2024 Homeschool Convention

 

Keynote Speakers

 

Rachael Carman

Friday, March 15 Keynote - 9 a.m. in the Sanctuary

In This Moment

Description coming soon.

 

Rachael's Workshops:

What About “That” Child? 2.0 - Session 2, Friday 1 p.m.

Mary, Martha, You & Me - Session 4, Saturday 10:30 a.m.

Attention: Obsessive-Compulsive, Perfectionistic, Control-Freaks CHILL OUT! - Session 6, Saturday 3 p.m.

 

Kelly Crawford

Saturday, March 18 Keynote - 9 a.m. in the Sanctuary

School vs. Education: Taking Stress out of Homeschooling

Description coming soon.

 

Kelly's Workshops:

When Motherhood Feels Too Hard - Session 1, Friday 10:30 a.m.

Raising Entrepreneurs (and Why it Matters) - Session 2, Friday 1 p.m.

God’s Heart Toward Children - Session 3, Friday 3 p.m.

The Mission Field of Motherhood (Psst… It’s Enough) - Session 5, Saturday 1 p.m.

Practical Help Living on One Income - Session 6, Saturday 3 p.m.

 

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Workshop Speakers

 

Rachel Anderson

Rachel has been homeschooling for many years. She is married to wonderful husband Steve and has been blessed with four children. Prior to homeschooling she graduated from Cincinnati Christian University with degrees in Music and Business. She worked in Human Resources at the Information Technology Department and as a Worship Minister at her local church. Once she had children and started to homeschool, she realized that two of her children have learning struggles, one with moderate/severe Dyslexia, ADHD and memory deficiency. As a result, she has done considerable research learning how to teach the ‘Struggling Learner’ and loves to pass on her knowledge and experience to other parents looking for help. Learn more at rightstartmath.com

Rachel's Workshops:

Successfully Homeschool Your Child with Special Needs or Learning Struggles - Session 2, Friday 1 p.m.

Learning Challenges in Math? Challenge NO MORE! - Session 3, Friday 3 p.m.

Homeschooling Children with Different Learning Styles - Session 6, Saturday 3 p.m.

 

Nancy Bjorkman

After years of being a homeschool skeptic, Nancy began homeschooling her children in 1992. Now, after 20+ years teaching her four children, she has become known as the Homeschool Mom Whisperer for many and a champion of the cause. She is a certified teacher and has spoken at homeschool conferences in over 10 states where she is known for her enthusiasm, energy, and encouragement. Having graduated all of her children, Nancy finds it exciting to have graduated herself to being a mentor for other homeschool families. Though she stays busy as a bookstore owner, mentor, and speaker, her favorite times are spent with her growing family (grandkids - yeah!). She and her husband own Heppner's Legacy, a homeschool store in Elk River, MN, where they delight in ministering to the unique needs of families year round, and where parents say, “Come for the books. Stay for the therapy.™”

Nancy's Workshops:

Homeschooling through High School – Part 1 of 2 - Session 1, Friday 10:30 a.m.

Homeschooling through High School – Part 2 of 2 - Session 2, Friday 1 p.m.

 

Allen Brokken

Allen is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He's a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age appropriate way. He’s dedicated 18 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off to college he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media @allenbrokkenauthor, and through his website allenbrokkenauthor.com.

Allen's Workshops:

The Weird World of Science with Dr. Fantastic & Beeper (Ages 5+) - Session 1, Saturday 10:30 a.m.

Novel Writing Workshop – Part 1 of 2 (Ages 9+) - Session 5, Saturday 1 p.m.

Novel Writing Workshop – Part 2 of 2 (Ages 9+) - Session 6, Saturday 3 p.m.

 

Davis Carman

Davis's Workshops:

What We Believe: Biblical Worldview Education at Home - Session 3, Friday 3 p.m.

Dating, Courtship & Marriage Prep - Session 5, Saturday 1 p.m.

 

James & Arkasia Cox

Cox Workshops:

I’m a Homeschooling Dad… What Should I Do? - Session 1, Friday 10:30 a.m.

How to Homeschool Legally in the State of Illinois - Session 2, Friday 1 p.m.

Tools for Building a Strong Marriage - Session 5, Saturday 1 p.m.

 

Carla Estell

Brian and Carla Estell are both graduates of Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. They have been involved in Christian education since 1988 both in the home and classroom setting. In 1998 they began a part-time creation ministry called “The Stones’ True Story” which focuses on the truth of God’s Word, especially in the area of the creation week and the world wide flood. Brian continued teaching for a total of 17 years before going fulltime with the creation ministry in 2009. For the next 7 years they and their 6 “van schooled” children traveled through 48 states visiting many geological sites, collecting fossils and sharing at camps, schools and churches. In 2016 they relocated to Illinois where Brian now works full time for Samaritan Ministries while Carla continues to homeschool and tutor. They are still available for local seminars and part time travels. More information about their ministry can be found at stonestruestory.org.

Carla's Workshops:

Search for Truth (Ages 5+) - Session 1, Friday 10:30 a.m.

God the Creator is Still in Control (Ages 5+) - Session 2, Friday 1 p.m.

The Wonder of Trees (Ages 5+) - Session 3, Friday 3 p.m.

Come & Glean - Session 4, Saturday 10:30 a.m.

 

Molly Hogeboom

Molly serves as the Community Engagement Manager for Easterseals Central IL. A Peoria native, she benefitted from services at Easterseals as a young child, even serving as the Easterseals Ambassador in 1993. Now, Molly tells her own story of progress, as well as current Easterseals family stories, to foster ability awareness and inclusion in schools and businesses, while working to engage volunteers in a fulfilling way. By educating the community about the Easterseals mission and the specialized pediatric therapy services they provide Molly leads in building community support for Easterseals Central IL and the families they serve.

Molly's Workshops:

Easterseals 101 - Session 5, Saturday 1 p.m. | Room 204

Easterseals has been a leading service provider for children with developmental delays, disabilities, and other special needs for 100+ years, but you might only know what they do on a very surface level. Easterseals 101 will provide a comprehensive overview of the services they provide, as well as information about the population they serve. Learn more about the Easterseals has to offer and so much more…

Dr. Sheena Joseph

Dr. Joseph is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, and Certified in Webster-Breech Technique, mommy of 3, wife, and blogger. In 2008, she graduated from Logan College with a B.S in Biology and a Doctorate of Chiropractic.

She uses the latest research of Functional Medicine testing and treatment to uncover root causes of health problems. Dr. Joseph is well known for her 3 key programs: The Ultimate Gut Reset, The 14-day Detox, and Shape ReClaimed Anti-inflammatory weight-loss program. She takes the extra time and effort to customize each patients plan. She believes that looking at the patient structurally and nutritionally offers the best possible outcome for her patients! Learn more at drsheenajoseph.com

Dr. Joseph's Workshops:

All Roads Lead to Rome - Session 5, Saturday 1 p.m. | Room 210

From birth, our microbiome has one goal: to get as many different types of bacteria as possible in as many colonies. Why? Your gut bacteria are in charge of many processes for the rest of the body! So what happens when you have an imbalance in the gut? Behavior issues, food sensitivities, inability to focus, and much much more! Let's learn the purpose of gut bacteria, how to maintain them, and what lifestyle things may be causing disruptions to them.

Jump Off the Roller Coaster - Session 6, Saturday 3 p.m. | Room 210

You have heard of terrible twos, threes, etc., but what if the meltdowns are really rollercoaster crashes from a crazy blood sugar ride? In this workshop, you will learn all things blood sugar including how to get off the blood sugar rollercoaster, low-glycemic snacks, and how to make blood sugar-friendly meals for the whole family! Additionally, we will cover the warning signs of type 1 diabetes, which usually affects children.

Kristin Lackie

Kristin Lackie is a homeschool parent and educator. She and her husband live in Minnesota and are currently homeschooling their four children who span the middle and high school years. With an in-the-trenches perspective, Kristin brings humor and reality to what can sometimes feel like a daunting task – homeschooling all the way to graduation day. Committed to saving both money and time, Kristin presents practical but often overlooked strategies to graduate college debt-free through credit-by-exam options and dual enrollment utilizing every available opportunity to maximize the middle and high school experience while casting a vision for college and beyond. By helping families evaluate academic goals and career direction, Kristin is committed to educating and equipping both students and families to build a strong spiritual and scholastic foundation from which students can launch positioned to act on the Lord’s call. You can find more information at CreditsBeforeCollege.com.

Kristin's Workshops:

Homeschool through High School with Confidence - Session 1, Friday 10:30 a.m. | Room 203

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

Jumpstart College with CLEP - Session 2, Friday 1 p.m. | Room 203

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

Simple Transcripts & Record Keeping - Session 3, Friday 3 p.m. | Room 203

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

Exploring Careers with Teens - Session 4, Saturday 10:30 a.m. | Room 203

Career Exploration might just be one of the most important elements of your teen’s high school experience, yet many will graduate still uncertain about what to study in college or what career to pursue. Determining a vocation starts with understanding God’s design for work and how each person is specially designed to fit in His plan. This seminar helps students identify how to find their best-fit career options and equips parents with the steps and resources to walk alongside and be their students’ very best career coach. Teens are encouraged to attend with you!

From Tools to Multi-Tools - Session 5, Saturday 1 p.m. | Room 203

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

But Mom, HOW do I study? - Session 6, Saturday 3 p.m. | Room 203

Students are often expected to have strong study and organizational skills, but they are rarely taught what that means. This workshop includes practical information geared toward developing effective study habits like setting goals, managing time, organizing spaces, improving reading comprehension, taking notes, taking tests, and finding balance. You will be prepared to help your middle and high school students succeed in academics, in employment, and in life. Teens are encouraged to attend with you!

 

Callie Rafferty

Callie is a University Admissions Counselor at Grand Canyon University (GCU) who works solely with homeschool students. She guides families in preparing homeschool transcripts, creating GCU dual enrollment plans, and maximizing students’ college credit opportunities. She loves her job because she gets to work with her families more closely throughout their college journey!

Callie's Workshop:

Navigating the College Journey with GCU - Session 3, Friday 3 p.m. | Room 210

Applying to college can be daunting for everyone, but it can be very rewarding for homeschool families if you start early and do it right. At Grand Canyon University, we have a large homeschool student population and welcome all homeschool families! In this workshop, we will walk you through how to start the college search process with confidence and how parents and students can prepare early for college. You will learn how to create a stellar homeschool transcript, how dual enrollment can save you much time and money on your undergraduate degree, and the different ways you can earn college credit before starting college classes.

 

Sonya Shafer

Sonya is a popular homeschool speaker and writer, specializing in the Charlotte Mason Method. She has been on an adventure for more than 20 years studying, researching, practicing, and teaching Charlotte’s gentle and effective methods of education. Her passion for homeschooling her own four daughters grew into helping others and then into Simply Charlotte Mason, which publishes her many books and provides a place of practical encouragement to homeschoolers at simplycharlottemason.com.

Sonya's Workshops:

The Early Years: Homeschooling Your Preschooler - Session 1, Friday 10:30 a.m. | Room 105

Give your child what is most important. Instead of academic or social pressures, Charlotte Mason encouraged mothers to give their little ones a full six years of developing good habits, getting acquainted with nature, exploring with the five senses, growing in their spiritual lives, and more.

Laying Down the Rails: The Power of Good Habits in Your Homeschool - Session 2, Friday 1 p.m. | Room 105

Discover the secret to smooth and easy days: habit training. Learn how to instill good habits, which habits Charlotte Mason encouraged parents to cultivate in their children, and practical tips for cultivating the Top Three.

Keep it Simple: How to Teach Your Whole Family Together - Session 3, Friday 3 p.m. | Room 105

Save time and money by teaching most school subjects to all of your students together. Join Sonya for practical strategies to lower your stress level, provide a well-rounded education, and help you and your children build sweet memories. Learn how to keep it simple by teaching your whole family together with Charlotte Mason methods!

Choosing the Soundtracks of Your Life - Session 4, Saturday 10:30 a.m. | Room 105

The thoughts that repeatedly play in your mind become the soundtracks of your life, and those soundtracks greatly affect how you view and respond to situations. Join Sonya for a look at how you can choose powerful soundtracks and build biblical playlists through Scripture memory. She will walk you through a simple Scripture Memory System that thousands of families around the world are using. By spending just five minutes a day, you and your children can learn and retain hundreds of verses—biblical soundtracks that can transform the moments of your life.

Language Arts: It’s a Natural Progression - Session 5, Saturday 1 p.m. | Room 105

Teaching language arts doesn’t have to be complicated. Discover what exactly is included in language arts and how the Charlotte Mason Method simply follows the natural progression of learning to use language well. Gather lots of practical tips for teaching language arts in an enjoyable and simple way—the Charlotte Mason way.

Looking Past the Fear - Session 6, Saturday 3 p.m. | Room 105

An encouraging look at God’s response to five fears that homeschooling moms face: fear of what God is calling you to do, fear of being inadequate for the job, fear of what might happen in the future, fear of ridicule or rejection, fear of our weak areas ruining our children.

 

Israel Wayne

Israel is a homeschool graduate and father of eleven who is passionate about defending the Christian faith and developing a Biblical worldview. He is the Director of Family Renewal and author of the books Answers for Homeschooling: Top 25 Questions Critics Ask, Education: Does God Have an Opinion, and Raising Them Up: Parenting for Christians, among others. More information may be found at familyrenewal.org.

Israel's Workshops:

The History of the Homeschooling Movement - Session 1, Friday 10:30 a.m. | Room 207

Over the past 6,000 years, homeschooling has been the primary form of education for nearly every culture worldwide. Compulsory government schooling has only been around in America since about 1840, but it is so pervasive that for most parents, public schooling is all they have ever experienced. The modern-day homeschooling movement has taken America by storm, with nearly 2 million students being home educated nationwide. Learn about the origins of the rebirth of home-based learning, and discover God’s purposes and plans for the future of the homeschooling movement.

Transform Learning through the Art of Questions - Session 2, Friday 1 p.m. | Room 207

Whether you are a parent seeking to motivate your reluctant learner, or you desire to break through your own limitations, you will make more progress if you learn to listen better and ask the right questions (the right way!). Learn how you can help yourself (and others) recognize hidden assumptions, and overcome obstacles, through learning the art of asking questions.

Influence vs. Control: How to Best Motivate Your Child - Session 3, Friday 3 p.m. | Room 207

There is a careful tension that must be maintained between being your child’s authority figure and being their life coach. There is a necessary shift in approach that must take place as your children go through various stages of development. If this transition is not carefully managed, your parenting approach will likely backfire resulting in a lack of influence in your child’s life. Learn the proper balance in this important message.

Pitchin’ a Fit: Overcoming Angry and Stressed-Out Parenting - Session 4, Saturday 10:30 a.m. | Room 207

Everyone struggles with anger on some level, but when anger is a frequent occurrence with your children, over time, 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.

Answers for Homeschooling: Top Questions Critics Ask - Session 5, Saturday 1 p.m. | Room 207

Many homeschoolers struggle with self-doubt and/or criticism for their decision by well-meaning friends and family. In this session, Israel will tackle some of the top objections people raise about home education and will give statistics and fact-based answers to help give you confidence to defend your choice to home educate.

The Biblical Basis for Parental Rights - Session 6, Saturday 3 p.m. | Room 207

Who owns the children? Does the state have a compelling interest in your child’s education? What are your rights as a homeschooling parent? Do you know what to do if a social worker shows up for an unexpected visit? Israel shares personal stories and insights from the early days of the homeschooling movement when many parents faced jail and the removal of their children from the home if they chose to home educate. Learn how to equip yourself to stand against opposition.