Getting Started as a Florida Homeschooler – The Legal Requirements

Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau, Florida Homeschool Association

 

Learn what it's like to be a Florida homeschooler. In this practical workshop, Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau will review the legal requirements all independent homeschoolers need to follow. Participants will leave with a complete understanding of: (1) the Notice of Intent; (2) the Homeschool Portfolio; (3) the Annual Evaluation; and, (4) the Notice of Termination. Workshop will also include everyday information about where to find resources, programs and options available to Florida homeschoolers, figuring out what to teach, answers to common questions and misunderstandings, and information about finding a private umbrella school or other program to help with homeschooling. This basic information is what every new or prospective Florida homeschool family needs to know to legally homeschool in the State of Florida. Guests will be equipped with the tools and confidence to get started.

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Embracing Learning Differences in Your Homeschool:

Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia

Dr. Chrysalis Wright, Sunshine State Homeschool Academy

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In this session, families will learn about tools and strategies that create homeschool success for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. Homeschool parent and psychologist, Dr. Chrysalis Wright, will share insights from the research, talk about educational resources that work for homeschooled students, and will even share ideas she uses with her own children. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the issues, and will gain increased confidence knowing that students with learning differences can successfully be served at home, with lasting results, using individualized programming designed for their specific needs.

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The Art of Storytelling  

Exhibitor Workshop with Leslie Daniels, K-6 Oak Meadow Teacher

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Delight your children with imagination and creativity through the magic of storytelling. Learn how to engage your children with stories in all subjects. Topics will include choosing stories, telling the story, and developing your voice as an artform. Come and find out why storytelling plays such a valuable role in your child's education. Sample stories will be shared.

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Legislative Updates From the Capitol

Brenda Dickinson, President, Florida Home Education Foundation (HEF)

 

Important information for all Florida homeschoolers, their families, and anyone interested in home education. Join our full-time state lobbyist, Brenda Dickinson, as she recaps the results of this year's legislative session, which included the passage of the much talked-about "School Choice Bill".  Attendees will receive the most up to the minute news and updates in the state, discussing changes that impact Florida home educators, including FES scholarships and IEPs for home education students.  Brenda has been our advocate and Florida’s voice in the Capitol for almost 40 years! Don’t miss this this once-a-year opportunity to learn what is on the horizon for Florida’s home educators. A popular session, we recommend arriving early and preparing for standing-room-only attendance.

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Supporting the Mental Wellness of Gifted and High Achieving Students

Lauren R. Parker, Psy.S., NCSP, Central Florida Gifted Center

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Gifted and High Achieving students often experience increased expectations to excel academically. These expectations combined with common Gifted and High Achieving traits can create or exacerbate social, emotional, and mental stress that can impact academic and lifelong success. In this session participants will learn about common stressors for high achieving young people, the impact of those stressors on learning, and strategies to help support the social, emotional, and mental wellness of students. 

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The Multilingual Homeschooler: How to Teach Your Kids Languages and Expand Their World

Celia Chomón Zamora, Ph.D.

 

As a homeschool parent, you have a unique opportunity to introduce your children to the joys and benefits of learning additional languages and cultures. In this practical and engaging talk, we will explore the latest research on the benefits of multilingualism (such as its role in children’s development and future success), provide practical tips and tricks for incorporating language learning into your homeschooling routine,  as well as some simple strategies for teaching a language at home when you don't speak it fluently yourself. We will also explore some of the latest technology and tools that can enhance your child's language learning experience and provide plenty of resources and tips for getting started. Whether you're a language newbie or a seasoned polyglot, this session will leave you feeling confident, empowered, and inspired to take on the challenge of homeschooling with a linguistic flair!

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Bridge Over Troubled Waters Part I: Addition & Subtraction

Right Start Math Exhibitor Workshop with Kathleen MacGregor

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Does your child have a weak or incomplete understanding of addition and subtraction? Are they slow and inaccurate? Are they relying on their fingers? Are you worried about the upcoming multiplication and division facts? Focusing on rote memorization without comprehension is overwhelming, never mind the frequent need to review. Come learn addition and subtraction strategies and bridge into success with card games rather than worksheets.

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Equip Your Students With Our Virtual Education Options

Florida Virtual School Exhibitor Workshop with Jimminda Thompson

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This workshop will cover our various online options and help you find the best one to meet your family's needs. Our offerings include Advanced Placement, World Languages, and elementary courses. You'll also hear about our new courses along with the opportunity to earn Career and Technical Education (CTE) certifications. Join us and let us help your child succeed!

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Super Secrets from Seasoned Homeschooling Moms

Cam Anderson, Flagler Preparatory Academy & Homeschool Mom of 7

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A 20+ year (and counting!) homeschool veteran shares top tips gleaned from the most successful homeschool super moms. In this presentation for both new and experienced homeschoolers, you'll learn Cam's best ideas for saving sanity; getting back on track after major derailments; keeping things in perspective; and for watching stress, anger, anxiety and frustration simply melt away.  Participants will feel empowered to begin or continue the homeschooling journey with ease and success, knowing a connection exists with a community of other homeschool parents who understand what it's like in the trenches!

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Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Central Florida

Jordan Morgan, Assistant Director, Undergraduate Admissions

Recommended for teens to attend with their parents

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Amplifying the power of knowledge and discovery, UCF unleashes the potential of our students, faculty, staff, and community. As a next-generation public research institute, we are an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to shape the future and solve the world's most challenging problems. This session will help attendees understand the UCF Undergraduate Admissions criteria, timeline and merit scholarships for first time in college students and transfers.

 

The Winding Road Straight To Math Success

Unlock Math Exhibitor Workshop with Matthew & Alesia Blackwood

 

Success in math is rarely a straight line for students. Come learn how to incorporate teaching and learning strategies, proven to work, that are based on the science of how the brain learns and retains math best. Leave math anxiety in the past and give your students the confidence and skill needed for advanced math.

 

Florida Homeschool Evaluations and Portfolio Workshop

Samantha Eason, Certified Teacher and Homeschool Evaluator

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Practical session dedicated to discussing all 5 of the homeschool evaluation options that are possible for Florida home educators. This workshop has a special focus on preparing a student portfolio that will satisfy both the legal requirement and can also be used for the teacher portfolio review. Guests will leave with increased confidence, as they gain a complete understanding of all of the available options, plus the specific INs and OUTs of the certified teacher annual portfolio review.

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Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Step Up for Students Workshop with Stephanie Love, Manager, Customer Experience

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In this presentation, guests will hear the very latest news regarding the Family Empowerment Scholarship-Unique Abilities (FES-UA) for Florida students. The workshop will review all of the program options, explain how students will qualify, go over how parents apply for the scholarship, and explain how the scholarship can be used. This workshop will also cover any specific changes to the program that occur as the result of this year's legislative session. Questions about proposed House and Senate bills, and/or any impacts on Florida home education or private school students, will be answered. 

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Making choices: Virtual learning vs Distance learning vs Homeschooling? 

Wendy Richardson, Director of Admission, Oak Meadow

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Interested in homeschooling but not sure if it is right for you? Trying to decide between a virtual school program, distance learning program or homeschooling can be overwhelming.  In this session, Wendy Richardson, the Director of Admission at Oak Meadow, will discuss the differences between homeschooling and enrolling in a distance learning school or virtual school. She will explain the pro's and con's of all options and help provide you with information to make a decision that will work for you, your student and your whole family.

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A Fox in the Henhouse? What Homeschool Parents Should Know About Video Games

Christopher J. Ferguson, Ph.D., Stetson University

All are welcome; Teens are invited to attend this workshop alone or with a parent

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For decades, parents were told to be on the alert for violence in video games. Yet preventing teens, particularly boys, from accessing such games is often a daunting task, creating guilt in many parents. Ultimately, research has found that even the most violent games has little impact on kids' development. Why were parents frightened needlessly about video games for so many years, and how can we apply this lesson to other things parents are warned about?

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How to Ignite Curiosity for Health Literacy in Young Learners

Know Yourself Exhibitor Workshop with Dr. Vanessa Rowan & Nancy Howes

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Join us in this practical workshop as we walk you through a hands-on learning way to make anatomy & physiology fun!  Significant evidence supports that introducing science at a young age builds a lifetime of fascination and curiosity. Understanding ones own body is critical to self-advocacy and self-discovery. You only have one body and one mind -- and it needs to last! Know Yourself has created a pathway for introducing health literacy to young students in an easy and fun way! It's as simple as 1-2-3!

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Homeschooling Myths & Stereotypes

Dr. Chrysalis Wright, Sunshine State Homeschool Academy

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In this light-hearted session, common myths and stereotypes about homeschoolers will be debunked. While some stereotypes and myths are relatively harmless, others aren’t. Myths and stereotypes tend to center on teacher qualifications, socialization, parenting practices, and family belief systems. Evidence to dispute the stereotypes will be discussed as well as how to effectively respond to the myths and stereotypes. 

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Bridge Over Troubled Waters Part 2: Multiplication & Division

Right Start Math Exhibitor Workshop with Kathleen MacGregor

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Multiplication has been the mathematical downfall of many students. Memorizing 100 facts without full comprehension is a burden and needs frequent review. Yet, we know that a deep understanding of concepts removes anxiety, lessens the burden of memorizing, and makes math more enjoyable. Come and learn strategies to help your child bridge their skills to competent and confident multiplication and division facts.

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EXOLITH Lab: Fueling Humanity's Expansion into Space

University of Central Florida Exolith Lab with Geotechnical Engineers & Staff

This is a HIGH SCHOOL CLASS designed for high schoolers to attend alone. Others permitted on a space-available basis after all teens have arrived.

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With the advancement of humanity into space, we must learn how to use the primary resource available: Space Dirt! Lunar and Martian soil can be used to build rockets, make rocket fuel, support life in space, and much more! Exolith lab simulates this space dirt for organizations such as NASA and SpaceX, as well as researches fundamental questions on how it can be used, all through the help of K-12 and college students. Come find out how you can contribute to the future of humanity in space with this talk on the science of space dirt and everything that is can be used for!

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My Middle Schooler is Driving Me Crazy!

Leilani Melendez, Homeschool Advisor and Influencer at Living with Eve

 

Homeschooler and former middle school teacher, Leilani Melendez, will share valuable insights about the middle school years. In this parent-to-parent session. Leilani's experience and humor will work to change your attitude toward this puzzling yet precious group of kids. Workshop will take a look inside the middle-schooler's brain, discuss what pre-teens and early teens are thinking and feeling, and offer guidance for maximizing (and surviving!) the middle school years in home education. Above all, parents will learn to enjoy these fleeting, emotional, and pivotal years with their kids.

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Emotional Literacy

My Focus Psych Workshop with Dr. Gabriela Mancini

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Emotional literacy is the first step in the development of emotional intelligence. It is well researched that people with higher levels of emotional intelligence (EQ) are more successful than those with high intellect (IQ) alone; yet, most education systems place great emphasis on academic intelligence while generally ignoring emotional intelligence. Emotional literacy can be just as important and necessary to a child's growth as other types of literacy that are more commonly taught (e.g.,  reading or technology). This workshop is designed for parents and educators to help their children develop emotional literacy and to help guide them on their journey to becoming emotionally intelligent beings.

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Homeschool Science Made Easy!

Dianna Zayas, Homeschool Mom, Coach & Educator

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For the past 8 years, Dianna has taught Preschool through High School science to many children alongside her own 3 children while on their homeschool journey. Whether via Life Science, Astronomy or Robotics, Dianna has helped many homeschooled students experience STEM education in their own ways, accommodating their own unique styles of learning. Dianna's hope is that by sharing her adventures and valuable lessons learned along the way, it can help make someone else’s homeschool journey a little easier. Join us for this informative and practical parent-to-parent session to learn how YOU can teach homeschool science, too!

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Encouraging Your Reluctant Writer

Stephenie Wilson Peterson, Children's Author

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Stephenie Wilson Peterson is a homeschooling mom of three, a children's author, and the creator of My Year of Homeschool: A Creative, Educational, and Reflective Journal for Kids. Stephenie enjoys encouraging students to write and is a writing teacher for homeschoolers ages 8-19. In this engaging presentation, Stephenie addresses some of the most common concerns she hears from parents of "reluctant writers". Offering tips and tricks, guests will learn a valuable writing secret: Writing gets easier when children are having fun! 

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Homeschooling Your High Schooler: "Don't fear the high school years!"

Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau, Florida Homeschool Association

Recommended for teens to attend with their parents

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Getting ready to homeschool a high schooler?  Want to prepare your student for college, vocation or anything else the future holds?  Hear how easy high schooling can be when using a set of fool-proof strategies for developing a HIGH SCHOOL PLAN. Workshop will also include tips for transcripts & record-keeping, preparing for college & scholarships, outsourcing coursework from virtual and dual enrollment programs, and much more.  High schooling doesn’t have to be scary or difficult!  Bring a notebook and get ready to design your student's personalized map to graduation. Teens welcome to attend with their parents. 

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