This is a new era for the Maker. A maker is anyone who loves to build and figure out how things work. How can the parent with the kinesthetic learner keep a stash of supplies and activities readily available for that creative mind?

Homeschooling can be a lot of things, but most assuredly it is the adventure of a lifetime. This workshop begins by helping you build a road map for your homeschool journey, and concludes with practical suggestions on how to follow that map.

When should I start preschool at home? What does my preschooler need to know? How much time should we spend doing educational activities? Is preschool even important?!? This workshop will answer all of these questions and more. We’ll first focus on understanding the cognitive and physical development of preschoolers, and then explore practical teaching methods, tools and activities that will lay the foundation for future learning.

Tick Tock. Have you ever experienced a series of days, weeks or even months when you felt like you just could NOT get on top of all that you had to do? Have you just decided that it’s either school or dinner? Or maybe you just gave up school and now everyone has matching socks again! Most moms struggle with finding a balance when it comes to homeschooling and staying on top of the rest of your day. Have you ever read 2 Corinthians 12:9? You probably have… it says, “My strength is made perfect in weakness”. Homeschooling reveals weakness … it’s true! And that’s a good thing, because it means you get to give even more glory to the Lord when you graduate your kids and see that they are walking with the Lord. Homeschool mom, if you’re struggling with trying to do it all, you will enjoy hearing some of Heidi’s favorite tips for managing homeschooling and homemaking…and still finding time to fit in “other things” (like alone time with your husband!) This is an opportunity to GET SET FREE from the expectations of others, laugh out loud learn how two words: BE INTENTIONAL can make a huge difference in your ability to manage your home and your homeschool well. Heidi really loves to use acrostics and this is one of her favorites! Bring a friend and leave your preconceived ideas at the door because real moms sometimes serve Cheerios for dinner!

With a unique and humorous approach, Steve demonstrates how to use hands-on manipulatives to illustrate important math concepts such as algebra, place value, exponents, regrouping (carrying and borrowing), double digit multiplication, fractions, and factoring.

Use Pinterest as a springboard to design simple inquiry-based STEM activities that teach real concepts and engage your at-home learners.

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

For many of us homeschooling our children is one of our greatest blessings. But it is also a lot of work! And what if you as the homeschooling parent also need to earn an income? There are so many of us facing this situation. If you find yourself trying to balance these responsibilities, please join us for this discussion group.

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!

This session will provide fun and practical tips for traveling with children of all ages while maintaining your own sanity. Join Amy, a travel agent and homeschool mom as she shares tips gleaned from much experience.

Use LEGO WeDo Robotics to teach Inquiry-Based Elementary STEM: 1) Introduction to the hardware; 2) Introduction to the software; 3) Introductory build and program; 4) Working with sensors and incorporating math; 4) Using LEGO WeDo Robotics to teach science topically; 5) Start your own LEGO WeDo Club or Jr. FIRST LEGO League team

This highly practical workshop will compare and contrast the many different teaching methods and styles commonly employed by homeschooling parents. Linda seeks to share advantages and disadvantages within each method, without preference. Bring your questions.

Young children are naturally curious about the world. They wonder what things are called, how they work, and why things happen, often taking their daily question count into the hundreds. Take heart, parents, this is a good thing! Inquiry and exploration are the tools of active learning. This workshop is full of simple ways for parents to build on the naturally inquisitive behaviors of three to five-year-olds and promote an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

What are proven ways to connect with our learners? Learning is the transfer of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, but how do we get our children excited about learning when they’re innate motivators are so different from ours? This very practical session, presented by the co-author of the award-winning book, Become a Student of Your Students, covers the nine different innate intelligences, how to identify them, and how each style likes to learn. Everyone has strengths in two or three of the nine intelligences, and you’ll get specific suggestions for ways to engage each preference. The result? Your learners will get more excited about learning!

Jr. High and High School Robotics – Introduction to FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge: 1) Introduction to the game; 2) Hardware and Software; 3) Starting and coaching a team; 4) Stay tuned for the 2016-17 Season

This session will outline a practical approach to developing basic foreign language skills at home, using free digital resources. You will see examples of various resources, walk through a sample daily lesson plan, and discuss both the advantages and limitations inherent in this approach. Ideas will also be presented for the next steps if your student wishes to further develop in foreign language proficiency.

How does a homeschool education prepare students for college mathematics courses? A homeschool dad and college mathematics professor, Jason draws from 12 years of teaching experience to discuss the unique opportunities afforded by homeschool for developing in children and teens a facility for mathematics. Certain concepts, and ways of explaining concepts, may be outside the scope of instruction of many traditional schools’ curricula. But the homeschool environment is ideally suited for building solid skills in mathematics and logical reasoning, which will serve them well in college.