Andrew Pudewa
Conquering Corrupt Culture by Raising Christian Communicators (Keynote)
Today, many of us have an intuitive sense that major changes are coming. When this happens, our lives may become very different in ways not necessarily convenient or comfortable. At the same time, we must live each day as though things will continue pretty much as they are. Resolving this cognitive dissonance requires that we carefully contemplate our circumstances because we are in a cultural war, fighting the “non-gospel” of aesthetic and moral relativism on three fronts: personal, familial, and social. What should our priorities be? How can we prepare children to be culture warriors?
The Three Best Things I Did as a Homeschool Dad
While there are many, many things I could have done better as a homeschool father, there are three distinct things that I did try to do as consistently as possible during our years of homeschooling that were the most helpful according to my wife. Join me to discover the three best things I did and to glean some ideas for making your homeschool years the best they can be. Moms are welcome as well!
Cultivating Language Arts – Preschool through High School
Listening and reading well, speaking and writing clearly, and thinking and debating effectively are abilities that most parents hope to cultivate in their children. With that goal in mind, Andrew Pudewa explores various environments and activities that accelerate the development of these language skills, beginning with the youngest students and continuing into the high school years.
Nurturing Competent Communicators
Many teachers and parents assume that good readers will naturally become good writers. Others think that writing talent is a natural ability. Some have it. Others don’t. Both are myths. History and modern research demonstrate how good writers develop the two most critical skills needed for a high level of aptitude in writing. With humor and insight, Andrew Pudewa explains these two easy but powerful skills, which build language patterns and nurture competent communicators.
Kevin Boden
State of the Nation
The Make Homeschool Safe Act was recently introduced by the Coalition for Responsible Home Education. This model bill and the efforts of the group promoting it will substantially shape homeschool-related legislation introduced in the coming years. The objectives of the model legislation are very concerning. This session will include the showing of the Sate of the Nation video recording from the HSLDA National Leaders Conference and include time for Q&A.
Everything In Its Time: Busyness, Rest and Home Education
Resting and homeschooling may feel like polar opposites. In the rush of everyday life, we can tend to forget that busyness doesn’t equal learning, that rest doesn’t equal laziness, that learning doesn’t equal books. We all need to be reminded to guard the quiet moments of the day and focus on the most important things. In this session, Kevin looks at the significant of rest for the entire family.
Ready. Aim. Fire. Centering Your Homeschool on Jesus Christ
You won’t hit a target you’re not aiming at, so what is the target of your homeschool? We all have targets for our kids and reasons we started homeschooling. There are reasons we started, reasons that keep us going, and goals for the future. Unfortunately, the central target in our homes often gets lost in the shuffle of math, reading aloud, sports practice, and even AWANA or youth group. This session reminds us what is central and encourages us along the journey.
Bridget Anderson
Come and See: Soul Care for the Homeschool Parent
There is one question Bridget encounters more than any other in her Christian Life Coaching ministry. Getting to the bottom of this question will not only bless you in your journey as a son or daughter of the King. It will also help you impact generations as you homeschool your children.
The Hound of Heaven: Soul Care for the Homeschool Parent
Rejection. Health concerns. Stress. Finances. Relationship issues. No matter who you are, we all have faced difficulties and disappointment. God is always speaking – even in your pain- and you might be surprised where you’ll hear from Him. Join Bridget as she helps you learn to find God in some unexpected places. Come to know the truth. Your Abba is bending and tending to you.
Ray D’Agostino
Those Government Reps Do What?
How is Pennsylvania’s system of local government structured and how does it work? Learn why local government is important and how it relates to other levels of government. Most importantly, how do you get involved?
ETHAN Demme
Raising Virtuous Citizens: A Homeschool Parent’s Guide to Cultivating Civic Responsibility
The journey of becoming a virtuous citizen begins at home. Parents can demonstrate civic virtues in simple acts like voting, volunteering, fostering discussions, and engaging in local government. This talk explores practical ways to nurture the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, courage, and temperance, enabling your children to care for their neighbors.
From the Playground to the Courtroom: Understanding Parental Rights in Pennsylvania
Who decides what’s best for children: parents or the state? The growing tension over educational choices, child welfare, and government involvement highlights the need to codify that “the liberty interest of a parent in the nurture, education, care, custody, and control of the parent’s child is a fundamental right.” Discover why parental rights are essential to a civil society, how to navigate policies affecting families, and how to support reforms to protect children by empowering parents.
Outdoors with Dad: Strengthening Bonds and Building Brave Hearts
Outdoor time is more than fun—it’s an opportunity to lead, teach, and connect. Whether it’s a backyard campout or a hike in the woods, these shared experiences promote bonding and create lasting memories. Learn how daily adventures help dads create strong attachments, introduce risk management, and foster independence in their children.
Steve Demme
Understanding One Another and Building Each Other Up in the Lord
Each member of the family is uniquely qualified and designed to understand and support one another. From communication tips and personality insights, we will look at practical ways to love one another and build each other up in the Lord. “Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Family Communication U-See
After exploring the foundational concepts to be an honest and open communicator, we will break up into small groups and practice what we have learned. Healthy relationships are based on safe principles of communication.
Raising a Special Needs Child and Finding Support for the Journey
Come listen to Steve’s testimony of the last thirty years as the father of a child with special needs. He shares what his family has learned, and the special, rewarding, and joyful role John has played in their lives. Even in the difficult experiences of life, God proved faithful and His grace sustained them and brought good out of their struggles and disappointments.
How to Be the Best Husband and Father You Can Be
Jesus gave specific directions for how to be the best man we can be. His Father also exemplified how to raise and empower His own Son! Let’s look to God and His Word for direction and inspiration for our journey as men of God.
Gretchen Roe
Empowering Parents: Overcoming Challenges with Exceptional Kids
Every child is special, but what does it mean to be exceptional? From early readers to those who struggle, how can parents support their child’s unique learning style and ensure they thrive? Join Gretchen Roe for an insightful discussion on identifying learning differences, setting appropriate expectations, and fostering a positive learning environment for your child.
Revolutionizing Education for Special Needs: Modify the Approach, Not the Goal
The term “special needs” often encompasses a wide range of learning differences. If your child isn’t progressing like their peers, join Gretchen Roe for practical guidance on adjusting goals, expectations,
and curriculum to support their unique learning style and help them succeed.
What I Learned from Turning Chaos into Creativity in School
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the challenges and fleeting moments of homeschooling. Join Gretchen
Roe as she shares her wisdom from 21 years of homeschooling her six children and supporting countless
others. With humor and practical advice, she’ll help you navigate the ups and downs of this journey and
rediscover the joy of homeschooling.
Thriving in Homeschooling: Non-Traditional Family Strategies
Homeschooling as a single parent or grandparent can be challenging, but it’s absolutely achievable. Join
Gretchen Roe for a session filled with resources, insights, and practical tips to help you successfully
navigate the nontraditional homeschooling journey.
Ginger Wayde
No Sweat Evaluations
Do evaluations make you nervous? Are your children moving into junior or senior high and you’re wondering what to put into the portfolio? What is the evaluator’s job, anyway? Come get your heart set at ease regarding this end-of-year step inthe PA homeschool process.
Beloved, Release
Do you know that you are beloved of God? Do you know He longs for you to cling to Him only? Join Ginger as she shares the meaning of her life phrase and how it can greatly change your perspective on life and homeschooling.