HOME's 2021 Conference ....

Are you feeling battle worn? Has your family struggled with all the changes and challenges of the past year? Join Connie Albers, mother of five homeschool graduates, as you plan ahead for homeschooling through 2021. She understands the challenges you've faced. In the session above, Connie shares a compelling vision for how to build unshakeable faith in 2021. Listen to the recording  from our pre-conference event with Connie Albers. Then register to join us for our 2021 "Shine the Light on Homeschooling," virtual conference. Connie will share with us how to be, Confident, Resilient and Resourceful as we continue the journey of educating our children at home.

* Music throughout the event will be provided by Messiah's Choir. 

* Each session will be followed by a time of discussion, questions and answers.

DAY 1: Becoming Equipped for Our Times

Session 1, 10:00am: Help for Modern Day Mompreneurs

The rise of Mom-Preneurs in the homeschooling community requires the active pursuit of a healthy balance between their homeschooling, work, and family needs. As a mother of five, active volunteer, business owner, and veteran homeschooler, Connie Albers discusses how to delegate efficiently, set realistic goals, and find work that fits the homeschooling lifestyle. During this presentation, she will share how to manage your homeschool and evaluate your workload so your family runs smoothly. Come and learn from a mom who has lost the balance battle many times, but her resilient spirit, desire to finish well, and not short, her family will help you in your mompreneur journey.

Session 2, 2:00pm: How to Sail Through Life's Storms

Let's be real. Life is full of storms. Sometimes it can feel like you're trying to survive each day. Living beyond survival mode requires being honest about the issues that your family faces and being reminded of the power that comes from the One who can help you sail through them. Learning to navigate stormy waters requires uncommon bravery. We watch how others turn around and get tossed back and forth with every crashing wave. But when faith finds its feet in the hearts of women, Connie believes we will stop merely surviving and start sailing through each storm with confidence. Getting to the heart is one of the key strategies for developing the bravery needed to sail slow and steady. Could you use some encouragement for the assignment God has given you? Join us as we learn how to stop living in survival mode.

Session 3, 4:00pm: Powerful Pollinators (Family Interest)

(Featuring Erica Huber from the Maine Botanical Garden)

In this session, Erika Huber, Youth and Family Program Manager at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, will talk about the important role pollinators play in nature and their flower preferences. She will also go over the parts of a flower and discuss the process of pollination as she dissects a flower. Participants are encouraged to dissect a flower right along with Erika during this session if they are able to get a flower beforehand. Tulips or daffodils from the grocery store are great flowers for dissection and are for sale in March.   

Session 4, 7:00pm: Resilient and Resourceful: Keys to Affording the Homeschool Lifestyle 

After homeschooling five children, getting each one through college, and managing to build a retirement fund in the process, Connie shares her secrets. She knows homeschooling isn't cheap. But it doesn't have to break the budget. She knows rising costs, tough times, and financial shortfalls are common to families. And, indeed, your money doesn't seem to go as far as it once did, but there it is possible. This presentation is packed full of practical information to help you continue your homeschool journey without going broke.

DAY 2: Homeschooling - The Nuts and Bolts

Session 1, 10:00am: Help! I Don't Know What I am Doing

I'm a smart person, so why is this so hard? We place so much pressure on ourselves to know everything before we begin. We feel we have to pick the perfect math, literature, science, art, and planner to believe we are a successful homeschooler. Stop stressing out! Motivating children to learn, love, and listen isn't as hard as we think. After teaching five children from K-12, Connie relates to how you feel. She was there, many times. Join her as she comforts your weary heart and reminds you that you are smart!  

Session 2, 2:00pm: From Notebooking to Online Classes

Connie has navigated the seasons of homeschooling for 25 years. Her knowledge of teaching children according to their strengths and learning style and understanding your teaching style make her a conference favorite. This presentation addresses how to assess what is best for your child and your family from the experience of a mom of five homeschool graduates. She shares stories from what her kids taught her about what worked and what didn't. Hint: every child is different! 

Session 3, Special Double Session for Teens! (Teen and Parent Interest)  

4:00pm: Out of the Box Credit: Where Passions Matter 

(Featuring HOME Leaders Kathi Kearney and Joanna Martel)

Give yourself and your student credit for learning outside-the-box! Kathi and Joanna team up to share ways you can give and get credit for middle to high school student learning experiences that don’t look like traditional, behind-a-desk learning. If your student spends a great deal of time serving others, working in the woods, building, organizing projects, and in self-directed learning, we have some tools and ‘tricks’ that can help you quantify and qualify their learning. Parents, teachers and students will enjoy and find inspiration in this session!

5:30pm: What You Really Need to Know - What a Student Should Learn Before They Launch

(Featuring Jonathan Brush, President of Unbound)

Why is it that almost half of college graduates can’t find a job? What’s missing? What does a student really need to learn between the ages of sixteen and twenty two to be ready for “real life”? Everyone focuses on academics, but you need more than academic ability to be fully equipped for the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood. In this session Jonathan will guide you through the seven essential skills and abilities that are crucial for successfully launching into adulthood. This time of life is a unique time, offering amazing possibilities. Come learn how to maximize this time, focus on the essentials, and be prepared and equipped for extraordinary success!

Session 4, 7:00pm: Cultivate Creativity, Exploration, Innovation in Your Child

Every child is born with a desire to create and innovate. But that can quickly disappear when formal education begins if parents aren't careful. How can homeschool parents cultivate their child's natural curiosity throughout the day without causing chaos? Please grab a cup of coffee and join Connie as she shares how to discover and develop creativity and innovation by helping your child understand their unique skills, strengths, and talents while building close relationships.

DAY 3: Sharpening Our Parenting Skills

Session 1, 10:00am: Raising Godly Children Among Cultural Chaos

How do we raise children in a culture of chaos when confusion and strife surround us? And how do we remain steadfast, while adjusting along the way? While the culture is in chaos, you can tune out the turmoil and provide stability in your home. As the culture shifts, God's Word provides the answers we need to navigate this season knowing we are equipped to lead our family. Whether you are new to homeschooling or a veteran, you can raise your children through it all.

Session 2, 2:00pm: Rules Minus Relationship Equals Rebellion 

Have you made a list of rules only to get discouraged when your teen doesn't follow them? Do you feel your attempts to create close relationships feel one-sided? Rest assured, mom; you aren't alone. While every family needs rules, limits, and boundaries to help protect your child and keep order, they cannot come at the expense of your relationship. It's not the rules that cause our child to rebel. Often something is missing. Connie Albers, the mother of five adult children, shares how to create rules, build a relationship, and reduce rebellion.  

Find support and socialize with other attendees in our Community Hall! After each session, participants will be invited to stay and chat with HOME leaders and speakers. Connecting with others in between conference sessions builds and strengthens our homeschool community. You are a vital part of the community. Come to learn more and share! 

This handy, printable reference guide, including speaker articles and event information, will keep you on track during the event! You'll find it posted here along with other 2021 conference details.