Jennifer Henn, The Homeschooler's Helper, has years of experience teaching and encouraging parents how to successfully homeschool for their family's needs and lifestyle. She homeschooled her distinctively different children for 19 years and has coached countless others. Jennifer is a storyteller who puts her audience at ease through her and others' examples of triumphs and trials. She believes that, with help, anyone can homeschool.
Author of Take the Mystery Out of Homeschooling: A How-To Guide, teacher of Homeschooling for Excellence 101, consultant and lead mentor at Unite Homeschool Support Network, Jennifer is a respected and sought-after speaker and instructor.
Along with homeschooling, Jennifer teaches classes on parenting for individual workshops or retreats. She desires all families, whether homeschooling or not, to parent with direction and grace that leads to enjoyable relationships during the teen years and beyond. Jennifer has over thirty parenting hacks published in Focus on The Family magazine.
Jennifer and her husband Gary are both transplants to the south where they raised three kids infused with Georgian traditions. When Jennifer isn't helping homeschoolers or hanging out with family, she relaxes on her front porch by tending to plants, reading, or contemplating the goodness of God and his creation.
Speaking Topics
Homeschooling 101 ...
The following three topics are often presented as a one-day seminar and each topic can stand alone as well.
First Steps for a Confident Start
The success of your homeschool depends on more than the curriculum you choose. In this session, Jennifer explains three precepts to embrace for a strong start that will sustain you through this school year and beyond. Then she clarifies homeschool law and offers tips for scheduling the school year.
Curriculum Explained
Jennifer explains the differences between math and language programs and gives parents a comparison sheet to take with them. She also guides them in teaching other required subjects and explains the different types of homeschool methods. This session takes the mystery out of choosing homeschool curriculum.
Homeschool Socialization: What, When & How
You can raise a well-socialized homeschooled child. In this session, Jennifer dispels notions of homeschooled kids who can't thrive in society. She also explains the difference between traditional and homeschool socialization. Jennifer provides a list of skills to teach your children and shares examples from her and others' positive experiences. Attendees leave with a new perspective on the possibilities for their children to succeed.
* * *
Additional How-To Sessions ...
Motivate Your Kids with Project-Based Learning
Projects build self-managing skills and give every child a chance to shine. Jennifer shows several examples of project-based learning. Five advantages of this method are: 1) it uses a variety of learning styles, 2) strengthens executive function, 3) incorporates multiple grade levels, 4) promotes self-directed learning, and 5) utilizes hands-on learning. Projects are worth the time because what your children learn sticks!
Beyond the ABCs: Nurturing Early Learning in Preschoolers
You've taught your preschoolers the alphabet song, read stacks of books to them, and encouraged them to create with crayons and toys. So, what's next? When should formal learning begin, and what does that entail? Are there advantages to early learning? Jennifer Henn homeschooled her three children and has mentored countless others. Each family is unique, but there are principles to follow that will give your children a strong start in the early years. In this session, Jennifer shares numerous ideas for your preschooler, including ways to keep them busy while you teach older students.
Math, Language, and Your Struggling Student
Math and language are building blocks for learning, yet they pose significant challenges for children with learning disabilities, Numerous programs are available to help you teach your children, but the choices can be overwhelming. Jennifer Henn successfully homeschooled two struggling students and stays abreast of what's available to help kids today. In this session, we consider the advantages and disadvantages of various program types. Our discussion will begin with young learners and move through to the high school years.
Your Struggling Student and the Homeschool Advantage
If your child struggles to learn and retain lessons, be organized, and complete tasks, this workshop is for you. Your child may not have been diagnosed with a specific disability, but a diagnosis isn't necessary. Their learning challenges are real, and you need practical help and encouragement. In this workshop, Jennifer Henn discusses the advantages homeschooling gives you. She gives helpful practices for a custom learning environment, using assistive technology, test taking, and more
Ask the Expert, Homeschool Q&A
Jennifer Henn loves Q&A sessions because she wants attendees to leave with all their homeschool questions answered. She enjoys the way one great question leads to another. Questions can be turned in ahead of time and given during the session.
* * *
Encouragement For The Journey ...
How to Have Enough Time
Time management for homeschool parents is no easy task! There are planners for scheduling, tracking chores, and more, so why can't we get it all done? This talk isn't about another check-off list; it's about homeschooling in real life. In this session, Jennifer, an easily distracted parent, shares realistic, no-guilt principles to keep you afloat.
Don't Judge Tomorrow by What Happens Today
You have a lot going on in your home, and discouragement will happen if you're not careful. Jennifer helps you see the value of what you do, even if things aren't going as planned. She encourages you to invest in yourself and your children and to stay aware of influences that don't have your family's best interest at heart.
If More is Better, Why Do I Feel Like Crying?
Homeschooling is filled with repeated mundane tasks that move at a snail's pace, and the return on your investment feels far off. To keep you from taking on more than needed, Jennifer helps you navigate educating your children without adopting the culture's "More is Better" mantra.
Got Peace?
Are you overwhelmed by your circumstances? Peace is not only possible but essential for your home and health. Jennifer takes listeners on a walk through Philippians chapter 4 and illustrates how to move from anxiety to gentleness. She lovingly helps you untie the knots of discord that, if left unchecked, will breed discontentment within your life.
* * *
Help For Parenting ...
Stop Fighting with Your Kids! 5 Steps to Less Stress in Your Home
"I don't know how you stand being with your kids all day," say neighbors and friends. We assure them that we love our kids ... but do we like them? All families have attitude problems. Jennifer shares five steps she implemented in her home and illustrates them through personal stories. Learn how to get the schoolwork done while maintaining a loving relationship with your children. (2-hour session)
Say 'Yes' Whenever You Can
Do you find yourself constantly saying 'No'? Are your young teens begging to be independent, but you're afraid they'll make bad choices? The most important part of homeschooling is your relationship with your children. Join Jennifer for a light-hearted and honest discussion about raising teens, and learn to parent on the offense.
Home Stressed Sweet Home
Homeschooling and homemaking collide. You pour your heart into teaching lessons, then become deflated when you realize your child can't locate Georgia on a map -- yet you live in Georgia. Every day, the kids ask, "What's for dinner?" and are disappointed when it doesn't sound yummy and magical. Does life feel like a test you may not pass? Jennifer acknowledges parenting is a tough job, but that doesn't mean you can't have peace in your home. Join her as she shares relatable stories to help you unstress, gain reasonable perspective, and find your joy.
Jennifer is happy to customize talks for your event.
Testimonials
"As the former president of Wholly Loved Ministries, an organization that facilitates events for women, I had the privilege of hearing Jennifer Henn speak and I utilized her skills to train some of our newer speakers. She also joined me for a podcast episode on having the courage to home-educate your children. She is an insightful, confident, and skilled communicator who knows how to engage and inspire her audience. Her theology is sound, and she has a deep love for scripture and Christ."
Jennifer Slatter
Speaker, Author, Podcast Host
"Jennifer Henn has an incredible passion for homeschooling and helping other homeschool families achieve their goals of providing excellent education to their children. She is a prepared, thoughtful, and giving speaker who always makes time to help parents of all types of learners. She has a great wealth of experience and knowledge from educating her three children, who have thrived as adults. Her knowledge of organization, homeschooling, preparedness, breadth of subjects, and discipline is of immense value to conferences, events, families, and more! We've been blessed to have Jennifer present to our attending families and look forward to seeing her return every year!"
Mark St. Denis
CEO, MSD Events Group
Roswell, Georgia
"In the capacity of a teacher and instructor, Jennifer Henn exhibited exceptional pedagogical skills, fostering an environment of learning in curiosity. She has a unique talent for engaging with her audience, be it one-on-one or in a group setting, ensuring that each team member not only understood the material but was also able to apply it practically."
Angela Pilcher
Executive Director, Unite Homeschool Network
"Jennifer Henn truly has a heart for moms, specifically homeschooling moms and families. The experience she has in homeschooling and life make her an invaluable resource for those new to home education as well as seasoned veterans. Jennifer's approach, guided by her spirit-led, gracious, and often humorous demeanor, is both engaging and inspiring."
A Conference Attendee
"I sought Jennifer as a mentor even though I had already been homeschooling my children for eight years. Her guidance has helped me focus on the unique needs of each of my students, including my dyslexic son, as well as my own well-being. With compassion and understanding she directs you towards having a close relationship with your children. This relationship allows you to know them, appreciate individual strengths, and customize their education in a way that serves the entire family."
A Homeschool Mom Mentored By Jennifer Henn
"Jennifer's love for her family shines through in all that she does. It is an inspiration for the benefits of home education, the intangibles that don't always deal directly with academics. I am profoundly grateful that Jennifer is living her calling to equip homeschool families. She inspires me to approach homeschool with grace, free from stress and guilt, while encouraging me to be the best homeschool mom that I can be."
Heather, Homeschooling Mom of 3
"Jennifer Henn is a gifted leader. I've been in various Bible studies over the years and she is notably different in a way that makes attendees feel comfortable to share and at ease if they choose not to. Her love for the Lord and His Word is beautiful and inspiring. Her vulnerability and lightheartedness are refreshing and so welcome."
Pricilla Burris
Author and Illustrator
"Jennifer has been such a gift to us! Every homeschool family has a journey, and as ours took some very unexpected turns, she was there to meet us ... very knowledgeable, attentive, and open-minded to the best curriculum for our kids and family preferences. We will continue to trust her as our needs change, to ensure we keep on a path to success!"
Kim R. - Homeschool Parent
"The handouts were clear and informative without being an overwhelming information overload. Her warm and reassuring style is great! She raised many helpful points, and I love that she encourages us to jettison something that really isn't working."
Courtney B. - Homeschool Parent
"Such a delightful speaker! Engaging and entertaining! Informational, helpful, and willing to answer questions."
Susan E. - Homeschool Parent
"If your class were the only one I attended for the entire conference, it would still be worth the price."
Linda D. - Homeschool Parent
"Thank you, Jennifer Henn and United, for the Homeschooling Planning Workshop. It far exceeded my expectations and helped me to fine-tune the things that are important. I encourage others to try and get to the next one! Thanks again for a great workshop."
