These are the session descriptions for the 2025 APHEA Convention. This page will be updated as we continue to finalize everything! When we have the final schedule, we will post it here on the website too.
Israel Wayne – Director of Family Renewal
The Do’s and Don’ts of Teaching Your Children Theology
Most Christian parents want to teach their children theology and Bible doctrine, but aren’t sure how to go about it. Learn the difference between primary and secondary doctrines and how to help your children protect themselves against cults and false religions that would seek to woo them away from true Christian faith.
Helping the ADD / ADHD Child
If you have a hyperactive or easily distractible child, you won’t want to miss this informative and sometimes humorous message that shares stories from his experience as an ADHD child himself. You will receive practical and Biblical insights into ADD/ADHD and will be encouraged that there is hope for your child!
Education From A Biblical Worldview
Are your children prepared to face the “Real World”? Learn how to equip your children to stand against the flood of secularism that threatens to drown them. What is your worldview? How are you going to transfer it to your children? Will you be more effective than the media and popular culture? Discover how to teach your children to view the core subjects (and all of life) through the lenses of scripture.
Christians and Pop Culture (Evaluating The Arts)
This workshop endeavors to establish a Biblical framework for viewing The Arts and multimedia. How can you tell what is good art, literature or music and what isn’t? What is a Biblical view of entertainment? Are there some forms of art that are more Christian than others? Learn how art reflects culture and culture reflects religious presuppositions. These issues and more will be explored in this engaging workshop.
What is the Father’s Role in the Home?
What does the Bible say about the duties and responsibilities of a Christian husband / father? Israel will look at what the Scriptures teach on this important topic.
School Choice – A Trojan Horse?
Many conservatives support and promote school choice initiatives believing it is a way to offer more options to struggling families and give them a way to use some of their hard-earned tax dollars for private schooling or homeschooling. Israel Wayne gives reasons why true conservatives should sincerely question these initiatives.
Eryn Lynum – Featured Speaker
Learning to Teach Like Jesus Did: Through Nature
More often than in the synagogue or city gates, Jesus was teaching out in nature—in olive groves, beside the sea, and in the wilderness. He used materials He and His Father fashioned at creation, things like sparrows, wildflowers, grains of sand, soil, and seeds, to anchor biblical truth in the hearts of His listeners. We can teach using this same method! As we familiarize ourselves with Scripture and nature, and how God uses both to reveal Himself to us and our kids, we can nurture the faith of our families and our homeschool education through God’s creation.
Explore God’s Underwater World
How old is an immortal jellyfish? What is a shark’s 6th sense? And how is a garden snail related to an octopus? The ocean is the most mysterious place on earth. It covers most of our planet, yet only around 5% has been explored. New creatures that God made are being discovered all the time! Learn from Master Naturalist Eryn Lynum and be filled with awe at the fascinating creatures God filled the oceans with.
Embrace God’s Gift of Rest for Your Family (or Homeschool)
The roots of rest run deep in Scripture. Rest was hinted at during creation, initiated in the wilderness, and fulfilled at calvary. If rest is so prominent in God’s Word, then it is important for our families and homeschooling—perhaps even vital. Discover how realistic and attainable a life led from rest is, and how to practically use rest as a life- giving strategy in your home and homeschooling.
How Can an Axolotl Regrow Part of its Brain?
How does a chameleon change colors? How can an axolotl regrow parts of its heart and brain? What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise? Dive into the study of herpetology with Master Naturalist Eryn Lynum and discover God’s amazing designs in reptiles and amphibians.
Things in Nature that are Not What They Seem
What exactly is a roly-poly? Is a ladybug a bug? And if flying bats aren’t birds, what are they? Discover unique creatures God made and their “hidden” identities. Learn how things in nature are not always what they seem and how you can study God’s creation to learn what things are and are not. As you practice this important skill, you’ll be better able to identify truth from falsehood in nature and in culture and society.
Do Mushrooms Know How to Code?
Is a mushroom a plant or animal? Learn how scientists discovered mushrooms and fungi and how these amazing creations “know” how to code even without brains! Discover God’s unique designs in the fungus world and how He created an entire network of living organisms to help other creatures and plants live. Also discover how God’s designs in nature, like coding fungus, inspire human technology and design.
Other Workshops
Teaching Through Experiences
A seminar on how to structure experiences as learning moments with clear outcomes.Discover how to turn activities, trips, role plays, and more into powerful learning moments. I’ll share tips from my research on planning experiences that stick with kids, using examples from Christian short-term missions. You’ll learn how to set clear learning goals for any activity. I edited the book TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATIONS (Baker, 2016), which is used annually at all major Christian universities, including Liberty.
Modify the Curriculum and Routine – Not the Child
Are you struggling to navigate through your current curriculum? Is your current homeschooling approach falling short of your expectations or goals? This session has valuable insights on maximizing any chosen curriculum for all your children. Discover strategies for adapting assignments and activities to suit individual needs, making a more tailored educational experience. Moreover, learn effective techniques for adjusting your routine to accommodate your child’s specific needs, facilitating a seamless and successful school year.
Dinosaur Tracks!
Sadly, dinosaurs are used extensively as evidence or even “proof” that God’s Word is unreliable and outdated. But dinosaurs are remarkable evidence that God knows everything and we can trust His Word! Learn about God’s Word and His love through fun facts about one of His most fascinating creations, Dinosaurs!
Every Homeschool Needs a Chessboard
Is chess a math class pretending to be a board game, or a board game pretending to be a math class, or is it simply both? Welcome to the world of chess, where every participant is a student, and every participant is an equal. What other class teaches sportsmanship and executive functioning, concentration as well as planning, decision-making as well as patience? If you have only one game in your homeschool, it kinda needs to be chess.
Why Every Student Should Attend a One Year Bible School
This workshop will share both the practical and spiritual benefits of attending a one-year Bible school after graduation. We believe strongly that when a student takes a year to build their foundation on Christ and grow their faith, it has a specific and directly positive impact on every decision they make afterwards. Our workshop will talk about the benefits of one-year Bible programs, share the specific ways an intensive Gospel education can positively impact the practical lives of students as they make decisions about college, careers, and relationships, and will provide resources about several effective one-year Bible schools across the country and the globe (North Star Bible School, Montana Wilderness School of the Bible, and the Torchbearer’s program).
Hostility Toward Homeschool Freedom
The battle to protect your right to homeschool is entering a new phase. A new model bill that is hostile to homeschooling freedom urges legislators to impose archaic restrictions on home education in every state. The bill’s authors and advocates claim that homeschooling is used to hide child abuse, despite a growing body of research that says homeschooling and abuse are not correlated. In this presentation, we will analyze both this model bill and the worldview on which it is based, and tell you exactly what you need to know about the Make Homeschool Safe Act. We are eager to inform and equip your family now so you can respond quickly and knowledgably to these emerging threats.
Divisive Devices: Finding Connection in a Distracted World
Screens impact all of us and they are here to stay. But what do we about them? How much “screen time” is too much? What ages are appropriate for screen privileges? Fortunately, there are principles we can examine that help us determine the answers to these questions. In this session, join Kevin as he shares that the heart of the matter is often a matter of the heart
Air Derby Demo
Check out an Air Derby kit in action! Gravity powered air derbies are a fun, hands on way to learn STEAM. Air derbies operate similar to pinewood derby competitions, launching four aerial objects at a time.
Telling Our Stories for God’s Glory
Joy is a teacher, speaker, and the author of two books. She loves encouraging parents as they educate their children. She will share her favorite homeschooling tips and challenge her listeners to find and tell their own stories for God’s glory.
Striking Out: Navigating Life’s Next Chapter After Homeschooling
Homeschooling parents often become so engrossed in their children’s education that they overlook the importance of planning for the future. How can you maintain your sanity while also preparing for the day your children transition to higher education or the workforce? Join Gretchen Roe to discuss balancing present-day homeschooling with your long-term goals. She’ll share ten tips to help you develop a successful exit strategy.
English and Kinesthetics
Focuses on strategies and ideas for teaching English by incorporating fun, kinesthetic activities, a component of mastery learning. Through kinesthetics, learning is, actually, expedited. This means using motions, songs, etc., to embed and to expedite the learning of standard English. Attendees participate in active learning, memorable learning, and “do and say” learning that gives children the power to learn 90% faster. Includes discussion of the prepositional approach that makes understanding language concept “a breeze.”
Cancel the High School/College Divide: Moving Past the Prussian Educational Model
The last two years of high school, and the first two years of college, are essentially redundant. They waste time, and money, and are essentially baby-sitting. Dr. Nicholas Ellis will show you how to more effectively train your young people and launch them as successful leaders in family, business, and community.
Experience the Classical Education Model (while learning about triangles)
Experience classical education in action! We will model and practice the three arts of the trivium: grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric. Using the triangles as a springboard, this interactive
session will demonstrate how learning progresses throughout a student’s life.
U.S. Navy
Come learn about college scholarship information, officer programs and ASVAB availability.
It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool Middle School
Your adorable kid has turned into a disheveled eating machine that just wants to sleep. Middle School kids can be tough and temperamental but also amazing, wonderful and kind! This workshop will do a deep dive into what in the world’s going on with your tweens and how to actually educate them!
Teaching History Together
Are you longing to find ways to bring all your children together at the table? Spend time with Mindy Brouse as she shares helps for teaching history and more across multi‐age levels using a classical and Charlotte Mason approach.
Pouring from a Full Cup (for Moms)
You deserve this Momma! Join us as we quiet our hearts and receive the Father’s love. This directed 1-hour retreat will help you tune your ear to hear the Lord. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest”. Allow the Lord to overfill your cup so you have excess to pour into the family and community you serve.
Unlock the Puzzle with RightStart™ Math
Have you heard the buzz about RightStart™ Math? Come hear about our philosophy and what sets us apart from other programs. We teach children that a real mathematical problem is like a puzzle, that math is more than memorization, and that math is fun. Come and learn what’s special about our math curriculum!
Mz. Grundy: Story Time
Come see Mz. Grundy in action as she makes history come alive!
Mz. Grundy: A New Model for Learning History
The workshop will highlight how intertwining history into a fictional story helps the student want to learn history. I will present stories, curriculum ideas based on my products, and ways of making history more inclusive of the broader sense of what the culture was like in the time period. History is more than just getting the big picture view of dates and battles, although these are important to learn as well. For that reason, Mz Grundy’s materials help the student to learn about “modern” inventions of the time, cultural values, foods, dress, and much more.
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.
Cupcake Cakes (ages 6-11)
Students can come learn how to build and decorate a mini cupcake cake! Each student will be able to bring their creation home with them. (pre-registration required)
AWANA Games (ages 5-8)
Come join AWANA games leader Kaleb King in fun game play while practicing good sportsmanship. Space is limited.
AWANA Games (ages 9-12)
Come join AWANA games leader Kaleb King in fun game play while practicing good sportsmanship. Space is limited.
Cupcake Cakes (ages 12+)
Students can come learn how to build and decorate a mini cupcake cake! Each student will be able to bring their creation home with them. (pre-registration required)
Beaver Skinning Demo
Come learn how to skin a beaver/muskrat and prepare the pelt properly for the current fur market.
Drones! (ages 12+)
Take the controls and experience the thrill of flying drones firsthand.
Parenting with God’s Global Vision
Get equipped with practical ways your family can participate in God’s global purpose. Come explore the practices and disciplines of being a World Christian and gain insight in helping your children see things from God’s perspective.
What Christian Colleges Look for in New Students
As a Dean at a Christian university, I’ll explain what skills and qualities most Christian schools want to see in their freshmen. We’ll cover basics like writing and math but also talk about how to prepare teens for college-level thinking and living in a Christian community. (I’m less excited about this seminar, but I can do it if it’s helpful)