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

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

What is the true definition of socialization? Who should be socializing our children? Will your children be looked at as “different” or criticized for being unsocialized? We’ll answer these questions and reveal the negative socialization in the present education culture, as well as the points of positive socialization that homeschooling affords when you keep your children Home Where They Belong.

Most people think of schooling when they hear the word “education.” The two, however, are not intrinsically linked in any way. In this keynote learn why most people are schooled, but never truly educated, and how you can ensure your children get a great education, even without schooling.

In what way has God been unfair to you? What do you want that God has not already given you? At what point will you be totally satisfied with what you have in life? When will you realize that God is more than enough? At what point will you be able to “thank” God for what you have rather than “ask” God for what you want? Discontentment is a curse that will poison every relationship and every task in life. It is a curse.

Train your students to discern world views and to understand their impact on every aspect of our culture. We will analyze the impact of world views on our culture through interviews with those who hold opposing world views. Great opportunity to learn practical tools to learn how to reach non-Christians and to confront the culture with the Truth.

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

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

What makes the creation model different and better than others? The answer lies in one’s worldview. Naturalism views the cosmos and all matter as all there ever was, is, and will be. Many people in the West think that Science is the only thing we can trust. Darwin was a major influence in this arena. Many in the East are more aligned with Transcendentalism – the physical world is a dream, an illusion, not real – and we can’t trust our senses. Postmodernism says that truth is relative and can’t be known. We’ll compare all four options to help you come to a reasonable conclusion of your own.

When you are trying to inspire and motivate children, there are two forces often exerted – positive and negative reinforcement. In this session, Israel explains the importance of affirmation as a way to inspire and motivate your reluctant child. Drawing from practical and Biblical examples, this session will help you to keep those important relational connections as you are attempting to impart knowledge.

The Nazis used language to redefine Jews out of the human race. Once that was accomplished, atrocities and death camps followed. Language is important for it lays the tracks that are the ideas that carry the consequences—boxcars filled with people’s lives. Christians are on a search and destroy mission; we are destroying ideas but not people. Learn 4 Killer Questions that will empower you to derail faulty thinking and challenge others to think God’s thoughts after Him.

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

(Michele Earles) Hear about the tools that teach your children how to think well and develop understanding of any subject, topic, or trade. Using the Seven Wonders of the ancient world as a springboard, we will model these tools allowing you to experience them yourself!

So here we are. Most of us would have chosen something different than what we’ve recently had to face. Who would have signed up for the last two years of crazy chaos? If I believe in a sovereign God and believe that He has a role for me to play in His plan, then how do I lean into that? What is my role in this cultural moment? Let’s look at some similarly chaotic cultural moments in Scripture and see what we can learn from those who have gone before.

(Bill Jack) What is hidden can define one’s character, past and future. Learn how examples from past significant historical events transformed the lives of ordinary people who then transformed the culture in which they lived, worked and played.

Wouldn’t it be great that instead of being overwhelmed by your wild child’s spirit, you could embrace all that he is? In this session, we will share our personal experience and knowledge in hopes of encouraging and providing practical strategies that will meet the needs of your child while keeping your sanity.

We have been teaching science wrong for over 100 years - current methods are not inspiring students to pursue science careers. My goal is to present a better understanding of the What, Why, and How to teach science in a way that is more engaging, and therefore this knowledge will be retained. Key topics covered will be: What is Science, SMET not STEM, Physics First, and Motivation by Mission. Not everyone is meant to be an engineer or research scientist, but with a better presentation, everyone can have a basic understanding of the applications and importance of science and math.

Parents struggle with knowing how to balance their child’s use of technology and screen-time. We want our children to know how to use technology, but we struggle with knowing how much screen-time is harmful and addictive. This session will help give you courage and competence to navigate these difficult issues.

This session defines “science” and illustrates the scientific method of problem solving. In the light of true science, the three main concepts that the theory of evolution is based upon are examined and shown to be faith-based rather than science-based. The purpose of this session is not only to show that science does not support evolutionary theory, but also to give people some “tools” with which to combat the theory.

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

Their first five years are crucial times of development for young children. Foundations are set that give them a perspective of God, themselves, and others. During these years children gain an understanding of love, obedience, and responsibility. Their worldview will be shaped by the books you read to them (including the Bible) and the freedom they have to sing, play, and explore the great outdoors of God’s wonderful Creation. Is this parenting, homeschooling, or both? We’ll uncover ten lessons your young children should learn and experience that can make a big difference in their first five years.

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

First, know that you’re not alone. Secondly, “that” child is a blessing. You may think, “If only you knew.” Well, I do. I have one. What comes to mind when you hear “that child?” Do you smile, or scowl? Do you see yourself? Do you struggle to like that child? Is it difficult? Impossible? That child is a world changer, and God has a plan. All the energy, questions, and strength are God-given for His glory. Come and learn strategies to love, embrace, and train that child.

The fear of snakes is understandable. Right at the outset of history, the Bible records an astounding verbal exchange between the serpent and the second human God made. Immediately following the results of this exchange, everything fell apart! Mankind, the serpent, and even nature itself were all placed under a curse! How is it that these creatures can now survive, find food, find a mate…and even move! Even though there is a specific curse placed on this creature, they still display amazing design, and some features will astound you! This is the first creature mentioned by name in the Bible, and its existence has profound implications!

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

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

While most parents are confident teaching the 3 Rs to their children, very few feel that same confidence with foreign language instruction. In my workshop, I hope to answer many of the questions that I have heard repeatedly during my nearly 40 years of Spanish instruction of children ages 4-18 and my 15 years of homeschooling. I will also discuss the changes that are happening in the computer age to high school foreign language instruction and which credits are acceptable to colleges and universities. I will share my research during this interesting and informative workshop – best age to start, which language, how to teach when you don’t know the language, what to look for in a program, how to help foster fluency, how to teach high school level, etc..

Could you explain where the water for a world-wide flood would have come from, and where it all went?! Many Christians can’t. Understanding the flood (the purpose, the causes, the aftermath and the evidence) is very important to an understanding of a biblically sound creation model. This session covers the basics about this event, and also includes a video & PowerPoint presentation on the “Hydroplate Theory”. This theory is a biblically accurate and scientifically feasible portrayal of the flood event.

God’s Word is living and relevant for every generation—even for our digital world. What does God have to say about texting? Facebook? Pinterest? Snapchat? Is God’s inspired Word up-to-date enough to tackle the technology of our plugged-in world?

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

“Have fun with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus--____!” It is very difficult to think and live biblically. The Wiseman calls Christians to exhibit wisdom in their deeds. Christians must understand and exercise four essential duties in order to please the One Who enlisted them as soldiers.

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Despite our best laid plans, sometimes life is hard and messy, and there is no perfect homeschool family. Many homeschool families deal with hard things, such as special needs, marital struggles, adoption, illness, loss of a child, mental illness, eating disorders and addiction. All of these things can be very isolating and paralyzing for parents. If you have ever felt alone in your hard times, while everyone else looks perfect, this session is for you. In this workshop, we explore the things that no one talks about, and provide encouragement and resources.

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

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

Why do people reject the reliability of the Bible? It is not the common objections that people give. Rather it is because they “suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” (Romans 1:18) Christians should be able to answer those objections. Christians should also be able to recognize the seven habits that people develop in suppressing the truth which are listed in Romans 1:21-23. Come see these seven habits come to life through interviews with non-Christians on a college campus. Learn how you, too, can give a defense of your faith in gentleness and reverence. (I Peter 3:15)

Let's look at some creative book summary activities for your kids that you can assemble together to provide many different creative ways to summarize a book. We will also discuss the writing process, some quick ways to assemble a sandwich paragraph, and more!

Experience Classical Education in action! With the Renaissance as a springboard, this interactive session will demonstrate how learning progresses throughout a student’s life.

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

If you have a hyperactive or easily distracted child, you won’t want to miss this informative and sometimes humorous message that shares stories from Israel’s experience as an ADHD child himself. You will receive practical and Biblical insights into ADD/ADHD and will be encouraged that there is hope for your child!

The biggest and most enduring Counterfeit Reality of all time is most cleverly foisted upon people through film. See how moviemakers convey a secular worldview to the public…in the blink of an eye! Keep in mind Colossians 2:8, and keep focused on Bill Jack’s media examples and use of technological illusions. Otherwise, you may lose sight of True Reality.

Tests and exams are a typical part of school, even home schools. This session will help homeschooling dads take an exam – a spiritual exam of the heart. It uses the acronym H.E.A.R.T. to display truths found in the book of Malachi, which deals with very real heart issues. Topics covered by “Dr. Malachi” include relationships with both God and family. The goal is to discover the practical and faithful steps a father can take in the journey toward turning one’s heart to his children.

What are the life goals we have for our own heart, our home, our marriage, and our children? We will discuss how living as a woman who is a disciple of Christ brings us great influence and ministry in all these areas. We’ll talk about the rewards of keeping our goals God-centered, and learn where to find help for living this kind of life. Based on Proverbs 24:3-4, “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”

The value of hands-on sensory experiences is still significant for the early elementary years. While our attention turns more to building phonics skills and learning math facts, most children don’t love the transition from all fun to more traditional schoolwork. This workshop will help you balance structured lessons with the sensory input and engaging learning activities children need to love school.

“I won’t do it!” my child screamed after being asked to start the day’s math work. “You will too!” I resolutely stated back. “I will not!” Thereupon ensued a fight of wills - a strong-willed mother vs. a strong-willed child. You’ll hear helpful tips for dealing with and nurturing the strong-willed child, staying sane in the midst of anguish, and having hope for the future.

This session provides a biblical alternative to the standard explanation for these creatures, and answers the basic questions everyone has on the subject - What were dinosaurs? When did they live? What really happened to them? Does the Bible talk about them?, etc. This is one of our most requested sessions.

Experience the Classical Education Model (while learning about triangles) (Michele Earles) Experience Classical Education in action! We will model and practice the three arts of the trivium: grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric. Using the triangles as a springboard, this interactive session will demonstrate how learning progresses throughout a student’s life.

Do you need help getting your child excited about science? Having trouble 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!

We can never underestimate the importance and necessity of reading. R.E.A.D. - Read. Examine. Apply. Do. The key to retention is unlocked in this session that encourages all students to read, examine, apply, and do what they read from the Word of God.

If you find yourself weighed down by stress or constantly in battle against anxiety, there is a release. When Christ said, “Take no thought!” He meant it. Build a bird-feeder. Stop and smell the lilies. Sing “The wise man built his house upon the rock”. Jesus gave us some great principles to meditate on and thus manage the stress and anxiety in our lives.

The earth is wearing out, just like the Bible said it would. The earth is undergoing changes that can be seen everywhere -- Why do volcanoes erupt? Why are there earthquakes and tsunamis? Why do rocks fall from the sky? What are comets? Why are there unique weather patterns? And, is the earth warming? If so, why? Why are all continents shifting toward the Pacific? What produces El Niños? The answers are all related, and might surprise you!

Intentionally teaching character traits and habits, while encouraging emotional growth will help your child thrive, overcome, and adapt in what is often a turbulent world. Combining the latest neuroscience research with biblical truth, this workshop will equip parents to confidently nurture their child’s emotional well-being and character development.

Online courses are a great tool to teach the subjects that you don’t feel comfortable or competent teaching. Your child needs to be prepared for a different type of learning experience. This talk will focus on what the parent should look for in an online course, what types to avoid and how to guide your child during the course to ensure a successful experience. We will also explore the proper balance of online and parent-taught courses.

For too many kids, their only outlet is … an outlet. Are your kids bored and grouchy unless they are plugged in to the Internet or a video game? What ever happened to catching frogs, picking dandelions, climbing trees, and lying in the grass to watch clouds? There is an outdoor world waiting to be discovered. Every child should explore the wonders of God’s creation because of three truths that can be found in one of the most exciting classrooms, the one outside.

Animals display incredible variety. This includes the amazing aspect of instinct, which each animal possesses uniquely. Some, however, go beyond this and enter the world of symbiosis, especially "mutualism" - when creatures need each other to survive! It is inconceivable to imagine that both instinct and symbiosis just randomly happened, unguided by a Designer! This session closes with a twist on what many people think is impossible with God's involvement with the issues found in Genesis 1-12.