incorporate into your homeschool routine—helping foster stronger focus, improved learning, and steady energy.

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.”

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. You'll laugh, nod your head in agreement and find yourself saying, "That finally makes sense. During our time together we'll 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 is going to be fun as you discover your homeschool temperament!!

With many personal stories and a humorous yet philosophical tone, Mystie tackles the motivations we have to get organized and helps us find satisfaction in realistic expectations and a less-than-perfect home.

Classical education embodies the most natural skills of learning. To give your children a better education, you must give them more than content. You must teach them the timeless art of how to learn. Discover the skills that teach your children how to think well and develop understanding of any subject, topic, or trade. We will model these skills and tools allowing you to experience them yourself so you’re able to use them in your own homeschool. Learn how a Classical Education differs from a modern education, how it can help your discipleship relationships with your children, and get some interactive practice. Experience classical education in action!

Choosing your career path is one of the most difficult and yet important decisions that every graduate must face. In this workshop, we will discuss strategies that can assist you in choosing your career path, the importance of planning, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Ever feel like homeschooling is for those ‘blessed enough’ to afford it? Ever feel like you don’t have the financial resources to give your kids all the opportunities everyone else is giving their kids? Ever feel like if you just had a little more, your homeschool would be so much better? Come and learn tips and tricks to homeschool affordably and be reminded of the heart behind the Great Provider that has called us to this gig in the first place!

Do you want to inspire your kids with excellent literature? Or find hidden gems for your read-aloud time? In this workshop, Melissa Nash, Homeschool Idaho Board Member, will walk you through how to find the stories our family will love.

We are raising kids in a generation where more hours a day are spent in front of a screen than are spent outside. From video games to social media, this generation is existing more virtually than they are in the real world around them, and we are seeing the damaging results in our children, families, and culture. Join Aby Rinella as she discusses the dangers of social media on our kids, how we can step out of the virtual and back into real life; how we can cultivate real connection, thrive in the tangible world around us, and how we benefit physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually from being outdoors together. You will also learn practical tips to take your school outdoors and how to grow as a family on the adventure!

When a child struggles to learn, despite your best efforts, it's rarely about a lack of discipline or just "trying harder." As a homeschooler you have the ability to look past the surface behavior and find the root cause of the struggle. In this session you will learn how to ask the right questions in order to collect the information you need to help your child learn; to understand what specially designed instruction means in your homeschool learning environment; how to manage your child's learning disability and build good coping skills to help them learn successfully; build and track a special education plan; and, above all, be encouraged to have grace with yourself and your student during your educational journey

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 paced hour.

If you are just getting started on your homeschool adventure then this is a great workshop for you to attend! Come with questions and leave with answers. Homeschool Idaho Board Member Melissa Nash is a homeschool mom whose two sons have both graduated. She has a wealth of information to share, so join her for an interactive hour.

As a Nana to ten, I want to disciple my grandkids toward faith in Christ and help them grow in that faith. So, a few tools in our toolbox (along with directions, please) would go a long way in helping us put feet to our heart’s desire. We’ll identify actions to strengthen our own faith and ways to pass truths on through meaningful interactions with the littleuns we love the most.

Discover how your role in homeschooling can be used for God’s eternal purposes in your children’s lives. Find encouragement in understanding how the challenges of the homeschool journey comes with rewards!

Are the trades a noble and worthwhile career path? Jason will share the various ways to get involved with the trades, the many ways to receive education, and training through trade positions.

Jonathan and his wife Suzanne raise and homeschool their eight children just outside of Lincoln, Nebraska. In addition to his career in graphic design and marketing, Jonathan is a practicing artist, making and selling oil paintings of the wide-open Nebraska sky. For Jonathan, the creative act is an exercise in exploring the wisdom and design of his Creator. As a Christian and an artist, Jonathan seeks to not only to create artwork for God’s glory, but to incorporate it into his life in a way that prioritizes his greater role and responsibility as a husband, father, and follower of Christ.

Boys and girls learn differently—it’s a fact supported by science! Join us for a deep dive into the unique challenges and opportunities of teaching boys to read and spell. You’ll discover why some common strategies fall flat and learn new approaches that will keep them engaged and excited about learning. From what to do and what not to do, this session offers fresh insights and practical tips for keeping your active boys on track. Plus, you’ll take home a list of game-based activities that turn learning into a fun adventure, no matter their age

This session focuses on small, sustainable habits that help bring order and peace to both homeschool and home life, even when days are busy or don’t go as planned.

This will show you why one method leaves kids frustrated while the other unlocks lasting success. You’ll discover how playful, science-backed strategies can turn reading and spelling from a daily struggle into something your kids actually enjoy. Come ready to rethink what you thought you knew—and leave with tools that make learning click.

This session focuses on simplifying decisions around meals, streamlining preparation, and creating sustainable food rhythms that work across seasons of homeschooling and family life.

What if you could turn everyday lessons into real-world business skills for your kids? In this hands-on workshop, you'll walk through the basics of launching a small business right alongside your children. We'll start by creating a sample business together, then break down a simple business plan to see what makes an idea viable. Using practical examples - from service industries to cost of goods - we'll explore income potential, legal structures, and the lessons learned from both success and failure. Whether you're raising future entrepreneurs or simply want to instill financial and life skills, this workshop will give you tools to start today.

Walk through a typical day of a Charlotte Mason home school and discover why thousands of homeschoolers enjoy this approach. In this session you will experience the simple and effective methods for yourself and see how doable your daily schedule can be. Learn how you can give your student an excellent education with Charlotte Mason!

Ever feel like your day gets derailed before it even starts? You're not alone. Between homeschooling, parenting, and managing your home, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and off track. In this practical session, Kathie helps homeschool moms cut through the noise and reclaim their focus. You'll learn how to prioritize what matters most, manage your time with purpose, and eliminate the distractions that keep you from making real progress. With practical tools and a dose of encouragement, you'll walk away with a plan to stay on track - and the motivation to stick to it.

This interactive workshop will cover the why’s and how’s of using games to bring math to life and increase understanding in students. We’ll discuss how to use games to enhance any curriculum. We’ll then dive into a highly visual and interactive review of games to use for specific goals, e.g., understanding number basics, mastering basic math facts, grasping the base-ten system, using multiple operations, and more. Let’s play!

Thinking about or New to Homeschooling? Need a refresher on Missouri record keeping? Come learn about the Missouri laws relating to homeschooling such as compulsory attendance, record keeping requirements, withdrawing your child from public school, and more. We will discuss helpful suggestions for keeping your mandated records including lesson plans, journals, evaluations, portfolios, and logging hours. This will be an informative and encouraging session for new and seasoned homeschoolers. Be informed and confident in your homeschooling adventure!

Want to learn how to turn homeschool subjects into powerful opportunities to point your children to Jesus? In this session, you'll learn practical and easy ways to point your children to God through history, science, literature, and more. You can do this without adding more to your plate. Walk away encouraged and equipped to make every lesson a discipleship moment that shapes both mind and heart.

It's easy to view routine as an imposition to our otherwise fun and carefree ways. While routine requires sacrifice, it also delivers many benefits. In this session we will discuss 10 gifts routine provides and some practical ways to implement routine that works for YOUR family at any stage and age.

Lab journals play a powerful role in both the academic and spiritual growth of students. As homeschool parents, we can foster curiosity, reflection, and intentionality in young learners. A lab journal not only accomplishes these goals but also serves as a record-keeping tool. Join veteran homeschooling mom and The Mystery of Science author, Karri Iverson, as she demonstrates how lab journals help prepare students for higher level courses, while recognizing God's design and order in nature.

Every homeschool parent faces seasons of challenge - whether it's a major life crisis or the everyday overwhelm of busy schedules, burnout, or self-doubt. This workshop will equip you with practical strategies and fresh perspective to stay grounded and keep moving forward when homeschooling feels heavy. We'll talk about building a flexible foundation, finding your "must-do" priorities, and creating support systems that help you weather hard days without losing sight of the bigger picture. Come be encouraged that you don't have to do it perfectly - you just have to keep going, rooted in purpose and resilient through it all.

Discover the secret to smooth and easy days: habit training. Learn how to instill good habits, which habits Charlotte Mason encouraged parents to cultivate in their children, and practical tips for cultivating the Top Three.

How to choose wisely among the seeming thousands of homeschool curriculum options available today? Can it work to have students of different ages use the same study materials? What other options are there for managing students at different levels? Let this workshop save you hours of research through a guided tour of popular teaching methods, learning styles, and resources for evaluating curriculums. We won't tell you what to use, but we will help you make choices that fit your individual students - and probably save you some money along the way.

Simplify your homeschool day by learning together as a family. Creating a morning time routine will not only save you time (and money), but it is fun and easy to do. In this session, Carrie shares how to create a simple morning time routine while using a looping schedule to easily get to that “When we have time, we will get to it” pile. She also shares tons of resources and recommendations to include in your morning time basket. In this session, Carrie answers the most FAQ about starting a morning time basket and about how to simplify your already existent morning time routine. Whether you are new to this idea of Morning Basket or you have been using Morning Time for years, you will love the simple explanations and practical suggestions given in this workshop. 

Let's imagine...your children: chewing with their mouths closed, not making weird noises at the table, never announcing what they don't like at the table, sitting still and respectful while eating, showing sincere gratitude each and every time they are served a meal, allowing their elders to go first, never forgetting to ask if they can help clean up afterwards, etc. Is this a dream? Is this possible? YES OF COURSE! It's all in how you teach and approach table manners. This Parenting Master Class by Master Motivator, Monica Irvine, will teach you the pattern of teaching your family how to have impeccable table manners and how to make it fun and doable. Parents, this is not rocket science; however, if you think that your children are going to "get it" by just constant correction, then allow me to ask, "How's that working for you?" Don't miss this!

Today, more than ever, we need strong, reliable men, husbands, fathers. At the heart of Biblical leadership in the home is a hierarchy of a love for God that then dictates how we will love others. The higher the level of responsibility and the weight that accompanies decision making in the home, the greater the temptation is for men to either become like a child to their wife or become a bully in the home. In this talk, we will discuss practical, biblical acts of headship in the home, and how to make a real difference in the next generation.

Making Latin a core subject in your homeschool will bring countless benefits to every area of study. It can open up doors in language that you didn't realize were closed and take abstract grammar (English) and make it concrete and visible!

Welcome to Civics 101 for homeschoolers! Families need practical ways to teach their children about government and civic engagement. Come hear Dan share his story of how taking a stand on a local issue helped bring his family together and positively benefitted his neighbors. You'll leave this workshop realizing that an ordinary person like you with no "political" experience can be an effective citizen. Dan's concrete examples, resources and action steps will give you a vision for helping your family grow together while being a positive influence in local community matters - and how these activities can also affect the outcome of elections.

Just like a house needs a strong foundation to stand tall, children need a solid base in math to tackle more complex ideas with confidence. Without a solid foundation, things can start to crumble. In this session, you'll learn simple, effective ways to teach math from the ground up, helping children understand the basics in a way that builds their confidence. When kids have a solid math foundation, they don't just get the right answers - they feel empowered to keep growing, trying, and even enjoying math as they advance to more challenging concepts.

Are you curious about how to give your children a rich, Christ-centered education at home - one that fosters both academic excellence and spiritual growth? In this workshop, we'll explore how the classical model of education, paired with the supportive framework of a Christian community, equips parents to confidently lead their children's learning. You'll learn how Classical Conversations provides structure, accountability, and fellowship - helping families pursue a rigorous, classical education centered on truth, goodness, and beauty. We'll discuss the stages of the Trivium (grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric), how they align with your child's natural development, and how this time-tested method can be lived out at home. More than just academics, this workshop will show how classical education can become a way of life - one that integrates discipleship, deep thinking, and joyful learning. Whether you're new to homeschooling or looking to deepen your approach, come discover how a classical, Christian community can encourage you in the high calling of home education.

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.”

Do you need help getting your child excited about science? Need help getting excited about science yourself? Get new visions and methods for teaching science with a biblical worldview in this workshop. Get ready to have some hands-on fun!

Tired of worksheets, endless reviews, and tests? Is your child generally sick of school? Have you ever wondered, 'Why are we learning this?" It may be time to try an entirely different and very effective approach---Project-based learning (PBL). Meet with the lead designer of the Portals Project-Based Curriculum to learn more about PBL, the research behind it, and how to get started in a few minutes. This session covers an overview, what makes PBL effective, how it has helped traditional homeschoolers stand out, and how it can be a part of every subject area.

Children need help learning to organize their thoughts, control their behavior, and make decisions. These are important for their function in homeschool and in the world. Ideas we will be addressing include breaking down tasks, using prompts and cues, and providing feedback.

The sheer volume of options in today’s curriculum golden age can leave parents feeling stuck or unsure. In this session, you’ll learn how to compare curriculum types, identify what matters most for your student, and walk away equipped to make clear, confident choices.

Preparing your teen for their first steps out of your home is critical to their future success as a follower of Jesus Christ. We launched six children into the world, each one with completely different goals and aspirations. From college prep to apprenticeship opportunities, equipping your child with the tools to succeed is challenging and rewarding. I’ll share examples and lessons learned from our journey, as well as leave time to hear from other veteran homeschoolers, so you don’t feel alone in the critical mission to prepare your teen to launch.

Are you homeschooling 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, preparing for potential problems, and a plethora of other ideas gleaned from homeschooling fourteen children over thirty-nine years.

*Notice: This workshop experienced some difficulties with the microphone, the recording lost a few minutes of audio as the mic was being replaced. We apologize for the inconvenience.* Parents today struggle with knowing how to balance their child’s use of technology and screen-time. On the one hand, we want our children to know how to use technology in the ever-changing global economy, but on the other, we struggle with knowing how much screen-time is harmful and addictive. This session will help give you courage and competency to navigate these difficult issues.

Fictional stories are a powerful way to capture the attention of the young and old alike. Jesus used short fictional stories to explain the kingdom of God as did Nathan the prophet to bring a king to his knees in repentance. Discover how your use of fiction can get your children excited about seeking truth and about serving God in kingdom-building work. Does fiction really have the power to change lives? Absolutely! Join Chuck Black in discovering how.

How can you teach anything to a child who won’t sit still? Enjoy some fun, inexpensive techniques that will help your wiggly learners become more focused and help make teaching less frustrating and more of a joy for all of you!

Examine the way you look at your role as a woman, a mom, and a teacher – and what you may unknowingly pass to your children as truths...because of your mindset.

¿Estás considerando educar a tus hijos en casa, pero no sabes por dónde empezar? Esta conferencia es para ti. Si eres nuevo en el mundo del homeschool y estás pensando iniciar esta aventura educativa el próximo año escolar, te invitamos a participar en esta charla especialmente diseñada para familias que están dando sus primeros pasos en esta modalidad. Durante la conferencia, abordaremos de manera clara y práctica el proceso legal y administrativo necesario para comenzar con la educación en el hogar en el estado de Pennsylvania. Hablaremos sobre los requisitos iniciales, los documentos que debes preparar, y los plazos que debes tener en cuenta. También discutiremos cómo elegir un evaluador al final del año escolar, un paso clave para cumplir con las regulaciones estatales. Además, exploraremos brevemente los distintos estilos de aprendizaje, lo que te permitirá identificar cuál se adapta mejor a las necesidades y personalidad de tus hijos. Por último, te compartiremos consejos útiles para seleccionar un plan de estudios adecuado y te ofreceremos herramientas que facilitarán tu inicio en este nuevo camino educativo. ¡Ven con tus preguntas y con la mente abierta para descubrir todo lo que el homeschooling puede ofrecer a tu familia! This session will be in Spanish. Are you considering homeschooling your children but don’t know where to start? This session is for you. If you're new to the world of homeschooling and are thinking about starting this educational journey in the upcoming school year, we invite you to join this talk designed specifically for families taking their first steps into home education. During the session, we will explain the legal process required to begin homeschooling in the state of Pennsylvania. We'll cover the initial requirements, the documents you need to prepare, and the important deadlines to keep in mind. We will also discuss how to choose an end-of-year evaluator—a key step to meet state regulations. In addition, we’ll briefly explore different learning styles to help you determine which one best fits your child’s needs and personality. Finally, we’ll share practical tips on how to select the right curriculum and provide tools that will help you start this new educational journey with confidence.

Join award-winning author CJ Milacci as she shares her journey from aspiring writer to published author. In this encouraging and practical session, CJ breaks down the essential building blocks every writer needs, including: discovering your "why" mastering the craft, embracing different seasons of growth, and building meaningful connections in the writing community. Whether your student dreams of writing novels or simply wants to improve their storytelling skills, they'll learn valuable insights about the writing and publishing process. CJ shares hard-won wisdom about balancing creative passion with practical steps, the importance of perseverance, and how to maintain vision through challenges.

Take pieces of your real life—or things from your imagination—and create a story! Award-winning middle grade author Becca Wierwille shares her story creation process with young readers and encourages them to create stories from their own lives and imaginations. This presentation includes details about Becca’s story creation process, tips for students who want to create their own stories, a group writing exercise, an opportunity for young readers to workshop with each other and practice creating their own stories, and Q&A time at the end.

Discover simple, practical strategies for keeping your home organized while homeschooling, helping you avoid overwhelm and stay on track. From creating routines to managing household tasks, you’ll gain insights on balancing home life and homeschooling more effectively. We’ll keep it real and offer tips that fit into your busy day-to-day. By the end, you’ll have a game plan to make home and school life run a little smoother.

High school math at home can be an intimidating endeavor. How are you going to teach your kids algebra, trigonometry, or even calculus? Further, will they be prepared by graduation for college-level work? In this session, Kathryn provides practical solutions to some of the common pitfalls of teaching math at home. She also shows you how to harness the strengths of homeschooling to create a competitive high school program. Whether your child is STEM-minded or focused on the humanities, you’ll leave this session with a concrete four-year plan. Kathryn is a home school graduate with seven years’ experience as a high school math teacher; in addition, she has tutored homeschool students in math since high school.

Are you a writer, performer or storyteller who struggles to finish what you start? Join us for a two-session crash course in Story Analysis – the structural side of storytelling. Together, we will pull back the curtain on the mechanics of three-act structure, connect the art of storytelling to Biblical principles, and give you the tools to maximize your own creative process. This interactive seminar is presented by Sight & Sound Conservatory.

New to homeschooling, and/or new to filing and following the PA homeschool law, or thinking about homeschooling in the future? We will talk about filing for the first time, withdrawing from public school, how to find groups, mentors and evaluators. We will also discuss styles of homeschooling, a typical day, finding curriculum and other resources.

Do evaluations make you nervous? Are your children moving into junior or senior high and you’re wondering what to put into the portfolio? What is the evaluator’s job, anyway? Come get your heart set at ease regarding this end-of-year step in the PA homeschool process.

In this workshop, we’ll explore creative ways to homeschool high school, covering PA graduation requirements and options like internships, dual enrollment, and entrepreneurship. We’ll discuss flexible. scheduling options, such as block scheduling, and practical tips for creating transcripts and portfolios. Plus, I’ll share lessons learned from graduating three kids to help you navigate your own journey!

Join Haleigh in this second part of the crash course in Story Analysis – the structural side of storytelling. Oh – and in less than 90 minutes, we will put a full story together. The clock is ticking! This interactive seminar is presented by Sight & Sound Conservatory.

Wondering how to make sure the most important things get done each day? In this workshop, we’ll dive into practical scheduling hacks to help homeschool moms manage their day more effectively. From long-term planning strategies like year-round schooling to block scheduling, we’ll explore approaches that work for busy homeschool moms. You’ll also get tips for handling those everyone needs you at once moments. By the end, you’ll walk away with a clear, realistic scheduling plan that helps you focus on your kids, not the chaos.

Once upon a time, when Ginger was just getting started on her homeschool journey, she misunderstood the requirements that are laid out in the homeschool law. Over the years, she's met many other moms who have done the same. Join Ginger as she dispels the myths and explains what the homeschool law is really saying regarding both elementary and secondary education.

Learn how to successfully launch your first book using Kickstarter's crowdfunding platform. This practical session covers essential strategies for engaging readers, funding publishing costs, and building a supportive community before your book hits the shelves. Perfect for aspiring teen and adult authors, you'll discover: How to determine if Kickstarter is right for your project Critical preparation steps for a successful campaign Ways to build your audience before launch Tips for creating compelling rewards Common pitfalls to avoid Led by award-winning author, C.J. Milacci who has run several successful Kickstarters for her books and mentored other writers through successful Kickstarter campaigns

Come explore the most popular homeschooling styles—Classical, Charlotte Mason, Unschooling, and Eclectic—and discover which one feels like the best fit for your family. We’ll walk through 9 key questions that will help you assess your family’s needs, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your approach, you’ll leave with a better idea of how to create the perfect homeschool experience for you and your kids.

All homeschool parents can understand the law. We will break down the PA homeschool law into smaller chunks and talk about compulsory age, filing with affidavits/unsworn declarations, objectives, evaluations, medical records, portfolios, logs, testing, attendance, evaluations and graduating.

How do you get your book from a Word document on your computer into the hands of readers? In this workshop we will walk through the self-publishing process, from editing and formatting, to websites, finances, and getting your book on Amazon. You'll learn how to make your book look professional, and what steps to take if you're ready to hit "publish." Perfect for aspiring young authors who want to turn their passion for writing into a published book.

Children of all abilities can be frustrating when they don't behave. Can I get an Amen? Children with special needs can make us want to throw in the towel as we often lack confidence in our parenting, especially when it comes to behavior management. What do they understand? What are they actually capable of? What does it mean to exasperate my child? We'll talk about ditches we walk in, how to get out, and most importantly, strategies to manage behavior so you and your children with special needs can succeed in your daily life. You can do this!

This workshop addresses a crucial but frequently misunderstood topic related to special needs homeschooling. In this content-rich workshop, Cheri Kay explains the difference between accommodations and modifications, describes 504 Plans, and answers homeschooling parents’ most frequently asked questions regarding the best ways to support learners who benefit from accommodations.

Join Sarah Collins, OTR/L, in this insightful seminar as she explores primitive reflexes' role in children's learning. Sarah will define primitive reflexes and discuss their influence on motor skills, attention, and sensory processing. Through practical insights, participants will learn to identify signs of reflex retention and discover effective intervention strategies. Backed by research, Sarah will provide resources for integrating primitive reflexes, empowering attendees to support children's optimal development. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and practice in nurturing children's growth.

This two-part interactive workshop helps homeschool moms understand learning differences affecting children’s cognitive and perceptual abilities, particularly in visual and auditory processing and working memory. Participants will explore characteristics of dyslexic tendencies and processing disorders, recognize common challenges, and identify behaviors linked to learning struggles. Through hands-on simulations, moms will experience the frustrations children face, gaining valuable insight into their challenges. The workshop also provides practical, home-based interventions to reduce learning stress. By fostering empathy and equipping parents with effective strategies, this workshop empowers them to create a supportive learning environment where their children can thrive.

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.

When our kids don't fit right in an easy-to-teach box we sometimes think we are not cut out for this job, and I'm here to tell you that you are indeed perfect for it. You'll leave with practical tips on how to set goals for your child, how to prioritize skills, how to stay encouraged, how to choose or modify curriculum, and more. We'll end with a Q&A time, so bring your questions!

This two-part interactive workshop helps homeschool moms understand learning differences affecting children’s cognitive and perceptual abilities, particularly in visual and auditory processing and working memory. Participants will explore characteristics of dyslexic tendencies and processing disorders, recognize common challenges, and identify behaviors linked to learning struggles. Through hands-on simulations, moms will experience the frustrations children face, gaining valuable insight into their challenges. The workshop also provides practical, home-based interventions to reduce learning stress. By fostering empathy and equipping parents with effective strategies, this workshop empowers them to create a supportive learning environment where their children can thrive. PART 2: In the second part of this presentation, we will explore the auditory system and learn about auditory processing, auditory memory, auditory figure ground, and auditory discrimination. Participants will engage in simulations that mimic difficulty with these systems, discover common behaviors that can indicate difficulty with the auditory system and learn about how to help support children with these difficulties.

Mike and Vickie Farris started homeschooling their children in 1982. Their youngest of ten graduated from homeschooling 33 years later. As a national homeschooling leader and an active dad, Mike has discovered a number of practical insights that will help you develop a long-range vision for your family.

Kathryn is the author of the brand new Apologia math curriculum. She also knows the end game with over a decade of experience teaching high school-level math. What are the essential parts of an elementary math program that will set your child up for success in middle school, high school, and even college? This session will highlight the crucial skills that must be mastered and the experiences that will shape your child as a future mathematician. Kathryn fleshes out each point with manipulative suggestions and helpful tips to make math something your child looks forward to each day.

Have you ever wondered why your child lost so much ground over the summer? Or why their frustration in a certain subject just keeps snowballing? Neuroscience is exploding as a field right now and we know more about the brain and how we learn and retain new information than ever before. The brain is an amazing part of God’s design and the latest research can help us work with that design instead of against it. In this session, Kathryn summarizes the research she found most helpful as a homeschool mom and offers practical tips on how to apply it to your homeschool day.

Despite years of formal education, American students still struggle with writing—a problem that often follows them to college, where remedial writing classes are increasingly common yet ineffective. Studies show that nearly 20% of college graduates lack cohesive writing skills, revealing the shortcomings of today’s standardized methods. In this talk, Jeannie shares time-tested techniques that have cultivated strong writers for centuries, long before modern systems interfered. You’ll learn practical tools to help your child become a confident, capable writer who can competently express thoughts and ideas. Discover how to replace ineffective methods with an approach that builds lasting skills in clarity, communication, and creativity.

In a world overflowing with screens, games, and constant digital distractions, it’s time to reconnect our children with the natural world. Nature study lays the foundation for scientific observation and critical thinking, with proven benefits for both mind and body. Yet, introducing nature study can often feel overwhelming. In this talk, Jeannie shares practical tips to make nature study simple, rewarding, and engaging for your family. Discover how to cultivate a love for the outdoors while nurturing curiosity, focus, and a deeper connection to the world around us.

Science is more than just facts and data—it’s a gateway to wonder, curiosity, and creativity, inspiring a lifelong love for learning. In this talk, Jeannie reveals five essential steps to cultivate a science education that not only builds a strong foundation in scientific thinking but also deepens your child’s understanding of God’s creation. Discover how to nurture observation skills, confidence in scientific comprehension, and a pursuit of truth that aligns with faith. Equip your child with the tools to explore the world through a lens of wonder and reverence for the Creator, fostering a love for science that endures.

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!

There are 10 Essentials needed for a joyful homeschooling journey. You might be surprised to find out they aren’t using a perfect curriculum, reading a particular book, or following a specific methodology. The 10 Essentials to homeschooling are far more foundational than that (and they are super easy to apply this week)! In this session, Carrie shares the 10 essentials and how to incorporate them into your homeschooling today whether you are new to homeschooling or you have been homeschooling for years.

Do you know what to do if Child Protection Services knocks at your door? In this workshop, Homeschool Idaho Board member, Melissa Nash will walk you through the Idaho Homeschool education requirements and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfares’ policies and procedures so you are prepared if your doorbell rings.

As you consider how to go forward in your homeschooling journey, where are you standing? Are you on the field, in the stands, or in the blimp? It matters. What is obstructing your view? Who’s on your team? Where is the finish line? How can you best proceed? Why are you where you are? It’s difficult to answer any of these questions in the heat of the battle. It’s important to take inventory, to step back, to step away. Sometimes you have to go backwards to go forwards, to go down to go up, to go left to go right. What if there’s a place to stand so that you can really see?

Always feeling behind? Wondering how to get it all done? Find out about this simple and flexible tool and how you can incorporate it into your homemaking and homeschooling! This in-depth workshop will guide you through several ideas and templates to get you started.

Most of us know that homeschooling has great academic benefits and is good for families, but did you know that the benefits go beyond reading, writing and arithmetic? In this session you will learn how you can use your homeschool to grow strong, healthy kids: physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.