There is no plug-and-play formula for a good education. Mystie Winckler explains why systems and shortcuts fail, how to keep the home at the center of your homeschool, and how to practice this art with confidence and enjoyment.

Thinking about homeschooling? This workshop is for moms and dads who are wondering if homeschooling is right for their family. You want to go into this with eyes wide-open and realistic expectations. Real-dad, Todd Wilson, will shoot straight with you, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly and will help clarify if homeschooling is for you.

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!

The holy grail of parenting is “what to do to have good godly kids.” Unfortunately God didn’t leave a complete guideline for our use. He did leave us some examples of the good, bad, and ugly of parenting, and plenty of principles...but we’re still left...wanting more. Enter the flim-flam man who fills in all the gaps and begins to pile on rules, principles, and things to avoid. The problem is that it sometimes has adverse effects and leaves behind hurt and wayward children. So...some parents swing the other way and claim and proclaim the message of Freedom to equally dire results. While I would never be so bold as to say, “Here’s how to parent and what to do to have successful children.” I will say there seems to a sweet-spot in parenting that avoids the extremes but not the responsibility. Join me as we get down and dirty in the trenches of parenting and discuss a method of parenting that is IRRESISTIBLE.

With humorous personal stories both from being homeschooled as well as homeschooling, Mystie walks through how a homeschool mom’s life and role changes as we raise our children from dependent babies to independent adults, casting a vision for the glory of the mission.

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!

Dads and moms, in all the busyness of life and swell of expert advice, we've forgotten the fundamental truths of homeschooling and family. In short, we’ve forgotten why we do what we do. We have plenty of “how tos” but have forgotten the “why tos” and it evidences itself in our lack of joy of homeschooling, family, and parenting. Join funny guy and familyman, Todd Wilson, as he sets the stage for a great homeschool convention and the best year ever as he brings us back to the basics of what we believe about family and homeschooling. You're not going to want to miss this for the world.

As we look around us we find ourselves asking “how can it be?” ?Everywhere we turn the world looks almost unrecognizable. ?Yet, this is our place on the world’s timeline; there never was another moment meant for us. We cannot let fear creep in and paralyze our purpose, nor can we turn and run. We have been called for such a time as this; called to live boldly, to stand on truth, and to make an impact on the next generation. And we are called to do it with peace in our hearts. ?We must fight for the hearts and minds of our children- preparing them to stand strong, to answer the call placed on their lives, and to cling to the ONE that gives hope and peace in the unknown places. Come and be encouraged, learn from biblical examples of those that have gone before us, and be reminded that He will equip us for the call, and the time, He has created us for.

Are you having trouble finding the time and energy to meet the needs of your husband after a hard day of homeschooling? Maybe you've forgotten what his needs are. Would you like your husband to take a more active role in homeschooling? Maybe your husband refuses to be involved in training your children. Join me as we look at your role, not as a homeschooling mom, but as a homeschooling WIFE. Your husband will thank you for coming! The discussion will be led by a real husband of a homeschooling mom.

More devotional and vulnerable in tone, Mystie discusses misconceptions about rest and approaches this needed topic in a relatable but deeply Scriptural way. This talk is a meditation on what it means that our rest is in Christ, not in our own self-care.

It's a fact! The only thing tougher than being a homeschooling mom is...being married to a homeschooling mom! Dad, your wife needs your help. Come join me as we discuss how to support and assist our wives in the homeschooling journey. We'll also do a lot of laughing, as I encourage men to be encouragers of their homeschooling wives.

Most parents feel unsure about the digital world their teens live in. This workshop explains how today’s online culture shapes young people mentally, emotionally, and socially, and provides practical, faith-informed strategies to guide them toward healthy digital habits. You’ll also discover helpful tools, resources, and strategies that make it easier to set boundaries and support your teen in managing their online life with wisdom.

Marriage is hard...in fact, it’s real hard! But when it is right and good, it can withstand anything. It doesn’t matter what the economy does, the status of your bank account, the condition of your home or vehicles, or what your children dish out...because when a husband and wife are right, they’re unbeatable. On the flip side, when a husband and wife feel distant or apathetic, it only takes the slightest breeze to ruffle a bunch of feathers. The truth is a mediocre marriage sucks the joy right out of life and your homeschool. The economy can swing up, your checking account can be healthy, your home and vehicles can purr like kittens, and the kids can behave like angels, and life still...stinks. That’s because marriage matters. Join Todd Wilson, The Familyman, for a time of laughter and encouragement as he shares real life stories, problems, and frustrations along with practical, simple solutions to having a marriage that can‘t be beat!

Homemaking is not a side project—it’s kingdom work. In this talk, Mystie Winckler reframes home management as a God-given vocation that forms souls, builds culture, and advances the gospel. From folding laundry to fostering hospitality, she shows that our daily work reflects the work of God and fulfills the Great Commission right where we live.

When our kids are in their upper high school years, we might begin to question whether we’ve prepared them (and ourselves!) for the next steps. Did I teach them everything they need to know? Will the world eat them up? What have I missed? We can be assured that God has a plan for the good of our children, and for His glory. Parenting doesn’t end when our children graduate from our homeschools, and we can be encouraged by trusting in God’s faithfulness in the lives of our young adults. Find hope for a parent’s heart as our kids leave the nest, learn to fly on their own, and soar.

Homeschooling is hard, parenting is hard, and marriage...well, that’s way hard. And that’s OK and even normal. Trouble is we don’t like hard. We want easy, fast, and cheap, and at the same time we want successful results. But the truth is that good things are hard and hard things are good, and they go hand in hand. Sadly, most people don’t ever experience the good because they can’t handle the hard. They put the hard thing off, hoping it will get easier, or they avoid it all together, and all they end up with is a pile of regrets. Here’s the good news: you can handle the hard. In fact, if you’re faced with two choices, pick ‘HARD.’ During this hour, you’ll laugh with Todd as he shares how to embrace the hardness while keeping your eye on the joy and experience God’s best for you.

Are we allowing secularism to creep into the homeschool? Are we allowing worldly standards to establish our definitions of success? Have we clarified the differences between a man-centered education and a God-centered education enough? Kevin Swanson gets back to the basics on a biblical worldview in this presentation.

Character is the most important fruit that parents can nurture in their children, and it is the foundation for academic learning. Discover how character is learned and how to establish a plan for teaching it to your children. Kathie will give several creative ways you can encourage your children to develop in this important area. After hearing this, you will be motivated and full of ideas to use with your own children.

Do you struggle with a child who is difficult or challenging? Do you have one child who causes you exasperation and takes more time and energy than all your other children put together? How do you respond to the resentment and anger he stirs up in you? How do you respond to him? There IS hope and help!! Get answers to these questions that will encourage you and help you deal wisely and lovingly with that child.

This session covers everything you need to know about your state’s homeschool law so you can homeschool with confidence. It includes a thorough presentation of the basics with plenty of time for questions.

Would a Renaissance education help bring about a renaissance in education? What sort of training and life did a young Shakespeare or da Vinci have? What elements of that can we recapture and apply in our tech-driven modern world? Andrew Pudewa contemplates craft, attentiveness, stock, imitation, constraint, freedom, and more!

Don’t miss the essentials! These are the most crucial and the most basic, age-old, biblical principles for the education of a child. Faith and character are preeminent. The principle of individuality is the most liberating principle. Relationships lie at the heart of it. Life integration turns knowledge into an extremely useful and powerful tool for success. But how many of these elements are missed by conventional systems of learning and by many homeschools as well? These are the basics, coming from Kevin Swanson’s 53 years of experience in the movement, and his book, Upgrade: The Ten Secrets to the Best Education for Your Child.

As homeschool parents, it’s natural to want to protect our children. Keeping them too sheltered can leave them unprepared for life’s challenges and sometimes even lead to rebellion, which pushes them toward the very things we hope to shield them from. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to guide your kids through honest, age-appropriate conversations about feelings, choices, and real-world experiences. We’ll explore practical strategies to build resilience , confidence , and sound judgment , helping children grow capable, self-assured, and ready to navigate the world beyond home.

Teaching multiple ages at once is no small task—it can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and frustrating. But with the right systems and mindset, it can become one of the most fruitful parts of your homeschool. In this session, Kathie Morrissey, homeschool mom of eight, will show you how to turn the chaos into calm. You’ll learn practical strategies to structure your days, foster independence, and keep everyone on track—even when you’re juggling toddlers and teens. You’ll walk away encouraged and equipped with tools to make school time more peaceful, productive, and purpose driven.

Did you know that you have influence? You do! The question is: What are you doing with the influence that God has given you? You have influence with your children, your friends, your family, and your co-workers. What are you doing with it? How is your faith influencing those around you? In this powerful presentation, Heidi will share six character traits of leaders who have successfully navigated the ups and downs of leadership and used their influence to make a difference in the lives of those around them. Your legacy is already being built. What will it be?

Parenting. It’s exhausting and exhilarating. Frustrating and fascinating. Like all things that are God-breathed, it’s a Kingdom-building exercise. It’s a masterful strategy, this idea of using all-night feedings and miscarriage and labor and teenagers (see how teens and labor go hand-in-hand?) and even homeschooling to teach us to trust the heart of the Father. But that’s exactly what God wants you to learn to do. Join Heidi St. John for an hour of encouragement and inspiration that will lift you up and remind you of the WHY of homeschooling.

Do you remember your first date with your spouse? Take a moment and think about how you felt while holding hands and gazing into their eyes. God intended for marriages to maintain that cherishing nature throughout the entire journey. In this workshop we will discuss the distractions and barriers that arise and how we can successfully tend the garden of our relationship to always treasure their presence.

In this message, Monica speaks encouragement and perspective into the homeschool journey, blending biblical truth with practical insight. Parents leave renewed in confidence and reminded of the joy found in faithful obedience.

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!

Many homeschoolers struggle with self-doubt and/or criticism for their decision by well-meaning friends and family. In this session, Israel will tackle some of the top objections people raise about home education and will give statistics and fact-based answers to help give you confidence to defend your choice to home educate.

Most Nebraska homeschool parents did not begin homeschooling to make a statement. They began because they refused to surrender their children's formation. This session frames that instinct biblically; parents are not secondary partners in educations, they are the primary disciplers. Education is one of the chief arenas where worldview is shaped, loves are trained, and loyalties are formed. Faithfulness, not perfection, is the goal, and the parents' presence matters more than any curriculum choice.

For many men, homeschooling has been looked at largely as something their wife does. Many believe that if they pay the bills, that is really all that God expects of them. Biblically speaking, what is the proper role for men in the process of home education?

Homeschool families are often portrayed as retreating from culture. In reality, they are investing in the slow, unseen work that shapes the future. This session encourages Nebraska families to see their faithfulness as long-term cultural engagement. Christian homeschooling does not withdraw from the world; it prepares children to enter it with clarity, courage, and conviction. Revival does not begin with slogans or protests, but with truth taught patiently, lived consistently, and passed to the next generation

Nebraska homeschool families are already practicing something closer to classical education than they may realize. By prioritizing reading, memorization, reasoning, and discussion, they are resisting the modern obsession with efficiency, testing, and credentialism. This session will connect the daily work done around kitchen tables to the older Christian conviction that education is about forming wise, virtuous, truth-loving people, not producing compliant workers. What often feels ordinary is, in fact, countercultural and deeply formative.

Many families assume ideological capture is a distant problem. It is not. DEI, SEL, and social justice frameworks are increasingly embedded not only in public education, but also in homeschool resources, co-ops, libraries, and youth programs. These systems function catechetically, training children to interpret the world through power, identity, and grievance rather than Scripture. This session aims to cultivate sober discernment, not fear, so parents can guard what they are building with clarity and confidence.

For parent educators near or at the finish line: Congratulations - you did it! Now what? Come hear our panel of veteran parents discuss what their journey looked like when they stopped shopping for curriculum, issuing assignments and grading their kids' papers. Let our panel give you perspective, motivation and refreshment - God has a great plan for your role as advisor to adult kids and as a blessing doing the next season of work He prepared for you. This panel will be moderated by veteran homeschool dad, Bill Ward.

Do you want to lead your child to a life of purity? My Path to Purity enables you to discuss the most important and challenging issues your child will face in their pre-teen and teenage years. Topics include your child's relationship with God and parents, peer pressure, puberty, infatuation, modesty, pornography, gender confusion, pre-marital sex, and forgiveness for past mistakes. Equip your child today and help them experience the rewards of purity forever! Resources include parent and child Trail Guides, activities, discussion questions, an audio story, and audio discussions to help parents share difficult and challenging topics.

As joyous and purposeful as homeschooling can be, seasons of burnout are nearly inevitable. Let's talk about mapping out a battle plan for not if, but when, burnout creeps in for you and/or your kids. We will share practical advice for handling both expected and unexpected seasons of burnout. Note: Based on Ephesians 6:8-10 (full armor of God)

Considerations for fundamental issues such as purpose, priorities, program, and assessment. Craig shares his learning from applying scientific principles and experiments to create and fine-tune his home education program. You will learn about the Fencepost Framework that he adopted for deciding how to tackle teaching different subjects as well as other lessons learned from incorporating a wide range of subjects from foreign languages, music and government alongside a hefty dose of mathematics.

It's easy to get caught up in the mentality that we've got to add more: we must do more, we must get more, and our children must study more. More, more, more! But the funny thing is that when we keep adding more, we usually end up with less of what really matters. Discover the richness that simplicity can bring to your schedule, your home, and your children's education.

Exploring the challenges of transitioning from a career to a calling as the full-time educator of one's children. Craig will share his reflections and encouragement for the journey. While his experiences may seem unique as a father and an engineer who homeschools, he's spoken to many homeschool moms who also have had to process the impact on their identity and social interactions when choosing to prioritize their children over a career. Mothers are both welcome and will be encouraged at this workshop.

When you get married, many of us experience the happily ever after for a time, this is the dream. But as the complexities of life and family begin to blend, challenges arise, and often leave you wondering where the dream went. Let us help you navigate these complexities, find wisdom in God's blueprint for your marriage, and help steer you towards a life of oneness that is everlasting with a firm foundation in Christ.

Technology is the number one battleground in homes across America, and we are here to help! Screen Sanity's speaker will guide you through expert-led videos, discussion questions and take-home tips that will help parents consider the role technology plays in their lives as well as how to connect with their kids in meaningful ways. This workshop will also cover how you can bring this program back to your own homeschool co-op, helping you build community and alignment around an often isolating topic. We hope you can join!

Making sure students know the right answers is important. But those answers should never come at the cost of a student hating to learn. The key to instilling a lifetime love of learning is harnessing your student's natural curiosity in order to trigger wonder. Whatever it does to cats, curiosity will save a child's mind.

Is Education a neutral subject? Does God have a preference for how He wants children to be educated? What does the Bible teach about schooling? Is there one correct path for education? Are public schools a viable option for Christians? These questions and more will be discussed in this engaging presentation.

The Enemy is a master at deception, and oftentimes our children fall prey to his lies. Teaching your child the ability to discern Truth is critical to spiritual survival. Chuck offers sound advice and some practical tips on how to develop spiritual discernment in your children.

Education and discipleship are not the same as mass schooling. They have different traditions and different expectations. Have you ever asked, “How do I know if they are on pace?” “What if they miss something?”, “How do I know if they are learning?”, or even “I’m not sure I know enough to teach high school!” Then this session should settle your mind and help you plan for discipleship with excitement. Explore some of the key differences and save massive amounts of time and stress trying to recreate schooling at home.

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.

Come and discover, or discover anew, a bigger vision of what homeschooling can be for your family. Find encouragement as you reconsider your goals and put into perspective the pieces of the puzzle. We’ll talk about both academic and non-academic objectives, and practical ways to fit it all together to help you and your children find out who they were created to be and what the changing seasons might hold for you.

Alternate version from 2019 Homeschool Idaho Conference due to recording issue in 2026 version, which is also available: Dads and moms, in all the busyness of life and swell of expert advice, we've forgotten the fundamental truths of homeschooling and family. In short, we’ve forgotten why we do what we do. We have plenty of “how tos” but have forgotten the “why tos” and it evidences itself in our lack of joy of homeschooling, family, and parenting. Join funny guy and familyman, Todd Wilson, as he sets the stage for a great homeschool convention and the best year ever as he brings us back to the basics of what we believe about family and homeschooling. You're not going to want to miss this for the world.

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.

Home Educators are blessed with opportunities to build strong connections with our children. Use everyday moments to point the way to Christ, but remember, connection isn't built through perfection, but rather intentionality that points to Christ.

Disciple means to “teach or train.” But when your child behaves the opposite of what you want or expect, your first thought is often to get that action or activity stopped as quickly as possible. It’s easy to fall into the trap of simply stopping unwanted actions and moving to whatever activity needs to be tackled next. You must be intentional to look behind the behavior for the reason your child is acting a particular way.

If you want your children to: critically analyze information biblically analyze information produce godly discernment over fleshly judgement follow Christ over culture You must train them to think with a mind influenced and directed by the Lord.

This session will be in Spanish En esta charla reflexionaremos sobre el rol fundamental que tenemos como padres en la formación espiritual, moral y académica de nuestros hijos. Más allá de los libros y las materias escolares, la educación en el hogar es una oportunidad única para discipular a nuestros hijos de forma intencional, conforme a los principios y valores del Reino de Dios. Exploraremos lo que la Biblia dice acerca de la responsabilidad que Dios ha puesto en nuestras manos, y cómo podemos vivir ese llamado en el contexto diario del homeschool. Hablaremos sobre cómo cultivar un ambiente que fomente la fe, el carácter y la sabiduría en nuestros hijos, integrando el aprendizaje académico con el desarrollo espiritual. Esta conferencia busca animarte, inspirarte y darte herramientas para que la educación en casa no solo sea efectiva, sino también eternamente significativa. In this session, we will reflect on the vital role we have as parents in the spiritual, moral, and academic formation of our children. Beyond textbooks and school subjects, homeschooling is a unique opportunity to disciple our children intentionally, in alignment with the principles and values of God’s Kingdom. We’ll explore what the Bible says about the responsibility God has entrusted to us, and how we can live out that calling within the daily rhythm of home education. Together, we’ll talk about how to cultivate an environment that nurtures faith, character, and wisdom—integrating academic learning with spiritual growth. This session is designed to encourage, inspire, and equip you so that your homeschool journey is not only effective, but eternally meaningful.

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!

Could you use some encouragement and strategies to help reignite your student’s love of learning? If so, this session is for you! There are many factors that impact a child’s motivation level—stress, executive function, nutritional needs, media usage, and more. With a little bit of theory and a whole lot of practical application, Cheri Kay equips parents with the tools they need to tap into their child’s God-given gift of curiosity.

In the past twenty years, we’ve seen a lot of changes in the homeschool community. There is much more pressure being put on homeschoolers to excel academically. We’ve gone from a few brave moms who, without access to mainstream “curriculum”, managed to give their children an excellent education—but we’ve forgotten what made it excellent. It was excellent because these moms had a vision for homeschooling—they weren’t trying to re-create school at home. They were simply being obedient to the One who had called them to be different. They knew that if He had called them, He would equip them. And they were right. If you’re struggling to find joy in your calling as a homeschooling parent, if you’re looking for more LIFE in your homeschool, this is one keynote you won’t want to miss. join Heidi as she talks about her journey away from curriculum-driven, workbook based homeschooling and into delight-directed learning. What she learned will bless and inspire you.

Researchers now confirm what the greatest minds in education have advocated for centuries: raising self-sufficient, self-motivated, eager learners depends on specific actions and attitudes from parents and educators. Unfortunately, most of what we naturally tend to do results in the exact opposite—overwhelmed, unmotivated, anxious, unhappy learners. There is a very good and logical reason our parental efforts go unrewarded. In this talk, Jeannie shares modern research along with both Biblical and ancient wisdom to equip you with the mindset, tools, and faith needed to help your children develop self-motivation and a drive to pursue their education and God-given purpose with passion.

To embrace the best approaches for a truly superior education, we must first deprogram ourselves from the beliefs about education that we have long accepted as truth, along with the models that claim to be the standard by which education should be measured. Our society has been immersed in a system designed not to educate minds but to produce obedient, unquestioning, uncurious, and unoriginal workers. In this highly acclaimed talk, Jeannie explores the research and impact of this educational model, which not only stifles a child’s natural self-motivation and creativity but also suppresses divine curiosity, transforming an innate love for learning into mere drudgery. Discover how to choose methods and practices that genuinely educate the whole child—spirit, soul, and body—nurturing a lifelong passion for knowledge and growth.

Society is becoming increasingly secularized, and Christians are being pressured to bow the knee to the modern woke agenda. The church is supposed to challenge the culture with the truth of God’s Word and the gospel but many times the opposite is happening and the culture instead invades the church. We can combat this invasion, but we must argue or reason with people starting with God’s Word. We must not give up our firm foundation!

Young adults today are struggling. It's not exactly a revelatory statement–one only needs to glance at the closest high school or university to see it clearly. A hopeless and profound lack of direction is a hallmark of our culture, and these problems are so pervasive that even young adults fortunate enough to come from solid, Christian homes still deal with shades of these issues. What are we to tell them? In this session, Trent offers a practical perspective on hope, and how it inspires the kind of resilient lifestyle that allows today’s young adults to face failure undefeated.

Will shares from the heart about being a homeschool graduate and homeschool dad. In this session, he encourages dads of homeschool students, diving into Scripture, giving practical tips, and sharing what he has learned in his own homeschool journey.

Traditional school methodologies often leave children disengaged and struggling to retain information, with little opportunity to develop critical thinking skills. Notebooking offers an inspiring alternative to the uninspired and wholly ineffective worksheets, seat work, and busywork found in most curricula. Join Jeannie as she explores why notebooking is an essential and transformative approach to education, fostering creativity, engagement, and deeper learning. Discover how to implement this powerful tool seamlessly, regardless of the curriculum you use, and watch your child’s love for learning flourish.

In this message, Mark awakens men to the power of deeper connections and secure attachment in families. He encourages men to embrace practical skills for building emotional security at home, calling them to step into their God-given superpowers. This refreshing and straightforward message inspires men to deepen their relationships with God, their families, and their church.

Heidi’s hunch is that you don’t need to quit… you need to see things new; to have fresh perspective and renewed vision. And maybe you need chocolate. That too. Come join Heidi for an hour of encouragement and chocolate. You’ll be glad you did!

There will always be a math lesson, science project, or research paper clamoring for your immediate attention. But what about the bigger picture? How is God using homeschooling to work in your child’s heart? In this session, Kathryn shares how God used homeschooling to build her faith and develop her character and how that is giving her a vision for her own kids. Drawing on examples from her own life, she’ll bring a fresh reminder of how the challenges that your child is facing today are preparing him or her for a life of service in God’s kingdom.

Bummer, isn’t it? Wouldn’t it be nice if homeschooling was the answer? I mean, wouldn’t it be nice if all of the problems in our families could be solved with good family time and top of the line curriculum? Wouldn’t it be great if all we had to do was adopt a certain daily schedule, read aloud certain books, and follow a certain educational philosophy? Wouldn’t it be awesome if there were just a simple checklist of “To-do’s” each day that would guarantee success? Yes, it would, but alas, there’s not. However, there is an answer to all that ails us: the sin and death, the pain and misery. Come be reminded of the Answer and the hope it engenders.

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.

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?

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.

The first thing you must know is that you’re not alone if you have one. And the second thing you need to know is that they’re sent to you as a blessing. If those two things seem unimaginable, if you’re thinking, “If you only knew.,” well, I do. I’ve got one too. So, what face comes to mind when you hear the phrase ‘That” child? Do you smile or scowl when you see that face? Do you see yourself in that face? Do you struggle to like that child? Does it seem difficult? Impossible? I want you to know: That child is a world changer. God has a plan for that child. All of that energy, all those questions, all that strength, all THAT, is God-given for His glory. Come learn strategies for learning to love that child, to embrace that child, to train that child. They are worth it and He is worthy!

You can do this and you can do it well. If I can do it, you can, too! I will give you some Rock-solid foundational principles and practices that, when put in place, will confidently and successfully usher your teen across the highschool finish line.

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.”

There are many existential threats to fundamental liberties and the very fabric of Christian civilization building on the horizon, but homeschool families are uniquely positioned to help hold the line. From rekindling an awareness of the biblical principles at the foundation, to re-imagining education, to getting involved in the cultural, political, and spiritual battles raging all around us, we have an obligation to be a part of the solution. In this talk, Alex will offer concrete ideas for action.

The world has a vision of education and its purpose. Christians must as well. In this talk, Alex Newman will explore what the Bible teaches on education and discipleship, and how this differs radically with what the present education system offers. He also provides an in-depth look at the history of Christian education — the very education that built Western civilization and the United States of America. Finally, he will equip parents to rethink education in light of Scripture, with practical tools to honor God in this critical realm of life.

We’ve all heard the adage, “Nothing is easy,” and it’s true. So why then do we use ‘ease’ as the determining factor in our life choices? As a culture, we want dinner-making to be easy. We want house projects to be easy. We want relationships to be easy. We want our jobs to be easy. Look around, ‘easy’ seems to be a pretty high-value today. But what about the Christian life? What about marriage? What about parenting? Are any of those easy? Could it be that our longing for easy is what keeps us from becoming the people, spouses, and parents that God has intended for us to be? God is calling, He’s inviting us to be a part of His plan to change the world. It won’t be easy, but it will be for His glory and our good. Let’s get to work together.

Every day we are bombarded with messages that try to convince us that we are individually important. The basic theme is that we should seek self. It’s all a big lie, from the king of lies. We must shift our focus away from ourselves and on to our awesome and mighty God. The world is relentlessly pursuing peace and contentment that can only come from a life that is totally surrendered to Christ and His will. Come learn how this realization radically changed Rachael’s life, direction, and purpose. It can change yours too!

Just like mothers, fathers are critical for homeschooling, and not just for paying the bills. In this fun talk, Alex — who homeschools his 5 children alongside his wife — will share insights into the role of dads in the education, upbringing, and discipleship of their children. He will also offer practical tips for fathers and families that can make home education even better!