Statewide homeschool conference in Des Moines

DES MOINES ? The 2011 statewide Education Conference and Curriculum Hall for home educators, parents, teachers and the general public will be Friday and Saturday at HyVee Hall in Des Moines.

Sponsored by the Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators, the conference, now in its 19th year, will feature more than 100 exhibitors and nearly 90 workshops, with experts from across the nation speaking on topics that include homeschooling on a budget, drama, homeschooling teens, Iowa homeschooling law, teaching the fine arts, Iowa?s natural resources, success in science, debate clubs, large-family organization, lesson plans, political action, teaching foreign languages, brain training, parenting, marriage, teaching methods, learning styles, lesson plans, delegating responsibilities, special needs, support groups, single-parent homeschooling, homeschooling through difficult financial circumstances, legislative matters, parental rights, homeschooling high school, integrating homeschooling with business, Dad?s role, grandparents homeschooling the next generation, motivating students, overcoming fear of failure, teaching the Constitution and renewing the homeschooling vision.

Keynote speaker and worldview author John Stonestreet will present a message titled, ?A Biblical View of Education,? in a free address, open to the public, at 7 p.m. Friday. His other sessions will tackle subjects that include the difference a worldview makes, understanding the youth culture, Biblical masculinity, why students leave the faith and the Biblical concept of vocation.

A second keynote speaker, Vicki Bentley, an author and Virginia homeschooling leader and mother of eight daughters and more than 50 foster children, will present sessions on a mom?s sentimental journey, joyful motherhood, homeschooling on a budget, organization, multi-level teaching and what works and what doesn?t.

Certified teachers are eligible to receive credits toward re-certification by attending NICHE conference workshops.

For conference details, registration information, teacher re-certification specifics and complete workshop descriptions, visit: www.homeschooliowa.org.