Annual CHN Conference

CT HOMESCHOOL NETWORK’S
 HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCE 2024

June 15, Saturday
139 Charles Street
Meriden, CT
Time: 12:30-4:30PM

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! CHN is pleased to offer free admission, though donations are always warmly welcomed. There’s plenty of free parking, so come on down!  No solicitors.

THREE SCHEDULED WORKSHOPS INCLUDING OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER!
2ND FLOOR OPEN AREA
Please be seated for a prompt start time. Thank you.

12:45-1:45PM Keynote Speaker: Wendy Richardson from Oak Meadow in Vermont

Oak Meadow: A Hands-on, Nature Based Learning Experience for Homeschoolers

Listen and learn from Wendy’s experience working with homeschoolers, and what the benefits of the Oak Meadow curriculum has to offer. It’s noted for being hands-on, nature based, and very flexible to work with. Homeschoolers across the country have successfully used this Waldorf and Montessori inspired curriculum for decades.  The husband and wife team who founded Oak Meadow back in the 70’s, in southern Vermont, created an opportunity for families that stands strong today.  There will be time for audience Q&A.

Oak Meadow (OM) curriculum was started in Vermont by a husband and wife team who left their private education careers to branch out on their own.  OM uses a blend of the Montessori and Steiner philosophies in their approach to a holistic education for homeschooled children. It has been a favorite of many families for decades.
About Wendy: Wendy has a BA in Social Work from UNH and an MEd from Lesley College. She taught kindergarten to second grade before leaving the classroom to turn her full attention to her family. Her two daughters are her pride and joy, and she says they keep her exploring and learning all the time. Wendy returned to the education field as an educational counselor at Oak Meadow before being named director of admission. She uses both of her degrees to help families explore and discover the best and most successful way to educate their children. In her spare time, Wendy loves pretty much any activity that keeps her outdoors: running, hiking, gardening, swimming, and skiing.

2PM-2:45PM

The High School Years: Homing in on the key challenges

Diane & Roy Speed homeschooled two of their own all the way through high school and into college; they have spent the last decade teaching science, math, and English to homeschooled adolescents while mentoring the parents on everything from high school credits to college admissions. We asked the Speeds to give a talk on the challenges unique to the high school years — and especially the things most easily overlooked by parents. There will be time for Q&A, and parents are guaranteed to take away at least three vital insights for navigating successfully the high school years.

3-3:45PM All Things Home Education: Starting Your Homeschool, The Law, & Sports Options

Join CHN Board members and Attorney Deborah Stevenson, who will present information on the basics and options to consider when starting home education, the laws and policies you need to know, and sports options available to your children. There will be time for audience Q&A.

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 2:50PM near the CHN Welcome Table.

RESOURCE  HANDOUT BAGS

Be sure to obtain one of these free, limited supply bags at the CHN Welcome Table upon your arrival. One per family, please.

NATIONAL HOME EDUCATION LEGAL DEFENSE


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

2nd floor classrooms
Multiple families have donated gently used, quality homeschool resources; books, games, manipulatives – you get the idea. There are also families who have gone through their own bookshelves and are ready to pass on their homeschool treasures for new families to use.  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.

EXHIBITORS, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES – FOR YOU!


Located on both the first and second floors.  These businesses have quality products and services available for your individual homeschool, for a group to share, or a homeschool co-op. Don’t be shy about talking to these folks and learn what they have to offer.  We’ve enjoyed having some interesting opportunites come in for the homeschool community and we are excited for you to meet them, too. Homeschool supports, field trip classes, supplemental classes, music, and more.

OAK MEADOW HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM

Stop by the table and visit with Wendy who will have lots of resources for the Oak Meadow curriculum. Founded in 1975, OM provides a flexible, Waldorf-inspired education for independent learners in preschool to grade 12.

At Oak Meadow, we see you as a traveler on a journey of learning—a fellow educator, not just a customer. We’re here for you, we listen to you, and we’ll support and guide you through one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent: how to educate your child.
Our book-based curriculum can be used independently by homeschoolers, or through enrollment in our teacher-supported distance learning school. Our approach is compassionate and student-centered because we believe that children are sensitive and intelligent, and that learning can be joyfully integrated into life.

HS College-Bound
with Roy & Diane Speed

We offer online courses — primarily high-school-level content, with a few courses suitable for middle-school-aged students. All our courses are live & interactive, not asynchronous, and most are honors-level instruction, employing college level texts or materials. Our core promise: Excellent teaching.  Check the workshop schedule to hear Roy & Diane present.

3DUXDESIGN

Unlock the power of creativity and inspire innovation in your young learner with 3DuxDesign’s cardboard-based STEM kits and free project-based learning resources, developed by a pediatrician with over 20 years’ experience in child development! K-8 students leverage the magic of hands-on creative play as they prototype solutions to real-world challenges. Math, science, engineering, and literacy are organically embedded into the design process so kids are building academic skills along with critical 21st century human skills through play. 3DuxDesign will help you create authentic learning experiences your young innovators will never forget

CT KIDS & FAMILY 


Welcome to the online version of the Connecticut Kids and Family®. Families today are on the go and so are we! The combination of our print guide, website, and social media will serve you wherever you are, whenever you need it.

WILSON PREP

The high school daily quiz is an online program designed to teach and fortify foundational literacy skills essential for high school and standardized testing success.  Stop by and talk to Melissa for mor info about how the program works and see if it could benefit your student.

NEW ENGLAND SCIENCE & SAILING

Sailing (NESS) is an accredited educational organization that provides program options and engages students, delivering high quality STEM-based classroom curriculum and field expeditions for every age. These programs focus on implementing hands-on experiential learning, next generation science standards (NGSS), Ocean Literacy Standards (OLP), and CASEL social & emotional learning framework (SEL) with NESS experiences and activities. NESSF.org

ADVENTURES OF HARRIET THE BUMBLEBEE
Harriet represents every little child. She is full of hopes, dreams, fears, and lots of silliness. All her struggles, emotions, and victories are on display for children to learn from. Be sure to download the Free “Confidence Coins” that encourage your child to try new things.

REDWOODS HOMESCHOOL COMMUNITY


Redwoods is a homeschool community that connects and equips homeschooling families. We enrich and engage homeschoolers through our programs and activities. Examples of what we offer are our Tutorial Program, Tuesday Co-op, GAB Co-op, Teen Council, First Friday Fun Day, field trips and mom’s nights.

CT STATE LIBRARY

The Middletown Library Service Center (a building of the CT State Library) houses book sets, STEM Kits, telescopes, robots, puppets, story-time props, nonfiction books, picture books and other educational products that can be borrowed by homeschooling parents and groups at no cost.

CT SCIENCE CENTER


We have solutions for all kinds of group experiences here at the CT Science  Center or even at your own place of business. So, whether you are a library, after school provider, homeschool group, camp, park and recreation, scouts, or any other youth services provider, we have a program to meet  your size, budget and programming needs. You can come to us, or we can come to you with our array of programs and services.  Need something more customized for  your program? We can help with that, too!  Let the CT Science Center be your go-to place for youth programming, quality STEM education, and hands-on learning fun.

CONNECTICUT MUSEUM OF CULTURE AND HISTORY


Katerina Mazzacane
This museum offers Homeschool Days twice a year, interactive exhibits, public programs and online resources, hands-on exhibits for all ages!

LAMPLIGHTER MINISTRIES


At Lamplighter we know that you want character-building content that brins you and your family closer to God. We are committed to inspiring others through the art of storytelling.  For more than 30 years, we’ve been collecting over 200 character-building stories that are built on the foundation of God’s word. With Lamplighter books and audio dramas you and your family are sure to enjoy hours of engaging stories that will leave you inspired to overcome challenges and experience a heroic partnership with God. It is our passion to bring you stories that, in hope against hope, you will be fully convinced God will keep His promises and do exceedingly abundantly above all that you could ask or think!

ARISE N’ SHINE SPEECH & LEARNING CENTER

Alicia Dinda
Alicia’s greater Colchester center offers speech services, occupational therapy, supplemental enrichment classes for homeschoolers and playgroup sessions.

CHARLOTTE’S SEWING SHOPPE AND SCHOOL

Teaching kids 7 and up, and adults, how to sew. Students start with a totebag and move on to sewing items such as pajamas, dresses, hoodies, jumpsuits, robes, etc.   Classes are from September to June and we finish the year with a huge fashion show in June. Charlotte offers classes from 1-3PM for homeschoolers, 4-6PM, and 6:15-8:15PM to accommodate all other students. There are many benefits to learning to sew.

NEW BRITAIN PUBLIC LIBRARY

NBPL offers access to physical and virtual books and materials, as well as a makerspace full of crafting equipment and supplies. These materials are available to anyone a CT library card.

CENTER FOR AUTISM THERAPY

Casey Cyr
Therapeutic services for children with autism. A play-based and holistic approach to A.B.A.

THE OASIS KING CHRONICLES


Mark Pullen
Stop by and see Mark’s books for middle grades, along with writing and ELA resources.

COLLABORATIVE EDUCATION CENTER


Tatiana & Natalie offer support to homeschoolers in the greater Hartford area and central CT. The owners strive for professional excellence, focusing on providing nurturing experiences for children with the understanding that each child is different. They currently offer STEM and Spanish, drop-in playdates, and personalized individual tutoring sessions in math and literacy. Their center is the only one offering these high-quality opportunities for children ages 5-12.

THE POWER OF THE PAST

with Michael DiMinno who shares his unique social studies lessons and also offers private tutoring to homeschoolers. He can work with students in-person or via video.

FIRESIDE MUSIC & MOTION

Jennifer Yoxall
Fireside Music & Motion 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 on stories that are easy to recall, images reinforced through kinetic activities, including coloring, stomping, clapping and jumping. Our products include lesson videos and accompanying materials, hardcopy or downloadable stories, flash cards, clef and instrument maps, games and music coloring activity books.

LITERACY LEARNING CENTER

Meet Lydia Conca, Ph.D., a retired Professor of Special Education available for reading and literacy evaluations, intervention tutoring and parent coaching for struggling readers.

JULIE’S BRAINY BOOKS (PAPERPIE, formerly Usborne)

Childrens’ books (infant to age 10), puzzles, STEM kits, activity books and learning tools. Hundreds of options available and you can shop in-person and view all of the products and talk to Julie with your questions!

WETHERSFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY (WHS)


WHS provides educational field trip opportunities for students of all ages.  They will have information about the field trip topics and classes, so you can discuss coordinating a trip to the WHS!

MORE TO SAY, LLC

More to Say is a pediatric development and therapy center offering play-based speech, feeding, and occupational therapy services for children ages birth to 21. Additionally, we offer pediatric homeschool and enrichment groups for the families in our community, targeting social skills, education in a variety of topic areas, resources & support, etc.

INFINITY MUSIC THERAPY SERVICES, LLC

Infinity offers individual and group music therapy services, music lessons, early childhood creative arts enrichment, community drumming, and much birthday parties and events.

DUNELAND PRESS

Kendall is an author of unique novels and more. You can review these vocabulary building novels and other educational books by visiting Kendall at his table.

SHARON COHEN, HIGH POINT PUBLISHING, LLC

Sharon will have copies of her historical book, “Connecticut Industries Unite for WWII Victory”, which includes companies throughout the state that contributed to the war effort. She will also provide educational materials based on the new social studies curriculum that can use her book as a primary source.

TS FAITH ENTERTAINMENT

Laval Alsbrook
We are excited to share our faith-based children’s book entitled, He is Always With Me.  It is a picture book for ages 3 – 8 that encourages positive family values.

FALCETTI MUSIC CENTER

Jennifer Brevik
Falcetti School of Music offers private music lessons as well as group lessons. Falcetti also offers instrument rental, repair and sales.

ADDITIONAL EXHIBITORS

There are some additional exhibitors not yet listed, but they soon will be!

FOR ADVERTISERS

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 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