Have you ever heard the saying, "The days are long, but the years are short?" While there are days that can test the sanity of just about any mom, these exciting, exhausting, laughter-inducing, messy years are rich with opportunity. How can we make the most of every day? How can we enjoy the beauty of this season and capitalize on its strengths? Discover how to map out a plan to make the most of these preschool years!

What in the world do I do with my preschoolers? Marilyn Boyer has taught all fourteen of her children at home, so she has plenty of experience with any age group you can name. But her favorite age to teach is those eager, curious, exciting, challenging munchkins we call preschoolers. This, Marilyn says, is the time when we lay the foundation for greatness by pouring love and acceptance all over them—instead of treating them like a nuisance. Preschoolers aren't just little interruptions to be kept "occupied" while older siblings study. This season in a child's life is the time to tap into his huge potential by maximizing his natural love for learning and helping him to see that God is preparing him for a lifetime of important service. Come and learn from Marilyn how to make your little ones a valuable part of the team!

Handout available at: https://www.oceanetwork.org/2023-speaker-handouts/

If you are a mom of preschoolers you won’t want to miss this fun workshop! You’ll put together busy bags with activities to educate and entertain your little ones. You’ll also hear important Christ-centered encouragement about the incredible value of the work you are doing in your family.

Practical, hands-on ideas for surrounding your preschoolers with God's Word as you sit in your house, walk by the way, when you lie down and rise up (Deuteronomy 6:5-9).

Handout available at: https://www.oceanetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/Word-in-Your-Wee-Ones-handout-2015.pdf

Practical tips for creating a learning lifestyle—from a mom of 17 homeschooled students (seven school-age at a time). Includes ideas for teaching your preschoolers, as well as multi-level teaching ideas for your school-age kiddos.

Handout available at: https://www.oceanetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/Homeschooling-Middles-While-You-Still-Have-Littles-handout-2017.pdf

Want to give your preschooler and kindergartner an edge? Though it may seem counter-intuitive, having a playful relaxed, yet intentional attitude towards learning in the early years develops creativity, encourages curiosity, builds independence, expands attention span, enhances relationships, and has fun, too. And it is PROVEN to give them an academic edge! Join Heather as she share's the art of teaching young children through play.

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.

Parent/Child Session
Character, heroes, and a bushel of apples! Through his stories and songs, Bruce will give you a feel for the real Johnny Appleseed and how we can all be heroes by following in his footsteps.

Parent/Child Session Gold miners, cowboys, preachers and lots of other folks were all part of the Old West. Come get a lighthearted look at life in the Old West and some of the people who helped to build America.

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).

Explore the Old West from the perspective of the Civil War through engaging storytelling and narrative.

Parent/Child Session
Through the eyes of a newspaper reporter, you will come to view Abraham Lincoln in a new way.

Parent/Child Session Tales from America’s past. You will hear about wise and foolish decisions and the people who made them.

Does teaching reading and writing seem like a daunting task? It doesn’t have to be. Designed for parents of preschoolers and kindergarteners, this workshop will feature developmentally-appropriate activities and experiences that will encourage early forms of reading and writing to flourish.

Parent/Child Session From wagon trains to steam trains, from wilderness trails to super-highways; Bruce’s stories will give you a sweeping look at America’s history and some of the interesting ways people travelled across this great land.

How, What, When & Why! How do I go about teaching? What do I teach? When should I teach? And most importantly, why should I homeschool my preschooler? Bring your questions and get a wealth of information from a 25-year veteran of homeschooling.

In this session, Faith will discuss the ultimate goal of reading instruction, which is comprehension, and will explore various types of thinking and processing skills required for proficient comprehension. Tips, techniques, and strategies will be shared on how to develop very young children’s vocabulary and good habits of mind in order to lay a solid foundation for comprehension with our wee ones, ages birth to five.

In the midst of these days with little ones, where the days are long and the years are short, it’s easy to feel a little lost and overwhelmed. Advice is plenty, but support feels farther away. You’re not alone. You’re not failing. Let’s take some time to not only see the light at the end of the tunnel, but to rejoice in the sunshine God pours into this grand adventure of raising small people for His glory.

How, What, When & Why! How do I go about teaching? What do I teach? When should I teach? And most importantly, why should I homeschool my preschooler? Bring your questions and get a wealth of information from a 25-year veteran of homeschooling.

Can a simple 20-minute lesson drag into 2 hours? Does your little wiggler seem to fall out of his chair a great deal? Is he distracted by things others don’t notice? Find the key that unlocks learning for the highly distractible child. We’ll cover putting motion into learning, making math fun (no, really!) and creating learning experiences that cement your child’s understanding of science, history, and language. (Best for Pre-K through 6th grade.)

Get answers to the big questions: "What do they really need to know before kindergarten?” “How do I get started?” “How do I know if I’m doing it right?” Learn the tools of the trade to create a lifelong love of learning.

This workshop explores how a child’s brain develops and how you as parents can give them the best start. Discover how true comprehension and learning take place and the damaging effects the electronic world is having on students from preschool to college.

The early years before children begin formal education is the time to show them that learning is fun and interesting. Elizabeth will present informal reading and math “lessons” that not only teach, but also help transition mom into their first teacher. Learn to take advantage of teaching opportunities and apply wisdom to the education process that will help insure your little ones will love learning and move easily into formal academics.

There are differing views on when formal schooling should begin. Research done by Dr. Raymond Moore in the late 1970's helped launch the modern homeschool movement. This session covers information on academic readiness, how children learn best, and avoiding burnout so your child can be a life-long learner.

By anyone’s standard boys are failing in the current educational environment. Recent research has confirmed the biological, psychological, and physiological differences between the way male and female brains learn. Rick explores those differences and looks at some strategies that can help males succeed in an educational environment that is often confusing and discouraging to their learning styles.

Explore the advantages of teaching your preschooler in a preschool environment that is also a family environment. Choices abound for educating our youngest and in this session you will hear from moms who have operated a family-based preschool co-op for three years. Learn basic information and tools that will help you start your own family-centered preschool co-op.

Picking the perfect curriculum is a tricky task. There is a plethora of overwhelming choices. Classical? Unschooling? Charlotte Mason? Unit Studies? What's a mom to do? In this session parents will get a broad overview of the general types of curriculum and educational styles. Come learn how to navigate the market, avoid purchase pitfalls and find the right fit for your family’s learning styles and budget.

This delightful session is from the story teller himself. Gold miners, cowboys, preachers and lots of other folks were all part of the Old West. Come get a lighthearted look at life in the Old West and some of the people who helped to build America.

Are you looking into educational options for your children? Just what is homeschooling? Is it really legal? Am I qualified to teach my own? What if I miss something? Come explore the answer to these and many more "frequently asked questions" drawing from Joyce’s many years of homeschooling.

Homeschooling is challenging. Sometimes it can feel like a major accomplishment just to take a shower and get the breakfast dishes cleaned up before dinner! Most homeschool moms feel the pressure of providing their children with a solid academic foundation ¬– but there's so much more to homeschooling than academics, isn't there? The truth is that the greatest accomplishment of homeschooling is to nurture children in the ways of the One who made them. Whether you are on the edge of homeschool burnout, wondering why God has called your family to this homeschooling journey, or just need some honest, real encouragement, this is the one homeschool workshop not to miss out on!

Stories for families by the old story teller. From wagon trains to steam trains, from wilderness trails to super highways, Bruce's stories give a sweeping look at America's history and some of the ways people traveled across this great land.

Where and how does one begin this journey called homeschooling? Home education doesn't have to be overwhelming or fearful. You can make it a time of joy and rejoicing. Joyce will share simple teaching tips to help you navigate the early years.

A part of history told by thestory teller. Character, heroes and a bushel of apples! Through his stories and songs, Bruce will give you a feel for the real Johnny Appleseed and how we can all be heroes by following in his footsteps.

Make the civil war come alive and look at history as an andventure. Explore the Old West from the perspective of the Civil War. Bruce brings you engaging story telling and narrative

How can the preschool years be the starting point for a solid foundation in your child's life? Be encouraged and challenged to raise children who will be mighty in God's kingdom as you learn to teach your preschoolers with intention. Practical and fun ideas, with thought provoking challenges, will send you home excited and eager to take advantage of your child’s early years.

With humor, drama, and adventure, Bruce will give the audience a look at life in the old west. They will hear about the pioneers, the stage coaches, the steam trains and the cowboys. An interactive story and a lively harmonica are thrown into the mixture.

Many Indians of the Nez Perce tribe of the Old Oregon Territory received visions from the Creator that a Book was coming to them. This was called “The Macedonian Call of the West.” Join Pastor Aaron Auer as he tells how they traveled to St. Louis to talk to General Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in search of this “Book of Heaven,” our Bible.

Come learn from Pastor Aaron how the Church responded to “The Macedonian Call of the West”. They sent Oregon’s first missionary, Jason Lee, the original Trailblazer of Oregon, who established the first Oregon Mission with the Indian children.

Watch your step! Those wee ones are learning form everything you do. Betsy will offer encouragement and ideas for mothers of toddlers, especially those balancing their older and younger children's education.

Dad, you don’t have to be a spiritual giant with a towering intellect to be a leader in your family’s homeschool.

Do you realize what a powerful teaching tool you have right in the middle of your Bible? The book of Proverbs is a God-given handbook for training wise and discerning children. Take home fun and practical ideas for mining its treasures with your family.

Mad? Angry? Ticked off? Or just frustrated? What ever you call it, it will drive your kids away, divide your marriage, and destroy your home. No one likes living next to a volcano that could erupt at any moment. What are the dangers, the signs, and some Biblical solutions? How does one deal with an angry person and how do I get rid of these feelings that scream at me?

What type of homeschool parent are you? A box checker? Eclectic? Do you love schedules? Loathe them? Maybe you’re still looking for that perfect “niche.” Paige will share practical tips for helping all personalities succeed as homeschooling parents. Examine areas of struggle, identify strengths, and most importantly, be encouraged that God knew your strengths and weaknesses when He placed your children in your home.

Not many people realize that the historical development of evolutionary ideas were based on philosophical assumptions and shifts, not on scientific discovery. This seminar takes a critical look at this fascinating piece of history.

Whether you realize it or not, the decision to homeschool changes your identity. No longer “Mommy,” but “Mommy and Teacher,” establishing loving authority and setting realistic expectations in the homeschool are vital for long-term success. Learn to set attainable goals and model godly leadership as you live and school together.

Our children are precious gifts from the Lord but sometimes they can interfere with our human plans. Many homeschooling parents are in distress because they find their little ones seeking attention at all the wrong times. Let Paige share with you creative ways to prepare these young “sponges” for school while keeping them creatively occupied at times when the parent needs to concentrate on the older ones. The workshop is full of practical suggestions for educational toys and common household items that can be used to educate and occupy young ones. Homeschooling with young ones can be easier than you think!

Find out how to set up simple learning centers in your home that will help your young children ages 0 to 4 thrive in their learning. Maximize space and have creative play areas, science and art centers, sand and water activities, reading, music, and drama areas. The powerpoint presentation includes 134 pictures to clearly illustrate each learning center.

There is a bigger picture than learning how to read, how to do math equations, and knowing geography. Our children, from the moment of birth, are gifts from the Lord to nurture and enjoy for the years God has blessed us to have them in our homes. Learn from 3 veteran moms with over 60 years of homeschool experience combined the "why" of homeschooling from the very beginning and all the way through.

Rick Boyer and his wife have been home schooling since 1980. Starting out young and green in a time when only a handful of families was home schooling, Rick and Marilyn found few resources to help them in their journey. They had to blaze their own trail, surviving such obstacles as skeptical grandparents, hostile school authorities, unhelpful curriculum publishers, blizzards, Indian attacks&(just kidding). The Boyers are still home schooling today and now share their experiences around the world through their books and their speaking ministry. Rick will share some of the most profound lessons learned along the way, including: -It's not schooling, it's discipleship -Life is the curriculum -The kid is the can -Socialization is for socialists -George Washington survived without Little League -and many more!

A Biblical, age-appropriate approach to sex education. In this workshop parents of elementary and middle school children will learn what to talk about with their kids at every stage of development. This workshop includes information on how to set the paradigm for purity and courtship beginning in preschool. We will also discuss media discernment, how to give "the talk", and how parents can begin now to open up the lines of communication with their children to pave the way for honesty and openness during adolescence.

Marilyn Boyer has taught all fourteen of her children at home, so she has plenty of experience with any age group you can name. But her very favorite age to teach is those eager, curious, exciting, challenging munchkins we call preschoolers. This, Marilyn says is the time when we lay the foundation for greatness by pouring love and acceptance all over them, instead of treating them like a nuisance. Preschoolers aren't just little interruptions to be kept "occupied" while older siblings study. This season in a child's life is the time to tap into his huge potential by maximizing his natural love for learning and helping him to see that God is preparing him for a lifetime of important service. Come and learn from Marilyn how to make the most of this brief but exciting time.

Our children are precious gifts from the Lord but sometimes they can interfere with our human plans. Many homeschooling parents are in distress because they find their little ones seeking attention at all the wrong times. As the father of six children, David Hazell, along with his wife, Marie, have found creative ways to prepare these young "sponges" for school while keeping them creatively occupied at times when the parent needs to concentrate on the older ones. The workshop is full of practical suggestions for educational toys and common household items that can be used to educate and occupy young ones. Homeschooling with young ones can be easier than you think!

What is your goal in educating your children? How can the preschool years be the starting point for a solid foundation in your child's life? There is much more to a child's education than a simple diploma. Be encouraged and challenged to raise children who will be mighty in God's kingdom, as you learn to teach your preschoolers with intentional purpose. Practical and fun ideas, with thought provoking challenges, will send you home excited and eager to take advantage of your child's early years.

We are losing 75-88% of professing Christian kids by the end of their freshman year in college. In this message, Dr. Baucham explains why, and what the Bible has to say about stemming the tide.

Watch your step! Those wee ones are learning from everything you do. Betsy will offer encouragement and ideas for mothers of toddlers, especially those balancing their older and younger children’s education.

God has not called Christians to be influenced by society around them, but to be salt and light in that society. Every family must instill children with a sense of mission and equip them with methods to shine a light into the darkness of our community, city, and nation.

It's a blessing but it can be stressing! Home schooling with tiny ones around the house is a special challenge, but one that many moms handle with great success. Come hear how Marilyn Boyer,mother of 14 and a home schooler of 22 years' experience, makes her little ones a valuable part of the team!

Watch your step! Those wee ones are learning from everything you do. Betsy will offer encouragement and ideas for mothers of toddlers, especially those balancing their older and younger children’s education.

Relax. It's easier than you think. This workshop will walk you step-by-step through a simple and easy-to-use method based on phonics and fun combined in a simple game that kids will ask for day after day. The game is learned in one minute but will grow with your child through years of learning. All the materials for this method will cost you less than $2.00

Part 1 of a workshop for not only families with ADHD children, but also those whose children are simply fidgety. How do you teach a child with an impossibly short attention span? This home schooling mom of a supercharged, highly distractible child shares the practical tips that turned their home schooling from an exercise in pain and frustration to one of pleasure and success. Topics include, putting motion into learning, making math fun, the unique difficulty with writing and decreasing distractions. Also a thought provoking commentary on “What was God thinking?” when he put such qualities in your child. Come and learn practical tips that you can start using Monday morning.

Chris speaks to the hearts of home school fathers and mothers urging them to teach their children what really matters. Chris Klicka calls all homeschoolers to draw closer to the Lord and seek him with their whole heart. As an attorney, Chris Klicka has been battling for the right of parents to homeschool since 1985, and has been battling multiple sclerosis since 1994. He walks the talk as he shows how we must live in light of eternity and make every single day count. As a homeschool father of seven, Chris speaks from both his heart and many years of practical experience. He describes how we must understand suffering and how we are commanded to share the gospel as a family and as individuals virtually everyone we meet. He helps us all to return to our "first love" and establish a close relationship with our Lord and Savior. Chris explains that you're not homeschooling for homeschooling sake, but for the glory and honor of God. We can delegate authority to teach our children to someone else, but we can never delegate the responsibility.

Many people succeed in school but fail in the real world outside. Real education prepares the student for every aspect of life - practical, professional, spiritual, economic, civic. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. Those things that make us most useful for service add up to a real education.

Chris Klicka, home school attorney and father of seven, will present scores of biblical references which demonstrate how God requires our children to be nurtured and educated. The main purpose of this talk is to help homeschoolers develop a lasting commitment to homeschooling as the means to best train our children in God's ways. He will explain how the agenda and philosophy of the "movers and shakers," past and present, in public education are diametrically opposed to this. Chris will encourage us to keep up the fight and train our children to be leaders of tomorrow who have been taught not only to believe like Christians, but also to think like Christians. Chris will also urge the audience to sound the warning to other Christians to remove their children from the public schools. Chris proves his case very convincingly and this has become one of his most popular talks.

These workshops will be aimed especially towards those planning to start home schooling this fall. The Knopp’s have a passion to help newcomers catch a vision that will sustain them through good times and bad. Disheartened home-educators and those desiring to reestablish their original commitments are also welcome. From intensely challenging to fun and wacky, Mom, Dad, graduates and students will share their perspectives in a down-to-earth style. This presentation is intended to terrify the overly confident and empower the intimidated.

You’ve used all the sticker charts and point systems you can think of an d you are still faced with the Monday morning whines!! Is this child unmotivated, lazy or just normal? In this workshop, Mrs. Hensley will look at the underlying factors behind motivation and “un-motivation” as well as the importance of our attitudes and expectations in motivating our children.

Socializing children means nothing more (and nothing less!) than teaching them how to love others as they love themselves-even in the midst of conflict. Learn how peacemaking can be a key to your children experiencing success in their marriages, churches, careers, and most of all, in their Christian witness.

Parents of children with disabilities experience many challenges associated with having and teaching a child with learning problems. Negative emotions, lack of support and distorted perspectives can keep us from being effective teachers of our children. In this workshop, Mrs. Hensley will discuss the importance of facing challenges honestly as well as look at how these challenges are actually opportunities placed in our lives by God for our spiritual growth.

Learn the nuts and bolts of teaching your children how to resolve their conflicts biblically, recognize root causes of their conflicts, along with sincerely confessing their wrongs, confronting others constructively, and forgiving others as God has forgiven them.

Many home educators are intimidated by the common myth that children who are taught at home are at a disadvantage in social development. Rick Boyer draws on Scripture, scientific research and the experience of thousands of home-teaching families to show that the opposite is true. To prepare children for the real world, they need to be in the real world: family, church, and community - not locked away from society in age-segregated schools. This session will help you respond to the constant challenge: "What about socialization?"

Does your school day lack pizzazz? Is the topic too big for you to cover well? Do you want your children challenged and motivated to do their very best? If so, then maybe co-opping is an option you should examine. Three home-schooling moms will share how they have been blessed by the benefits of co-opping together the last 13 years. Come learn the how-to's and more of starting a co-op.

It's a blessing but it can be stressing! Home schooling with tiny ones around the house is a special challenge, but one that many moms handle with great success. Come hear how Marilyn Boyer, mother of 14 and a homeschooler of 22 years' experience, makes her little ones a valuable part of the team!