Who: Speakers like Tim Tebow, Israel Wayne, Carl Kerby, Julaine Appling, Andrew Pudewa, Nancy Bjorkman, Steve Demme, and more!

What: Christian Home Educators of Wisconsin 2022 Annual Conference

When: Thursday April 7th (10a – 5p) & Friday April 8th (8a – 6p), 2022

Where: Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

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2022 Confirmed Speakers

Confirmed Keynote & Workshop Speakers

LIVE: Crosstalk America

Jim Schneider, host of Crosstalk America will be broadcasting the nationwide talk show live from CHEW22 on Friday afternoon. Join the live studio audience as Jim will be interviewing some of the speakers.

2022 Confirmed Exhibitors

CHEW 22 Schedule

Thursday, April 7th 2022

• 8:00 AM – Registration Begins
• 10:00 AM – Coffee Reception
• 11:00 AM – Opening Luncheon with Tim Tebow
• 12:30 PM – Workshop Hour 1
• 1:30 PM – Workshop Hour 2
• 2:30 PM – Workshop Hour 3
• 3:30 PM – Keynote 1 with Israel Wayne
• 5:00 PM – End of Day 1
• 6:00 PM – Evening Family Activity Show Me The Father
• 9:00 PM – Waterpark Closes

Tentative Workshop Schedule

Friday, April 8th 2022

• 7:30 AM – Exhibit Hall Opens
• 8:00 AM – Keynote 2 with Carl Kerby
• 9:00 AM – Workshop Hour 4
• 10:00 AM – Workshop Hour 5
• 11:00 AM – Workshop Hour 6
• Noon – Lunch Break / Exhibit Hall still open
• 1:30 PM – Workshop Hour 7
• 2:30 PM – Workshop Hour 8
• 3:30 PM – Exhibit Hall Final Hour
• 4:30 PM – Keynote 3 with Julaine Appling
• 5:30 PM – End of Day 2
• 10:00 PM – Waterpark Closes

Tentative Workshop Schedule

Kid’s Track

You’ve asked about activities for children during the conference! Early Elementary teachers from Academy of Excellence as well as college students from the Baptist College of Ministry will be leading a complimentary Kids Track to enrich your pre-K thru elementary age students with character lessons, songs, and activities during the conference. The Kids Track will be during the workshop hours and keynotes. To guarantee a spot for your children please register (no extra cost) at homewi.school and click Register, scroll down for Kids Track.

Keynote & Workshop Topics

A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER HELPS TO HOMESCHOOL

Are you due for a little Swedish Death Cleaning?  If you step into your homeschool space or office to tackle a task and immediately think that you need a nap instead, then you will profit from the tips and rules that a professional organizer has to offer.  You will learn when to eat a frog, how to eat an elephant, and why you should shave a yak all in the name of decreasing stress and increasing productivity. Maranatha Sweet, Educational Consultant, Pensacola Christian College (Abeka), Florida

A TACTICAL PLAN TO THRIVE OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Have you found yourself facing a task that is outside your comfort zone?  Are you filled with dread or, worse, resentment?  Are you thinking, “This is not what I signed up for”?  It is time to change your thinking, your attitude, and your heart.  Take time to develop a deliberate plan to turn your dreadful task into an amazing opportunity to learn, grow, and joyfully thrive. Maranatha Sweet, Educational Consultant, Pensacola Christian College (Abeka), Florida

Answers for Homeschooling: Top Questions Critics Ask
Many homeschoolers struggle with self-doubt and/or criticism for their decision by well-meaning friends and family. In this session, Israel will tackle some of the top objections people raise about home education and will give statistics and fact-based answers to help give you confidence to defend your choice to home educate. Israel Wayne

Are dinosaurs real and what did they look like?

Come and mold your own version of a dinosaur or dragon head. For 1st-5th Grade children and their parents/guardians. Attendance is limited to first 50 children (not counting parents). Dennis Siler

ARITHMETIC CONCEPTS:  DIVIDING THE DREAD

Learning a new arithmetic concept can be a steep challenge.  Using what the children already know allows us to turn a tough climb into a gentle incline.  Gradual steps help children reach new heights in arithmetic comprehension.  The methods in this session also apply to helping a child who is struggling with the concept of division. Maranatha Sweet, Educational Consultant, Pensacola Christian College (Abeka), Florida

ARITHMETIC CONCEPTS:  MULTIPLYING THE MATH SKILLS

Learning a new arithmetic concept can be a steep challenge.  Using what the children already know allows us to turn a tough climb into a gentle incline.  Gradual steps help children reach new heights in arithmetic comprehension.  The methods in this session also apply to helping a child who is struggling with the concept of multiplication. Maranatha Sweet, Educational Consultant, Pensacola Christian College (Abeka), Florida

Becoming Bold: Know it, Live it, Share it!
The church is losing its next generation at an alarming rate. What can we do about it? Anywhere from 50 to 88 percent of the young people raised in Bible-believing Christian homes walk away from the church after age 18. In this talk, Carl examines the causes of this huge exodus, but then shows that by starting with the Bible, solutions can be offered to this massive problem in the church. Teaching just Bible stories to our children isn’t working; young people in our churches need to know how to stand uncompromisingly on the authority and accuracy of the Bible so that they can answer the skeptical questions of the age. Carl Kerby

CONFLICT IN MARRIAGE — Why don’t we feel close to each other?
Session 1: Nature, nurture, and the human heart

Have you ever heard this: “Communication is the biggest problem in marriage.” Well, that’s false, even if you’ve heard it from Christian counselors or other Christian speakers.

Others might teach that our life experiences and upbringing have the biggest effect on a marriage.

Yes, our life experiences affect us deeply, but that’s not the deepest issue to consider. What’s the real problem then?

In this first of three related sessions, we’ll learn about nature, nurture, and the human heart. By the end of this session, you’ll know that you-do-what-you-do because you-do-what-you-WANT.

It’s about your desires. It’s about what you “want.”

What you learn in these sessions will help you in every relationship: marriage, parenting, work, and friendships. We’ll provide a take-home chart that will help you diagnose your own deepest desires. Dave Bender

CONFLICT IN MARRIAGE — Why don’t we feel close to each other?
Session 2: Your desires for pleasure and ownership

Three basic categories of desires move you to action on a daily basis. And when you learn these, you’ll never see yourself or others the same again.

This session builds on Session One by showing what the Bible teaches about pleasure and ownership.

Look at these “indicators”: Loves comfort, ease, and convenience. May have problems with laziness and addictions. Can be distant and hollow in relationships, easily bored, and may be undisciplined. Can be selfish with time, procrastinates often, and can be messy and sloppy.

Why would someone have these problems?

What about these indicators: Has a preoccupation with the next “buy.” The person can be unthankful, shop too much (internet, Amazon, mall, etc.), and have very few close or intimate relationships. For some people, you might see overworking, gambling, chronic money problems, or a constant focus on savings. (There are many more indicators.)

What’s the deepest reason for these common problems? When you understand these, you’ll understand why you and others do what they do, and you’ll see how these affect relationships. We’ll provide a take-home chart that will help you diagnose your deepest desires.  Dave Bender

CONFLICT IN MARRIAGE — Why don’t we feel close to each other?
Session 3: Your desires for glory, superiority, and control

Session Three builds on the first two and teaches us about the thorniest and most hazardous of our human desires. This category of desires affects relationships more than any of the others. If you don’t fix this (with God’s help), you will never experience close relationships, but perpetual conflict instead.

INDICATORS: talks much about self, image-massaging, perfectionism, proving worth through accomplishment, self-monitoring with impression management, controlling, triangulation, verbal competitions, stubborn, steam-rolls others, angry and bitter, easily offended, clams up or blows up, plays the victim, moody, pouting, grandiose self-importance, rarely apologizes, talks down others, feels unique and special, is “always right,” know-it-all, has hidden agendas, self-absorbed, conversation-flipping, feels infallible, interrupts others often, wallows in self-pity, and “one-ups” other in conversation. (There are dozens more indicators.)

Why are some people like this? The Bible shows us, and when you understand this, you will never see yourself or others the same again. You’ll understand why your marriage relationship feels distant.

BONUS: You’ll understand your children in a brand-new way, and the reasons for their behaviors will be clear to you. We’ll provide a take-home chart that will help you diagnose your deepest desires. Dave Bender

Creation vs. Evolution: The Case from Science
It is often claimed that living in an age of modern science makes it intellectually impossible to accept the straight-forward account of creation as read in the book of Genesis. Is this true, or is this just what we are “supposed to believe”? What does the evidence actually indicate? Creation vs. Evolution: The Case from Science” is an exciting presentation of evidence for creation and challenges to evolution. Jay Seegert

Cultivating Language Arts: Preschool through High School (PPT)
Listening and reading well, speaking and writing clearly, thinking and debating effectively are abilities that most parents hope to cultivate in their children. With that goal in mind, Andrew will explore various environments and activities which will accelerate the development of these language skills, beginning with the youngest students and continuing into the high school years. Andrew Pudewa

Deepening Family Relationships Through Godly Communication
There is no one who can build up a family like the father. As we live and learn together let’s be intentional our relationships in the family. Understanding each other and working on speaking and listening leads to healthier interactions among all members of the family. Steve Demme

Dinosaurs & the Bible
Dinosaurs are both extremely fascinating and also the source of much confusion when it comes to trying to comprehend their place in God’s creation and the Bible.  The media often paints a picture that is difficult to reconcile with our understanding of Scripture, so many have concluded the Bible doesn’t mention dinosaurs or have even gone as far as to say that they never really existed! This presentation takes a look at the true history of dinosaurs, expels the myths and shows that the Bible explains the actual scientific evidence much better than any secular evolutionary stories.  Both youth and adults alike will find this talk especially intriguing and extremely informative. Jay Seegert

Election Inspector (Poll Worker) Training – Want to secure our elections? Attend this workshop to learn how to take part in the process to ensure Wisconsin’s laws are followed uniformly and consistently. Homeschoolers 16+ can actually get paid to help run the election. This training will give you an overview of that process. Matt Batzel

Fear Not! You and Your Children Can Learn Math Together
Each student is unique. Since parent educators are tutors, they are able to adapt to the needs of their individual child. Find out what they know, and begin there. Giving your children a firm foundation in math will equip them to succeed at every level of math. They are not behind, they are where they are. Steve Demme

Freedomship Education: Rebuilding Your Education Paradigm
Escaping the conveyor belt approach of institutional education by which most of us were shaped isn’t easy, but it has to be done. For many parents, our greatest handicap as teachers is our own education—but it need not be so. In this inspiring and empowering session, you will not only come to understand the nature and purpose of today’s educational system as it was originally conceived and designed, but you will see a shining alternative path, one that develops true thinkers, leaders, and communicators—so desperately needed in today’s world. Andrew Pudewa

History Through Eyes of Faith
Christians in general agree that the Bible is essential to understanding history. But what is this supposed to look like in education? Many people focus on strong character traits seen in the lives of certain individuals. But this approach leaves the actual study of history—the rise and fall of nations—unaffected by biblical teaching. This session proposes that the key to effective biblical integration is biblical worldview shaping. Young people learn Christianly when they are led to see the past through the lens of a biblical worldview. Come and discover ways that will help you teach history in a truly Christian way. Bryan Smith

How Do We Know the Bible is the Inspired Word of God?
Everything we believe as Christians rests on the assumption that the Bible is actually the inspired, error-free Word of God… but how can we be certain? It’s not politically correct to believe the Bible alone is the inspired Word of God and most Christians cannot adequately defend this belief.  Are we to exercise blind faith, or is there a great body of evidence supporting this crucial point? In addition to discussing the origin of the Bible, this topic presents incredible evidence from history, science and prophecy, showing beyond doubt that the Bible is truly the inspired Word of God! Jay Seegert

However Imperfectly: Lessons Learned from Thirty Years of Teaching
In this talk, Andrew shares many humorous experiences (and painful lessons) he has learned over thirty years of teaching and homeschooling, including: It’s hard not to do to your kids what was done to you; process over product; all kids are different; “progressive” education doesn’t mean progress; what real “college and career readiness” is; and two secret keys to successful teaching. You will be challenged or reassured (or both!) but sure to leave with an expanded vision of your calling as a home educator. Andrew Pudewa

Life Lessons for Being a Supportive Husband and Faithful Dad
God designed men to be servant hearted leaders who lay their life down for their families. Married for 40 years and father to four homeschooled sons, Steve shares what he has learned from God’s Word and his family. Steve Demme

Math Outside the Book
This interactive workshop will cover the why’s and how’s of using games to bring math to life and increase understanding in students. We’ll discuss how to use games to enhance any curriculum. We’ll then dive into a highly visual and interactive review of games to use for specific goals, e.g. understanding number basics, mastering basic math facts, grasping the base-ten system, using multiple operations, and more. Let’s play! Nancy Bjorkman

Meal Management in an Age of Fast Food
Explore many ideas for managing the daily chore of feeding your family, including the benefits and methods for bulk cooking and several strategies for meal planning and preparation. Nancy will teach about the savings seen in time, energy, money, and stress levels, as well as the increased nutrition and enjoyment in sharing hospitality with others. We will then look at the how-to’s for getting it done and some of the resources available to get people on their way. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder why you waited. Nancy Bjorkman

Nurturing Competent Communicators – The Power of Linguistic Patterns
Many parents think that good readers will naturally become good writers. Others think that writing talent is just that—a natural ability—some have it; others don’t. Both are myths. History and modern research show very clearly how good writers have developed. What are the two most critical things you can do as a parent to develop a high level of aptitude, from a young age and into high school? With humor and insight, Andrew will share the two easy but unbelievably powerful things you can do to build language patterns and nurture competent communicators in your family. Andrew Pudewa

Parents are Uniquely Qualified to Teach and Disciple Their Children
As a parent, you are uniquely qualified to be the primary educator of your children. You have more assets than you realize. Listen and be encouraged by a homeschooling father of four sons who are now adults. Steve Demme

Pitchin’ a Fit: Overcoming Angry and Stressed-Out Parenting
Everyone struggles with anger on some level, but when anger is a frequent occurrence with your children, over time, it will damage your relationships and hinder your effectiveness.  Are you tired of being stressed-out, and ready to have a peaceful atmosphere in your home? Learn how in this important workshop. Israel Wayne

Raising a Special Needs Child and Finding Support for the Journey
This workshop is Steve’s testimony of the last thirty years as the father of a child with special needs. He shares what his family has learned as a result of Johnny’s disability, and the special, rewarding, and joyful role he has played in their lives. Even in the difficult experiences of life, God proved faithful. His grace sustained them and brought good out of their struggles and disappointments. Steve Demme

Running for Local Office – Learn what it takes to run and win a local campaign! Whether you are thinking of running, want to help on a campaign, or want to learn more about the process, you won’t want to miss this practical training. Matt Batzel

Stories in Stones
Let’s highlight those unquestioned scriptural references to our godly heritage in our national monuments in Washington DC. Tim Schmig

Teaching Boys and Teaching Girls: Towards a Better Understanding
An in-depth look at the neurophysiological differences between boys and girls—how they hear differently, see differently, handle stress and pain differently—as well as the implications for our teaching of both boys and girls, this is an expansion on Andrew’s previous “Boys” talk. With added research, together with humor and practical stories, this presentation will delight and enlighten parents of boys, girls, or both! Andrew Pudewa

Teaching English Christianly
Can writing, grammar, and literature be taught Christianly? Absolutely—but only if we approach these subjects in the right way. Effective biblical integration in English focuses on biblical worldview shaping. Students learn Christianly as they are taught to see communication from a biblical worldview. Come and learn about an approach that can make your child a better communicator while also strengthening his faith. Bryan Smith

Teaching from and for a Biblical Worldview
Understanding a biblical worldview is essential if we’re going to teach Christianly. But to shape the hearts and minds of our children, we need more than knowledge. We need skill too. In this session we will discuss the goals, plans, and tools we can use to develop a biblical worldview in the next generation. Bryan Smith

Techno-Parenting: Navigating Screens and Media
Parents today struggle with knowing how to balance their child’s use of technology and screen-time. On the one hand, we want our children to know how to use technology in the ever-changing global economy, but on the other, we struggle with knowing how much screen-time is harmful and addictive. This session will help give you courage and competency to navigate these difficult issues. Israel Wayne

The Difference Between Schooling and Education
Most people think of schooling when they hear the word “education.” In reality, however, the two are not intrinsically linked in any way. Learn why most people are schooled, but never truly educated, and how you can ensure your children get a great education, even without schooling. Israel Wayne

The Genesis Flood: This Changes Everything!
Certain things, if true, are real “game-changers”.  The Genesis flood is just one of those events.  This talk covers the reality of this event both biblically and scientifically, showing how this truly changes everything. If the vast majority of Earth’s geologic features, including the geologic column, are the result of a catastrophic, worldwide flood and not slow, gradual forces acting over eons of time, then what we’ve been taught all our lives is in gross error, including the theory of evolution!  More than just an interesting story from the Old Testament, the Genesis flood is an amazing testimony of God’s judgement and the accuracy and trustworthiness of His inspired Word. Jay Seegert

The Myth of “Facts vs Faith”
It is a common misconception that skeptics base all their beliefs on “facts”, while Christians simply have “faith” which amounts to nothing more than wishful thinking and belief in fairytales… or as Mark Twain stated, “Faith is believing in what you know ain’t so!” This presentation shows just how incorrect this view truly is and powerfully equips Christians to share and defend their faith without having to memorize lots of facts or have degrees in science, or Greek & Hebrew. It is very encouraging, eye-opening and easy for all to understand. Jay Seegert

The Myth of Settled Science
“The time for debate is over… it’s been settled.  It’s time now for action!” We hear this fairly often and it can be very intimidating.  Do we just need to willingly comply with whatever marching orders we’re given by the “scientific magisterium? Is science ever settled? This talk conveys some very important principles about science and powerfully helps Christians respond whenever they hear, “The science is settled!” Jay Seegert

The Three (or Four) Best Things I Did as a Homeschool Dad
Though homeschool moms are often the vanguard in the heroic battle for the hearts and minds of our children, homeschool dads also have a vital role to play. What are some simple yet powerfully effective things you can do as a homeschool dad? Listen to Andrew’s three (or four!) best practical tips on how to improve household communication, open the minds of your children, and participate in helping to shape the young lives that have been entrusted to you. Andrew Pudewa

There is No Truth – DeBunked
One of the comments we hear the most when working with the younger generation is framed in a few ways.  Most of the time it’s in statements like, “There is no truth!” or “You have your truth, I have my truth!”  But, are those statement . . . true?  In this wide ranging talk Carl will challenge these statements as well as show you WHY it is important for people to have a standard for truth.  Without that “standard referent things fall apart.  What’s a “standard referent”? Why does this matter? Can’t we just all “speak our truth” and get along?  All these questions and more will be addressed. Carl Kerby

Time and Home Management: Managing Life and Home While Homeschooling
Time must be budgeted just like money. We must determine the difference between the fixed – what we must do, and the discretionary – what we would like to do, and set our priorities. This workshop will be filled with practical tips and encouragement for everyday living as a homeschool family. Areas covered include understanding your calling, relationships, schooling, meals, household clutter and cleaning, and general household management. Attendees will leave with practical and applicable tips. Nancy Bjorkman

Transform Learning through the Art of Questions
Whether you are a parent, seeking to motivate your reluctant learner, or you desire to break through your own limitations, you will make more progress if you learn to listen better and ask the right questions (the right way!). Learn how you can help yourself (and others) recognize hidden assumptions, and overcome obstacles, through learning the art of asking questions. Israel Wayne

Trauma and Today’s Youth

Families today are being devastated by addiction, abuse, and broken
relationships. The result is an epidemic of youth who bear the scars of
emotional and spiritual trauma that make them very resistant to the
gospel.
If only there was an “easy button” for parents, caregivers and youth
workers to push when it comes to helping hurting youth. It takes time
and thought, and usually more than anticipated. It is not a task we can
do alone. Even with training the task requires divine compassion and
help and strength to walk the journey with “our” children that have
been placed in our care
These young people are showing up in our homes, schools and churches with
increasing frequency, and unfortunately the tried and true formulas for
ministry simply do not work with them. This workshop will provide basic
training in “Helping Hurting Children With The Good Shepherd Model”.
We see Jesus, the Good Shepherd as our role model throughout the solutions to serve the needs of those who have experienced childhood Trauma. Dennis Siler

What About Socialization?
Do you know where the theory of peer group socialization originated? Learn what really drives the question: “What About Socialization?” Israel will go back in History and reveal the engineers behind modern social education theory. You may be surprised to learn what is truly behind this infamous question. Israel Wayne

What’s so Christian About Math?
Many people believe that biblical integration in math is not possible. This thinking results from looking at math in the wrong way. It also results from depending on teaching methods that do not support deep learning. Come and discover ways to build your child’s faith while teaching important math knowledge and skills. Bryan Smith

You Can Get Something From Nothing – DeBunked
Something From Nothing According to a writer for the New York Times, “If ‘On the Origin of Species’ was biology’s deadliest blow to supernaturalism, we may come to see ‘A Universe From Nothing’ as the equivalent from cosmology.” NY-Times 03/23/12. With that being the case, let’s take a critical look at the information and see if it stands up to scrutiny. In this talk we will critique the lecture that Dr. L.M. Krause’s did with Dr. R. Dawkins as they traveled and sold Dr. Krause’s book, “A Universe From Nothing.  Why There is Something Rather Than Nothing”. The goal is for you to make an informed decision. Don’t trust us, look at the evidence for yourself. Listen to what they have to say to see which view makes more sense: God created everything, or NOTHING created everything?  Carl Kerby

2022 Conference Hotel

Christian Home Educators of Wisconsin has a block of rooms available at special pricing – including admission to the indoor waterpark.

Look for more information when registration opens January 1st!

Friday Food Options

On Friday at Noon, we’ll have a 90 minute break for lunch. In addition to off-site dining options, we’ll have an on-site pizza buffet for $12 per person, featuring sausage, pepperoni, and cheese pizzas, with assorted soda beverages. Registration is separate for the Friday Pizza Buffet.

2022 Conference Location

Registration Information

Registration opens 1/1/2022

Keynote Sponsor