Jesus declared, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). As followers of Jesus, He has called us to let our light shine! This begins by living for Christ in the context of our family relationships. God wants to use our struggling, ordinary Christian families to impact future generations and shine for Him!

Parents considering homeschooling often worry about whether or not their children will turn out “normal”. They wonder if their children will emerge from homeschool truly prepared for success in life, or if they’ll emerge socially inept and uneducated. In this session, Daniel Craig, a homeschool graduate, will share why he is glad he was homeschooled, and why your children will be too. Based on both his personal experience, and the unchanging truths of God’s word, Daniel will help you understand what homeschool “success” really is, where it comes from, and the real reason it matters.

It’s easy to get burned out, tired and overwhelmed as the years pass, but the reasons we are homeschooling become even more important as our children grow up. How can we press on through the challenges of hormones, struggles with learning, and fear of the future and do what we know is right? This funny, hopeful, and encouraging session looks at the importance of finishing what you’ve started and making it all the way to graduation.

The way we are parenting today impacts our grandchildren and great-grandchildren yet to be born. In this session, Dr. Rienow will share key Scriptures, from both the Old and New Testament, which will equip you not only to raise your children for the glory of God but to also accelerate faithfulness in the future generations of your family.

We may hope our kids will be really smart, but what do you do when they are? It can be intimidating to think about meeting the needs of a kid who’s blowing the curve, racing ahead, and seems to need more. Can you really meet their needs, or would they be better off with professionals? How can you help them fit in socially? What about the future? Should they graduate early or on time? Hal & Melanie went through both innovative and traditional gifted programs in school and after parenting and homeschooling several precocious children, they have a lot to say about challenging these kids academically, helping them to thrive socially, answering their spiritual questions, and knowing when to push them ahead and when to broaden out their education instead. Learn how to meet the needs of your bright child and enjoy doing it!

Where Do I Begin? A Workshop for New and Prospective Homeschoolers – Nancy Bjorkman Considering homeschooling? Not sure where to begin? This workshop will define realistic and foundational goals for homeschooling that will get new families off to a solid start. We’ll cover some common roadblocks and misconceptions about “what school should look like”, state law, and many practical tips for success. There will be a time for interaction and questions.

Did you know that vision problems can masquerade as learning struggles? From skipped words while reading to trouble paying attention, visual challenges can quietly get in the way of your child’s success — and they’re more common than you might think. In this eye-opening (pun intended!) session, we’ll uncover how vision — beyond just seeing clearly —impacts your child’s ability to read, write, focus, and thrive academically. We’ll talk about the visual skills that support learning, what signs to watch for, and how to tell the difference between a vision issue and a learning difference. This workshop will equip you with practical tips, simple at home checks, and guidance on when to seek help. You’ll walk away with fresh insight and confidence to support your child’s visual and learning development. What you’ll learn: • The “hidden” visual skills essential for learning (it’s more than 20/20!) • How vision problems can mimic ADHD, dyslexia, or reading issues • Easy ways to spot visual red flags at home • Action steps: what to try, what to tweak, and when to get help

This workshop will provide a basic overview of the science behind healthy brain development, the effects of screens on the developing brain, symptoms of screen overuse & ScreenStrong solutions to prevent and reverse the effects of addictive screen habits. Becoming ScreenStrong is the fastest way to resolve screen conflicts and build strong families.

This session addresses the goal of education from a Christian perspective and answers the question, “What is the end game in homeschooling?”

You want to build strong relationships with your kids and make a positive spiritual impact in their lives. But sometimes it feels like the obstacles are overwhelming: crammed schedules, relational conflict, insecurity, and exhaustion. Through this session with Dr. Rob Rienow you will be encouraged in your parenting mission and come away with a Bible-driven game plan to overcome obstacles in your spiritual leadership at home.

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.

When a child cannot read fluently and effortlessly, learning becomes difficult, frustrating, and even discouraging. Many parents of struggling readers are told that dyslexia and reading difficulties are issues they must work around and struggle with for the rest of their lives. The good news is that this is not true; real help is available. There is hope for treating the root causes of reading difficulties and disabilities. You will gain an understanding of how to help your child overcome all types of reading difficulties through the latest research in neuroscience. We’ll explain interventions that address the underlying causes, allowing for dyslexia to be overcome rather than just teaching them to read and work with their dyslexia.

Is it possible to have well-educated kids without drowning in a sea of drudgery? All six of Hal & Melanie’s homeschool graduates were offered academic scholarships to great colleges, even though (once Melanie got her feet under her) they’ve been very relaxed homeschoolers. Learn the difference between learning and schooling—hear what’s important that you get done and what’s not! This workshop will lift your burdens and free you up to enjoy these years with your children and prepare them well for their future.

Every family needs forgiveness because every family is filled with broken people. In this message, Dr. Rienow shares essential principles in the Bible toward equipping your family with a fresh vision for grace, mercy and forgiveness – for hurts old and new.

When our oldest was eight, we thought we were pretty great homeschool parents. Then he hit nine or ten and the wheels fell off his educational train! Another child did pretty well until he was eleven, then all-of-a-sudden he couldn’t focus at all or remember things he’d learned last week. Others didn’t struggle until twelve or thirteen, but there seems to be something that makes middle school just plain hard, for nearly everyone. How do you live through it? Is it possible to make the middle school years great? Join Hal & Melanie for doable ideas and real hope for getting through the challenging tween/preteen years and laying a foundation to make high school even better.

This engaging workshop will review several different teaching approaches found in homeschooling, and then help attendees identify resources and curricula to fit their family’s particular style. Just getting started in homeschooling? Needing to refocus and redefine what homeschooling could look like for your family? Come benefit from Nancy’s over 30 years of experience and enjoy her dynamic style.

The focus of most support for ADHD is based on symptom management. The good news is that there are effective ways to treat the causes of ADHD! Join us to learn everything you need to know about ADHD. We’ll touch on symptoms and accurate diagnosis and then dive into research-based treatments options that work. Finally, we’ll share learning strategies for the ADHD brain that you can implement as parent and teacher. Participants will: • Understand the root causes of ADHD along with symptoms and diagnosis • Explore non-medication treatments that work, including nutritional interventions • Learn strategies to help your student with ADHD navigate learning in any environment

What does it mean to be an entrepreneur? Is entrepreneurialism just for a select few, or is it something that even young people should pursue? Regardless of who you are, or where you work, the Word of God gives us a number of fundamental keys to personal growth and true success in life. In scripture, we are taught that the basics of entrepreneurialism – responsibility, initiative and ownership – are important, not just for business owners, but also for young people who are just beginning to make their way in life. Now, you too will be challenged to think of yourself as an entrepreneur. In this session, you will learn 5 powerful, yet practical keys to developing as an entrepreneur. You will gain an understanding of why they are essential and how you can implement them.

Have you ever had a war break out in the middle of history or read aloud to a child sitting upside down? You may be teaching a boy! Research shows that boys and girls learn differently. Understanding the differences can help to preserve the love of learning and the academic confidence of our sons: the early birds, the late bloomers, and the boys who would really just rather not. Understanding what they need at different ages – before school, as young learners, in the middle school years, and in high school can make us better homeschool parents and make them better students. Come and hear from parents who’ve homeschooled six boys from the beginning and graduated four so far, the award-winning authors of Raising Real Men, as they share solid research and practical advice on how to turn wiggle worms into scholars – and enjoy doing it!

You can enhance the impact of any curriculum through differentiated instruction. These simple techniques geared for grades 7-12 empower parents with creative methods to facilitate student’s processing and retention of new information. Responding to readiness, interest, and learning style, parents and students alike will be equipped with critical tools to facilitate learning success.

Join Sonia Strueby, a pediatric speech-language pathologist specializing in dyslexia, for a dynamic presentation on fun and functional ways to teach children to read. Sonia will share creative strategies to navigate challenging moments when it feels like your child is stuck, plateaued, or losing momentum in their reading journey. This session is designed to equip parents with valuable tips and tools to transform the homeschooling experience, turning it into an engaging, positive, and rewarding process for both parent and child.

Disorganization, poor time management, and difficulty shifting gears are just a few symptoms of poor executive functioning. Executive Function skills are crucial throughout all stages of life. They enable us to develop leadership, time management, and prioritization skills, follow multi-step instructions, think critically, and adapt to change. In this session, we’ll build a solid understanding of executive functions and cover how you can help your child develop these essential skills! Participants will learn: • What executive functioning is and why it matters • Root causes for executive function weaknesses and disorders • Strategies and systems to improve executive functions in your classroom • Treatments for improving executive function

“Joy to the world the Lord has come” is a wonderful thing to sing at Christmastime when everything can seem to be joyous. But does this powerful truth set the tone of your home? Is your family characterized by the Gospel-powered joy that flows wherever the Kingdom of God has taken root? If you think you could use a little more joy in your home (like we all can!), take heart: “He comes to make his blessing flow, far as the curse is found”! How does He do that? Come and hear seven habits of joy-filled families that crank the faucet of “joy in the Holy Spirit” wide open!

Join us for an insightful presentation on classical Christian education, where we'll explore the rich tradition of teaching that integrates rigorous academics with a Christ-centered approach to the curriculum. This session will highlight the importance of acquiring knowledge and learning skills as foundational tools for nurturing a love of learning and developing wisdom and virtue in your children. We’ll discuss practical strategies for incorporating classical methods into your home, while emphasizing the importance of cultivating virtue and character in the educational journey. Whether you’re new to classical education or seeking to deepen your approach, this talk will equip and encourage you in your homeschooling mission.

Participate in a workshop presented by Sonia Strueby, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, to learn how to help your child use the power of visualization to boost memory, comprehension, and study skills. This workshop shows homeschool parents how guiding students to create mental images can dramatically improve their ability to recall story details, follow directions, spell irregular words, memorize math facts, and solve word problems. Visualization is a simple but essential tool that strengthens thinking, learning, and retention—especially for students who need more support with focus or processing.

Homeschooling through high school might seem intimidating but be encouraged! These can be the most enjoyable and influential years you have with your teens. This workshop takes the guess work out of what academics you should build into your 7-12th grade plan and helps you explore electives and activities that can customize your students' high school years to meet their graduation goals.

Unlock the wisdom to manage your finances with this workshop tailored to teens – parents are encouraged to attend with their teens. In this fun, hands-on workshop you will better understand Biblical stewardship, the importance of earning interest, and practical tips for saving money. Learn how to differentiate between needs and wants, create a spending plan, and prioritize your financial goals. Discover the power of multiplying money and the rules for using credit cards responsibly. Embrace a faith-based approach to managing your finances, with principles rooted in biblical teachings. Join us on this journey to financial freedom and take control of your financial future today!

Learn why family discipleship is important and how to easily incorporate role-play into your family Bible time to engage your whole family dramatically. Part testimony and part interactive presentation, Benjamin will walk participants through a creative yet simple process of role playing the scriptures using just their Bibles. Participants leave encouraged and prepared to be a “Director Dad!”

People complain all the time that their children are lazy and unmotivated, but only 28% of American families give their children any chores at all. At all. We teach our children right from wrong, we teach our children to read and write but forget to teach them how to work. God gave us no choice. With eight bedrest pregnancies and then a full-time ministry and business, we had to get the kids on board or drown. Come get practical strategies for teaching your children to be diligent – to get their schoolwork done, to do chores, to take initiative, and to be confident in their abilities – at all ages. Help your kids to get out of the wagon and start pulling it, cheerfully. Really, you can do it!

Do you have a philosophy of education? Yes, whether you realize it or not, you do. But what is it? And do your methods line up with your philosophy? We will take a look at Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education and how her methods and practices all jive together.

What should “school” look like for early learners? What things are developmentally appropriate for the younger ages? How do we keep our “Littles” appropriately occupied while homeschooling their siblings? This fun and informative session will provide a plethora of ideas specifically geared to engage your pre- and elementary-aged children. Nancy will share resources, fun games, toddler tips, and easy activities, all designed to help parents think outside the box when it comes to “doing school.”

Transcripts are not just for college – every student needs one. How should you begin? What should you include? Understand the essentials of record keeping, the important records to keep, how to grade, evaluate credits, and prepare a professional looking high school transcript,

Have you always wanted to improve your child’s ability to follow multi-step instructions, read more fluently, or grasp those tricky math word problems? Have you wondered if there are things you can do as the teacher to improve your child’s progress? The field of neuroscience has provided us an immense amount of information on how the brain learns offering a roadmap on how to teach with brain function to optimize learning. Join us to take away easy-to-implement actionable steps that are quick, affordable, and can make a huge impact in your homeschool classroom. .

Many parents begin the Homeschool Journey motivated by a strong desire to nurture deep and enduring relationships with their children. Over time, they realize that winning and keeping their children’s hearts requires something more than simply schooling them at home…especially during the teenage years. But how do you keep your child’s heart without controlling it? How do you pass on your deepest convictions while at the same time avoiding the traps of legalism on the one hand, and permissiveness on the other? How do you foster healthy communication with your older children, maintaining the proper balance of love and respect?

Does your marriage affect your kids? You bet. It affects them profoundly. It impacts their security, their identity, and their sense of worth. Beyond that, our marriage toolkit will be the one our kids reach for in their own marriages. Come take a look at your own marriage toolbox, pick up a few new tools, and learn five ways to tune up your marriage to make it even better for you and your children. Give them a legacy that will help them build a good marriage.

Helping your homeschool student navigate high school doesn’t have to be overwhelming! This workshop will introduce you to key resources—local, statewide, and virtual—that can support your teen’s academic and career journey. We’ll break down opportunities by grade level, from career exploration in freshman year to internships, dual enrollment, and scholarships for upperclassmen. Whether you're looking for hands-on experiences, flexible learning options, or statewide initiatives, you'll leave with a clear roadmap to help your teen take their next steps with confidence.

Ever wonder why your child mimics your tone—or your sighs—before you even realize you’re doing it? Welcome to the world of the listening brain—where words, emotions, and even facial expressions are absorbed like sponges. In this interactive and energizing session, we’ll dive into the fascinating neuroscience behind how children learn through both what they hear and what they see. You’ll discover: • How the brain processes positive vs. negative language—and why it matters • What happens in the brain when kids observe and imitate adult behavior • The role of mirror neurons, the amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex in learning and emotional safety • How everyday moments of language and tone can literally shape your child’s brain • Simple ways to reframe your language for better focus, connection, and cooperation Through hands-on brain demos, storytelling, and real homeschool-life examples, you’ll leave with practical strategies to use the power of presence and communication—all backed by brain science. Expect laughter, lightbulbs, and some “Wait… my brain does that too?” moments. Perfect for parents who want to harness the full potential of their children’s incredible listening minds.

Learn about legislative changes that have occurred in 2025 and about legislative changes coming down the road. Also learn about Jeremy's role as the Homeschool Iowa lobbyist and why that role is important to homeschool families.

God calls fathers to build “heart connected” relationships with their kids, in order to help them build “heart connected” relationships with God. But fathers face unique spiritual attacks and discouragement! Discover key biblical principles to grow in your strength and vision as a dad.

How do you teach a young man to keep his way pure when the red-light district is riding around in his shirt pocket – or his friend’s? How can you help a boy think about the future when all he wants to do is game all day? Media addiction and porn are derailing young men at a rate that is hard to even believe. Learn how to teach your sons a healthy, Biblical attitude toward entertainment and sexuality. Prepare them to make it a matter of honor to practice self-control, do what’s right, and have healthy relationships with girls. Get them in the fight because there are no bystanders in this battle, and we don’t want our sons to lose. The stakes are too high.

A group of adults embittered by their homeschool experience, and friends who sympathize with them, have coalesced into the most serious threat to homeschool freedom nationwide in decades. They are smart, articulate, and media savvy. If you believe it’s your job to rear and educate your kids, they have a name for you: “parental rights extremist.” Come find out who they are, what they have done, what they are planning on doing, and how to respond to their arguments.

Cut the cost of college tuition in half! This popular workshop will share how to accelerate the first two years of college by earning credit for subjects your student may already be studying in high school. The College Board’s College Level Examination Program (CLEP) along with Prometric’s DSST program are nationally recognized credit-by-exam programs that offer over 70 different exams, allowing students to test out of courses generally taken the first two years of college. Whether your student is gifted, motivated, or looking for purpose, this workshop will help save time and money earning a college degree.

God has a purpose and mission for your marriage! Discover how God can use you to spiritually encourage and connect with your spouse - and experience a growing oneness in Christ. Every married couple needs help and encouragement. A strong marriage helps our children follow Jesus!

This session is a “must hear” for parents and students alike. Everyone recognizes that there are problems with traditional higher education. Yet for all the press, commentary and money spent to fix the problem, far too few people recognize the amazing benefits of one-on-one mentor-driven education. Even as homeschoolers, we often fail to realize that the need for biblical discipleship in education also applies to the college years. Get ready to adopt a new paradigm for “higher education” as Daniel explains how your student can launch into life NOW, with clear vision, through powerful mentoring relationships and real-life application.

Homeschooling children with learning difficulties can be challenging for all parents, especially if you also struggle with learning challenges such as dyslexia or ADHD. Many learning disabilities are hereditary, so parents often find themselves teaching children who share their learning difficulties. The great news is that neuroscience has taught us not only how to be better teachers with these issues but also how to change and rewire the brain to overcome learning challenges, regardless of the age of the child or the parent. Come learn about the amazing, malleable brain and how to harness neuroplasticity to help your child learn and reach their full potential. Participants will: • Understand neuroplasticity as the foundation for learning • Realize the critical role cognitive skills play in learning • Recognize symptoms of cognitive weaknesses as the root cause of learning challenges • Receive strategies to use in the classroom to improve learning • Learn ways to harness neuroplasticity to improve cognitive function

We have worked for decades to keep homeschooling as independent as possible from government influence, and for good reasons! But now the idea that the government should fund homeschooling is gaining steam. Several states have already enacted laws, and several others may do it soon. It may be a so-called “education savings account” (which is not a savings account at all!) where government money is put into an account a homeschool family can use. Or it may be a refundable tax credit designed to give many families a “refund” that is greater than the tax they owe. Regardless of the feel-good names attached to these programs, the bitter fact remains that government funding inevitably leads to government strings and the loss of independence. Come to this session to hear an in-depth discussion of these and related issues.