How to Homeschool
Charlotte Mason: Excellence without Sacrifice, by Jeannie Fulbright
Filled with a strong desire to do the best for their children, many homeschoolers adopt philosophies and techniques that are both burdensome and ineffective, often leaving parents feeling heavy-laden, weary, and discouraged. There is a better way. Jeannie Fulbright shares how using the key tenets of the Charlotte Mason method will enrich and edify your family’s life, enabling you to impart a quality education while relieving burden and burnout. This lively talk is bubbling with truth as Jeannie shares her knowledge, insights, research, support, and personal experiences with the primary concepts taught in Charlotte Mason’s Original Homeschooling Series.
Adopting the Coaching Mentality in Your Homeschool, by Tina von Hatten
A coach is someone who desires your success and is on your team. When a parent steps out of the teaching role and becomes a coach, the potential for learning increases naturally. Over the years, as a homeschool parent, I have adopted the approach of a coach. Using observation, mediated learning and encouragement, children recognize that you support them and are on ‘their’ side. When a child feels supported, their desire to learn naturally expands. Any parent can be their child’s coach with support and tools at their disposal.
Homeschooling Through Life’s Disruptions, by Aimee Smith
You crafted an excellent plan for your homeschool year, then reality hits with disruptions and interruptions: Chronic illness, short-term illness, grief, pregnancy, appointments, car and house repairs, caring for elderly, depression/anxiety, and much more. You feel behind in academics and begin to wonder if you really should continue homeschooling. Take hope – homeschooling is still possible! You might struggle to merely survive, but through these 5 key principles, you’ll learn how the disruptions can help your homeschool thrive.
The 4 Essentials to an Awesome School Year, by Amanda Stockdale
Learn the 4 key ingredients that you need to figure out to make this school year the best. Leave with a step by step guide to setting up your learning area, choosing the perfect curriculum, creating a relaxed routine, and trusting your child’s unique learning timeline.
The Holy Trinity of Homeschool: Heart, Attitude, Character, by Bekki Sayler
The heart of homeschooling our kids.. Bekki calls it the Holy Trinity: Heart, Attitude, and Character. Once we see the true core of homeschooling, the other pieces are easier to put into place
It’s Okay…Give Your Homeschool Permission to These 5 Things!, by Jennifer Merckling
Let’s set realistic expectations for ourselves and our children this homeschool year! Experience grace and freedom as you homeschool with confidence! Jen shares what homeschooling looks like– especially at the beginning of a new year, diving into questions like: How much should I be helping my kids? How long should this be taking? How can I make curriculum work for me? How do I manage the house & homeschool? How can I teach multiple kids effectively? .
Seven Reasons To Include Memory Work in Your School Day, by Justina of Jus’ Classical
We live in a world where we have information at our fingertips. We can “Google” anything, right? But, in reality, despite all the technology and resources to just “look everything up”, we still need to memorize many things. While rote memorization gets a bad name, the fact is, that in order to learn and develop a body of knowledge, we must memorize many basic facts, so it is important in the elementary years to take advantage of a child’s joy of repetition to memorize foundational facts.
Using Morning Time in a Charlotte Mason Education, by Lara Molettiere
Learn how morning time and multi-level learning strengthens relationships, makes life easier for mom, and brings more joy to your homeschool – all while including the sometimes elusive Riches that make a Charlotte Mason education so full of Truth, goodness, and beauty.
Simplify Your Homeschool: Lessons learned from living (and teaching) out of a suitcase!, by Kirsten McTernan
Before you go buying “all the things!” listen as Kirsten shares her experience of moving from AL to PA; spending a month living and teaching at her in-laws with just a suitcase of supplies! Humorous and practical, you’ll learn how simplifying your homeschool can actually be beneficial to both you and your children.
How to Make Learning Fun Using Games, by Surya Chronister
Kids love games. Wouldn’t it be great if school were just one big game?! Learn how to easily incorporate games and activities into almost any subject in your homeschool. Your kids will love you for it!
How to Give Your Child a Love of Learning, by Surya Chronister
Learning doesn’t just happen for thirteen years between kindergarten and the end of high school. As a homeschool parent, you want your child to love learning so much that they pursue it on their own, right? Me, too! Let’s chat about some behaviors and habits you can incorporate into your homeschool to help that happen.
How I Home Educated 7 Children Together at the Same Time, by Tal Hoover
I am going to share how I plan lessons, buy materials and educate my large family. This will be very encouraging to those that think they can’t homeschool a large family. You can do this with minimal supplies and preparation.
Teaching Multiple Grade Levels All at One Table, by Tal Hoover
I am going to share some ideas and methods on how I taught 7 children in different grade levels, all at the same table at once. Many people assume this is a difficult process, but it’s not. This is one of the easiest ways to teach your family without chaos. You don’t want to miss this one!
Exploring the Learning in LIFE, by Pat Fenner
Do you want your children to discover that “Learning IS Fun and Exciting”? Grab that enthusiasm for yourself as a parent by exploring ways to uncover learning “nuggets” in everyday activities. This workshop will also give you an introduction to unit studies and some suggestions for record-keeping if you need to (or want to) provide documentation of your educational activities/field trips/events.
Homeschool Subject Areas
How to Motivate and Nurture Young Writers, by Kim Kautzer
What’s the secret to raising eager writers? Hook them while they’re young with engaging activities that teach foundational writing skills and help ward off stubbornness and bad attitudes. Kim will share fun prewriting games, clever brainstorming ideas, and creative publishing projects for grades K-6. It’s never too soon—or too late—to get your kids excited about writing!
Math: Embrace the Vocabulary, by Bekki Sayler
When our kids are young, it’s easy to skip over the math vocabulary that we find unfamiliar and foreign. But we have the ability to help them succeed in higher math (middle school and above) by embracing the vocabulary of math all along the journey.
Hot Rods and Hope Chests: Boys and Girls and History, by Michelle Miller Howard
We men and women cannot stop laughing (or crying!) over the differences between us. Moms, are you considering these same differences when teaching history to your sons? We gals enjoy relating to people of the past, but guys engage best when seeing God’s historic unveiling of the potent truths which have present power and future impact. This will transform your odyssey through history, igniting current interest and world-changing vision in both your boys and girls!
But … but … but … What about Grammar?, by Andrew Pudewa
Knowing how to teach grammar is especially challenging for the parent who doesn’t feel confident in his or her own grammar proficiency. Grammar programs often consist of piles of workbooks, wasted dollars, and way too much time spent trying to fulfill that subject. Often what is taught in those workbook pages doesn’t translate into success in writing. The results are poor mechanics and a less than stellar understanding of “What is a verb?” or perhaps more importantly, “How doverb choices enhance writing?” If you are asking, “But what about grammar?” Andrew Pudewa has answers.
A Kid-Friendly Approach to Teaching Reading, by Heather Gonzales
You want your child to love to read, but there is so much pressure to make it happen quickly that everyone gets stressed out. Learn how to take a kid-friendly approach that will help your child learn to read and at his own pace!
The Importance of Including Music in Your Homeschool: Music in Development and Music Activities, by Justina of Jus’ Classical
Music is something we can enjoy and participate in from birth to death. It is a great enhancement throughout each stage of development. Whether or not you want your child to be a proficient musician, he or she will benefit from participating in active music making in your homeschool by improving academics and as part of being a well-rounded human being.portant in your child’s development and in being well-rounded human beings.
Spelling and the Brain, by Andrew Pudewa
Many children (and some adults) have difficulty learning to spell, but the difficulty may not be with the student so much as with the method of presentation. Find out in this workshop how spelling information is most efficiently stored in the brain, and why. With a greater insight into the nature of spelling and neurological function presented in this workshop, parents and teachers will be well-equipped to meet the needs of all their children, not just the naturally good spellers.
Writing: The 3 Know-Knows of Teaching Writing, by Bekki Sayler
Once we realize that the goal of writing is “excellence in communication”, we can use writing styles, assignments, and vocabulary to mentor and train our kids to succeed. Come learn the 3 Know-knows of writing: purpose, audience, and vocabulary and get ready to fall in love with writing!g Writing
Teaching Science with Excellence, by Jeannie Fulbright
Let’s face it—most people don’t like science. Why is that? It’s likely because of how science was taught to them as children. In this talk, based on years of research, data, and experience, Jeannie Fulbright shares her understanding of how science should be taught to elementary students. You will learn the keys to successfully building a solid foundation of science education, with tips, ideas, and examples for making science come to life for both parents and students.
Exploring Nature with your Five Senses, by Meaghan Jackson
This session will explore a variety of activities you can do with your children to further your studies on nature. Discover how you can explore nature with your five senses and go beyond the text book with hands on ideas including foraging, sketching and researching.
Why Art is More Important than You Think!, by Sally Stansfield and Jennifer Elia
Art is usually considered something fun to do once the “real” work is done. However, art is important in so many ways. It is the cornerstone of a solid education and is useful in developing skills that can be used across subject areas including problem solving, creativity, outside of the box thinking, and focus. If you think art is only for those who can’t do math and science, think again. Art is for everyone!
How to Entice a Reluctant Writer, by Surya Chronister
Does school come to a screeching halt when your child has to complete a writing assignment? Are there frustrations or tears when it come to writing in your homeschool? Let’s fix that! Learn why writing is such a flash-point for so many kids and what you can do to help.
Neuroscience and Music Education: Giving Your Child a Superpower Through Music, by Gabriela Haberer
In this session, participants will be introduced to a growing body of research that demonstrates the many neurological benefits of music instruction. Attendees will leave with actionable steps that they can implement at home to help grow music aptitude and prepare their child for more structured music lessons.
Secondary
Helping Your Teen Realize Their Potential, by Tina von Hatten
Help Your Teen choose curriculum and subjects that prepare them for their future. Tips on navigating the highschool years, choosing curriculum and interest led learning.
College Prep: Are Writing and Study Skills on Track?, by Kim Kautzer
For high schoolers, there’s more to planning for college than simply getting accepted, and becoming a good writer is at the top of the list. Nip procrastination in the bud! Learn how you can equip your kids by encouraging strong writing skills—and good study habits—that will serve them well in college.
High School: The Grand Finale, by Michelle Miller Howard
Would you leave the July 4th fireworks before the Grand Finale? And, why is the Finale the best part? Because at the ending, the fireworks come not in a slow, methodical order, but in a burst of multiple zest, power, and impact! That’s exactly what happens in high school, when all the earlier threads come together in a dazzling, stirring, and memorable display of greatness. Your earlier work of teaching decimals and prepositions all leads to the Grand Finale when the greatest truths can finally be grasped rapid-fire by your maturing kids, eager to understand the world they are about to inherit.
How to Homeschool High School, by Jen Dodrill
In this workshop, I will take the mystery and anxiety out of homeschooling in high school. I’m going to show you how to cover difficult topics, dual enrollment, using outside tutors or other sources, and more! See my swag bag ad for your FREE high school course template and life skills checklist!
Homeschool to College with Excellence, by Jeannie Fulbright
There is a lot of misinformation in the homeschool community regarding college admissions. The truth is, moving from homeschool to college does involve jumping through a few hoops. But Jeannie Fulbright is here to share what these hoops are and how to maneuver them successfully. Jeannie’s four children went to the University of Georgia on scholarship. In this talk you’ll learn all about college scholarships, and how your high school plan can make them possible, how to help your child discover a career and future that suits their personality, as well as many other topics that will make moving from high school to college as smooth as possible.
Encouragement for Homeschoolers
I’m Not Patient Enough to Homeschool, by Aimee Smith
You must have your hands full; I could never do that; I’m not patient enough to homeschool. These common responses to homeschool moms reveal a myth that patience is a prerequisite qualification for home education. Frustration, impatience, and even anger are common among homeschool moms, but they hold a hidden opportunity. Learn 5 steps to seize this opportunity and use your impatience to enhance rather than hinder your family’s homeschool.
Motivating for greatness: how to get your child to learn with less stress!, by Britton Latulippe
Children can learn anything if they really want to. The trouble is getting them to want to. That is why every parent and teacher must become a master of motivation. The art of motivation has no perfectly set rules. But, like all arts, certain methods and techniques are universally effective. Drawing from his experiences at prep school, in the military, and as an educator, Mr. LaTulippe will teach you how to motivate your children for greatness. And here is the first tip to motivating your child: it has to be more than just fun.
All Things Homeschool – What I Learned from My 25 Years of Homeschooling, by Jan L. Burt
No need to start from scratch or try to reinvent the wheel when it comes to all things homeschool related – instead, learn from my successes & my failures! Join me for this workshop for tips & tricks, advice & helpful hints, as well as lots of encouragement and even a warning or two. And I’ll also be sharing a couple of devotionals I wrote for you, the homeschooling parent, because a key aspect of my homeschool success was obtaining & maintaining the Lord’s favor, peace & blessing. Don’t miss this workshop! I’ll see you there & am looking forward to getting to know you!
Perspective, by Rachael Carman
Stop yelling. Start smiling. Be more patient. Enjoy each day. Be more consistent with discipline. This list of resolutions could be written by most moms. We want to be great moms. We want to love our children, encourage them, help to be all they can be. We want them to trust us, to come to us when they’re hurting or confused or frustrated. We want to honor God as we raise the children He has entrusted to us. But more often than not, we fail. We yell. We nag. We lose it. Why is writing the list of goals so much easier than living the list? Why can’t we seem to get on top of it? Might there be a key to making consistent progress in becoming the mom we want to be? Join me as I discuss the importance and power of perspective. Focus matters.
Bible Study for the Homeschool Mom, by Jan L. Burt
In any given family, during any given homeschool year, encouragement is a key ingredient for homeschool success. But during the global pandemic, solid Biblical encouragement is needed more than ever! Whether you’ve been home educating for a decade or are a “short-term” homeschooler due to COVID-19, this workshop has that key ingredient & will strengthen and prepare you for the coming days, weeks & months. Our lives and homeschools may look very different than we’d hoped, but the Lord has not been taken by surprise and He has some life-giving words that are just for you! Join me during this workshop session for a Bible study created specifically with you, the homeschooling mother, in mind. Don’t miss it!
6 Homeschool Regrets: What I Wish I Did Differently…, by Jennifer Merckling
Hindsight is 20/20! Jen shares 6 things she regrets from her early years of homeschooling and how she’s making changes with her youngest learners. Let her transparency be an encouragement to you!
“Education is Spiritual”, by Michelle Miller Howard
Without realizing it, we parents absorbed a visceral “definition” of education from our experiences as students in institutional schools. The unspoken beliefs were seen as the very essence of education. But are they? Seeking God’s Word for His view of education shows the exciting heart-based (rather than merely brain-based), personal, relational, rewarding adventure it was meant to be.
Making Your Home a Haven, by Lara Molettiere
This workshop is designed to help Christian homeschool moms choose a more intentional life and cultivate a sacred and wonderful space for those in their care. Identify your goals for your home culture, discover simple ways to practice the art of hospitality, and bring beauty into your home and homeschool.
Living Your Priorities: 5 Tips for Mental Peace This School Year, by Jennifer Merckling
After 16 years of homeschooling–Jen is sharing the 5 things that make all the difference in calming anxiety and enjoying the journey! Discover simple ways to show yourself grace and love–and bless your family!
How to Thrive (Not Just Survive) as a Homeschool Mom, by Justina of Jus’ Classical
Do you want to thrive, not just survive, as a homeschool mom? It is possible to thrive as a homeschool mom and enjoy your life if you keep an eternal mindset, figure out your priorities, create routines, set goals, make a plan, and take time for self-care!
3 Steps to Finding Your Homeschool Groove, by Michelle Huddleston
Join7-year homeschooling mama Michelle Huddleston as she shares 3 practical tips for finding your homeschool groove. You’ll feel refreshed and re-energized to start (or continue) your journey with grace and ease.
Casting a Vision and Re-Discovering the Purpose for Why You Homeschool, by Kirsten McTernan
For both new and seasoned homeschooling parents! This session will give you the tools you need to teach with purpose, determination and focus. You’ll discover ways to help you narrow in on your goals for each child and reach your intended outcome for homeschooling.
Principles of Motivation, by Andrew Pudewa
A student of motivation for decades, Andrew has organized fundamental ideas of motivation into three categories: four forms of relevancy, three laws of motivation, and two secret weapons. This is an expansion of Andrew’s previous talk “Teaching Boys and Other Children Who Would Rather Be Making Forts All Day,” with new and updated information, stories, and tips to help kids learn happily and well.
Homeschooling from Anywhere, by Annette Breedlove
As a full-time traveling family, we love traveling and seeing everything the United States has to offer. We have also learned how to homeschool from anywhere. In this session, I will share how we work homeschooling into our travels and how we try to take advantage of every destination to enrich our children’s education.
Living Your Priorities: 5 Tips for Mental Peace This School Year, by Jennifer Merckling
After 16 years of homeschooling–Jen is sharing the 5 things that make all the difference homeschooling…Simple ways to show yourself grace and love–and bless your family.
How to Have a “Stress-Free” Homeschool, by Pat Fenner
Too often we tend to stress and obsess about our responsibilities as home educators. Yes, it is important to do our best as we teach our kiddos. However, there’s no reason to take ourselves (and the results) too seriously. Understanding and “owning” these five mindsets will help you enjoy the journey and achieve your homeschool goals while safeguarding your sanity and strengthening your family relationships.
First Things First, by Kerry Beck
What are truly the first things you need to focus on in your homeschool? Kerry shares the three most important aspects of her homeschool. She will share stories about her kids and the impact these three things have on their lives now as adults.
Special Needs
Special Needs Homeschooling – How to Add Therapy Into Your School Day, by Heather Gonzales
As a special needs parent it can feel like there simply isn’t enough time to keep up with everything you need to do. School + keeping a home + therapy can feel like too much. Learn how to incorporate your therapy exercises into your homeschool routine and your daily life to stop the overwhelm!
Homeschooling Autism, by Penny Rogers
Do you wonder if it’s possible to homeschool your child with autism? What about therapies like OT and speech? What about socialization? Listen as I share some tips and tricks I learned homeschooling my child with autism all the way through high school.
At Home Options for Doing Therapy With Your Child With Autism, by Penny Rogers
Does your child need more therapy than insurance will cover? Do you homeschool so you don’t have access to in school therapy options? I’m here to show you that you can absolutely do speech, occupational and physical therapy at home with success.
Organization & Planning
Planning Margin into Your Homeschool Day, by Tina von Hatten
Leaving ample opportunity for exploring and delving into non-traditional or child-led pursuits can seem frivolous or disorienting to many parents. In actuality, margin is needed in so many ways. Children need time to be bored, to explore, to dig deeper and discover who God has created them to be. Margin can be planned into the day in a number of ways. I propose to explore why building margin into your homeschool day is not only essential, but also wonderfully freeing as well as a number of examples on how to build margin into your day.
Homeschool Planning 101: My Best Advice for Planning a Successful Homeschool Year (A 25 Year Homeschooler Spills Her Guts…), by Jan L. Burt
Homeschool planning is one of the most trying & taxing aspects of home education. This workshop will help eliminate the overwhelm by offering easy to incorporate ways of planning that actually work. Join me for this workshop as I share how I planned our homeschool an entire year at a time for five children…and was able to complete every subject for every child without the stress or mess of planning. As an added bonus, I will share a “bonus teaching” on electives & transcripts – ‘cuz we all know those are two areas that can be very intimidating! I hope to be a blessing to you & will be ready to answer your questions about homeschool planning. Hope you will join me for this workshop!
7 Secrets to a Good Homeschool Week, by Kathie Morrissey
A good homeschool week is something we ALL hope for regularly, isn’t it? However, that doesn’t always happen. What if I told you there were some secrets to a good homeschool week? Join me as I share secrets that I learned over my 31 years of homeschooling our 8 children!
Working and Homeschooling Parents: How to juggle it all, by Meaghan Jackson
Parents who are working and homeschooling have added layers to their homeschooling journey. It is possible to juggle it all with some extra planning and creative thinking. Join me for this encouraging session that provides you with ideas of how you could make it work in your home.
The Budget-Friendly Homeschool: 6 Simple Ways to Spend Less While Giving Your Child a Top-Notch Education, by Kirsten McTernan
Speaking from experience, this practical session will show you how to give your child an enriching yet affordable homeschool experience your family will love! (handout provided)
You Don’t Have to Make It Difficult, by Tal Hoover
Many homeschoolers often get overwhelmed by the endless curriculum programs on the market, the various education methods, supplies and books. In this workshop, I am going to share the methods that you can implement to keep your homeschool as simplifed as possible. You truly don’t have to make it difficult.
3 Tips to Overcome Busyness, by Kerry Beck
Discover how to schedule your time and choose the right activities for your family. Kerry will share a few practical tips to reduce the number of activities for your kids. Come away with ideas for moms to feel refreshed each week & ready to homeschool.
Parenting & Discipleship
Reclaiming Joy by Cultivating Family Conversations, by Aimee Smith
Do the conversations in your homeschool day lead to joy in learning together? You began your homeschool journey with a desire to talk with your children as you sit at home, walk by the way, lie down, and rise up. As your journey progresses, you might find the conversations are not quite as beautiful as you dreamed. Fussing and complaining abound. Talking at your children replaces talking with them. You realize the joy has been stolen from your family. Mom, you can guide the conversations in your family so that learning occurs without feeling like school. You can promote a joyful environment in your home. Come learn about obstacles to overcome while fostering intentional discussions, practical tools to adopt for asking purposeful questions, and habits to build for cultivating fruitful conversations so you can reclaim joy in your homeschool.
Scripture Memorization- Why and How to Do It, by Heather Gonzales
The Bible tells us that there are spiritual battles going on all around us. We wouldn’t send our soldiers out to war without weapons, so let’s not do that to our children. Your family NEEDS to be hiding God’s word in their hearts and minds. Learn why it’s vital to do it, and how to make it fun and easy for everyone from toddlers to adults!
Training Character Into Your Children, by Kathie Morrissey
Learn the why and how of building Godly character in your children! Kathie will be talking about the 3 ways kids learn character, as well as sharing some practical tips to get started today with consistent character training in your home.
10 Things Every Homeschooler Should Remember, by Kathie Morrissey
Homeschooling is more about discipling than academics. We are investing in eternity as we prepare our children to serve God. There is no higher calling. Many times we forget this and other truths, and get distracted from our purpose and goals of homeschooling. Kathie will give 10 key things every homeschooler should remember. You will be encouraged and inspired as she reminds you of these very important thoughts you need to regularly keep before you.
You Can Teach Social Skills to Children with Autism, by Penny Rogers
It’s easy to work on social skills with your child with autism using everyday places. It can be frugal and life changing.
Gentle Parenting and Homeschool Success, by Meaghan Jackson
Respectful gentle parenting encourages problem solving and cooperation with your children. This will then help your homeschooling day run more smoothly. Learn some practical tools and techniques to help the whole family including coping skills for kids.