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Homeschooling has been a part of me forever. It could
practically be written into my DNA. The same could be
said of my husband, the Nebraska transplant. When it
comes to homeschooling, we are both convinced that children
learn best when they use creativity in the environment around
them all the time. This was part of what has drawn us to direct
the children’s program for the Homeschool Iowa Conference.
It all began eight years ago when our second child was three
weeks old and the current children’s program format was in
its baby stages here in Iowa. A team came from the Nebraska
homeschool children’s program. And since my husband, Scott,
had been involved there previously, he was a natural fit to help
transition the program to Iowa.
As I said, our second daughter was just a few weeks old, and
we were immersed in a world of song, drama, laughter, friend-
ship, and JOY! It was a lot to take in at the time, but over the
years, we have found our feet and an outstanding team! We
now have four daughters, three of whom attend the children’s
program. As a result of our own daughters being a part of the
program with us, it drives us to excellence even beyond what
we aspire to give to other homeschool children. To summarize
so far, we are in this for the long haul, we absolutely love it, and
our standards are as high as the sky.
Perhaps you are reading this and you know what we do. Your
children have come home exhilarated and delighted that there
are so many other fun kids like them! For those of you wonder-
ing what exactly the children’s program does, I would love to
take the chance here to answer frequently asked questions.
1. Why the Children’s Program?
We aspire to provide children with their own conference, their
own sense of a broader community of a bigger homeschool
world that they are part of. While parents are being encouraged,
strengthened, and challenged at the Homeschool Iowa confer-
ence, we seek to do the same for your children.
Our volunteers work right with
your children in a VBS-style environ-
ment, so they take time to engage
with your children and care for them
during the conference. Every volun-
teer goes through multiple screen-
ing processes, so we can ensure the
utmost accountability and safety for
your child.
2. What can my child expect at the
Children’s Program?
We use a customcurriculum that is
brought to life through a multi-part
drama. Each drama scene connects
to a lesson taught in the classroom
to engage each child’s mind to think
about the Bible, life, and character
qualities in a Biblical way.
Children also need plenty of movement and activity, so we
work creatively to incorporate group games and team challeng-
es. Teams are also encouraged to earn points by having clean
spaces, cheerful attitudes, verse memorization, and working to-
gether.
3. How can I get involved with the Children’s Program?
Currently we have a team of year-round volunteers that as-
sist with the planning components of the children’s program.
However, it simply doesn’t happen without volunteers during
the conference! We accept volunteers ages 14 and up, with our
requirements being that you support homeschooling, love the
Lord Jesus, and love to bless children and families. We provide
the curriculum, classroom supplies, teacher training, and our ad-
vice and support throughout the conference.
There are several volunteer roles to fill, and we are amazed ev-
ery year at how God brings exactly the right people each time!
If you love to act, please consider joining our drama team. If you
love to play games and are sports inclined, we would love to
have you organize some of the game time for the kids. If you
know sign language, or are good at memorization or simply
have a heart to teach, your skills may be used to teach verse
memorization during our large group sessions. As in every other
role, we will work with you and coach you and delight in how
your skills can be a blessing to others.
This year is going to be another amazing program! The 2018
Homeschool Iowa Children’s Program theme is SHALOM: Je-
hovah Reigns! We will follow the lives of Christians in Rome
and how Jehovah God is faithful yesterday, today, and forever.
Whether you join us as a volunteer or we see your children there,
we are excited to have you join us!
Hannah Kratzer is a homeschool survivor and thriver, happily married to Scott for 10
years, and homeschooling four precocious daughters, aged 9, 7, 5, and 3. She has been
involved with Homeschool Iowa nearly forever and loves working with her local support
group as well.
The Children’s Program: aWork of Love
BY HANNAH KRATZER