CT HOMESCHOOL NETWORK’S HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCE 2025
June 7, Saturday
72 Broad Street, Groton, CT
Time: 12Noon-4PM
It’s conference time! This conference is a family friendly event that is focused on the information and support sought by new homeschoolers, prospective homeschoolers, and those that are seeking new resources for their current homeschool, support group or homeschool co-op. Have you been considering home education? This is the event for you! There’s plenty of free parking, so come on down! Admission is free although a requested donation of at least a modest $5 per adult, (children are free) at the door is greatly appreciated. THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED FROM NOW UNTIL THE CONFERENCE SO PLEASE CHECK BACK WITH US.
***KEYNOTE SPEAKERS***
12:30PM-1:20PM in the main sanctuary near the portico entrance doors
Can you succeed with homeschooling? — YES.
The most common questions & concerns, with practical solutions.
Speakers: Diane & Roy Speed
The decision to homeschool is daunting. Parents wonder: Am I qualified to be my child’s teacher? They worry about missing essential topics — or even entire subjects! — critical to an academic plan. Some parents, lacking confidence in their own abilities, hire tutors, purchase workbooks, try to make their home-grown instruction replicate a school classroom — all without ever really feeling like they know what they’re doing. All too often, they throw in the towel and put their student back in school. This talk is designed for new and prospective homeschoolers, and for parents looking for new ideas. It will cover the key issues they should consider and essential information all parents need to create an effective, workable educational plan.
Diane & Roy Speed educated their two children at home from pre-school through high school using a program of their own design. Both their students, upon entering college, received substantial merit scholarships from the schools they attended. Since 2001 Diane has launched a number of homeschooling groups and services, including The Classical Kids Network and HS College-Bound. Both Roy and Diane are acclaimed teachers of honors-level courses; Diane teaches biology and chemistry, and Roy teaches writing & literature.
****SCHEDULE OF EVENTS****
Enter the conference at the double doors under the covered carport portico off Broad Street. If you’re looking at the front of the buildings, it is to the right side, near the front, toward Broad Street. Admission is free although a requested donation of at least a modest $5 per adult, (children are free) at the door is greatly appreciated.
12NOON
Doors open – Visit the CHN Welcome Table inside Broad Street Carport Entrance
Get your free Resource Handout Bag at the CHN Welcome Table (while supplies last)
Exhibitor Hall open, main floor, Fellowship Hall
Used Curriculum Book & Supply sale, main floor, All-purpose room and Fellowship Hall
Giveaway Table open, 12Noon-3PM, next to the CHN Welcome Table
Intimate Gatherings: Homeschool Consults (registration required at Welcome Table!!)
Nursing Mother’s Room, downstairs in the Nursery
12:30PM-1:20PM KEYNOTE SPEAKERS!
INFO SESSION: Keynote Speakers Roy & Diane Speed
Room: Sanctuary, main floor near entrance
Can you succeed with homeschooling? — YES.
The most common questions & concerns, with practical solutions.
Speakers: Diane & Roy Speed
The decision to homeschool is daunting. Parents wonder: Am I qualified to be my child’s teacher? They worry about missing essential topics — or even entire subjects! — critical to an academic plan. Some parents, lacking confidence in their own abilities, hire tutors, purchase workbooks, try to make their home-grown instruction replicate a school classroom — all without ever really feeling like they know what they’re doing. All too often, they throw in the towel and put their student back in school. This talk is designed for new and prospective homeschoolers, and for parents looking for new ideas. It will cover the key issues they should consider and essential information all parents need to create an effective, workable educational plan.
Diane & Roy Speed educated their two children at home from pre-school through high school using a program of their own design. Both their students, upon entering college, received substantial merit scholarships from the schools they attended. Since 2001 Diane has launched a number of homeschooling groups and services, including The Classical Kids Network and HS College-Bound. Both Roy and Diane are acclaimed teachers of honors-level courses; Diane teaches biology and chemistry, and Roy teaches writing & literature.
1:30-2:15PM
INFO SESSION: National Home Education Legal Defense, Atty. Stevenson, Sanctuary room
INFO SESSION: The Finance Fixer: Learn it’s not what you buy, but how you pay. Plan ahead. Held in the Chapel (near the library)
2:30-3:15PM
INFO SESSION: Oak Meadow Curriculum Publishers: All Things Oak Meadow Pre-K – 12th Grade, Sanctuary Room
INFO SESSION: The three ingredients of writing skill – How to ensure that your student develops as a writer, Held in the Chapel (near the library)
For thirty years Roy Speed has been a writing consultant to large corporations, advising his clients on their writing challenges. He is also a homeschooling dad who, for more than ten years, has been teaching writing to high-school-aged students. In this talk he will give you his unique perspective on the abilities students must develop — often from an early age — to ensure that in high school and college they become strong writers. He will also give guidance on what parents should look for in a writing program — including: 1) writing workouts and exercises that are vital, versus activities that teach few real skills and often amount to little more than busywork; 2) writing values and priorities commonly emphasized in English class that have little use beyond high school; and 3) writing tools & techniques that professional writers use, and that every student needs.
3:15PM-3:30PM
Drawings from the Giveaway Table
winners must be present to pick-up gifts, Exhibitor Hall. If winner is not present before 3:30PM, we will call additional names as needed.
3:30-4PM
Wrap-up at Exhibitor Hall and Used Curriculum Sale – check for deep discounts!
CT HOMESCHOOL NETWORK WELCOME TABLE
Upon arrival, stop by in the entrance LOBBY and say, “Hi!” to the CHN Board of Directors. We look forward to seeing everyone this year – another fun and informative conference. You can also pick up your free Resource Handout bag, filled with quality business ads, and learn about their products and services. That’s not all – you can visit the Giveaway Table right next to us and see if you would like to take a chance at winning a donated homeschool resource product or service! Donations are warmly welcome, but the admission and tickets are free.
GIVEAWAY TABLE
A hearty thank-you to our exhibitors and other businesses who so generously donated items to the table for our Giveaway! You can get three free tickets (per family). Winners must be present to win. Drawings will be done at 3PM near the CHN Welcome Table. Must be present to win.
RESOURCE HANDOUT BAGS – FREE to attendees
Upon arrival at the conference, be sure to stop by the CHN Welcome table to get your bag. One per family, please. First come, first served. We have exhibitors who are not able to attend or who live far enough outside of CT, that the bags are a great outreach option for them. Also, for you – there are some fantastic products available! Be sure to obtain one of these free bags at the CHN Welcome Table upon your arrival. One per family, please. While supplies last.
NATIONAL HOME EDUCATION LEGAL DEFENSE
(NHELD)
Stop by and say hello to Attorney Deborah G. Stevenson, of NHELD, has been advocating for homeschool freedom for decades. She homeschooled her two daughters from birth into college. Over the years, she has been an advocate for individual families and informing the community and the public about their rights. She has published many articles about home education and freedom.
She will also be presenting a workshop during the conference. Check the schedule for time/location.
USED CURRICULUM SALE
There are a lot of families who will be at the conference selling their used curriculum materials! You don’t want to miss this. Further, multiple families have donated gently used, quality homeschool resources; books, games, manipulatives – you get the idea. They are for sale at greatly reduced prices from what it would cost to buy brand new. Bring cash, as most sellers will be using it; some will offer charge card sales. They will have bags available for your purchases. We’ll have a lot of used curriculum and related resources available for you to purchase! Stock up and save money!
EXHIBITORS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES – FOR YOU!
CHN’s Welcome Table
CHN’s Giveaway Table
Arise n’ Shine Speech & Learning Center, LLC
Homeschool mom Alicia brings her professional expertise to children who need assessments, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, play groups and enrichment classes for homeschoolers.
Classical Conversations
CC is a Christian, Classical Homeschooling program exists to support, equip, and encourage parents to teach their children from a Christian perspective using Classical teaching methods and curricula. CC programs meet in-person, at local communities once per week during the school year, where licensed and trained directors and tutors model Classical teaching and learning techniques to parents and students in a classroom setting.
The CT Invention Convention
The CIC is thrilled to be able to offer resources and educational opportunities geared specifically to homeschool families and learners. We have tailor made resources to help young people recognize their inventive skills and use those skills to identify a problem that is meaningful to them and create a practical solution. Inventors who participate in the CIC also have the opportunity to submit their invention to the Virtual Independent Inventor Convention and also possibly matriculate on to the CT State Invention Convention at UConn in the spring.
CT State Library
We lend items (book sets, stem kits, story time props…) to libraries, schools, and homeschool families for up to 3 months to supplement educational items they already own.
3-Dux Design
PBL and STEM kits and associated learning. A must-see!
Falcetti Music Center
Falcetti Music has been sharing the joy of music with thousands of people in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut for over 65 years.
It all started as a small retail store and place to learn and play music. Today, hundreds of students come through the doors each week to study and make music of all types. Our mission is to help share the joy of music through teaching lessons to people of all ages and skill levels, provide public music performance opportunities for our musicians, and create live music events for the community to enjoy.
Fireside Music & Motion
Fireside teaches basic music skills in a brand new way uniquely suited to homeschool learning. Our method is multi-sensory, playful, engaging and fun yet so simple that parents are easily empowered to teach it. Based on the idea that “a picture is worth a thousand words,” the program relies stories with easy-to-recall images reinforced through kinesthetic activities including coloring, stomping, clapping and jumping. Our products include lesson videos and accompanying materials, hard-copy or downloadable stories, flash cards, clef and instrument mats, games and music coloring/activity books.
Farm to X
Farm to X offers homeschooling families the chance to engage with a wide range of farming systems in a flexible, immersive way. We know that real-world learning is key to homeschooling, and our programs provide diverse, hands-on experiences that cater to different learning styles and interests.
Holy Apostles College & Seminary
We are a Catholic Newman guide, fully accredited, liberal arts college and seminary that offers high school juniors and seniors “dual-credit” online courses (courses concurrent with homeschooling). These credits can count towards both high school credits and future undergraduate degrees.
There Will Be Hugs
“International Best-Selling Author and homeschool mother of 6, Jessica Dugas, shares her latest book, There Will Be Hugs. This simple and heartwarming story of friendship follows 2 koalas, Kip and Kora, on an adventure to find the greatest gift of all, each other. This family friendly book includes large print, friendship affirmations, and even step by step how to draw a koala!”
Huntington Learning Center
We offer academic evaluations – learn what grade level your child is at and see if there are any areas where we can fill in gaps and improve. We offer subject tutoring, all subjects for elementary, and SAT/ACT prep. We provide curriculum – and we can work with you in-person or by Zoom.
KB Teaches
More 2 Say Pediatric Development & Therapy
More to Say is a pediatric development and therapy clinic that offers play-based and family-centered speech, feeding and occupational therapy services for children ages birth to 21. These services are accessible to the homeschooling community, as homeschooled children to do not have access to school-based services. Additionally, we offer pediatric homeschool and enrichment groups for families in our community that supplement academic curricula to explore new interests, foster creativity, and provide a welcoming social environment for children.
National Home Education Legal Defense (NHELD)
NHELD is a CT based law firm that was started by a homeschool mom-turned-attorney, and has been a staunch advocate for education freedom without government oversight. Attorney Deborah G. Stevenson has been advocating for parents with her decades of experience, writing articles, attending workshops and much more. She will also be a speaker at this conference.
New York Life Financial Advisor
Meet a financial advisor and fellow homeschool family and learn about finances. We understand the dynamic – we bring tips for holistic wellness, and some ways to help children understand and get involved in managing finances.
Neuro-Fitness Academy
Our e-books, book and workbooks help homeschool children improve focus, learning and memorization through fun brain boosting neuro-fitness activities. Our products strengthen the mind-body connection, build confidence, and enhance overall well-being.
Oak Meadow Curriculum from Vermont
A representative from Oak Meadow will be coming to the conference and doing a workshop, as well as having an exhibitor space. Oak Meadow offers a comprehensive homeschool curriculum from PreK through High School, encouraging creativity, independent learning, and environmental awareness through hands-on, engaging experiences. We provide flexible enrollment options, including full-year, semester or single-subject enrollment, to suit your family’s needs. Additionally, enrollment in our accredited school offers personalized, one-on-one support from experienced teachers, ensuring students receive the guidance they need to thrive.
Paper Pie Books (formerly Usborne)
Paper Pie books are informative and educational while also being a lot of fun for kids. Not just limited to children’s books, but includes puzzles, activity books, sound books, lighted books, and STEM items. Be sure to visit Julie who is your PaperPie homeschool mom and product expert.
Roy and Diane Speed – Keynote speakers!
The Classical Kids Network and HS College-Bound are owned and operated by the Speeds. They have homeschooled their children all the way through to adulthood and have a lot of wisdom to share with you. In addition to hearing their Keynote presentation, you’ll want to stop by their table and learn what more they have to offer!
Sweetwater Exhibit
Since 1979, Sweetwater has been committed to giving music makers the ultimate shopping experience. Whether our customers are renting their very first instrument or performing on one of the great stages, we’re committed to being a company they can trust. We’re here to help you live your music dreams by giving you more than any other retailer.
The Finance Fixer
Parents who homeschool their children want control over their curriculum. In addition, they want it delivered in a manner that aligns with their values and their children’s specific learning needs. That’s the philosophy we deliver when it comes to finances. Our core value is that we should not be dependent on traditional banking for major expenses, such as: education, college funding, home ownership, weddings, vacations and cars. We teach families that it’s Not What You Buy, but How You Pay. It’s a different way of thinking about money, which ultimately leads to wealth creation, retirement income, and prosperity!
Whispering Wolf Oasis
Specializing in creating keepsakes that last and personalizing gifts or creating unique custom gifts that are laser cut and engraved. WWOasis offers math, alphabet, games, puzzles, etc., that are both fun and engaging while still being educational. All of them can be custom-ordered and personalized.
HOUSEKEEPING INFO
The buildings at these two connected church locations do n-o-t have an elevator. There are a few steps (2 – 3) in some areas, and a full set of steps in other areas. Please keep this in mind when planning your trip. Almost all of the event will be held on the main floor of the two buildings.
FOR ADVERTISERS NOT AT THE CONFERENCE – RESOURCE HANDOUT BAG OPTION!
Can’t attend the conference but you want outreach to the homeschool community? You can advertise your products/services in our Resource Handout Bags. Email us for details and let us know what you have to share. CHNconference@outlook.com
FOR PROSPECTIVE CONFERENCE EXHIBITORS
Do you want to secure a space at the conference, to showcase your educational products and services of interest to home educators? We’ll have hundreds of people coming to the conference and this is your chance to speak with them directly and explain what you have to offer their family, groups of friends, or a homeschool co-op. For details, email us for details. Please note – we almost always fill up the exhibitor spaces, so register early. The deadline is May 31st or when we are full. As of May 1st, we are full. Please reach out and we’ll put you on our contact list for June 2025 when we’ll have an even bigger and better conference planned! CHNconference@outlook.com