Discover the amazing asset that every teen has. The question is, "How are you going to use it?" Both good decisions and bad decisions compound with time. Paul will help you to avoid being short-sighted like the bank robber in his story. Come learn how to maximize the benefit of your greatest asset.

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

"Whatever is the meaning of life?" "Whatever happens when one dies?" "Whatever is your highest value?"—questions that demand more than a "Whatever!" answer. The "Whatever!" answer of Secular thinking dampens and even squelches serious thought and attempts at engaged conversation in our culture. The "Whatever!" of Secularism even invades the church. Rather than be discouraged, take heart in God's command in Deuteronomy 12:32.

Fear-based parenting drives us to make bad decisions despite the best of intentions. We choose curricula based on what our friends are doing, not what our kids need, because we're scared they'll miss something. We micromanage our teens because we're afraid they'll make mistakes. We stress and worry and can't sleep at night. Why do we fall so easily into the what-ifs? God has not given us a spirit of fear. This eye-opening session will point you to the real source of security and hope and free you to do what is best for your children no matter what anyone else is doing. Step up and take courage!

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 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, too!

Often falling on the heels of making a bold decision in your family, a little voice in your head cries out, "What was I thinking?!! I can't do that!" Even when we are obedient to clear direction, we can become insecure and fearful. Humorous stories will lighten your load if you are feeling the press to make changes and will help you to stop listening to the accusations from within.

Have you just started your homeschooling journey? Come to this workshop to get information on legal requirements, what to expect in the first year or two, and how to navigate the various ages and stages of homeschooling. Whether you're starting with preschoolers or high schoolers, this session will help you start strong!

Twenty-two years ago, Marcia began using the Structure of Intellect (SOI) assessment to help each student and adult discover how they can do their best. She helps with visual, auditory, and sensory-balance enrichment; dyslexia intervention; screening for Irlen light sensitivity overload that may be causing problems with focusing, visual fatigue, headaches, reading delays; or a number of other possible challenges that can interfere with learning and behavior.

What plan would suit your high school student? What subjects do you teach and when? Do you follow a basic high school plan, a general college prep plan, or a rigorous college prep plan? This seminar will help organize your thoughts and lay the groundwork for a viable four-year plan. You'll learn about high school credits, simplifying grading, and the fundamentals of record keeping—transcripts, extracurriculars, and diplomas.

The wizards are everywhere in our culture today. They promise that if we follow their yellow brick road, we can have it all—a brain, a heart, and courage. However—"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12) The wiseman knows the right path to follow and to whom he should listen. Christians are to learn how to walk as wise men, "making the most of our time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). From this you will learn how to distinguish between the ways of the wizards and the way of the wiseman. You will learn how to destroy secular arguments "raised up against the knowledge of God" and learn how to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5).

Life is Sacred is an interactive faith-based presentation for high school-aged groups covering fetal development, abortion procedures, and pro-life apologetics.

HELP for the fabulous but forgetful and frustrated student- Does your child ever forget the basic information you just went over? Do they reverse letters, skip lines in reading, or fail to see the connection between 7 + 4 and 4 + 7? Is it challenging for them to know how to start a big project or break it down into manageable bites? Is physical coordination a bit hard? If any of these sound familiar, we have a class for you!

Ever wondered how NOT to organize your day? Veteran homeschool mom of 10 (7 still in home school) and creator of My Student Logbooks takes a fun look at what organization is and isn't, why sometimes trying other people's organizational systems is a disaster, and how to discover organizational tools that work for YOU.

Hear about how you can help your child acquire the essential habits to learn anything. This session will model these "core habits," allowing you to experience them yourself!

Many parents are confident managing decisions and educational choices through the middle school years but shake with fear when looking ahead to the high school years. The issues seem to have greater consequences, but Dr. Smith will show a mindset and approach that can energize you to make them the best years. Your emerging adults can become the ones who praise you instead of being your greatest critics. Together, you can not only save money, but you can launch your teens to find their own purpose in life.

When do you get started, and what do you do first? We've had precocious readers and late bloomers, but every one of them has benefited from being homeschooled from the beginning. Find out how to know when each child is ready for formal academics, how to get started, and what homeschooling looks like for young children. Learn to relax and introduce your little ones to the joy of learning in a gentle and realistic way that will prepare them to succeed academically.

Do you want to make your homeschool journey memorable in the lives of your children? Do you want them to look back with fondness on their growing up years and their educational experience? Jackie learned early on in her homeschool journey that she needed to keep homeschooling fun not only for her rambunctious children but also for her own sanity. She shares her continuing experiences and adventures with her children. Jackie will talk about different ways to get the most out of the few precious years we have to educate our children from preschool to graduation. Get ideas on how to take the drudgery out of homeschooling for both you and your children.

It can be intimidating to think about educating a kid who’s blowing the curve, racing ahead, and seems to want more. Can you really meet his needs, or would he be better off with professionals? How can you help him fit in socially? Should he graduate early or on time? Hal and Melanie were involved in gifted programs in school, and had several precocious children themselves. You can meet the needs of your bright child and enjoy doing it!

Creating a high school transcript is a vital part of your teen's high school records. In this interactive, practical seminar, you'll create a transcript that can be used as a pattern when designing your own. The session will guide you through the essentials of transcripts, how to evaluate credit, steps to simplify grading, and how to calculate grade point averages (GPAs).

The Nazis used language to redefine Jews out of the human race. Once that was accomplished, atrocities and death camps followed. Language is important because it lays the tracks that are the ideas that carry the consequences—boxcars filled with people's lives. Christians are on a search and destroy mission; we are destroying ideas but not people. Learn 4 Killer Questions that will empower you to derail faulty thinking and challenge others to think God's thoughts after Him

The turmoil of the tween/preteen years between nine and thirteen usually catches parents by surprise. Diligent students become addled and distracted. Kids raised in church start questioning the existence of God. Sweet children seem to climb on an emotional roller-coaster—and then invite you to join them. Don't get a ticket for that ride! Instead, learn to resist the temptation to lose it yourself and to shepherd our children through this challenging age with this funny and all-too-real workshop—and lay a foundation to make the teen years great!

Learn from pediatrician Dr. Roger Smith how stress and trauma affect a child's ability to learn and perform. Research on stress has yielded a better understanding of the biochemical and neurologic responses we see as "behavior." Parents can tap into this research to better guide their children through life's stresses. This session will review both the science and the social impact of emotions in the context of a biblical worldview. Dr. Smith will transform scientific gobbledygook into layman's language with tangible applications.

Do you want encouragement and strategies to help re-ignite your student's love of learning? Many factors impact a child's motivation level—stress, executive function, nutritional needs, media usage, and more. With a little bit of theory and a whole lot of practical application, Dr. Somerville equips parents with the tools they need to tap into their child's God-given gift of curiosity.

Oregon is blessed to have private homeschool options for families with special needs students. The Privately Developed Plan (PDP) is an evaluation option provided in Oregon for home school students with qualified disabilities. This session will explain how the PDP is cooperatively written by an academic advisor and the parents, and how the plan identifies, addresses, and measures student progress.

A college education can be a valuable enterprise that promotes spiritual maturation and intellectual depth in a student. However, identifying the right college can be a difficult task. There are many important aspects to consider beyond one's major, tuition costs, geographical location, and reputation. Vice President of Gutenberg College, Dr. Eliot Grasso, explains the inner workings of higher education and offers families essential tools for researching and identifying colleges that will align with their moral commitments and educational goals.

The wizards are everywhere in our culture today. They promise that if we follow their yellow brick road, we can have it all—a brain, a heart, and courage. The wizards even promise us a way home. However—"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12) Christians are to learn how to walk as wise men, "making the most of our time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). Come join us as we take a walk on the "wise" side. You will learn how to distinguish between the ways of the wizards and the way of the wiseman. You will learn how to destroy secular arguments "raised up against the knowledge of God" and learn how to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5). This is the third in the series

When you get to the end of your homeschooling, and your child leaves home, things get real. At that point, the only thing you'll have is relationship: their relationship with God and their relationship with you. Learn about encouraging research that highlights the critical importance of relationships in the spiritual life of our children, find out how to rebuild strained relationships, and get practical help to build the kind of relationship that will last through adulthood. Hal & Melanie's six oldest children have grown up and left home, and are their best friends.

Struggling to teach all the kids all the things? Finding it difficult to plan your days or keep from falling behind? Learn from a homeschool mom of six practical ways to organize your days, maximize your teaching time, and still make time for the joys of homeschooling.

What's a dad to do? In a busy home, dads often find themselves being dragged along in all the activities involving the children. But can it be another way? The influence of the father can be the thing that helps all the activities stay on course. Dads can make a significant contributions to the home even in the midst of a busy career. This will offer solutions and hope for increasing the influence of dad in the home, resulting in everyone being happier.

This session focuses on the use of evidence-based instruction methods that address the core issues of autism spectrum disorders: communication and social skills. It integrates developmental perspectives and strategies to provide practical, functional intervention approaches that you can easily implement within your daily homeschool routine.

Corey will walk families through some of the current issues in the broader culture and discusses them in comparison with a Biblical Sexual Ethic. We'll also address how to lead your families through these confusing conversations: What is being said in our culture – and how to respond; What does God's Word say; and How do we live yet remain true to a biblical worldview

This is the second in a series by Bill Jack The wizards are everywhere in our culture today. They promise that if we follow their yellow brick road, we can have it all—a brain, a heart, and courage. The wizards even promise us a way home. These wizards include evolutionists, new agers, atheists, and sincere followers of false religions. The wiseman, on the other hand, knows the right path to follow and to whom he should listen. Christians are to learn how to walk as wise men, "making the most of our time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). Come join us as we take a walk on the "wise" side. You will learn how to distinguish between the ways of the wizards and the way of the wiseman. You will learn how to destroy secular arguments "raised up against the knowledge of God" and learn how to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5).

Conflict with our children can cause a great gulf between us. Discipline in the home is a must, but it need not create tension between our children and us. The Smiths will share how biblical discipline is often misapplied, but more importantly, how we can pattern our family discipline after that of our Heavenly Father. Stories of parents doing it well will empower you to make needed adjustments in your approach to discipline.

So many parents ask, "Why doesn't my son enjoy reading? I want him to love it!" In this session, we'll look at ways to help your boys read better, enjoy reading more, and find joy in stories and in research. What's more, we'll talk about ways to help your son over his hurdles with writing assignments. Melanie homeschooled all six of her boys from the beginning, and all of them eventually loved to read and won awards for their writing, too.

So maybe you're considering homeschooling, or maybe you're new at it - but you've still got questions, concerns, even uneasiness. Will they get into college? Can they find a job? Will they have any friends? What about sports? What if they have special needs? Will we be weird? Hal and Melanie have homeschooled their eight children from the beginning; hear their first-hand experience with all of these issues!

Unpack the frequently asked questions of how to homeschool struggling learners and those who learn differently. Be encouraged and equipped with diagnostic checklists for struggling learners and discussing common roadblocks homeschooling parents face (and how to navigate around them). Receive strategies for achieving success with your children who learn differently.

This workshop will help students think through the beauty and purpose of marriage as God designed it. Discuss the challenges of dating in the 21st Century as well as tips and tools to help you figure out if someone you're interested in dating would be a good match for you. Prepare them well—and from a biblical worldview; Strengthen boundaries and intentionality; Empower them to use wisdom and discernment

The wizards are everywhere in our culture today. They promise that if we follow their yellow brick road, we can have it all—a brain, a heart, and courage. The wizards even promise us a way home. However—"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12) These wizards include evolutionists, new agers, atheists, and sincere followers of false religions. The wiseman, on the other hand, knows the right path to follow and to whom he should listen. Christians are to learn how to walk as wise men, "making the most of our time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). Learn how to distinguish between the ways of the wizards and the way of the wiseman. You will learn how to destroy secular arguments "raised up against the knowledge of God" and learn how to "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5).

In this session, join us as we discuss why a revival of Civics and Constitutional education for our children is key to a bright future for America. You will come away with tools to immediately implement strategies and learning opportunities for your students.

Our God is a God of order. Look at creation, the church, and the family, and you see it. Having a bit of organization in our life helps our days to run a bit more smoothly. Being organized in homeschooling is essential to help us stay on track to accomplish our daily, monthly, and yearly goals. Organization for each family looks different, just like each family's homeschool looks different. However, we all need a place to start. Learn some organizational tips and ideas for your school year, your school day, your books and material, and much more that you can modify and personalize to help you have a successful homeschool year.

One in six people has a little-known condition called Irlen Syndrome that interferes with reading and learning. The fix is accommodations that use specific colors of plastic overlays, colored paper, adjusting screens, and precision-tinted lenses if there are extra environmental issues that trigger headaches or other health concerns. If you or your child lose your place reading, need to re-read, get visual fatigue, or possibly become anxious, concentrate poorly, or get headaches/migraines in bright light (or other symptoms), you will want to attend this workshop presented by Robin Firth, RN and fully certified Irlen Diagnostician. Presented by Positive Learning Solutions, LLC

The practice of respectful, articulate discourse in our society seems all but lost. It's easy to be disheartened and frustrated, but as Christians, we are called to be salt and light in a dark and dying world! The effective communication skills needed to cut through the noise and confusion don't come naturally to everyone. Come hear some practical tips to help your children be better listeners, thinkers, and speakers at every stage of their educational journey. Effective communication can be taught and used to help fulfill our role as ambassadors for Christ wherever the Lord calls us! Presented by NCFCA

There's a huge demand for good MTs. As a result, there's more variety and volume of work than ever before. Learn about the reports we transcribe, earning potential, equipment, working for The Medical Transcription Service, and much more. Your instructor has been a medical transcriptionist for more than 35 years, operates a large MT business, and has taught for many other programs. You'll enjoy her warmth, humor, and practical advice. Presented by the Medical Transcription Service

If the children are the glue holding your marriage together, you are on the path to divorce. A healthy marriage has characteristics that lead to a thriving home. Bringing 40 years of experience in marriage to bear on the subject, the Smiths recognize that some stages are harder than others, while it is never too late to improve the health of the relationship. The Smiths will share several tools that can help to restore or invigorate a marriage in a busy home where no one seems to have any extra time. Leave this session with ideas to make an immediate difference.

Homeschool veterans toss around terms like unit studies, classical education, Charlotte Mason, and more, never dreaming how confusing it can be for someone new. Understand the different approaches available and get practical help in making this next year of homeschooling enjoyable and effective!

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.

This session offers an overview of learners who are gifted and who also have some form of disability or learning challenge. You'll be equipped with a broader understanding of how different exceptionalities can manifest themselves within learning styles and preview resources that match your child's unique learning profile. Ultimately the goal of this workshop is to provide you with support so you can spend less time searching for information and resources and more quality family time with your child.

This workshop will provide parents with ways to talk about sex and sexuality with their children so that they will be prepared to make choices that reflect a Biblical Sexual Ethic. -Learn how to "go there." - Gain strength knowing you are not alone in wondering and stressing over this "age-appropriate" question - Discover creative ways to be intentional without a lot of stress - See the grave importance of being early versus too late to these conversations—the world wants to be first — I want you to be.

During this session, students will have the opportunity to study living sea stars and dissect a preserved sea star! Previous knowledge is not necessary. At least one parent must be present for the activity. Children as young as 5-years-old can be successful in this activity with direct parent support. All students must take directions and safety seriously, or they will be asked to sit out. Together we will answer questions which could include: How does a sea star feed? Where do sea stars live? Why did God make sea stars? What are the parts of a sea star? What types of sea stars live in the Pacific Northwest? Are sea stars and starfish the same thing?

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

Escaping the conveyor belt approach of institutional education by which most of us were shaped isn’t easy, but it has to be done. In this inspiring and empowering session, you will not only come to understand the nature and purpose of today’s educational system as it was originally conceived and designed, but you will see a shining alternative path, one that develops the kind of true thinkers, leaders, and communicators so desperately needed in today’s world.

Many think good readers will naturally become good writers. Others think writing talent is a natural ability. Both are myths. History and research show clearly how good writers have developed. What two critical things can you do to develop a high level of aptitude from a young age and into high school? With humor and insight, Andrew will share two easy but powerful things that build language patterns and nurture competent communicators.

Homeschooling is the ultimate individualized education plan, so it’s no wonder parents of special needs children consider this educational choice. Peggy Ployhar, the CEO of SPED Homeschool, covers what it takes to get started homeschooling, avoiding and conquering common pitfalls, and homeschooling special education through high school. This talk gives practical advice from the trenches of homeschooling for 16 years and over a decade working as a special needs homeschool consultant.

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.

As Christian homeschoolers our goal must be bigger and broader than turning out kids with exceptional talent and high SAT scores. By incorporating worldview training, we can better equip them to use their gifts to impact the world for Christ, help others by solving real problems and bring glory to God in the process. In this session, Zan provides practical answers to the what, why and how of teaching your children a biblical worldview.

When you are trying to inspire and motivate children, there are two forces that are often exerted: positive and negative reinforcement. In this session, Israel explains the importance of affirmation as a way to inspire and motivate your reluctant child. Drawing from practical and biblical examples, this session will help you to keep those important relational connections as you are attempting to impart knowledge.

In this workshop, Dr. Eliot Grasso examines the opportunities, challenges, preconceptions, and desirable outcomes for Christian homeschoolers who are exploring and participating in higher education. The objective of this workshop is to give insider perspectives on Christian and secular institutions so that families can make informed decisions about the next critical developmental step in their children’s education.

“Living by Design” is a unique seminar about work, your God-given design, and finding a career where you can thrive. This seminar is valuable for high school students and adults to find out what God has to say about work versus the messages we hear from the world. Explore the concept of thriving in a chosen profession rather than the dangers of being "mismatched" in your career.

Few skills are more essential today than effective communication. But teaching writing can be rather challenging. Learn easy-to-implement strategies to successfully use the writing process, graphic organizers, and rubrics to simplify writing projects for both student and parents.

All of us were designed for relationships, including our children. A relationship without conversation is no relationship at all. Students will thrive when given an opportunity to engage instead of being lectured. Remove your children from the "box" of education and lead them on a path to Know God and Make Him Known. Learn how to use the tools of the Classical Method to encourage your children in the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty, while growing in your relationship with them.

Everyone struggles with anger on some level. But when anger is a frequent occurrence with your children, it will damage your relationships and hinder your effectiveness. Are you tired of being stressed-out and ready to have a peaceful atmosphere in your home? Learn how in this important workshop.

Learn to figure out credits and calculate grades, how to find the perfect grading scale, and what it takes to make your transcript official. Receive motivation to finish a transcript, or help to figure out the "transcript thing." A great refresher on calculating grades and figuring out credits, or a needed nudge to get that job done while there is still time. Also perfect for parents with specific questions about creating transcripts for their unique children.

Be encouraged and informed as Peggy provides a “how-to” introduction on the basics of writing and implementing a homeschool Individual Education Plan (IEP). She will guide you through the hows and whys, explain the legality of using a homeschool IEP based on the American Disabilities Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and provide teaching strategies for reaching IEP goals for specific diagnoses and learning struggles.

What constitutes a meaningful preschool education that prepares a child for a life of learning and significance? In this workshop, we will discuss learning theories as well as practical skills you can teach your children. We will also cover how to develop a love for books in even your most active little ones. Join Zan as she addresses four vital components of a superb preschool education—and be encouraged that home is indeed the ultimate preschool!

Our goal as homeschoolers is to teach as effectively as possible, so it can be stressful when the lessons we teach aren’t understood, or our children seem frustrated. Come to this workshop to learn how to overcome obstacles that may limit your ability to teach and your children’s ability to understand. Shared from the perspective of the student, Ashley will provide tips that can help your children achieve their greatest learning success.

What are the language arts? It’s actually quite simple! Regardless of your educational approach, there are really only four core language arts: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Attending well to the first two makes teaching the latter two so much easier. Prepare to have your educational paradigm adjusted, your load lightened, and your commitment to excellence renewed as you focus on the most important things in the limited time you have.

Homeschooling your child can be frustrating when things don't go smoothly. Even experienced homeschool parents know that what has worked with one child may not work with the next. Parents new to homeschooling often don't know where to turn when a child is struggling. Find out how to discover the cause of your child's challenges and frustrations as well as develop a plan to conquer it.

If you want excited and enthusiastic children who learn well, you must understand the key laws of motivation, and focus on the essential requirement of relevancy. If it matters, children will learn it, and if it doesn’t, they won’t. This session will enlighten you with specific ways to find and create relevancy for children, even when they have no apparent interest.

One of the biggest high school anxiety producers is testing - specifically the PSAT, SAT, and ACT tests. Lee will help you understand these tests and how to put them in proper perspective in your high school journey. Learn strategies that will help your child improve their scores by 50, 100, even 200 points per section, without the expense of a professional coaching program.

Peggy answers one of the most asked questions she receives: “What curriculum is best to teach my child who has unique needs?” Whether your child has a specific diagnosis or just struggles in one area of school or another, Peggy addresses how to use the curriculum you already own, or plan to use, and adjust it to meet your child’s specific needs, and consequently dissolve the struggles you are currently seeing in homeschooling your unique child.

Threatened with jail for homeschooling in 1984, Zan was forced to count the cost and decide if it was worth it. She learned powerful lessons about freedom, family, and faith that remain pertinent today. At a crossroads where liberties we often take for granted are at stake, we must work to preserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, while raising up a new generation of freedom fighters. This session will encourage and equip you with powerful principles to share with your children.

Choosing your family’s personal approach in homeschooling can make one’s head spin! This session weighs individual learning styles, curriculum choices, and your own teaching style and provides an introduction to various methods. Given by a homeschool graduate and homeschooling mother of ten (with students ranging from preschool-12th grade).

Joe discusses the key issues dads face as we strive to instill a Christ-centered vision in our sons. He addresses the cultural pressures on our young men and shares practical advice to counter the culture and instill a vision of purity in our sons and daughters. Because of the frank and sensitive nature of this discussion, we request that only men attend.

Join Andrew as he shares many humorous experiences (and painful lessons) 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. Challenged, reassured, or both, you’ll leave with an expanded vision of your calling as a homeschooling educator.

Learn to create professional records that will convince colleges your student is worthy of admission and the highest possible scholarships. No matter how humble your homeschool, you can compete and WIN scholarships over students coming from the most intense college-prep high schools. Presenting professional, thorough, and beautiful homeschool records can give your student a HUGE competitive advantage over the two-dimensional transcript most applicants provide. Let Lee show you how to do it simply and quickly.

With experience as a parent and foster-parent of multiple special needs children, Peggy has first-hand knowledge of raising, training, and homeschooling children with special needs. Woven with personal stories, biblical truth, and lots of encouragement, this talk will truly speak to the hearts of parents who want to raise their special needs children as God has called them to do.

Experiencing many joys and triumphs, and weathering many storms, Zan and Joe have thoroughly enjoyed 40 years of marriage. In this refreshing session of laughter and encouragement, they candidly share the ups and downs of married life (including their biggest fight ever), while focusing on the biblical principles that have served as the unshakeable foundation of their marriage. Understanding and embracing the magnificent biblical vision of marriage is the key to a vibrant relationship.

The natural approach to learning is founded on the desire to follow your child’s developmentally appropriate timetable. This approach is based on proven educational principles from Dr. Ruth Beechick, Charlotte Mason, Dr. Benjamin Bloom, and others. Natural learning does not mean learning without goals or structure. It means learning is customized, multi-sensory and engaging. Ashley will share the top ten reasons a natural approach will enable you and your family to flourish.

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

Imagine the possibilities for an elementary program filled with music, art, dance, drama, history, literature, and research. Learn how to build such a rich experience for a group of youngsters. The program is laid out in a 4-year cycle—ancient history, medieval/renaissance, American history, and finally world cultures. The weekly lesson plans show you how to schedule the full class and how to motivate the students to do their best.

Many well-intentioned parents make harmful mistakes as they relate to their children. These mistakes often contribute to bitterness in their children. Over time, they can result in children rejecting their parents and their values. Learn to avoid these pitfalls.

Unlock the mysteries of college applications and find a college that fits your teen (location, affordability, worldview, degree choices, etc.). Parents will learn to guide their teen in writing the perfect college application essay, one that demands admission and scholarship attention. Understand how to prepare homeschool records that set your teen above their peers. You will leave prepared for the bittersweet transition from homeschooling to launch—the art of releasing your teen with joy and confidence.

Homeschooling special needs high school doesn’t have to be a daunting prospect. Peggy has graduated two sons with special needs and helped countless other parents walk the special needs homeschooling road. She will share ideas about how to pick curriculum, write a transcript, and prepare a transition plan. She will also present record keeping strategies to consider if your child will need accommodations and modifications in college, in testing for college entrance, or for workforce placement.

How can you enjoy the benefits of technology in your homeschool without the potential dangers and strife it can sometimes bring with it? Join Aaron and Tauna for a fun session with ideas for using technology as well as tips and principles that will help you do so in a safe and balanced way.

We do our best to follow God and love our families, yet we may still find ourselves in the “fiery furnace,” ready to throw in the towel. Explore causes of burnout and learn ways to avoid them, including practical tips for streamlining your life. Zan will encourage a biblical vision for what you are ultimately trying to accomplish in your children’s lives through homeschooling—a vision that sustains through hard times and difficult days.

Men often tackle the tasks of husband, father, shepherd, and disciplinarian without the vision to define and accomplish the goal. Joe helps define the goal and discover the divinely appointed means of achieving it. You may even learn to make your wife deliriously happy, your home a quiet and peaceful kingdom, and your father-in-law in awe of your accomplishments. Join this discussion of what it means to leave a legacy as a Christian husband and dad.

From struggling readers, to gifted but "lazy" students, to unfocused ADHD type students, to those living with headaches/migraines, to moody youth, and others, Irlen syndrome affects one in six or more people of all ages. Learn non-invasive, helpful solutions involving the use of color and other accommodations. Sort out Irlen from dyslexia, ADHD, headaches, etc.

Come and discover award-winning Excellence in Writing, a method of teaching composition that really works. Using this program, students of all ages will learn to write stories, reports, and essays with style. This workshop will give you an overview of the program and show you how you can get started.

In this workshop we will introduce you to family-friendly mission trips, share stories of a recent trip to Mexico, and give you tips on how to learn Spanish in the most effective way.

Are you feeling like you're being pulled in every direction? If you’re about to burn out, come get some encouragement and look over some biblical principles and practical tips for balancing homeschooling with the relationships and responsibilities God has given us.

Math is best learned sequentially. Often even strong math students will find themselves struggling due to learning gaps. The key is to take a pause occasionally and check for those important skills which determine success or frustration. Sue will provide information as to when and how to assess for learning gaps and make suggestions as to how to get them filled.

Homeschooling your child can be frustrating when things don't go smoothly. Even experienced homeschool parents know that what has worked with one child may not work with the next. Parents new to homeschooling often don't know where to turn when a child is struggling. Find out how to discover the cause of your child's challenges and frustrations as well as develop a plan to conquer it.

As homeschoolers, we are often accused of retreating from society instead of impacting it. What is the balance between sheltering our children and reaching out to a lost world around us? In this session, Israel explains how you can equip your children for the ‘real world’ by developing a family ministry.

You can afford college and earn BIG merit-based scholarships you thought were reserved for the uber-intelligent or Olympic-level athletes. Learn why merit scholarships provide the most money. Find out which college admission test is best and why, and make sure your child stands out above the crowd, regardless of their gifts or challenges. Learn to find colleges that give great scholarships, and the secrets to creating homeschool records that will reduce college costs.

Any parent knows a student’s learning goes beyond basics academics. But parents of special needs students are even more aware of this truth. Successful, post-homeschool transitioning of a special needs student requires planning. In this talk, Peggy takes parents of special needs homeschooling students through a plan that helps them be intentional in setting up a transition plan that will ready their student for life beyond homeschool.

In this session we will discuss six traits of servant leaders and what it takes to fill the leadership gap. Zan and Joe will talk specifically about family life and homeschool leadership so that we do not alienate our spouses or our children as we work to encourage other homeschool families. You’ll learn ways to effectively incorporate your children so your leadership becomes a mission that unites the family.

Do you question your ability to homeschool? Are you afraid you might "mess up" your kids, or that you might not do a good job? You'll be equipped and encouraged as Joyce shares from her many years of homeschooling how you can gain confidence and homeschool without fear.

Andrew will teach you a specific and successful method of separating the complex process of writing into the smallest possible steps making it possible for reluctant writers to produce short but complete compositions. Your student will be proud and motivated to write again. If you remove the problem of what to write, you will be free to help your child learn how to write using source texts, key word outlines, and “dress-up” checklists. Results guaranteed!