Daily Sessions & Descriptions

Monday, Day 1

Theme: The ABC’s of Homeschooling, Diligent Prep for College

Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing (Andrew Peduwa)

We’ve all suffered it at one time or another: frustration about writing assignments. Either on the receiving end, or perhaps now on the giving end, there can be a few distinctly discouraging aspects to teaching and being taught writing. The tough questions include: What do I correct and how do I give a grade? How much help is too much? Isn’t the assignment clear enough? Why don’t students find their own errors? Learn and avoid four teaching mistakes that contribute to this frustration: Overcorrecting, Holding Back Help, Unclear Assignments, and Over-Expectation.

But..but..but...what about grammar? (Andrew Peduwa)

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.

 However Imperfectly: Lessons Learned from 30 Years of Teaching (Andrew Pudewa)

In this talk, Andrew shares many humorous experiences (and painful lessons) he has learned over thirty years of teaching and homeschooling, including: It’s hard not to do to your kids what was done to you; process over product; all kids are different; “progressive” education doesn’t mean progress; what real “college and career readiness” is; and two secret keys to successful teaching. You will be challenged or reassured (or both!) but sure to leave with an expanded vision of your calling as a home educator.

Unschooling for Christians (Barbara Smith)

I love parts of the Unschooling Philosophy but as a Christian, I dislike other parts of it. Why? Because the Bible is very clear in saying we are to be diligent in training our children all the time. So what is different for Christians? In this video, I will talk about the first 6 goals that will help you disciple your children and train their minds.

The Adventurous Road from Homeschool to College (Denise Boiko)

It’s the journey of a lifetime. But as you think about homeschooling through high school, do the questions seem to outweigh the answers? You’re not alone! In this session, I’ll walk you through the most common questions that come up on the adventurous road – with the goal of providing answers, insights, and a sense of direction rather than confusion. Questions such as “What should our priorities be?” “What are colleges looking for” and “How do I begin my high school course planning?” will be front and center. You’ll also see a snapshot of what the college applications tasks will look like, and you’ll discover how you can begin to plan your students personalized “best route to college.” Come here and hear about how to personalize the GPs for this adventurous road trip!

Homeschool Resources - So Many!! (Glenn Ballard)

The prospect of homeschooling can seem daunting, yea nigh impossible, to a parent contemplating homeschooling for the first time. I certainly felt that way. My wife did too. But the truth is there are so many resources – curriculum, books, DVDs, online classes, homeschooling communities, homeschooling co-ops. And we have the Internet, which opens up a “new world” of online possibilities that did not exist just 20 or 30 years ago. On top of all that, we have a wonderful organization called the Home School Legal Defense Association (“HSLDA”), which helps protect us from a legal and regulatory standpoint and also provides guidance on how to comply with the regulations for homeschooling in every state. Thanks to a few wise and brave trailblazers in the United States about 40-45 years ago, and the LORD’s merciful providence, homeschooling has never been as easy as it is right now. Homeschooling is like parenting – just x10 (some days, maybe x100). Parents who earnestly desire to homeschool tend to find a way. And there are many fellow Christian homeschooling parents, who want to help you along the way.

Homeschooling with a Charlotte Mason Philosophy (Justina Ford)

In this training, Justina Ford shares the 20 Principles of a Charlotte Mason Philiosophy from the AmblesideOnline.org website. She shares why every Christian Homeschool family should be incorporating these principles whether or not you choose to use CM specific curriculum.

Fear Not, You and Your Student Can Learn Math Together (Steve Demme)

Math is so much more than memorizing rules and facts. With a unique and humorous approach, Steve demonstrates how to use hands-on manipulatives to illustrate important math concepts such as place value, double digit multiplication, fractions, algebra, exponents, squares, square roots, and factoring trinomials.

A Theocentric Christian Education (Graham & Alison Shortridge)

School years teach children so much more than just academics. They learn the basics of who they will become as adults, and the lessons learnt as children stay with them for the rest of their lives. Are you certain that your children are in the best hands? Are they being trained up in the way they should go? Are their minds, spirits and souls being cared for? Are you concerned about any of the following: A decline in the academic standardsSchoolyard bullying, The lack of individual attention in class, The introduction of interfaith and humanismLawless peer pressure, The need for instruction based on Christian values and principles, Moral decay and lack of discipline, Rising costs. If you are, and have not already discovered the solution to your concerns by HOME SCHOOLING. Why not start now?

Cultivating Language from Preschool to High School (Andrew Pudewa)

Listening and reading well, speaking and writing clearly, thinking and debating effectively are abilities that most parents hope to cultivate in their children. With that goal in mind, Andrew will explore various environments and activities which will accelerate the development of these language skills, beginning with the youngest students and continuing into the high school years.

How To Plan Your Homeschool Year for Success! (Sue Ruggles)

In this session you will gain skills in:

·        Creating academic goals for your children.

·        Setting clear expectations for you and your family.

·        Brainstorming for planning lessons, weekly plans, and schedules.

·        Staying flexible when life doesn’t go as planned.

·        Incorporating health & wellness goals.

How to Make Curriculum Choices for Homeschool Sanity (Melanie Wilson)

Choosing curriculum is one of the most challenging parts of homeschooling, but it doesn’t have to be so hard. If you’re overwhelmed, you’ll benefit from using a checklist of simple criteria. You can save time and feel more confident that you’ve chosen materials that serve your family. Christian psychologist and veteran homeschooler, Dr. Melanie Wilson, will reassure you that even poor curriculum choices don’t have to steal your sanity.

Creative Writing with Kids (Katie Andrews Potter)

TBD

Homeschool to College (John Travis, Liberty University)

Listen to Admission Recruiter John Travis talk about the following:

·        Who is Liberty University?

·        What does the general admissions process look like at Liberty?

·        What does the International Admissions process look like at Liberty?

·        What does the Homeschool Admissions process look like?

·        What do students on Liberty’s campus have available to them?

·        What opportunities do students have available to them to have fun?

·        What scholarships are available to students?

·        How safe will my student be on campus?

·        How do we come visit?

·        What was your favorite part of your Liberty experience and what tips do you have for incoming students?

Tuesday, Day 2

Theme: Chats with Real Parents, Health & Wellness for Parents & Students

Overcoming Depression & Burnout (Cynthia Hancox)

Are you struggling with fear, anxiety, burn-out or depression? You are not alone! Be encouraged that there IS a way out of the pit of despair, and that no matter what is going on around you or in your life - current events, chaos at home, pressure to perform as a parent, spouse, home educator - you do not have to try to be Superwoman (or Superman). Listen as Cynthia shares some of her own story of experiencing and overcoming depression, along with her tips for how to deal with burn-out and depression.

Tea with Megan, A Conversational Q&A (Megan Erps)

Have you talked about the elephant in the room? What about this fall?

Have you become unnerving and frustrated? Are you confident in planning your year?

Grab some coffee or tea and sit down with a real mom.

Weaving God's Presence In Your Homeschool Experience (LM Preston)

The parenting and homeschooling session focused on how to bring God into your homeschool is for parents that want to create an environment that weaves in a healthy, close relationship with God through opening communication, encouragement and realistic approaches. LM Preston is the author of Homeschooling and Working While Shaping Amazing Learners and a homeschooling mother of four. www.EmpoweredSteps.com.

The Race Talk (Kwasi Agbottah)

This world can hurt. Not just people, but systems of interaction we experience and often label as "race." How are we to socialize our children to address what's going on in a meaningful way? I often wish that our ancestors could have a heart-to-heart and apologize for what they either helped create or painfully endured. But do I want to have that kind of conversation with my neighbors, and give up possible ways that I have benefitted? Join us as we try to do just that.

The Missions Talk (Kwasi Agbottah)

What does homeschooling have to do with missions? Welcome to Detroit! In this session, we'll talk about how the Bible (in the hands of someone truly willing to hear from God) can create well-worn paths of cultivation in our hearts, breaking fallow ground and clearing distractions to make way for authentic worship that grows into indigenous missions! And you thought school was about lesson plans and down time? Come join us.

Homeschooling as a Single Parent Panel (Jaynel Jones and Sandi Gonzalez)

Single parenting and homeschooling can be challenging. But it can be done and these two moms tell us how through the good memories and the challenge and then giving it all to God for the solutions to those challenges. They get real about their needs as well.

Transformed From Worn Out and Weary to Hopeful and Helpful (Teresa Striplin)

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. God has put a message on each parent's heart as to what she should teach her child. Come learn about creating a mission statement for your educational journey. During this time of uncertainty and so many options it is easy to become overwhelmed, having a mission statement is a good way to stay focused. Once you have a statement, the details may overwhelm and cause weariness for several reasons; when we try to homeschool alone, when we try to copy “school” at home and when we try to “do it all”.

Creating an Organized Homeschool Life (Melanie Wilson)

One of the biggest obstacles to long-term homeschool success is disorganization. If this is your first year homeschooling or you keep saying this is the year you’ll get organized and it doesn’t happen, you won’t want to miss this session with Dr. Melanie Wilson. She is a Christian psychologist turned happy homeschooling mom, despite her initial lack of organization. You’ll learn simple steps for getting every aspect of your home and life in order, even if you weren’t born organized.

Homeschooling: What in the World is Going On? Facts, Stats, and Biblical Truth (Dr. Brian Ray)

Public schooling, private schooling, and homeschooling all teach, train, and indoctrinate children. How many parents know that the indoctrination in government/public schools is clear and blatant? What does scripture say who should have the duty and responsibility to educate children? Further, and more telling, what does scripture say about who should not be teaching, training, and indoctrinating the children of God’s children? Real-life examples of what is being done in the state/public school system, direct scriptural analysis, and 35 years of research on homeschooling will be brought to bear. Tighten your belts as Dr. Ray hits these topics hard, fast, and with some research statistics and a bit of humor.

Homeschool Dads Who Homeschool (Glenn Ballard, Kwasi Agbottah)

A homeschooling dad who homeschools is rare. You’ll want to listen in on this conversation! They talk about why they chose to homeschool, stories about the precious times with their children, going through some hard times and letting God use them to create a solution.

Creating Peace in a Chaotic World Panel – (Karen Chegwidden, Pat Sikora, Glenn Ballard, LaNissir James)

We all know about the difficulties happening in the world during covid-19. There is so much unrest and chaos. What are we to do as Christians? Listen in on this panel of 4 people and hear what they are doing in their part of the world. Perhaps you’ll want to come along and join them!

Hot House Transplants (Jess E Allen, Christophe Adams, Sarah Venable)

Former homeschooling students out in the world with faith intact. They share who they are and what they are doing, why their parents homeschooled, great memories, challenges, how they overcame with God's help, and some words of encouragement to those of you still in the trenches.

Day 3, Wednesday

Theme: Courageous Living Teen Track, Unique Special Needs & Gifted Children

Gameschooling (Jaynel Jones)

Gaming schooling is a awesome way to explore beyond the books and tear down the walls of Traditional schools failings not just for the littles but definitely for the middle and high school age mini’s. 

Square Pegs. Round Holes. Home Educating Gifted and Special Needs Children (Karen Chegwidden)

If you have a child who has learning differences, either special needs and/or gifted students, you already know that getting their educational needs met in a traditional school setting is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Practical tips for supporting home educated students with learning differences from a home educating mother who’s been there.

CRACKING THE CODE to Learning Disabilities and Schooling: A Holistic Approach (Elizabeth Sharpe)

Is your student struggling? Have you tried several strategies and you and your child are frustrated? This is very common as we attempt to understand the WHOLE child who has Learning Disabilities. Most doctors only have one piece of the pie. I will equip you with research based tools and strategies that will finally crack the code for your student.

SOUL CARE for your TEEN: How to Win Their HEART and AVOID POWER STRUGGLES (Elizabeth Sharpe)

Students ages 11-19 are unique in their body, mind and spirit. Teaching your teen does not have to be challenging or frustrating. In fact, it can be the most amazing time to solidify your relationship with them and keep their heart turned towards GOD and turned towards YOU! Academics is secondary to keeping the heart of your child!!!! I will share with you successful strategies that have helped me avoid power struggles and WIN my students heart.

Real Teen Talk – (Miguel Song, Sydney Lee)

Real teen students share about their experiences as they homeschool now! What did they think about why their parents homeschooled? What are some of their favorite memories? What’s been a challenge and how did God take care of them in that hard time? Last, what positive take-away did they have during Covid-19?

Day 4, Staying Power Marriage & Parenting (as it relates to being a homeschool family)

Influence of Fathers and Leading Family Worship in the Home (Steve Demme)

A plethora of studies have demonstrated the profound impact of fathers on their children. In this session we will explore the influence of Dads in scripture and how we can learn from what they did well and where they dropped the ball. God designed men to serve and lay their lives down for their wife and children.

To Love Well We First Must Be Loved Well (Steve Demme)

Jesus was a loving Savior because He was a loved Son. As we comprehend and assimilate God’s love and affection for us, we are divinely equipped to love and lay down our lives for our spouse and children. Our earthly relationships are a reflection of our heavenly connection. The best thing I can do as a husband and father is to spend time in God’s presence.

A Multi-Generational Vision (Glenn Ballard)

TBD

WIGGLE JIGGLES: How to School the Child That Won't Sit Down! (Elizabeth Sharpe)

Many children and teens can not learn sitting down! It’s a fact and can drive you crazy!!!! Bu, there is nothing wrong with them! You just don’t understand their brain! Come and learn some tested strategies that will support you and your student so you can see that their WIGGLES really are a gift and advantage in learning.

How to Stay in Love While Homeschooling (Jere & Crissi Allen)

Are you having a difficult time staying in love with your husband? Are you just two ships passing in the night? If the answer is yes, it’s time to pay attention to your marriage and give it over once more to God because a cord of three strands will not be broken! God wants your marriage to thrive while you homeschool, through the good, bad and ugly! Married for 32 years, Jere & Crissi Allen deeply desire to partner with families in helping their marriages and educating their children. They will focus on giving you some communication and passion tools to keep that fire going and give you actionable steps to implement immediately!

Homeschooling: What in the World is Going On? Facts, Stats, and Biblical Truth

Public schooling, private schooling, and homeschooling all teach, train, and indoctrinate children. How many parents know that the indoctrination in government/public schools is clear and blatant? What does scripture say who should have the duty and responsibility to educate children? Further, and more telling, what does scripture say about who should not be teaching, training, and indoctrinating the children of God’s children? Real-life examples of what is being done in the state/public school system, direct scriptural analysis, and 35 years of research on homeschooling will be brought to bear. Tighten your belts as Dr. Ray hits these topics hard, fast, and with some research statistics and a bit of humor.

Redemption and Restoration for the Broken Family (Juliet English)

Has your family encountered challenging circumstances, trials and difficulties which have shaken your family and your faith? Do you feel like you are failing as a parent, stuck in a cycle of disillusionment and disappointment? Juliet English shares authentically and frankly from her own challenging life experience of upheaval and change, and the impact on herself and her family. If you are encountering family struggles in your homeschooling journey, come and be encouraged and uplifted as Juliet shares about their journey towards restoration and redemption.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thess 5:11.

Be a Home School Hero: How to Support Your Wife in Homeschooling (Hosac Sharpe)

While dads may not do any teaching, they have a HUGE ROLL to play in ensuring that MOM is successful! The role of husbands is not always obvious in the homeschooling journey.. I have learned through trial and error how to insure that my wife is successful. While every wife and family have different specific needs, there are a few CORE principles and strategies that will insure that you are HOMESCHOOLING HERO!

Day 5, Friday

Theme: Amazing Working Moms & Entrepreneurs (as it relates to being a homeschool mom)

Building a Business While Homeschooling (Michelle Huddleston)

TBD

Meant for God, Mind for Business (Justina Ford)

How to have a heart for God and mind for business taught byThe Soul-Brand Alignment Strategist, Justina Ford. As a christian building a business is an extension of your God-given gifts and talents. You want to know that you are pleasing to God and that you are honoring who He has designed you to be. I ask 7 critical questions to ensure that you are maintaining a heart for God and a mind for business with the confidence to charge your worth. Business mindset should always be in alignment with the mind of God.

Entrepreneurship with Kids (Jaynel Jones)

Entrepreneurs with Kids hits a double edged swore of exploring hands on life skills that carries our mini's so much further in life.

WORKING MAMA's Survival Tools to Homeschooling (Elizabeth Sharpe)

As a twelve year homeschooling mama that worked and homeschooled, I have come up with a plan that will insure that you are successful! Working homeschool moms have similar and different challenges than non working mamas. I will teach you the three strategies that you must have to be SUCCESSFUL!

Encouraging the Homeschool Entrepreneur (Crissi Allen)

Can you really do it all – raise children, home-educate and build a business? If that’s what the Lord has called you to do, then yes! Jesus will empower and give you the resources and help you to thrive! But what do we need to focus on first? Good question! Mompreneur Crissi Allen is privileged to share with you her 20+ years of FAILING FORWARD and how she survived homeschooling while building several business ministries at the same time. She will focus on three areas of your life and give you very practical and actionable items to implement immediately!

Leading Your Student Towards Entrepreneurship (Bernie Ashby)

TBD

 Mom's Manual to Working While Hhomeschooling (LaNissir James)

TBD

Visibility Mindset & Strategy for Home Educators (Justina Ford)

TBD

Homeschooling in Different Countries Panel (Karen Chegwidden from Australia, Barbara Smith from New Zealand, Cynthia Hancox from New Zealand, Juliet English from United Kingdom)

Are you curious how other home educators homeschool in different countries? Listen in on this special conversation about why they started homeschooling, some of their most times of homeschooling, and even the difficult times and how they gave it over to God!

Senior Entrepreneurs Who Still Minister to the Homeschooling World (Andrew Pudewa, Karen Chegwidden, Pat Sikora, Glenn Ballard)

Homeschooling Entrepreneurs started their business while they homeschooled but as the children grew up, they continue to minister to the homeschooling community! Who are these amazing people? What kind of service, product did they start with and what are they doing now? Where in the world are they? Why are they still doing it? Do they want to continue and will the be giving it over to the next generation?