Homeschool Update Magazine - 2018, Volume 2, Issue 101

2018 IVOLUME 2 IISSUE 101
T H E H E A R T O F H O M E S C H O O L I N G
Living on
Borrowed Time
What I Learned
From My Atheist
Father
Preparing for
the Empty Nest
Homeschool
Graduate Highlights6 10 12 14
ARTICLES INSIDE THIS ISSUE INCLUDE
JUNE 15-17, 2017
29SEE DETAILS ON PAGE
JUNE 14-16, 2018
Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference

Refresh your excitement
for the journey, be
equipped with practical
homeschool management
tools, and transform
your vision for Christian
education and discipleship.
Learn how to evaluate
your curriculum options
with a Christian worldview
to identify the right
fit for every subject
for every child, so you
can homeschool with
confidence.
Learn to decide what
matters to your family
using Christ-centered
values, create a workable
homeschool plan, and keep
your path centered on the
eternal — even when life
happens.
Homeschool Summits is a project of
to bring Christian
families the resources and encouragement they need to homeschool
with confidence and pass on the faith to their children.
The free events are hosted online so you can watch
practical, encouraging speaker interviews and
shop the vendor hall from the comfort of your home!
Watch free sessions now!
HomeschoolSummits.com
"It was like sitting
and having coffee
with a friend that
is inspiring and
encouraging!"
"The Summit totally revolutionized
my thinking regarding my goals and
reminded me of the importance of
keeping Jesus at the center of everything."
and

Front Cover and This Page: The Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference event.
Photography by Sarah Lee Bryant/www.sarahleephoto.com
CHEC Homeschool Update IVolume 2, 2018 IIssue 101
INSIDE
Family Encouragement
6 Living on
Borrowed Time
BY MEGAN SCHEIBNER
8 Priorities
BY AMBER FOX
10 What I Learned from
My Atheist Father
BY ROB RIENOW
12 Preparing for the
Empty Nest
BY MARCIA WASHBURN
14 Homeschool
Graduate Highlights
COMPILED BY JOSH ERBER
16 Single-Parent
Homeschool:
Can it Work?
BY KIM SORGIUS
CHEC Events
9 Day at the Capitol
Event Recap
PRESENTED BY CHEC
29-56 Rocky Mountain
Homeschool Conference
PRESENTED BY CHEC
Columns
4 Director’s Desk
18 Struggling Learners
20 Homeschool Leaders
22 Legislative Liasion
24 Curriculum Review
26 Partner’s Page
19039 Plaza Drive, Suite 210 Parker, Colorado 80134
720.842.4852 I1.877.842.CHEC (2432) ICHEC.org

When you
think of a
homeschool student
“success story,”
what is the first
thing that pops into
your mind? Early
graduation? Multiple
college scholarships?
Graduating at the top
of the class from a
prestigious university?
Skipping college altogether and becoming an
independently wealthy entrepreneur by the age
of 25? Getting noticed at a young age and be-
ing put on the fast track for political influence?
As homeschooling parents, I think it is impor-
tant for us to have a clear and biblical vision
for what homeschool success looks like for our
own children. You’ve heard the saying “If you
don’t know where you are going, any train will
take you there.” But having the WRONG vision can
be more harmful than having NO vision!
When I was seven or eight years old, my older
brother dared me to shoot him in the forehead with
a practice bow and arrow that we were playing with.
I am not sure what spawned the challenge, but his
idea was that I would shoot and either miss or he
would duck, and that in either case he would escape
as the unharmed victor.
I don’t remember having any malicious intent but
I was a foolish seven- or eight-year-old and didn’t
give the consequences of my actions much thought.
One thing was clear though, I certainly knew what I
was aiming for…my brother’s forehead! Well, I was
no archer, but would you know it, I shot him right in
the middle of the forehead! Thankfully, since I was
young, I wasn’t able to release the arrow with much
power, the arrow had a blunt tip, and my brother
had a hard head. The arrow bounced off of his head
without leaving any lasting damage behind and we
are still good friends today.
So what is your vision for success for your children?
Be careful what you aim for, because you
might just hit it!
I think a really helpful passage of Scripture to
consider when thinking through what homeschool
“success” looks like for your kids is 2 Timothy 2:20-
26. The book of 2 Timothy records some of Paul’s
last words, and they are especially applicable to this
topic because they are written to give guidance to a
young person whom Paul was training for a position
of influence.
In verse 21 Paul says, Therefore, if anyone cleanses
himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a ves-
sel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the
master of the house, ready for every good work.
Now there is a great vision for success! That is what
I want for my children! I want them to be vessels
that are prepared for honorable use, ready for every
good work that God will direct them to, whether they
become janitors, business men, or scientists. Isn’t
that your heart as well? This is a vision for success
that is so much higher than mere college and career
readiness.
So how then is a young person prepared for honor-
able use? It is a two-step process.
First, our young people need to learn to cleanse
themselves from that which is dishonorable. In
verse 22, Paul instructs Timothy to flee youthful
VESSELSBY STEVE CRAIG
Useful
PHOTOGRAPHYBYISTOCK
C H E C H O M E S C H O O L U P DAT E I Vo l u m e 2 , I s s u e 1 01 , 2 01 84
DIRECTOR’S DESK

passions. Youthful passions could include a wide
range of sins that young people are especially prone
to. But in this passage, it specifically refers to a
bent towards foolish argument and prideful debate.
That is the opposite of what 1 Peter 3:15 describes
when it says that we should, always be ready to give
a defense to everyone who asks you for a reason for
the hope that is in you; with meekness and fear. The
homeschool movement has developed a great many
brilliant debaters, some of whom are as yet unus-
able vessels to God because they have not cleansed
themselves from youthful passions.
Second, whenever we are “putting off” that which is
dishonorable (Romans 13:12-13), we must be quick
“put on” that which is honorable (Romans 13:14). In
verse 22 Paul tells Timothy to pursue or chase after
righteousness, faith, love, and peace. These are the
marks of an honorable vessel that is ready for every
good work!
I love attending our CHEC high school graduations
where parents have the opportunity to publicly
acknowledge the successes and accomplishments
that God has worked through their graduates, and
to bless and challenge them into a new season of
usefulness in God’s kingdom.
My prayer is that someday, my wife and I will stand
on that stage with our own homeschool gradu-
ates and be able to say with all of our hearts that,
by God’s grace, our graduates are prepared for
true success. They have become useful vessels
for Christ because they have cleansed themselves
from what is dishonorable and are running after
righteousness, faith, love, and peace. As a result,
they have become vessels that are ready for Christ
to use for EVERY good work. 
Steve Craig is the
Executive Director for
Christian Home Educators
of Colorado. He and his
wife Tara are second
generation homeschoolers and have a passion to
inspire others toward biblical discipleship in the
home. Steve and Tara live in Parker
with their five children:
Carson, Christiana,
Angelina, Jewel, and
Ariel.
Rocky Mountain
SPEAKER
■ An easy alternative to submitting a Notice of Intent
■ Simple online enrollment
■ One low price includes your whole family
■ Report to CHEC rather than a school district
■ Extra assessment options
JOIN THE CHEC
INDEPENDENT
SCHOOL!
Learn more at
CHEC.ORG/independent-school
CHEC
Independent School
ENROLLMENTOPENS IN
JUNE!
Vo l u m e 2 , I s s u e 1 01 , 2 01 8 I C H E C H O M E S C H O O L U P DAT E 5
DIRECTOR’S DESK

PHOTOGRAPHYBYISTOCK
BORROWED
TIME
For our family, September 11, 2001 was person-
ally redefining. Before September 11th, we’d been
busy carrying out our daily duties. My husband,
Steve, was pastoring a growing church, flying for
the airlines, and serving in the Navy reserves.
(Yep, the man is nuts… I’ve gotten used to it!) I
was homeschooling our seven children, (#8 would
be born in Guatemala City just 14 days after the
attacks) fulfilling my roles as a pastor’s wife, and
settling into our home nestled in the Maine woods.
We were content! We were passionate about our
relationship with the Lord, passionate about our
family, and passionate about training children
who loved and served Jesus. We had our future all
mapped out and life was good.
God used the events of September 11th, and the
reminder of our own mortality, to shake up our
comfortable plan. He took the horror of the terrorist
attacks and used them to write our God Story. He
took our passion that, honestly, in retrospect, was
just smoldering and blew on it with His providential
breath. He took what was a flickering flame and
turned it into a blazing fire. Suddenly, our passions
seemed too small. It wasn’t enough to be focused
on our family, our church, and our little community.
God, through September 11th, had given us a vision
that was so much bigger than anything we could
have ever imagined.
Instead of simply being passionate about our own
relationship with the Lord…God made us passion-
ate about using our God Story to make sure others
knew Him, too.
Instead of simply being passionate about our
family…God developed in our hearts a passion for
families all across America.
Living on
WHEN AMERICAN
AIRLINES FLIGHT
11 CRASHED INTO THE
WORLD TRADE CENTER
ON SEPTEMBER 11,
2001, OUR NATION WAS
CHANGED FOREVER.
AS BUILDINGS FELL
AND WAR WAS
DECLARED, AMERICA
WAS REDEFINED,
REALIGNED, AND, AT
LEAST TEMPORARILY,
REUNITED AS A COUNTRY.
BY MEGAN SCHEIBNER
FAMILY ENCOURAGEMENT

Instead of simply being passionate about training
our own little clan…God gave us a passion to equip
other parents to train a new generation of coura-
geous, Christ-like, and character-healthy leaders.
God took the blueprint of our lives and magnified
it to SuperSized! Rather than simply preaching a
sermon from behind the pulpit of our little church in
Maine, Steve was sharing the timeless and beautiful
story of substitutionary atonement, as seen in our
film, In My Seat, with hundreds and thousands of
people. Instead of teaching small groups of ladies
about mothering their children and managing their
homes, I found myself speaking at conferences and
ladies events around the country.
Can I be perfectly honest with you? It was scary at
first! Sometimes, as exciting as God’s plan seems,
shaking up the status quo can be a bit intimidat-
ing. What about our eight children? What about
homeschooling? What about our normal life? What
about structure, and routine, and “we’ve always
done it this way”? So many questions, and in the
beginning, I just couldn’t see how this change was
going to work out. What if we stepped out in faith
and fell over the edge of a cliff? (Does anyone else
think like me?)
This is what I’ve learned. (And, to be frank, I’m still
learning.) God never calls us to serve Him without
providing for our needs, calming our fears, and
preparing the path before us. In the years since
September 11, 2001, I’ve been amazed at how He
has opened doors, how He has softened hearts, and
how He has been glorified in the results…results
that look like changed hearts, strengthened families,
and courageous kids.
On September 11, 2001, our oldest daughter was
13 years old and Taylor, our adopted treasure from
Guatemala, was yet to be born. We had two kids in
braces, two kids learning to read, two preschoolers,
and two kids in diapers! Times have changed: the
diapers are gone, they’re all voracious readers, and
although we still have some in braces, at least it isn’t
the same two! I worried about what God’s bigger
picture would mean for our family life and our com-
time… after all, they are teenagers!) support us by
binding books, packing boxes, and graciously car-
ing for one another when we are on the road. They
certainly have a different life than their older broth-
ers and sisters experienced, living in the woods in
Maine, but they have embraced the change and they
make us proud to be their parents.
Steve still flies for American Airlines. It’s a great
“part-time” job that allows him to focus on our
ministry at Characterhealth.com. He has turned
the core values and ethics class he developed and
taught to 10,000 sailors into a vibrant course for
companies and community leaders. He’s spoken at
Governor’s prayer breakfasts, summits, colleges,
and schools. His plate is full (as always), but he’s
never been happier.
We’re so excited about what God is going to do in
Colorado! We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to
share with other homeschooling moms and dads
those things that God has taught us in the last 26
years of homeschooling. We’re excited to teach and
speak about parenting, realizing that none of us will
ever be better homeschoolers than we are parents.
And, of course, we’re glad to share Steve’s story
from September 11th. I know you’ll be encouraged
and challenged as you grapple with discover-
ing what it means to live like a “Borrowed Time
Believer.”
Just think, by the time we meet each other face-to-face,
it will be time to plan your next homeschooling year!
Until then, don’t grow weary of doing well! (Galatians
6:9). God is aching to bless your obedience as you
homeschool your children to His honor and glory!
Megan and Dr. Steve
Scheibner will be featured
speakers at the CHEC Rocky
Mountain Homeschool
Conference in June and will
share their complete 9/11
story. You can learn more about their life and
ministry at her blog,
meganscheibner.com.
fortable family dynamic. As always, His plan was so
much bigger, bolder, and better than mine.
Today, my four oldest kids are all grown, married,
and involved in their own brand of courageous
culture changing. Whether it’s through directing and
producing God-honoring films, running community
family-health programs, mentoring young women,
or serving in the United States Air Force, these
kids have grasped God’s “bigger than yourself!”
passion. They love their Lord, their spouses, (and
for some, their children) and their younger brothers
and sisters. They are our greatest cheerleaders and
prayer warriors.
The youngest four are our hands-on workers. They
understand the call that God has placed on our
family and they wholeheartedly, (at least most of the
THROUGH
SEPTEMBER 11TH, GOD
GAVE US A VISION THAT
WAS SO MUCH BIGGER
THAN ANYTHING WE
COULD HAVE EVER
IMAGINED.
“
“
Rocky Mountain
SPEAKER

Laundry, dishes,
kids, marriage,
parenting,
homework,
housework...AHHH!!
If you aren’t careful, your responsibilities can
quickly overwhelm you and you’ll feel like you’re
sinking in over your head with no way out. You
want to handle it all, but it just doesn’t seem
possible.
You may even question your abilities as a
homeschooler and have no idea what the next
step will be, but you know that if you don’t act
fast, everything is going to crumble! So what do
you do when you feel pulled in a million different
directions? How can you possibly keep up with it
all? 2 Corinthians 5:9 states, So whether we are at
home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.
The secret is in your priorities. Step back for
a minute and evaluate every hat you wear as a
homeschooling parent. Can you identify each
responsibility you have? How do you handle each
thing, without losing your mind?
Before you decide that you can’t possibly homeschool
another minute, lend me your ear and let’s talk. Grab
the nearest piece of paper (even though it might have
coffee stains) and jot down each of your priorities.
What are they? Your faith? Your spouse? Your home?
Write down everything you wish you could do in a day
and then let’s prioritize. Once you’ve written down all
of your responsibilities, take a deep breath and let’s
arrange them. I promise, once you do this, you’ll feel so
much better!
Matthew 6:33 reminds us, But seek first His kingdom
and His righteousness, and all these things will be
added to you. So, ask yourself questions, like:
“If I don’t manage to do ____today, will it matter?” If
it does matter, that particular priority needs to go high
up on the list.
“Is this activity contributing to my family in a positive
way?” i.e. sports, clubs, extracurricular activities, etc.
“How will doing ______or not doing ____affect my
family’s attitude and ability to function?”
“What changes can I make to prioritize things more
efficiently?”
Brainstorm other questions to ask yourself in order
to determine the level of priority each item should be
assigned.
After you take the time to arrange your priorities in
order of importance you should feel a small amount of
relief. For me, just knowing which things to give atten-
tion to will help me feel a little less chaotic. Then, begin
to assign a time to handle each item. Stick to it! You’ll
be amazed at how much better you feel just knowing
that things will be handled (even though you can’t get
to them all at once!).
Being a homeschooler is not easy, for sure. But
with the proper balance, you can make your time
homeschooling much more enjoyable and effective for
everyone. Prioritizing your responsibilities will make
your household peaceful and enjoyable.
You’ve got this! See the difference getting your priori-
ties in order will make! 
Amber Fox is a homeschooling mom
of seven kids. With twelve years of
experience homeschooling, she
knows what overwhelmed looks and
feels like. To learn more about how to
handle your priorities,
check out her new book,
The Homeschooling
Housewife: Juggling it All,
One Priority at a Time. Visit
her blogs, thehome-
schoolinghousewife.org and
allnaturajoy.com
PHOTOGRAPHYBYISTOCK
PRIORITIESBY AMBER FOX

Celebration cake was donated by Masterpiece
Cakeshops and Living Water Car Wash
2018 EVENT RECAP
Homeschool Day
at the Capitol,
hosted on Friday,
April 13th, was a
wonderful day of
celebrating the
30th anniversary
of Colorado's
homeschool law.
Thank you to the hundreds of families who par-
ticipated by donating, attending, and praying!
Here are some snapshots of the day:
CHEC released the new Colorado Civics Curriculum
Posters throughout the Capitol showcased the
lives of homeschool graduates (see page 14!)
900+ homeschoolers attended the homeschool rally
PHOTOGRAPHYBYLEXIELLADOTTEN,TOBIASSTEEVES(AWAAPHOTOS.COM),AMANDAVAUGHAN,SARAHBRYANT
Living History Days fife drum corps led
the March to the Capitol
Thank you to our sponsors!
Thank you to our sponsors!
Michael Donnelly, HSLDA Staff
Attorney Director of Global Out-
reach, was the keynote speaker
Dr. Jenna Ellis taught the Constitution
Class in the Old Supreme Court Chambers
Logan Wilson shared a dramatic pre-
sentation on the life of John Paul Jones
CHEC EVENTS

PHOTOGRAPHYBYISTOCK
FOR JESUS:
It is a special thing when
our children love what
we love. Shared passions
for hobbies, sports, and
music bind us together
and strengthen our
relationships.
Dad, did you know it is possible to shape and
form the passions of your children by your
living example? I grew up in New England with
a father who was passionate about the Red Sox
professional baseball team. My father did not
know the Lord, so he had no spiritual life to
share with me. But he loved the Red Sox and by
the time I was only six or seven, I was excited
about the Red Sox, too! How did that happen?
What did I experience, even as a small boy, that
caused me to be passionate about a group of
men who threw and batted a little leather ball
around a field? The simple answer is that I came
to love the Red Sox because my father loved
the Red Sox. When they were on television,
he brought out a bunch of snacks and drinks,
inviting me to share the experience with him. He
spent his time and money to travel with me to
see them play. He spent his money on Red Sox hats,
shirts, and banners for my room. (I think there might
have even been some underwear with the team logo
on it!) And now, despite my marrying a Cubs fan, my
children are Red Sox fans.
Step back and consider this phenomenon for a
moment. My atheist father shaped a passion in my
heart! Through his passion, and his investment of
time, enthusiasm, travel, and money, he played an
active role in encouraging my heart to share, receive,
and follow in his passion.
Men, we are called by God to shape the hearts of our
children. We are called by God to lead them in their
loves and passions! God used the Great Command-
ment from Deuteronomy 6:5-7a to change my life as a
father and transform our family:
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your might.
And these words that I command you today shall
be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to
your children, and shall talk of them when you sit
in your house....
God wants me to love Him and love His Word with my
whole heart, and He calls me to help my children do
the same. If an atheist father can lead his child to love a
baseball team, how much more does God desire to use
us to lead our children to love Jesus Christ more than
anything? (When I join you for the CHEC homeschool
conference in June, I can't wait to tell you the story of
how my father was saved at the age of 90!)
Our loves and passions flow down to our kids. Let's
ask the Lord to help us enthusiastically get up on
Sunday mornings and lead our families to wor-
ship. Let's ask the Lord to give us such pleasure
from reading His Word together as a family that our
children eagerly want to participate. Let's ask God to
show us how we can spend time and money to help
our children discover the greatness of God. Most of
all, let's ask the Lord to fill our hearts with such a
love for Him that our children love Him even more. 
Dr. Rob Rienow’s most important
ministry is loving his wife Amy and
partnering with her to lead their
seven children to love God. He is
the founder of Visionary Family
Ministries (www.visionaryfam.
com), a pastor, international conference speaker,
and the author of several books including Visionary
Parenting and Visionary
Marriage. The Rienow
family lives in
West Chicago,
Illinois.
BY ROB RIENOW
Rocky Mountain
SPEAKER
What I Learned From My Atheist Father
Cultivating a Love
DAD TO DADDAD TO DAD

calvary.edu
CALVARY
UNIVERSITY
is
on homeschoolers
– Homeschool scholarships
– Early College online or on campus
– Courses start every eight weeks
– A TOTAL COMMITMENT to solid Biblical
education in every class and every program
calvary.edu

Congratulations!
You have graded the
last paper, closed
the last textbook,
and filed the last
test score. Your last
child has gradu-
ated from your
homeschool. You are
a Homeschooling
Vet! Just as surely
as the birth of your
firstborn changed
your life forever, the
graduation of your
lastborn marks a for-
ever change, too.
bookshelves. I’ll renew all those neglected friendships.
I’ll go back into the workforce.”2
Regardless of what these coming years include, this
is also the time to prepare yourself and your children
for changing roles. One way is to assemble a Family
Notebook that contains all of the essential documents
and instructions needed for your legal and financial
affairs. Doing so will not only help you organize your
affairs, but it will open the conversation with your
children about your desires as you age.3
You may only
be forty-five, but it is never too early.
Along with preparing for changing roles, we also need
to give thought to new goals. While most of us face
the empty nest years with a mixture of excitement and
dread, the adjustment period can be daunting unless
we have made some thoughtful preparations for this
new season. In his excellent book, Halftime, Bob
Buford says that many of us spend the first half of our
lives seeking success. He advises us to also set a goal
of working toward significance during the second half
of our lives.
Preparing for the
empty nestBY MARCIA WASHBURN
Perhaps your new graduate will stay at home, taking
college classes online or apprenticing with a business
owner.1
Perhaps he will go off to college, serve in the
military, or get married. One way or another, you now
have a young adult who will at some point be leaving
your home. Is there a lump in your throat yet?
Perhaps that lump of loss in your son or daughter’s
moving away will be replaced at some point with the
blessing of grandchildren! Your loving support will
reap great rewards as you spend time with this next
generation through babysitting, mentoring, play-
ing, or even later helping with homeschooling them.
For example, one grandma I know taught all of the
language arts classes for her granddaughters. Other
grandparents provide emotional or financial support.
Ask God to show you how you can support your
children as they homeschool your grandchildren —
an intergenerational blessing!
Or perhaps you are thinking, “At last, I’m free to do
my own thing. I’ll tackle all those unfinished projects.
I’ll read all of those books gathering dust on my
PHOTOGRAPHYBYISTOCK
MANAGEMENT FOR MOMS

When your children were at home, you had God-given
authority over them. However, adult children are no
longer in our circle of authority but have moved into
our circle of counsel and affirmation. They want to
know that we still care about them, and will need
special support from home, especially when they first
move away or are facing the challenges that come
from living independently. But we also must trust that
God knows who they are, where they live, and what
they need. We cannot helicopter above them, watching
their every move as we did when they were toddlers.
As our children establish their own homes, they will
make their own choices. Some choices will be wise,
some not so wise. Indeed, they will be much like us!
Remember: you will always be their parent, but you
no longer are their authority. Your children are com-
manded to honor you, but that doesn’t mean that you
still rule over them. You are in a position of advisor not
commander over your adult children.
Waiting to be asked for advice will be a challenge; put
a guard before your tongue. Don’t interfere with your
adult children’s marriages. There is a reason for all of
those not-so-funny mother-in-law jokes. Trust that
God will direct their lives as He has directed yours.
Be patient with them as they grow, just as God was
patient with you in your own inexperience.
The main rule for parenting adult children is this: pray
more and advise less. Recently I have learned to trea-
sure Philippians 1:3-11. Just as Paul was writing with
the heart of a parent to his children in the faith, he ex-
pressed our parental longings of the heart, too. Using
this passage as a basis, pray that your children’s love
may abound more and more so that they may discern
what is best. Be confident that He who began a good
work in them while they were in your home will carry
As home educators, we are already working on a
significant goal during the first half — discipling
our children in the fear and wisdom of the Lord. But
Buford’s point is well taken — we do need to consider
what God has for us as empty nesters. Look for the
thread of evidence that identifies who you are, what
your gifts are, and how He may intend for you to use
those gifts. Don’t wait until your last child graduates
before beginning to prepare for the second half of your
life.
The Bible doesn’t authorize retirement in the American
sense of the word. We are called to wear out, not to
rust out! Sometimes there is a change of responsibili-
ties, especially as our energy levels change. But we
are called to continue to give of our best — especially
now that we actually have something of value to share
— our experience. Pray thoughtfully about whether
service to the homeschooling community should con-
tinue to be a part of your ministry. It can be your way
of giving back in honor of those who have pioneered
the way for you. Whether you mentor young mothers,
host meetings in your home, write newsletters, assist
with Bible Bees, or serve your state homeschool
organization, you are needed and will be welcomed
with open arms.
In addition to preparing for service, we should prepare
ourselves for the relational challenges ahead. One
of the challenges of middle age is the adjustment to
having your family live someplace else. What we have
been training our children for all of these years — fol-
lowing God’s calling on their lives — has happened.
And now we don’t know just what to do with ourselves
and how to keep the family ties close as we untie the
apron strings and shoot our arrows out into the world.4
WE NEED TO CONSIDER WHAT GOD HAS
FOR US AS EMPTY NESTERS. DON'T WAIT
UNTIL YOUR LAST CHILD GRADUATES
BEFORE BEGINNING TO PREPARE FOR
THE SECOND HALF OF YOUR LIFE.
“
“
it on to completion after they leave. Pray that they will
be filled with the fruit of righteousness through Jesus
Christ. When we pray Scripture, we can be certain that
we are praying in God’s will.
We cannot predict how the second half of our lives
will play out — only God knows that. Caregiving for
an elderly parent may replace traveling for awhile. But
trust Him to guide you as you prepare for those empty
nest years just around the corner. 
1
For non-college options for homeschool graduates, see the
Apprenticeship/Mentorship/Entrepreneurship program at http://
www.ameprogram.com/.
2
Editor’s note: a number of parents have found friendships
and a sense of purpose in using their homeschooling skills by
volunteering throughout the year at the CHEC office, Day at the
Capitol, Intro and High School workshops, or at the annual CHEC
conference in June.
3
Request your free 44-page ebook, The Family Notebook, from
marcia@marciawashburn.com.
4
For encouragement and strategies for releasing your children
into the world, see the chapter, Releasing Our Arrows, in Marcia’s
ebook, Management for Moms: Managing Your Children. Available
at www.marciawashburn.com.
©2018 by Marcia K. Washburn. See
her resources at MarciaWashburn.
com. Request your free ebook, The
Family Notebook, from Marcia@
MarciaWashburn.com.
MANAGEMENT FOR MOMS

Displayed in the Rotunda of the state Capitol building
were dozens of photos and biographies of Colorado
homeschool graduates for legislators, staff, and visitors
alike to review during CHEC’s 2018 Homeschool
Day at the Capitol. It was inspiring to learn what our
state’s home educated grads are doing with their
lives! Here are a few that Josh Erber, our CHEC Events
Coordinator, selected to share with you.
Lance Corporal
Eddie McMinn grew up in Fort
Morgan, CO and graduated from homeschool in
2015. He is currently deployed as a U.S. Marine.
He shared, “I was adopted at age seven into a large
homeschool family. We lived on a rural farm where
I learned teamwork and to work hard. I was able to
study at my own level and have my parents tutor
me one-on-one in subjects that I at times struggled
with. My lifelong dream since I was a young
boy was to become a United States Marine. My
parents were able to help me study for and pass my
ASVAB. My recruiter appreciated that I was already
physically fit and a marksman. I am now happily
married.”
Eddie’s favorite homeschooling memory is quite
unusual! “I remem-
ber the day I went
out, far out into our
farm field and shot
a rattlesnake with
a bow and arrows.
When I came back
and told my parents,
they didn't believe
me. My Dad walked
about 1/2 mile and
brought home the
dead snake to show
Homeschool
Colorado
Graduate
Sarah Cranor graduated in 2003
from her family’s homeschool in Gunnison,
CO. A violinist, she performs with several
musical groups at various venues, including
the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra, Burn-
ing River Baroque, Sun Sneeze New Music’s
Bloomington Bach Cantata Project, the Oregon
Bach Festival, Junges Stuttgarter Bach Ensemble,
and Weimarer Bachkantaten-Akademie.
Sarah is pursuing a Doctor of Music at Indiana
University where she is an Associate Instructor.
She also runs a successful business, Sarah’s Violin
Bags LLC, which sells instrument bags world-wide.
She is married to conductor Alejandro Gomez Guil-
len and they plan to homeschool their children.
Sarah fondly recalls the day she learned vowels,
“Dad came running in the house during school, to
have us get in the truck to see a flock of Sandhill
Cranes. I remember identifying all the vowels in the
writing on the truck mirror, objects may be closer
than they appear!” She shared that homeschooling
gave her “the confidence and self-discipline to
pursue any subject I might be curious about!”
PHOTOGRAPHYBYKATIEWARD
HIGHLIGHTS
Sarah Cranor
Lance Corporal Eddie McMinn
GEN2

Mom it had in fact been shot dead with two arrows!”
He always liked Isaiah 40:31, But those who wait on
the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount
up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be
weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Jon Wyre was homeschooled grades
1-12 along with his four younger siblings in Pagosa
Springs, CO. After graduation in 1998, he attended
Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas where he
met his wife
Miriam. He
graduated with
degrees in both
Missions and
Computer Sci-
ence. Jon and
Miriam are now
homeschooling
their three
elementary
age children
and reside in
Fort Collins.
Jon is a software engineer for JCA, Inc. which
is a consulting firm dedicated to the techno-
logical and operational needs of leading nonprofit
organizations.
His favorite homeschool memories include skiing
with friends on homeschool ski days and singing
in the homeschool choir. He shared, “I was able
to spend lots of time outside the classroom in real
world situations, learning the value of a good work
ethic, showing respect to others, and learning what
it meant to be a man of integrity.”
Stephanie (Kehm) White
was homeschooled K-12 and graduated in 1997.
She began her schooling before the current C.R.S.
regarding home education were in-place. She
shared, “Every six weeks we took curricula to [the
local] school for progress checks. Apparently, my
sweetness won over the principal!” She attended
community college, transferring to UNC, earning
two Bachelors and one Master degree. Afterwards,
she worked as a therapist and was able to bless
countless patients. Married to
Steve, she now stays home with her two sons.
Regarding her favorite memories, “I have so many
good ones. I loved my childhood! I loved reading in
front of a fire on a cold day with hot tea and kitties,
and doing school on the back deck in the spring
on nice days listening to the wind in the trees.” Her
verse is 2 Corinthians 4:16-17, Therefore we do not
lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away;
yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For
our light and momentary troubles are achieving for
us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 
This is your student’s year to attend our 2018 Speech Debate Camp Aug 6th-11th.
Find Details Register here: https://rmscamp.homeschooldebate.net
Training homeschool students in the art and science of public speaking and debate
excellence, so they can speak boldly winsomely to change the world for Christ.
1. We facilitate opportunities for training and competition.
2. We promote the development of a Biblical worldview.
3. We share the benefits of speech and debate around our communities and the world.
For more information about us, please visit: www.RockyMountainStoa.org
What Does Stoa Mean? In ancient Athens people gathered under long colonnaded porches of public buildings to test competing ideas and
listen to the oratory, logic, and debate of politicians, philosophers, and poets of the day. The porch, or stoa, became a symbolic feature of
classical Greek architecture. In the same way that the stoa existed to provide a place for public speaking, debate and the exercise of rhetorical
skills, we provide a place to train our students in discourse, apologetics, and intellectual inquiry, rooted in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
Speaking Boldly Winsomely.
Changing the World for Christ.
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the
believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in
faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
Wyre Family
White Family
GEN2

BEST OF CHEC.ORG/BLOG
Single-Parent
HOMESCHOOL:
BY KIM SORGIUS
PHOTOGRAPHYBYISTOCK
In 2009, I became
a single mom, and
my homeschool
dreams seemed
more like a fantasy.
How in the world
would I homeschool
as a single mom?
How would I have
time? Wouldn’t I
need to work? I
felt like the door to
homeschooling had
been slammed shut.
Perhaps you’re facing these questions, too.
Maybe your friends and family are telling you to
put the kids in school. Or maybe you’ve gotten
BEST OF CHEC.ORG/BLOG
past that, but you still can’t seem to keep your head
above water as a homeschooling single mom. What-
ever your story is, remember that the picture-perfect
homeschool mom we all thought we’d be doesn’t
actually exist.
Real life is messy, even when you love Jesus. It’s
messy when you homeschool, and even when your
family gathers ‘round the table with Bibles in hand.
The truth is that all siblings fight, good mommas
burn bread, and even Christian homeschooling
families walk through tragedies.
It’s time we throw out the crazy lies and focus
on strategies we can use to accomplish what
God has called us to do. Single mom, you can
homeschool successfully!
3 Practical Tips
For Single Mom
Homeschooling
Although we can’t give into the lie that we are inca-
pable of homeschooling as single moms, we must
understand that some of our circumstances are
indeed different. This homeschooling thing is going
to be a huge sacrifice. And sacrifice needs resolve.
Have a Strong Vision
This is the most important tip that I can offer you.
There will be hard days. There will be ugly people and
ugly words sent in your direction. You’ve got to gird
yourself with truth and resolve to beat them. Having
a vision for why you homeschool and a resolve to
stick with it even when things get tough is the most
important thing you can do as a single mom.
The Bible says, Where there is no vision, the people
perish (Proverbs 29:18). I always reword that for
homeschooling: Where there is no vision, the
homeschool perishes. If we don’t know where we
are headed, we can’t get there. But if we do know
what we want, even when we get a little off course
occasionally, we will still ultimately get there.
A strong vision is simply writing down thorough
answers to these questions:
• Why do you homeschool?
• What do you hope to accomplish?
• What do you want your children to become
through this experience?
Can it Work?

Once you’ve got your answers, post them some-
where where you will see them often. You might
even create a vision board using images and
phrases from magazines to help you stay focused.
Think Outside the Box
Every homeschooler needs to think outside the box,
but single moms have no choice in the matter. The
most effective way to adapt is with your time. School
doesn’t have to happen from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
every day. It will need to work around your schedule.
Some single parents school more at night or on the
weekends. You might also work in the morning and
homeschool from 1:00 p.m. until finished. Some
families only school 3 days per week, fitting the
subjects into longer days.1
Don’t let tradition dictate
your life.
Nontraditional curriculum may be part of the solu-
tion. Computer-based programs minimize/decrease
the workload so you won’t need intensive parent
interaction.
Finally, don’t get hung-up on location or style. It’s
okay to school from a backpack in the doctor’s
office. It’s okay for the kids to work on assignments
while you are working on something else (including
a job), and it’s okay if you skip the arts and crafts
projects. Really. I promise.
Stop Doing Everything
I know you already know this; trouble is, we often
don’t know how to stop. First, if there is any possi-
bility of help, get it. Don’t hesitate to let your family
members or friends help with schooling or other
responsibilities. Since I don’t have family in town,
I’ve paid a mother’s helper (an older homeschool
girl) a small yet reasonable wage to help clean,
cook, and even babysit so that I can work.
The most effective thing you can do is train your
kids to help. It’s important to establish a good
chore routine and teach them to work indepen-
dently on their school work. It’s often easier to do
things ourselves, but single moms cannot make
this mistake! Our time and abilities are even more
Visit CHEC.org/blog for
weekly encouragement, with
articles like:
 Why Constitutional Literacy?
by Jenna Ellis, Esq.
 Strengthening Your
Marriage in the Midst of
Homeschooling by Dianne
Doty and Nancy Patterson
 Thoughts on Dyslexia by
Andrew Pudewa
 Why (and How) to Teach
Your Children Civics by
Julianna Dotten
limited than other moms, but this is not an impos-
sible feat.
Of course, the single mom’s most precious com-
modity is time. You only get 24 hours in a day and
the list of demands is more than most of us can
really do. We need to look for creative ways to
mark things off of our list, so here are five things I
completely skip to make life easier.
• Creating a portfolio [for school records].
Instead, let your kids do it.
• Having a lesson plan book. Oh yes, I did
say that.
• Cleaning your house. Again, teach the kids
to help.
• Meal planning and fancy recipes. Find a
dozen staple meals that work for you and do
the prep work ahead of time on your day off
work. A crockpot is your friend!
I pray these tips encourage you on the single-mom
homeschooling journey. If our eyes are fixed on
Jesus, we can rest firmly in the protection and
provision of our gracious God. We probably won’t
get much quiet time and the kids may list “work”
as our hobby. However, in the end, this small
sacrifice in the big scope of things could make the
difference in our children’s decision to sacrifice
their lives for the One who gave it all up for us. It’s
worth every moment. 
1
Editor’s note: check your state homeschool laws to make sure you
are following them. Colorado requires at least 172 days a year.
This article is excerpted and reprinted with permission of the
Texas Home School Coalition and the author. It originally appeared
in Review magazine. Visit THSC.org.
Kim Sorgius is the owner of Not
Consumed Ministries, a vibrant
community for moms. Practical
and transparent, Kim shares from
her heart how to live a life “Not
Consumed” both in the little things and the
difficult trials. She has had the privilege of
homeschooling her four children and loves
walking alongside other moms on this journey.
With her M.Ed. in Early Childhood and
Curriculum development, she creates high-
quality products helping families live
#NotConsumed.
IT'S TIME WE THROW
OUT THE CRAZY
LIES AND FOCUS ON
STRATEGIES WE CAN
USE TO ACCOMPLISH
WHAT GOD HAS
called us to do.
“
“
BEST OF BLOG

PHOTOGRAPHYBYISTOCK
Homeschooling
children with special
needs can be
challenging. Support
groups, community
groups, family, and
churches can help
us keep going. In
this article, I hope
you’ll find some
suggestions to make
finding, joining, and
participating in a
group a blessing
for you and your
student.
some more remote geographical areas, you may not
find any suitable groups.
If so, look online. Facebook and Yahoo have many
groups. Some are private, so ask others in the group
to invite you to join and gain approval; if you don’t
know someone in the group already, ask the admin-
istrator to add you. Some online homeschool forums
have subgroups for families with special needs.
Other online groups serve homeschoolers with
particular challenges. Search Facebook or Yahoo for
groups with “homeschool” plus whatever condition
your child has. Or try a general homeschooling
special needs group. Post a brief introduction, read
other’s posts, and learn. [Editor’s note: CHEC.org/
groups might yield a few local homeschool support
groups for you to investigate and CHEC.org/re-
sources/struggling-learners/ has additional help for
families of struggling learners.]
Remember, good online groups can be addictive!
Beware of the sense of intimacy created by sharing
needs. People may not be what they seem, so guard
your privacy. Don’t let time online isolate you from
your family and community, or rob you of sleep.
Virtual communities mustn’t take the place of real
communities.
If you have kids with special needs, imagine arriving
at a new support group. You may be thrilled your
sixth grader just learned to count to a hundred, or
worried that a new speech therapist isn’t working
out. Will anyone understand? It can feel lonely.
So why keep looking for support? We were made
to be in community. People need us. Someone else
may have a child like ours. Our sensitivity, humor,
and perseverance can encourage others. Your child
also has special needs. Hopefully, other families can
become your support.
How can we approach a new homeschool support
group? First, focus on a specific goal you might
have for your child such as socialization, and find
others with that same goal. Second, don’t be overly
sensitive to others' comments or jealous at the
success of other students. Third, be ready to rejoice
with other parents on their children’s accomplish-
ments. Fourth, look to connect with others who
will see and celebrate your child’s progress and
perseverance.
You may have to try several groups to find a good
fit. Maybe you found a great group, but no one has
a child with anything like your child’s challenges. In
BY KATHY KUHL
STRUGGLING LEARNERS
SUPPORT
Finding
STRUGGLING LEARNERS

Another source of support is other families with
special needs, even if they don’t homeschool.
One homeschooler found it easier to explain
homeschooling to parents of non-homeschooling
children with autism, than to explain autism to
homeschoolers. Local advocacy groups can also
help us learn. My family was educated and encour-
aged by our local ADHD group.
In any special needs support group, folks may be
slow to respond, or forget to reply. Don’t take it
personally. Remember how little free time parents
have when helping a child with special needs.
Look beyond formal groups, too. Calling a friend
can help you get through a tough day. Can your ex-
tended family help? My sister-in-law, a homeschool
veteran, suggested some resources and encouraged
me. My father came and taught history once a week
for years. Several parents have told me cousins have
been special friends for their children.
WE WERE MADE TO
BE IN COMMUNITY.
PEOPLE NEED US.
SOMEONE ELSE MAY
HAVE A CHILD LIKE
OURS. HOPEFULLY,
OTHER FAMILIES
CAN BECOME YOUR
SUPPORT.
“
“
BIBLE
FAMILYCONFERENCE
Aug 10-11, 2018 in Washington, DC | BibleConf.com
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Founder, Reformation Heritage
For many Christian families, there has been a slow but steady decline in their
devotion to the Word of God. The Bible is no longer central in their family life
and education. As a result, these families have disintegrated because they were not
“founded on the rock.”
Now is the time to lay again the foundation of God’s Word in our homes. With
firm reliance upon the Holy Spirit of God, the Bible Conference will equip you and
your family to:
• Teach the Bible, that the generation to
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• Integrate the Bible into every single
school subject for your children
• Sing the Bible, making melody in your
heart to the Lord
• Memorize the Bible, from young to old
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Churches can support you with love and prayer.
Some churches have special needs ministries. To
encourage that, give your church leaders Stephanie
Hubach’s book, All Things Possible, and other excel-
lent resources published by Joni and Friends.
Finally, be realistic. Some of us join groups to get
support, but leaders and members may barely be
keeping up themselves. So, look to help, as well as
to be helped. Be patient and lean on the Lord. 
After Kathy Kuhl homeschooled
her bright, distractible, dyslexic
son for grades 4-12, she
interviewed 64 homeschoolers of
students with learning disabilities
and wrote Homeschooling Your Struggling
Learner. She blogs at www.learndifferently.com.
STRUGGLING LEARNERS

GROUP LEADER
Homeschool support
group leaders are
among my heroes.
You have added Homeschool Group Leadership
to your already-full platter of responsibilities
elsewhere. You serve as shepherds to your
little (or large) flock of homeschool families.
Your roles may include organizer, counselor,
cheerleader, disciplinarian, teacher, emcee,
peacemaker, press agent, and more.
Christian leadership is a servant role. In I Peter
5, shepherds are reminded to be diligent and
to serve willingly, not just for duty’s sake or for
the recognition of others. Leaders must gently
lead those who follow without being bossy or
self-serving.
Homeschool parents tend to be a pretty inde-
pendent lot, so the homeschool support group
leader will have his or her hands full in directing
the group. In smaller groups, decisions about
policies and activities are often made by con-
sensus. Larger groups often have a governing
board and various committee heads. Be willing
to make changes to the way your group does
business as times and members change, not
relying on “we’ve always done it this way” tradi-
BY MARCIA WASHBURN
Bootcamp
tions. However, be careful not to throw out successful
practices just for the sake of change.
In my experience with homeschool groups as both
a member and a leader, I have come to realize there
are some tried and true practices which help leaders
remain viable:
Prepare.
Pray before accepting a leadership position. Be sure
your spouse is in agreement about the decision or,
better yet, serve as a couple. Pray regularly for those
you serve. Seek the Lord’s guidance about the activi-
ties and projects your group is considering. Open and
close your meetings with prayer. Realize that any fruit
from your ministry will be a result of God’s blessing.
Study scripture passages and characters that relate
to leadership. Note the different leadership styles
of Moses, David, Nehemiah, Paul, and others. Seek
out Christian leadership books that teach biblical
principles. Study resources written for homeschool
support group leaders.
Determine the group’s mission.
To lead well, you must clarify the purpose and profile
of your group. Does it exist to provide activities and
co-op classes? Is it primarily a political action group?
Is it mostly for emotional support for the moms? Do
you have lots of beginning homeschoolers or a mix of
experience levels? What is the age range of the chil-
dren? When you have a clear target in mind, you can
more wisely select activities to benefit your members.
Lead wisely.
Good leaders are like giraffes: they look far down the
road, seeing both opportunities and challenges that
others don’t yet see. Consider carefully the mission
of your group. Do your present activities and policies
support that vision? What hazards might lie ahead?
How can they be avoided?
For example, discipline issues are never pleasant,
even in homeschooling groups. The wise leader en-
courages the group to set policies that will be in place
when troubles come. As a young homeschool sup-
port group leader, I enthusiastically led our group on
a tour of the state capitol building. Foolishly, we had
not yet set the policy that children must stay with their
own parents for the duration of the tour. We moms
stood visiting in the rotunda when, to our horror, two
middle-school-aged boys came sliding down the
brass banisters! This was certainly not the example of
home education we wished to present for our legisla-
tors. We set a new policy at our next meeting.
Control your enthusiasm.
Avoid the temptation to plan too many activities. Do
fewer things, but with excellence. If lack of partici-
pation continues to be a problem with your group,
PHOTOGRAPHYBYISTOCK
HOMESCHOOL LEADERS

CHEC’s Homeschool Introductory
Seminars are held throughout the year
to give parents the vision, legalities, and
nuts and bolts they need.
A seminar is coming to a city near you!
■ July 21 – Pueblo
■ August 4 – Castle Rock
Interested in helping host a seminar in your home
town? Please contact josh@CHEC.org!
NEW TO HOMESCHOOLING?
Sign up at
CHEC.ORG/EVENTS
carefully examine whether your activities are truly
meeting the needs of the group. Or, perhaps, you
are enthusiastically planning too many activities and
“wearing out the saints.” Homeschooling families
must guard against overextending themselves in out-
of-home activities. Indeed, we must keep the “home”
in homeschooling.
And don’t try to do it all yourself — learn to delegate.
Observe your members and try to match necessary
tasks with their talents. When a person is doing
something she’s gifted to do, it will be a pleasure for
her and a blessing for the group.
Do you have lots of “takers” and not very many
“givers” in your group? Consider adopting a policy
requiring parents to assist in a certain number of
projects each year in order to have their families
participate — sort of a “sweat equity” arrangement.
Brand-new homeschoolers and mothers of newborns
may be excused from this requirement, if the group
agrees. We do indeed want to bear each others’
burdens without grumbling, but still teach others the
joy of giving of themselves. Don’t forget that many
teens are quite capable of assisting in the planning
and execution of events.
If no one volunteers to head up an activity or ministry
within your group, don’t assume that you should do
it just because you’re the leader. Ask yourself: Is this
really important? What would happen if this task
doesn’t get done? Will the group fall apart? Is there
another way to do it? Over the years our group did
lots of activities, but we also allowed many to “die”
when no one offered to lead. That homeschool sup-
port group, founded by three homeschool moms back
in 1983, continues to thrive today.
Train your replacement.
I know you love your job as a homeschool sup-
port group leader, but eventually someone else will
need to step into your place, either temporarily or
permanently. Watch for volunteers who are faithful
to the Lord, reliable, solidly established in their
local church, and who exhibit developing leadership
qualities. Pray individually and together with the
prospective leader before and during the mentor-
ing process. Ask your mentee to do smaller tasks,
allowing her to gradually do more and make some
decisions on her own. Give her access to good
leadership materials.1
Each year, reevaluate your personal role in the
homeschool support group. Ask God to lead you as
you continue to shepherd the group or move on to
other areas of service. You may never know this side
of heaven how you have benefitted the lives of those
you serve as a homeschool support group leader. 
NOTE: 1
See Tim LaHaye’s Transformed Temperaments (Liv-
ing Books: 1993) for a great analysis of personality types and
leadership styles of biblical characters. Useful in your family
relationships, too!
©2011-2018 by Marcia K. Washburn who served
in leadership roles of her local homeschool
support group for nineteen years. Visit Marcia-
Washburn.com to view her book, Activity Days for
Homeschool Groups and Families, that includes
a wealth of wisdom and ready-to-go, hands-
on activities for families, homeschool support
groups, and co-ops. Write to her at Marcia@
MarciaWashburn.com for a free copy of The Ideal
Homeschool Mother.
HOMESCHOOL LEADERS

RISING
BY CAROLYN MARTIN
Flood Waters
PHOTOGRAPHYBYISTOCK
A flood of legislation has
popped up across the
nation in response to the
horrific parental abuse
being reported in the
news. When an abusive
family happens to be
homeschooling, there is
a knee jerk reaction to
“do something” to “fix”
homeschooling.
That “something usually comes in the form of
increased regulation and oversight by the state. Be-
lieving that increased regulation for homeschoolers
will protect children, lawmakers put forth proposed
legislation such as background checks, fire safety
inspections, annual evaluations, and quarterly home
visits. Despite there being no evidence that any of
these additional burdens on families will have any
impact on child abuse, these ideas flourish in the
atmosphere of wanting to “do something.”
In early March, the Colorado General Assembly
did not target home education, but they have been
swept up in the wave of trying to solve societal
problems by doing something — often at the
expense of our unalienable rights. The dominant
problem the progressive legislators seek to conquer
this session is youth suicide. Their answer is to
empower children at the expense of a parent’s God-
given authority to direct the upbringing, care, and
education of their children.
In many minds at the Capitol, Christianity has
become an antiquated ideology that is past its
time, and Christ is seen as a crutch to be thrown
off. If faith causes action, it is in opposition to the
community the state champions. In an inclusive
environment where immoral behavior is touted as
normal and contrary beliefs are seen as dangerous,
a Christian who advocates truth and requires obedi-
ence is not welcome. While lip service is still paid to
religious liberty, the ability to act according to your
conscience is in grave danger.
As a Christian homeschooling family, our family’s
desire was to lay a foundation for life set firmly on
the Word of God and to establish a hedge around
our home to His glory. We allowed culture to perme-
ate our lives on our terms and with God’s direction
— always with a heart towards redemption. While
it was never easy before, the pull of today’s culture
towards compromise has gained strength in every
arena. Putting your budding ballerina in a ballet
class at the local studio could land your precious
girl face-to-face with a boy changing in the dressing
room. Engaging with the state school system at
any level exposes your child to the humanistic and
socialistic mindset the teachers have been taught.
Not to mention, the concerted effort to produce
literature, art, and entertainment in the image of the
new tolerance — never asking our children to aspire
to something greater than themselves.
The walls have been breached and the floodwaters
are crashing in. The opportunity to speak into the
darkness is upon us. Will we stand against
those who would ask us to hide our faith? It is
imperative that we leave behind a country where our
unalienable rights are secure for our posterity. We
need to speak up (vote and learn how to counter
the cultural narrative), stand up (for the innocent
and for the truth), and show up (numbers matter
and voices are magnified). 
Will you? Sign up at CHEC.org/Freedom!
Carolyn Martin and her husband,
Todd, began homeschooling their
three children in upstate New York
before moving to Colorado in 2004.
Her passion is to see
homeschooling remain free from government
intrusion for future generations.
LEGISLATIVE LIAISON

The homeschool freedom we enjoy today in
Colorado must be guarded carefully.
AND WE NEED YOU!
Every family in Colorado has an opportunity to get involved,
either onsite at the Capitol or from home. You can:
 Help read and review proposed bills for their potential effect on home education,
parental rights, and religious liberty
 Donate to help with costs for legislative liaison work
 Subscribe to email legislative updates from Carolyn Martin every two weeks
 Join the private Facebook group for live video updates and prayer requests
Learn more and sign up for updates
at CHEC.org/homeschool-freedom

can be used as a final test covering the material in
that unit.
This curriculum would be very easy to use. The target
age is middle schoolers, and they, as well as older
students, could handle the material independently.
Parents could also use this with younger students or
with a group of multi-aged students, but a bit more
parental involvement would be required.
I really liked the excerpts from original documents
included in the curriculum. I once read that the only
way to truly learn history is to go back to the original
sources, and Julianna Dotten has made these original
sources accessible by putting short, easy-to-read
selections in each lesson. Students get a little taste
of The Mayflower Compact, The Federalist Papers, The
Constitution, and The Declaration of Independence
along with many other historical documents, books,
and speeches.
I also appreciate the strong Christian emphasis
in this curriculum. The goal is not simply to
teach a student how the government works, but
to teach God’s standards for government and His
requirements of citizens. One section in the unit on
along with some fascinating state history through an
engaging and easy to use curriculum called Colorado
Civics.
Colorado Civics is divided into 8 units and covers
The Founding of Our Government, The Three
Branches of Government, The Bill of Rights, The
Election Cycle, Patriotic Holidays, Patriotic Symbols,
Colorado History, and Godly Citizenship and Political
Action. This study will take your child through the
foundations of the federal government and teach them
how the federal government runs. It then explains the
history of Colorado and shows the students how they
can become politically involved.
Each unit is divided into subunits which typically
include a reading section, a fun terms section in
which vocabulary words are defined, a list of book
suggestions for additional reading, an excerpt from an
original document, a learning journal question, and/
or a suggestion for a hands-on activity. The amount
of time required to complete each subunit depends on
how many of the activities a parent wants a student
to complete. The basic reading and journaling could
be completed in a day. When the student reaches the
end of the unit, there are questions for review which
The Colorado revised
statutes require a
homeschool student to
be taught civics (a social
science dealing with
the rights and duties
of citizens), history
(and as residents of
Colorado — our state’s
history), and regular
courses of instruction in
the Constitution of the
United States.
Fulfilling this section of the homeschool law has
often been difficult for homeschooling families.
Curriculum that addresses government, civics,
and Colorado state history has been virtually
non-existent. CHEC recognized this need and
asked homeschool graduate Julianna Dotten
to create such a curriculum. She determined it
would aid parents in teaching their students the
difference between a primary and a caucus, and
how the three branches of government work,
CIVICSCIVICS
BY CINDY PUHEK
CURRICULUM REVIEW
PHOTOGRAPHYBYISTOCK
and more!
NEW!
CURRICULUM REVIEW

the Founding of Our Government deals with the biblically
defined jurisdictions of the family, the church, and the
government. This section ends with reading Romans 13
which describes the God-given purpose of government.
The entire last unit of this curriculum teaches about godly
citizenship and political action. It looks at what the Bible
says is the duty of the Christian towards the government
while addressing topics such as paying taxes, praying for
leaders, and working hard.
The Colorado History unit is a fascinating look at the
colorful history of Colorado. This state was founded by
mountain men, gold seekers, and miners. Julianna shares
their stories rather than just relating dry facts. Students
will learn about Zebulon Pike, the explorer for whom a
large mountain on the Front Range is named. They will be
inspired by Father Dyer, a pastor who felt called to preach
the gospel to the miners, gamblers, and murderers who
founded Colorado. Stories about Indian conflicts, the
rise of the railroad, and the Unsinkable Molly Brown are
all contained in this fascinating unit. Lesser-known men
and women who were crucial to the founding of our state
are included for a full breadth of our history. The other
resources listed in this unit will also be very useful. I don’t
think even a native Coloradoan will have heard of all the
local field trip opportunities for hands-on history learning
listed in this chapter.
Julianna Dotten has written an easy-to-use,
comprehensive curriculum which will fill a need for
homeschooling families seeking to fulfill the civics and
history requirements within the homeschool law and non-
public school law. Students who complete this course
will have a much better understanding of the foundations
and functions of government and learn some great stories
about the Centennial State. I think every homeschooler in
Colorado should invest in a copy. 
Cindy Puhek resides in Colorado
Springs and has been married to Peter
for more than two decades. They are
well into their second decade of
homeschooling their six children who
range in age from toddler to high schooler. Cindy
holds a master's degree in chemistry and has written
dozens of articles to encourage others in their
homeschooling journeys. You can visit her blog at
www.homeschoolenrichment.com/blogs.
Making Connections for Struggling Learners
303.680.5551info@connecteducationco.com
www.connecteducationco.com
We offer healing intervention to move a
child from struggling academically to
learning with ease!
CURRICULUM REVIEW

But one thing is certain: we cannot do it
without you! Here are a few ways we could use
your help immediately:
DONATIONS
Are you passionate about home education
and have a desire to help it grow and stay
free from government control for genera-
tions to come? CHEC works throughout
the year to protect homeschool liberty and
part of our general sessions at the upcoming
Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference. It's
a tremendous opportunity to bless homeschool
families with your gifts and also experience
performing in front of a large audience. We
have openings for instrumentalists, vocal-
ists, and orators, and we'd love for you to
participate! Learn more at rockymountain-
homeschoolconference.com/audition.
VOLUNTEER
SUPERSTARS
Are you looking for a spring/summer fam-
ily volunteer project? Or do you have a few
hours each month free? We're looking to build
our volunteer teams for the Rocky Mountain
Homeschool Conference (June 14-16, 2018),
the 2019 Homeschool Day at the Capitol, and
year-round in our Parker office. Complete the
form at CHEC.org/volunteer.
PHOTOGRAPHYBYTOBIASSTEEVES
to serve homeschool families, and as a 501(c)
(3) non-profit organization, we depend on
donations from families like yours to continue
the ministry. Make a one-time or monthly
recurring donation at CHEC.org/donate.
HOMESCHOOL TALENT
Do you play a musical instrument, sing, act,
or speak? We want you! We're looking for
homeschool students and graduates to be a
PARTNER with us!
CHEC's donor-funded ministry serves thousands
of families throughout Colorado (and around
the world), through our events and resources.
Powered by your generosity, we share practical
homeschool help and encouragement for Christ-
centered, parent-directed education that is free
from government control.
PARTNER'S PAGE

For 28 years, CHEC has been at the forefront of the battle for home education and discipleship.
CHEC serves thousands of families every year through our events, Homeschool Update magazine,
widows fund, special needs fund, the CHEC Independent School, and more. We receive phone
calls throughout the week that give us a chance to provide advice, encouragement, and an extra
“boost” to homeschoolers when the going is tough. CHEC depends on your generous donation to
both continue and expand our mission.
Go to CHEC.org/donate to donate to any of these funds:
• General Fund
• Colorado Homeschool Freedom Fund
• Event Scholarship Fund
• Sign Language Interpreting Fund
• Casterline Single Moms
• Struggling Learners
SILENT AUCTION
DONATIONS
The CHEC Silent Auction (held during the
Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference
in June) features great gifts, resources, and
products from the practical (curriculum) to the
fun (restaurant gift cards) and more. We accept
new, quality items for the silent auction, and
donations are eligible to be tax deductible.
Email silentauction@chec.org for more
information.
BOX TOPS
Did you know that every Box Top that you sub-
mit to CHEC is worth $0.10 and goes to support
the year-round ministry of CHEC? Collect
then drop off at any CHEC event or at the
CHEC office.
SHOP
Mention CHEC when you shop at Office Depot
(any store!) and help CHEC earn free supplies!
We will earn credits equal to 5% of your
qualifying school supply purchases. When you
check out, simply give our school ID#. (School
Name: Christian Home Educators of Colorado;
ID#: 70206154.) 
 Saturday, May 12 — Free children’s art classes by the
Parker Art Guild
 Thursday-Saturday, May 16-19 — Colorado Christian Writ-
er’s Conference (discount for homeschoolers!)
 Saturday, June 2 — free day at the Denver Art Museum
 Sunday, June 3 — free day at the Denver Museum of Nature
and Science
 Tuesday, June 5 — free day at Denver Botanic Gardens York
Street
VIEW MORE UPCOMING EVENTS AT
CHEC.org/resources/colorado-events-calendar/
HOMESCHOOL
FAMILY DAYS
PARTNER'S PAGE

CHEC BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
Bill Roach, President
George Sechrist, Vice President
Brenda Kelly
Chad Roach
Ian Serff
Steven Vaughan
CHEC DIRECTORS:
Steve Craig, Executive Director
Kevin Swanson, Director of
Generations
Mike Cheney, Director of AME
The CHEC Homeschool Update is published
triannually by Christian Home Educators of Colorado,
19039 Plaza Drive, Suite 210, Parker, CO 80134.
The purpose of the Homeschool Update is to
provide information, resources, and leadership
for home educating families while effectively
communicating the activities, opportunities, and
needs of Christian Home Educators of Colorado.
The Homeschool Update is free to all who
request it. Donations are gladly accepted.
The views expressed by contributors and
advertisers in this news magazine do not
necessarily reflect those of CHEC.
Permission is granted to reprint any portion of
this magazine, except where noted, provided
the following credit is given: “Reprinted from the
CHEC Homeschool Update, Volume 2, Issue #101,
2018; 720-842-4852, CHEC.org.”
Editor:
Shari McMinn, sharimcminn.com
Creative Designer:
Sarah Lee Bryant, sarahleephoto.com
Advertising Policy:
Ads are published on a space-available, first-come,
first-served basis and are subject to approval.
Payment must be made by the deadline to reserve
ad space. New advertisers must include complete
product description. We reserve the right to refuse
any ad submitted.
CHEC’s mailing list is not sold or rented.
Advertising in this magazine provides an excellent
opportunity to reach homeschooling families
likely to be interested in your product or service.
Questions may be directed to
admanager@CHEC.org.
Circulation: V1 V3: 5,500  V2: 6,500
Next Advertising Deadline: July 25, 2018
For advertising opportunities with CHEC,
go to CHEC.org/advertise.
Copyright © 2018 by CHEC
What’s NEXT
with CHEC
Visit CHEC.org/events to learn more!
June
Rocky Mountain Homeschool
Conference 14-16
July August
Homeschool Intro Seminars
August
Father Son Retreat 16-19
October
Casterline Single
Mom's Banquet
Online Homeschool
Summit
January 2018
Spelling Bee
Homeschool Intro
Seminars
High School Beyond
Seminar

PHIL TUTTLEROB RIENOWVODDIE BAUCHAM
JUNE 14-16, 2018
D E N V E R C O LO R A D O
CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
“Let us run with endurance the race
that is set before us, looking to Jesus,
the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy
that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
Rocky Mountain
JUNE 14-16, 2018
D E N V E R C O LO R A D O
Presented by Christian Home Educators of Colorado

Rocky Mountain
LEARN HOW TO REGISTER ON PAGE 54!
ABOUT THE
CONFERENCE
The conference is full of help and encouragement for homeschool families at
every stage of the journey. Plan effectively by checking out all the different
opportunities:
WORKSHOPS
Check out the speakers (pages 34-38) and schedule (pages 40-45). Watch
for the tags to find workshops that fit your needs:
Homeschool How To’s
Worldview
Vision
Relationships
Encouragement
SHOPPING
Stop by the Vendor Hall, Used Curriculum Sale, Youth Vendor Area, and Silent
Auction — see page 48 for more information and page 49-50 for vendor
listings.
FELLOWSHIP FAMILY FUN
Bring your whole family for a full weekend! Everyone will enjoy shopping in the
vendor hall, participating in the General Sessions, watching the Pilgrim Musical
(see page 32), and joining in the Friday evening Double-Header Family Night.
Plus, make time for breaks and meals to meet with old and new friends. Get
ready to have your family’s encouragement tank filled up!
THIS CONFERENCE IS EVERYTHING YOU
NEED TO BEGIN HOMESCHOOLING OR GET
CHARGED UP FOR A NEW YEAR:
CHEC HOMESCHOOL UP DA T E
I 2018 R OC KY MOUNTAI N H O M E S C H O O L C ONFERENC E30

RockyMountainHomeschoolConference.comHOMESCHOOLING
FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP
CURRICULUM FAIR
WORLDVIEW
FELLOWSHIP
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR BEGINNERS
Are you just beginning?
COME GET INFORMED AND LOADED WITH TOOLS
TO START YOUR HOMESCHOOLING OFF RIGHT.
Does CHEC provide a Continuing Education Form?
Yes! CHEC provides a Continuing Education form for those attendees who are required to obtain continuing education hours
(e.g. foster parents or Colorado teacher certification).
Please ask for a form at the CHEC Info booth near the main entrance. Fill in the form with the workshops you attended, and have
each workshop presenter sign the form next to their workshop. Once you have completed the form, come back to the CHEC Info
Booth and a CHEC representative will sign it for you, or mail to the CHEC office. Deadline to have the form completed is July 15,
2018. Please note that you will need to check with your licensing agency to find out which workshops qualify for continuing
education hours.
CHEC INFO
BOOTH
Located just inside the main
entrance, this booth has helpful,
experienced homeschool
parents and grads ready to
help you navigate the event and
answer your questions. Plus,
stop by to purchase a copy
of the Colorado Homeschool
Guidebook and Colorado Civics
Curriculum!
MENTOR MOMS
BOOTH
Stop by this booth in the vendor
hall to chat with a veteran
homeschool mom about parenting,
special needs, the best place to
pick up lunch — you name it.
WORKSHOPS
Workshops with the Homeschool
How-To’s tag are especially
geared to help you with
beginning nuts and bolts.
NEW TO
HOMESCHOOLING
TRACK
This all-day track on Thursday
will guide you through following
the homeschool law, managing
a home while educating,
choosing curriculum, keeping
records, and more!
CHEC HOM ESCHOOL UP DA TE
I 2 01 8 ROC KY MOUNTAI N H O M E S C H O O L C ONFERENCE 31

Rocky Mountain
FOR THE
WHOLE FAMILY
Workshop tracks are
dedicated sessions that
cover a specific topic.
You’ll find each track
designated by the shaded
rooms on the schedule.
▪ New to Homeschool
▪ High School Beyond
▪ Cognitive Learning
▪ Biblical Family
Come see this live
performance of Pilgrim,
a musical based on
John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s
Progress by Walk By Faith
Theatre!
When and where:
Thursday and Saturday
afternoons in the Annex.
Play chess with Dr. Jonathan
Sarfati, a former New
Zealand chess champion
who specialized in playing
multiple opponents
simultaneously! Bring your
own chess board.
When and where:
Saturday, 1:00-3:30pm in
Vendor Hall Demo room.
Workshop
Tracks
Live
Musical
Chess
Competition
Flying W Wranglers
The Flying W Wranglers have been making music for over 63 years
and are one of today’s premier western music groups. Get ready to
have a “Yee Haw” good time with songs from the Silver Screen cow-
boy years, good ol’ country classics, and Gospel tunes, along with the
Wranglers’ wit and humor!
In My Seat: A Pilot’s Story from September 10th
and 11th
Steve Scheibner was scheduled to pilot American Airlines
Flight 11 one morning in 2001. But at the last minute, a rare
substitution meant someone else would pilot that plane...the
first plane that hit the World Trade Center on 9/11. Steve will
share his captivating testimony about how someone died in his
place, not once, but twice, and how that truth impacts his life —
and yours.
Double-Header Family Night
Friday, June 15th, 7pm

FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP
CURRICULUM FAIR
WORLDVIEW
FELLOWSHIP
ENCOURAGEMENT
AME YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS
VENDORS
Youth entrepreneurs can sell their wares in the Youth Vendor sec-
tion of the exhibit hall and participate in the business plan com-
petition, gaining valuable instruction and feedback that will help
them in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Plus, the Apprenticeship,
Mentorship, and Entrepreneurship program will hold two exclusive
training sessions!
When Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Where Vendor Hall Demo Room
Cost $30 add-on to your family’s full conference pass includes
an entry in the business plan contest, training workshops, and
participation in the youth vendor exhibit area.
Ages Homeschooled graduates and students (ages 13 and older
who live with their parents); business must belong to the youth (it
cannot be the family business)
COLORADO HUNTER
SAFETY COURSE
Acquire your Colorado Hunter Safety certificate with other home-
school students! The course will be conducted by Colorado Parks
and Wildlife personnel on-site at the Denver Mart. Shooting profi-
ciency portion will happen off-site.
When Thursday 10:30-3:30; Friday 10:30-4:30; Saturday 9:00-
12:00 (with breaks)
Where Onsite at the Denver Mart. (A required practicum will be
held offsite, but transportation is provided.)
Cost $10 add-on to your family’s full conference pass
Ages Homeschooled youths ages 12 and up
YOUTH
FEATURES
CONSTITUTIONAL LITERACY
COURSE
Jake MacAuley, CEO of the Institute on the Constitution, will guide
students through a four-session course on understanding the US
Constitution as well as the worldview and political theory of the
American form of government.
When Friday, 10:30-4:30 pm (with breaks)
Where Room Expo G – 5
Cost $15 add-on to your family’s full conference pass
Ages Homeschooled youths 9th grade and older

Rocky Mountain
2018
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
VODDIE BAUCHAM
Voddie Baucham wears many hats. He
is a husband, father, pastor, author,
professor, conference speaker, and
church planter. He has served as Pas-
tor of Preaching at Grace Family Baptist
Church in Spring, Texas; as an adjunct
professor at the College of Biblical Studies
in Houston, Texas and Union University in Jackson, Tennessee; and
has lectured at Southern Seminary. Voddie makes the Bible clear and
demonstrates the relevance of God’s Word to everyday life without
compromising the centrality of Christ and the gospel. Those who hear
him preach find themselves both challenged and encouraged. He is
currently Dean of the Seminary at African Christian University (ACU) in
Lusaka, Zambia.
Teaching Your Children with Your Grandchildren in Mind
Getting Your House in Order
Don’t Let Home Education Destroy Your Marriage
Family Worship: The Forgotten Home Discipleship Tool
The Role of the Father in Home Education/Discipleship
PHIL TUTTLE
Phil Tuttle has been a vital member
of the Walk Thru the Bible family for
years, serving first as Senior Vice
President for International Ministries,
and Global Teaching Pastor before
becoming President and CEO in 2007. A
native of Illinois, Phil received his BA from
Wheaton College in 1980 and his M.Th. from Dallas Theological
Seminary in 1984. Phil shares God’s Word throughout the world at
churches, Bible conferences, Christian education conventions, and
corporate gatherings. He is the author of numerous books, lives in
Georgia with his wife Ellen, and serves as a teaching pastor at his
home church, The Bridge.
Revolution: How Millennials Can Change the World and What They Need
From the Rest of Us (Josiah) – The Reality
Revolution: The Parallels
Revolution: The Generations
Revolution: The Word
Revolution: The Pillar
Revolution: The Future
ROB RIENOW
Dr. Rob Rienow considers his most
important ministry to be loving his wife
and partnering with her to lead their
seven children to love God. Rob has
been serving in pastoral ministry for
25 years and is the founder of Visionary
Family Ministries where he shares the biblical
message of family discipleship with parents, couples, and church leaders
around the world. He is the author of several books including Visionary
Parenting and Visionary Marriage.
Never Too Late: Encouraging Faith in Your Adult Children
Encouragement for Single Parents: Engaging the Spiritual Battle
A Tale of Two Fathers: How God Can Use Repentance to Transform
Your Family
Reaching the World Through Your Family
Visionary Marriage

FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP
CURRICULUM FAIR
WORLDVIEW
FELLOWSHIP
ENCOURAGEMENT
CONGRESSMAN KEN BUCK
Congressman Ken Buck is a Republican from Wind-
sor, Colorado, serving his second term in the United
States House of Representatives. He serves on the
House Judiciary Committee and the House Rules Com-
mittee. Rep. Buck served for 12 years as a District Attorney before coming to
Congress. As a representative, he has focused on passing a balanced bud-
get amendment and on co-founding the Congressional Reformers Caucus
to make government work better for the people. Rep. Buck enjoys returning
to his home in Colorado because he can spend time with his wife Perry, his
son Cody, and his daughter Kaitlin and her husband.
Standing Strong in the Swamp
MIKE CHENEY
Mike is an entrepreneur, businessman, investor,
teacher, advocate for the family business, and author
of the book One With Everything: Anatomy of the Hot
Dog Stand and Other Great Family Businesses You Can
Start, and its companion study guide. He works with real estate invest-
ment, brokerage, and property management clients; serves as Director of
the AME Program; is Regional Representative for the National Center for
Family Integrated Churches; and teaches on mentorship and discipleship
as foundational elements of the family economy.
Several Habits of Highly Effective Business Owners and Employees
Apprenticeships, Mentorships, and College Alternatives in Family Economics
TOM CLARK
Tom Clark is a life-long teacher of mathematics
and science with more than 50 years of class-
room and tutoring experience at all levels, from
elementary through adult. The concepts for VideoText
Interactive began 32 years ago as he and his family discussed the ‘why’
philosophy and what eventually became the production materials of the
VideoText Interactive program. He is convinced that everyone has the
ability to understand mathematics. His wife Alice, his two children, and
his brother and sister have all helped bring this program to homeschool-
ers everywhere. Now everyone can enjoy the benefits of truly understand-
ing mathematics.
Homeschooling Math Without a Plan? You’ve Got to Be Kidding!
Can Mom or Dad Really “Teach” Story Problems? (And Why Would You Want
To?)
Teaching Mathematics with Art (or is it Teaching Art with Mathematics?)
What is ‘Critical Thinking’ and Can Anyone Do It?
CONNIE ALBERS
Connie Albers has spent much of her adult life
as a homeschool mom and ‘mompreneur.’ Bal-
ancing her own roles as wife, business partner,
speaker, homeschool expert, consultant, and active
volunteer, she has learned to discover resilience and joy within the busy-
ness of life. She understands the challenges of balancing life, work, and
homeschool. Connie and her husband, Tom, have been married 33 years
and homeschooled their five children — all of whom graduated from the
University of Central Florida. She is a speaker and author for NavPress, a
spokeswoman, and owner of ConnieAlbers.com. The Albers family lives
in Winter Garden, Florida.
Teach Your Child to Learn Independently
Words Matter: The Importance of Having Critical Conversations
Beautifully Broken
Facebook, Snapchat, and all Those Apps: What’s a Family To Do?
I Appreciate You, Mom!
Help Your Child Develop a Debt-Free Mindset
You Can Build Close Sibling Friendships
VICKI BENTLEY
Vicki is the mother of eight daughters and has
been the foster mom of over fifty children. She has
homeschooled 17 children since 1988, alongside
her husband Jim, and has been a support group leader
since 1991. She served on the executive board and convention committee
in Virginia and has addressed state and national conventions, university
teacher organizations, and other groups. Vicki is the author of many
books and homeschool helps, including My Homeschool Planner, Home
Education 101: A Mentoring Program for New Homeschoolers, and High
School 101: Blueprint for Success. She currently is a Toddlers to Tweens
consultant and Group Services director for HSLDA.
Getting Started
Exploring Curriculum Options
Organized (Well, Almost!) — Time Management for Busy Moms
Blueprint for Success — Building a Framework: Strategies for High School
Success
Blueprint for Success — Construction Tools: Recordkeeping and Credits
Blueprint for Success — “Finishing” Touches: Graduation and Beyond
2018
SPEAKERS

Rocky Mountain
2018
SPEAKERS
DIANNE CRAFT, MA, CNHP
A leader in Alternative Teaching Strategies, Dianne
Craft has a master’s degree in special education
and specializes in cognitive brain training to make
learning easier for bright, hard-working students. She
has 25 years’ experience teaching children to learn using her successful
“Three-Pronged Approach” to reduce and eliminate learning disabilities.
She teaches parents how to start their own cognitive at-home therapy to
help sharpen thinking and long- and short-term memory skills. Children
have overcome learning struggles such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscal-
culia, and auditory processing problems using these tools. She special-
izes in natural treatments for kids, and is president of the consulting firm
Child Diagnostics, Inc.
Cognitive Learning Style Screening: How is Your Child’s Brain Wired?
Organizing the Brain for Learning
Use Both Sides of Your Brain: Stretching Your Child’s Memory
Structuring a “Healing Teaching” School Day
STEPHEN CRAIG
Stephen Craig is the Executive Director for Chris-
tian Home Educators of Colorado. He and his
wife Tara are second generation homeschoolers
and have a passion to inspire others toward biblical
discipleship in the home. Steve and Tara live in Parker, CO, with their five
children: Carson, Christiana, Angelina, Jewel, and Ariel.
Foundational Principles Vision for Homeschooling
Introduction to Homeschool Law
BOB FINE
As a homeschooling father of 10, Bob knows the
needs for a homeschool home, no matter the size
of the class. Bob was raised in the real estate busi-
ness and has an extensive background in the profes-
sional construction and remodeling industry. He enjoys using these gifts
to overcome obstacles and educate his clients in making informed deci-
sions for selling and buying homes where Christian discipleship happens.
Putting the Home in Homeschooling
JAKE MACAULAY
Jake MacAulay is a homeschooling father of four
and serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the
Institute on the Constitution (IOTC), an educational
outreach with curriculum that presents the Founders’
biblical view of law and government. Jake is an ordained minister and
former syndicated talk show host who has spoken to audiences nation-
wide and has established the American Club, a constitutional study group
in public and private schools. Jake has been seen on Yahoo News, Fox
News, The Blaze, AP, CBS, NBC, The Weekly Standard, and more.
Faith, Values, and the Constitution
The War on the Constitution: Why Youth Should Care
Preparing Your Students for Effective Christian Citizenship
Preparing the Biblical Christian for Engagement in the Culture War
SHARI HOWARD MCMINN
Shari Howard McMinn is mother to 11 children
and has homeschooled for 24 years. On staff with
CHEC, she is editor for The Homeschool Update
magazine and is also Advertising Manager. Shari
additionally volunteers by presenting the Nuts Bolts portion of the
Homeschool Introductory Seminar and various conference workshops.
Audiences enjoy her witty storytelling and are moved by her powerful
Christian testimony as she shares her extensive knowledge.
What About the Military?
The CHEC Guidebook: Why It’s an Essential Resource for Colorado
Homeschooling
The Nurtured Homeschool
BRIDGET MOSLEY M.ED.
As a child, Bridget felt God calling her to help
children who, like her brother, were bullied for their
learning struggles. Over the past 30 years, she has
answered His call as a learning specialist, reading
clinic director, speaker, consultant, and curriculum designer. Bridget also
draws from her experiences as a homeschooling mom who worked with
her daughter to overcome dyslexia. She co-founded the online learning
center WowzaBrain.com, a clinic that equips parents with a cognitive-
educational curriculum to help their children make rapid, life-changing,
academic gains. Families achieve these gains by overcoming common
learning challenges such as weaknesses in auditory processing, working
memory, and processing speed.
Study SMARTER, Not Harder: Working with God’s Design for Memory
Study SMARTER, Not Harder: The Nuts and Bolts of Studying Smarter

FAMILY DISCIPLESHIP
CURRICULUM FAIR
WORLDVIEW
FELLOWSHIP
ENCOURAGEMENT
2018
SPEAKERS
BILL ROACH
A homeschooling dad of 5 and grandfather to 6,
Bill enjoys helping homeschool families love God
more. With over 25 years in the financial industry
with a special emphasis on insurance, Bill is thank-
ful for the lessons God has taught him along the way. As President of
CHEC the last 10 plus years, he is well aware of the challenges facing
homeschooling families.
Putting the Home in Homeschooling
TARA ROEHL MS, CCC-SLP
Tara Roehl, MS, CCC-SLP, owns and operates
a private tele-practice clinic in Colorado that
focuses on social cognition, executive function-
ing, and the use of technology in therapy. She is co-
founder and president of Hacking Autism, a non-profit with a mission to
fund, create, and support opportunities that improve the personal and
professional lives of people on the autism spectrum. Previously, she
has worked in Illinois, California, Rwanda, and the Philippines in both
public schools and private practices. She is a homeschool graduate and
now a homeschooling mother of two.
Engaging Executive Functioning Skills in Your Child: What They Are How
to Help
Engaging Executive Functioning Skills in Your Child: Strategies and
Application for All Environments
Imposter Syndrome
DR. JONATHAN SARFATI
Dr. Sarfati, a dual citizen of Australia and New
Zealand, holds a Ph.D. in physical chemistry,
and was a co-founder of an apologetics society
in New Zealand. He joined Creation Ministries Inter-
national in Australia in 1996, and now lives in the USA with his wife.
He has authored numerous books on origin issues, defending biblical
young earth creation, and refuting arguments for evolution including
Refuting Evolution, and his latest book The Genesis Account. A chess
master and former New Zealand chess champion, he specializes in
playing multiple opponents simultaneously.
Jurassic Reality: Dinosaurs and the Most Asked Questions
The Christian Roots of Science: Busting Evolutionary Myths
Biological Robotics: Incredible Design in Life
Bioethics: Issues of Life, Death, and Morality
Christianity for Skeptics: Refuting the New Atheists
Chess Challenge (see page 32)
MEGAN SCHEIBNER
A writer, blogger, conference speaker, home-
schooling mother of eight, and most impor-
tantly, the wife of Steve, Megan Scheibner is a
trained Christian counselor who uses her degree
in communication to counsel and teach women of all ages. She is the
co-author of Parenting Matters: The Nine Practices of the Proactive
Parent, and travels extensively, equipping parents with the tools to
confidently train the next generation. Megan has authored thirteen
books, including In My Seat: A Pilot’s Story from September 10th-
11th, the companion to her husband Steve’s 9/11 testimony. Megan’s
heart is focused on discipleship, blogging practical words of encour-
agement at Meganscheibner.com. When not writing, she enjoys feed-
ing teens and cuddling her grandchildren.
Marriage, Communication, and Friendship
The Toddler Toolbox
The A to Z of the Character Healthy Homeschool
The Disciple-Making Mom
DR. STEVE SCHEIBNER
Called “America’s Parenting Doctor” by Glenn
Beck, Life Leadership, and others, Dr. Steve
Scheibner, the President of CharacterHealth Cor-
poration, has dedicated his life to equipping parents to train a new
generation of courageous, Christ-like, and CharacterHealthy leaders.
Using his background as a Naval aviator, church-planting pastor, and
airline pilot, he co-authored and teaches, Parenting Matters: The Nine
Practices of the Pro-Active Parent. Additionally, he captivates audi-
ences worldwide with his testimony, In My Seat: A Pilot’s Story from
September 10th-11th. His YouTube video of the same name has been
used to reach millions for Christ. Steve’s been married to Megan for
30 years, and together they have homeschooled their eight children
for 23 years.
Marriage, Communication, and Friendship
2 ML (Second Mile Leadership for Men)
In My Seat: A Pilot’s Story from September 10th and 11th
Training Young Men to Be Gentlemen in a Feminist Culture
Battling with Behavior?

Homeschool Update Magazine - 2018, Volume 2, Issue 101

Homeschool Update Magazine - 2018, Volume 2, Issue 101

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Homeschool Update Magazine - 2018, Volume 2, Issue 101