Important Information
Registration: You can register online on this page using Paypal or call (612) 288-9662 to request a conference brochure for mail-in registration. Registration is discounted for MHA members. If you wish to join or renew your membership online, visit our Join MHA page before proceeding with conference registration.
Children: Workshops are only open to registered adults and teens. You will need to arrange for your own daycare for children under 12. Daycare is not available at the location.
Eagles Nest: The area’s largest indoor playground is on-site at our conference! If you want to incorporate this fantastic resource into your daycare plans, please follow Eagles Nest rules, including having your child(ren) supervised by someone over 18 at all times and wearing socks while in the play area. Eagles Nest passes will be available the day of the conference for $5.00 per child ages 12 months to 12 years. There is no charge for parents, grandparents or caregivers within Eagles Nest.
Babies: As always, quiet babes-in-arms will be permitted in workshops. Please sit close to a doorway for ease of exiting, should your infant distract other guests. Should you desire it, a quiet, private area will be available for nursing moms on the second floor.
Teens: Minnesota Homeschooling Teens (MHT), the official MHA teen group, invites teenagers 12 and older to hang out in the MHT Room. The MHT Room is located on the second floor and will be open all day for socialization and MHT workshops. Additionally, MHT volunteers will be staffing a snack booth at the conference with proceeds benefiting the teen group outings.
Conference Program: When you arrive on September 25th you will receive a folder which will contain the conference program, lunch tickets if you purchased any, and other conference details.
Exhibitor Hall: Do you ONLY want to peruse the exhibitor hall? If you don’t wish to attend workshops, we’ll provide you with a free exhibitor hall pass at the registration table.
Lunch Options
Minnesota Homeschooled Teens (MHT) Sponsored Snack Booth: Your hunger/thirst/sagging-energy problems are easily solved at the MHT snack booth. You’ll find coffee, muffins, pizza, water, soda and other tasty treats available for sale throughout the day. The MHT snack booth is an annual fundraising event for the teens. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Boxed Lunches: Annie’s Cooking Tonight has boxed lunches available by pre-order for $7.00 each. Annie’s was voted “the Favorite Caterer for small parties” by the Minneapolis StarTribune and named “Top Caterer” by CitySearch.com. You must include payment with your registration fee to secure your lunch ahead of time. No boxed lunches will be available unless pre-ordered by September 11.
All boxed lunch options are in whole wheat wraps, and includes a fruit salad and a brownie for dessert.
- T = Turkey Club: Smoked Turkey, Bacon, Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato, Dijon and Mayo
- H = Ham Wrap: Ham, Swiss Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Dijon and Mayo
- R = Roast Beef: Roast Beef, Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato, Dijon and Mayo
- A = Albacore Tuna Salad: Albacore Tuna with Mayo, Green Onions, Radish, Capers with Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato, Sprouts, Dijon
- V= Veggie Wrap: Hummus, Cheddar, Cucumber, Tomato, Avocado, Red Onion, Sprouts, Spinach
Conference Schedule
- 8:30 to 9:00: Registration and Exhibitors
- 9:00 to 10:15: Session One
- 10:30 to 12:00: Keynote Address
- 12:00 to 1:15: Box Lunch Pick Up, Exhibitor Browsing, Special Needs Support Meet Up
- 12:45 to 1:00: MHA Annual Board Meeting
- 1:15 to 2:30: Session Two
- 2:30 to 3:15: Last Exhibitor Opportunity, Door Prizes
- 3:15 to 4:30: Session Three
Session One (9:00 - 10:15)
Homeschool 101 – Getting Started
You’ve decided to homeschool your children. Now what? This workshop is chockfull of information for families just beginning their homeschool journey. Topics will include the legal requirements to homeschool in Minnesota (qualifications, reporting requirements, etc.) curriculum and testing options, participating in school sports, and many more. Questions and discussion are welcome!
Jayne Wahlberg is the founder and administrator of HERO, a local homeschool organization and MHA board member. With more than twenty years experience in the homeschool community, she has helped countless families on their homeschool journeys.
No Rules Learning
What if there were no “rules” for teaching? What if every child’s education was uniquely crafted to them? As homeschoolers, we have the opportunity to create just such an environment but often have little guidance on how to go about doing it. In this session, you’ll learn how to build your child’s education according to their short- and long-term needs, interests and skills.
Jackie Jeffery is an experienced unschooling mom whose four children (20, 17, 15, & 13) have always been homeschooled. In her non-mom life she is editor of The Grapevine, an avid reader, dedicated walker, and certified Life Coach. You can visit her website at www.jackiejeffery.com.
From Community College to Ivy League: How to Plan for Different College Options
Does the thought of your homeschooler and college keep you up at night? Are you scared that you’ll figure out – too late – that you haven’t adequately prepared for the college choices your child wants? If your head is filled with thoughts of transcripts, test scores and PSEO options, this workshop is for you. This session will aim to take the fear out of preparing your homeschooler for college as you learn about: the different high school coursework expected by colleges (community colleges, state universities, Ivy League schools), planning and preparing a transcript that meets your needs, and exploring the role of PSEOs, ACT/SAT testing and AP & SAT II subject tests on the road to college.
Rachel Hertel has been homeschooling for over 13 years and serves on the board of MHA. Her homeschool journey has wandered between unschooling, eclectic, curriculum-based, and even some traditional schooling during that time in order to meet the specific educational needs of each of her children. She has a B.A. in Computer Science From Lake Forest College and is the CEO of a small international technology consulting firm.
Shellie Mercier is the parent to two autistic boys ages eight and ten. She has been on numerous autism panels and committees and has spoken to hundreds of groups on the topic. She is currently the Marketing and Training Director for CrossRoads, of which she is also a partner.
Using Toys to Teach: Legos Aren’t Just for Stepping On!
What kid doesn’t like to play with Legos? Turn play time into learning time as we explore ways to use Lego bricks, motors, gears, pulleys and levers to teach your children about simple machines and other engineering concepts. Learn ways to introduce basic electric circuitry using Legos, LEDs, button batteries and… bread boards. Science can be simple….and fun!
Anna Thiede is a high school biology teacher and a Youth & Family educator with the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Social Skills – The Key to Helping Your Child Succeed In Life
“Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.” – Clarence Thomas. 85% of a person’s success in life is dependent on how well they get along with others. This workshop will cover manners and etiquette and provide parents with concrete ideas and suggestions on how to incorporate these skills into their everyday learning and routines.
Julie Frantz, owner of Everyday Etiquette, conducts presentations on manners and social skills throughout the Midwest. Her teaching experience includes elementary and high schools, special interest groups, churches, restaurant staffs and management teams.
Creating What You (and your child) Need
Is your child crazy about geocaching? Chess? Dragons? Have you searched for opportunities to foster these passions and come up empty-handed? Look no further. Instead, take the plunge and create the classes and clubs you and your child are craving. This workshop will give you the tools – and encouragement – necessary to create what you and your child needs in your unique homeschool adventure. Valerie has successfully started several clubs for local homeschoolers and is happy to share her passion and knowledge to help you do the same.
Valerie Geary is a local homeschooler of four who brainstormed and launched two wildly successful homeschool clubs in the Twin Cities. Her first endeavor, a homeschool Book Club, was created to indulge her children’s passion for books and has been meeting for three years. Her second club, a homeschool Art Club, enabled her to develop and share one of her passions with her own children as well as with other homeschool families.
MHT – Theatre Sampler for Teens: Break A Leg!
Participants will enjoy working with 2-3 theatre artists on acting, improvisation and stage combat in this interactive workshop. Learn to free your impulses and experiment with your voice, physicality and ideas. If action and adventure is more your style, try your hand at learning to slap, jab and react to to create a believable stage combat scene with a partner. Come experience what the theatre has to offer!
Mary Finnerty is a high school teacher and the founder of Park Square Theatre’s award-winning education program. Jen Scott is a member of the Brave New Theater Workshop improvisation theatre and a professional improv artist. Brian Hesser is an SAFD-trained actor combatant, violence choreographer, actor and director.
Keynote Address (10:30 - 12:00)
Linda Dobson
Do you wonder what life will be like when your children are grown and your homeschooling journey ends? Come listen as Linda takes her audience for a romp through the homeschool experience, reliving the moments shared and lessons learned.
Session Two (1:15 - 2:30)
Homeschool 101 – Your Special Needs Child
Have you made the decision to homeschool your special needs child? This workshop is just for you! Topics will include the basics of getting started with homeschooling (legal requirements, testing, etc.) but we will also delve into the role of IEPs and introduce you to local organizations and resources available as you navigate the homeschool road with your special needs child.
Stella Riker is co-coordinator of MHA’s Special Needs Group and is a member of the MHA board. She currently homeschools her special needs child and is a children’s librarian with Hennepin County Library.
Linda, Unplugged
“Let’s talk about what’s on your homeschooling mind.” Here is your opportunity to bend Linda’s ear! Join our keynote in an informal environment to chat about all things homeschooling. Linda will answer questions, offer advice and share personal experiences from her 20+ years in the homeschool community.
Linda Dobson, our keynote speaker, has over 25 years experience in the homeschool community.
Awaken to Joy
What if joy was tangible? Something with specific, easily defined steps you could take to create it for yourself? It is! What if you could shift your attitude simply by making small changes in your every day life? You can! This workshop is your guide to helping you move beyond the ordinary. Learn how to bring greater peace into your life, create more loving and open relationships with friends and family, and bring more patience, love and compassion to your relationships with your children. Now is the time to feel more joy in your life!
Laura Erdman-Luntz is a Life Coach, yoga instructor, author, radio co-host and homeschool mom with over twenty years in the wellness industry. She uniquely blends her life coaching and yoga experience to create programs that bring mind and body together for positive change, inspiring people to live their most authentic life.
Maud and MYRA and YOU!
Does your child love to read? Do you have a reluctant reader who might need a little nudge? Come learn about the MYRA (Minnesota Youth Reading Award) Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award and how your child can be an integral part of the selection process in awarding this prestigious title to children’s authors from North America. Celebrating its 30th year, the award’s purpose is to encourage recreational reading among school-aged children. Homeschool kids can read great books and have their voices heard as they cast votes for their favorites.
Denise Beckstrand is a local educator and serves on the executive board of the Minnesota Youth Reading Award organization.
Engaging Early Learners
What should “school” look like for early years learners? This fun and informative session will provide a comprehensive overview of learning styles and teaching methods specifically geared to pre- and elementary-age children. Nancy will share curriculum options, fun games and easy activities all designed to help parents think outside the box when it comes to “doing school.”
Nancy Bjorkman began as the ultimate homeschool skeptic, but now, after 18 years teaching her own 4 children she has become the resource and in-formation lady for many and a champion of the cause. She is a certified teacher and has spoken at homeschool conferences in 8 states and made radio appearances in MN and Alaska. She loves practical topics such as meal and time management, getting started, finding your family’s style, home schooling through high school, and using games to make learning meaningful. She and her husband own Heppner’s Legacy, a homeschool resource store and catalog business in Elk River, Minnesota, where they delight in ministering to the unique needs of homeschool families year round.
Ocean Science – Not Just for Beach Bums
Even when you live in Minnesota, the seas and oceans of the world affect you; in fact, they affect every aspect of human life. This workshop will provide information, resources and activities to help homeschool children of all ages to understand this relationship (particular attention will be paid to incorporating this into upper level curriculums). Be prepared to be inspired in how to teach your children about marine life distribution and habitats, ocean current and weather patterns, and recent conservation issues.
Gina Goralski is an educator at the Minnesota Zoo and is the coordinator of the Zoo’s Annual Homeschool Day. She teaches ocean science to all grade levels, including high school marine biologycourses, and leads an annual student field trip study to Florida.
MHT – Talk to Grads: There Really IS A Life After Homeschool
Teens, here’s your chance! Come be a part of an open discussion with homeschoolers who have BTDT. Homeschool grads will be on hand to discuss LAH – Life After Homeschool. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from a variety of grads, each navigating a different post-graduation path. Come with questions – about college, careers, and life after homeschool.
A group of local homeschool graduates will facilitate this interactive panel.
Session Three (3:15 - 4:30)
Test Time!
Testing. If you homeschool in Minnesota, you have to test. In this workshop, we will discuss the testing requirements in Minnesota and the options available to homeschoolers. Not all tests require #2 pencils and filling in bubble sheets. Not all tests take multiple hours or require certified testers. Know your options! You’ll leave with a better understanding of standardized tests and feel more confident about choosing the right test for your child.
Kim Jaworski is a local homeschooler and independent Peabody tester. Her knowledge and experience in homeschooling led her to create and develop numerous workshops which she offers on a regular basis to Twin Cities area homeschoolers.
Fostering a Spirit of Adventure in Your Children (without having to go to the Grand Canyon)
In a world of extreme safety precautions, disclaimers, waivers, and litigation, it is easy to lose one’s sense of adventure. It is even easier to relegate “adventure” to theme parks, the Boundary Waters, and the yearly vacation. While adventure can be thrust upon us for one or two weeks a year, it is an attitude of adventure that makes learning and living enjoyable. This seminar seeks to rekindle a sense of adventure in families, the kind of adventure where everyday situations become something more than ordinary. Hear practical advice on ways to develop hopeful, adventurous, I-can-do-anything attitudes in our children….and ourselves.
Joel Button has been a teacher and administrator in public and private schools for 15 years, most recently as Principal of an international board-ing school in Iowa. He and his wife have 7 children, 2 “unofficial” children and they enjoy school at home and love what it has done for their family.
Computer Creations Made Easy
Most kids love to play and research on the computer…but what if they could create their own games, animation, music and art? In this workshop, you will be introduced to Scratch, a programming language that makes it easy for kids and adults alike to make one-of-a-kind creations on the computer – and share these on the Web. Learn how creating these projects can help foster mathematical and computational ideas while also helping your child learn to think creatively, reason systematically and work collaboratively.
Ying Tan is a scientist, engineer and mother of two and well-versed in the Scratch program. Her 8-yr old daughter, Chloe, is a Scratch enthusiast and will demonstrate the skills she has acquired using this program.
Navigating Autism Spectrum Remediation
Are you homeschooling a child on the autism spectrum? This workshop seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the symptoms and treatment of autism-related disorders. Particular emphasis will be placed on the theories of under-connectivity, core deficits and dynamic intelligence. Therapy options such as ABA, Floor time and RDI will all be discussed as ways to improve autism by strengthening neural connections in the brain.
Leanne Mairs, MSW, LICSW, has over ten years experience treating clients on the autism spectrum and over 15 years helping people recover from trauma. She has been in private practice for six years and became an RDI Consultant in 2006.
Talk to Teens: Homeschooling Through High School Does Not Suck!
Join members of MHT (Minnesota Homeschool Teens) in a panel discussion about homeschooling through the high school years. A group of local teens will be on hand to share their experiences, discuss classes and curriculum they use, answer questions and (hopefully!) provide some reassurance that you can survive – and succeed – in homeschooling through high school.
A panel of local homeschool teens from MHA’s MHTeen group will be on hand for this panel discussion.
Public Speaking: Communicate with Clarity
Is your child an expert on Star Wars? Astronomy? American Girl dolls and stories? Every child possesses a wealth of knowledge in certain areas – but do they know how to communicate it effectively? This workshop will discuss the ten keys to effec-tive public speaking…and how to incorporate these principles into any homeschool curriculum.
Julie Frantz, owner of Everyday Etiquette, is a member of Toastmasters, International and conducts workshops on manners and social skills through-out the Midwest. Her teaching experience includes elementary and high schools, special interest groups, churches, restaurant staffs and management teams.
MHT – Martial Arts for the Modern World
Hi-Ya! Step into the world of martial arts as you watch demonstrations and actively participate in this fun-filled workshop. Teens will walk away with some uber-cool moves and will learn how martial arts can bring tangible value to their real, everyday lives.
David Mayer is a 5th degree black belt with over twenty years martial arts experience. He is the owner of Running Tiger Academy. Robyn Lingen is a 2nd degree black belt with over twenty years corporate training experience.
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