OCHEC Convention

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The OCHEC annual homeschool convention is a place to renew relationships, be re-energized, and find resources for the coming year. Our speakers this year are hosting workshops on a variety of topics related to homeschooling, including teaching, faith, and family life. Additionally, our vendor hall always has a plethora of curriculum options.

  1. May 29

    Unit Studies that Transcend | Jil Koller

    Jil will explain how to systematically create a unit study that captures your kids’ hearts as it stimulates their minds. She will share the value of using unit studies in your homeschool and the ways they can enhance learning across disciples. Participants will develop the spine of their own unit study and share ideas as they vision together. When Jil isn’t homeschooling or helping to run the children’s program at church, she is debating with her fictional characters … and losing. Jil completed her Bachelor of Arts and Education and went on to complete her Masters of Education at York University. She completed her PhD coursework in Literacy Education and was certified as a Reading Specialist. She owned and operated her own reading clinic in Edmonton, conducting Diagnostic Reading assessments for the local school board, and delivering reading remediation tutoring. She has four children (thanks be to God) and has been homeschooling for twelve years. Jil is on staff, helping to run the children’s program at Redeemer City Church, Orillia. Heart of a Bowman, Jil’s debut novel, was released this January. It is the first book in the Vertical Horizon Trilogy, an epic Young Adult adventure fantasy written from a Christian worldview. Book two, Heart of a Spy, is available this December with Heart of a Warrior to follow in 2027. Jil loves literacy, science and everything homeschooling! She is committed to equipping and encouraging homeschool families to experience that joy by sharing helpful science experiments, activities, teaching tips, and strategies for free on her Instagram page – @jil.koller, as well as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Jil lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and four kids, where they play hockey, camp, mountain bike, swim, and snowboard together, enjoying every opportunity to be outside. It is Jil’s greatest hope that her life and stories would echo the gospel and point readers to Christ.

    39 min

  2. May 29

    The Power of Story | Jil Koller

    Jil will share the powerful ways stories teach and inspire. Together we’ll examine a classic story arc and apply that to transformed writing and inspired literary analysis. You will go home with teaching resources to share with your children, equipping them for future excellence in story writing and understanding. When Jil isn’t homeschooling or helping to run the children’s program at church, she is debating with her fictional characters … and losing. Jil completed her Bachelor of Arts and Education and went on to complete her Masters of Education at York University. She completed her PhD coursework in Literacy Education and was certified as a Reading Specialist. She owned and operated her own reading clinic in Edmonton, conducting Diagnostic Reading assessments for the local school board, and delivering reading remediation tutoring. She has four children (thanks be to God) and has been homeschooling for twelve years. Jil is on staff, helping to run the children’s program at Redeemer City Church, Orillia. Heart of a Bowman, Jil’s debut novel, was released this January. It is the first book in the Vertical Horizon Trilogy, an epic Young Adult adventure fantasy written from a Christian worldview. Book two, Heart of a Spy, is available this December with Heart of a Warrior to follow in 2027. Jil loves literacy, science and everything homeschooling! She is committed to equipping and encouraging homeschool families to experience that joy by sharing helpful science experiments, activities, teaching tips, and strategies for free on her Instagram page – @jil.koller, as well as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Jil lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and four kids, where they play hockey, camp, mountain bike, swim, and snowboard together, enjoying every opportunity to be outside. It is Jil’s greatest hope that her life and stories would echo the gospel and point readers to Christ.

    46 min

  3. May 29

    Living Water - Forsaking Broken Cisterns and Turning Back to God as Our Source. Jil & Matt Koller

    Jil will explore the life-changing teaching in Jeremiah 2, where God challenges His people to forsake the idols they have replaced Him with, the “broken cisterns that hold no water” and instead, drink from His fountain of living water. Jil will discuss how to live this out practically in our homeschool lives as mothers and wives. When Jil isn’t homeschooling or helping to run the children’s program at church, she is debating with her fictional characters … and losing. Jil completed her Bachelor of Arts and Education and went on to complete her Masters of Education at York University. She completed her PhD coursework in Literacy Education and was certified as a Reading Specialist. She owned and operated her own reading clinic in Edmonton, conducting Diagnostic Reading assessments for the local school board, and delivering reading remediation tutoring. She has four children (thanks be to God) and has been homeschooling for twelve years. Jil is on staff, helping to run the children’s program at Redeemer City Church, Orillia. Heart of a Bowman, Jil’s debut novel, was released this January. It is the first book in the Vertical Horizon Trilogy, an epic Young Adult adventure fantasy written from a Christian worldview. Book two, Heart of a Spy, is available this December with Heart of a Warrior to follow in 2027. Jil loves literacy, science and everything homeschooling! She is committed to equipping and encouraging homeschool families to experience that joy by sharing helpful science experiments, activities, teaching tips, and strategies for free on her Instagram page – @jil.koller, as well as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Jil lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and four kids, where they play hockey, camp, mountain bike, swim, and snowboard together, enjoying every opportunity to be outside. It is Jil’s greatest hope that her life and stories would echo the gospel and point readers to Christ.

    50 min

  4. May 29

    Homeschooling - Answering the Call to Obedience | Jil Koller

    Jil will walk through Deuteronomy 6 and Matthew 28 casting a clear vision for homeschooling as obedience to God’s call to teach and disciple our children in the Lord. Jil will encourage, equip, and inspire by highlighting God’s mission, curriculum, and methodology as found in his word. Living out God’s call on a daily basis within our homeschool brings the greatest joy and blessing and Jil will remind and restore a first love for discipling our children for His glory. When Jil isn’t homeschooling or helping to run the children’s program at church, she is debating with her fictional characters … and losing. Jil completed her Bachelor of Arts and Education and went on to complete her Masters of Education at York University. She completed her PhD coursework in Literacy Education and was certified as a Reading Specialist. She owned and operated her own reading clinic in Edmonton, conducting Diagnostic Reading assessments for the local school board, and delivering reading remediation tutoring. She has four children (thanks be to God) and has been homeschooling for twelve years. Jil is on staff, helping to run the children’s program at Redeemer City Church, Orillia. Heart of a Bowman, Jil’s debut novel, was released this January. It is the first book in the Vertical Horizon Trilogy, an epic Young Adult adventure fantasy written from a Christian worldview. Book two, Heart of a Spy, is available this December with Heart of a Warrior to follow in 2027. Jil loves literacy, science and everything homeschooling! She is committed to equipping and encouraging homeschool families to experience that joy by sharing helpful science experiments, activities, teaching tips, and strategies for free on her Instagram page – @jil.koller, as well as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Jil lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and four kids, where they play hockey, camp, mountain bike, swim, and snowboard together, enjoying every opportunity to be outside. It is Jil’s greatest hope that her life and stories would echo the gospel and point readers to Christ.

    46 min

  5. May 29

    Raising Resilient Kids | Jil Koller

    Everyone seems to be talking about resiliency these days, in parenting and education. Jil will share ways we can foster resiliency in kids during our homeschool program. Focusing on the power of fiction to inspire and provide examples of grit she will share how to use our novel studies and read-aloud times to spark discussions that internalize perseverance, problem-solving, self-sacrifice, and courage. Free teaching tools will be provided so families can do this at home. When Jil isn’t homeschooling or helping to run the children’s program at church, she is debating with her fictional characters … and losing. Jil completed her Bachelor of Arts and Education and went on to complete her Masters of Education at York University. She completed her PhD coursework in Literacy Education and was certified as a Reading Specialist. She owned and operated her own reading clinic in Edmonton, conducting Diagnostic Reading assessments for the local school board, and delivering reading remediation tutoring. She has four children (thanks be to God) and has been homeschooling for twelve years. Jil is on staff, helping to run the children’s program at Redeemer City Church, Orillia. Heart of a Bowman, Jil’s debut novel, was released this January. It is the first book in the Vertical Horizon Trilogy, an epic Young Adult adventure fantasy written from a Christian worldview. Book two, Heart of a Spy, is available this December with Heart of a Warrior to follow in 2027. Jil loves literacy, science and everything homeschooling! She is committed to equipping and encouraging homeschool families to experience that joy by sharing helpful science experiments, activities, teaching tips, and strategies for free on her Instagram page – @jil.koller, as well as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Jil lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and four kids, where they play hockey, camp, mountain bike, swim, and snowboard together, enjoying every opportunity to be outside. It is Jil’s greatest hope that her life and stories would echo the gospel and point readers to Christ.

    51 min

  6. May 29

    Reading Revival | Jil Koller

    Teaching your child to read is the greatest gift you may ever give. Reading aloud to your child is the greatest potential indicator for academic success. Jil will inspire you to foster both independent and family reading time during your homeschool and share practical resources and teaching tools to facilitate a Reading Revival. When Jil isn’t homeschooling or helping to run the children’s program at church, she is debating with her fictional characters … and losing. Jil completed her Bachelor of Arts and Education and went on to complete her Masters of Education at York University. She completed her PhD coursework in Literacy Education and was certified as a Reading Specialist. She owned and operated her own reading clinic in Edmonton, conducting Diagnostic Reading assessments for the local school board, and delivering reading remediation tutoring. She has four children (thanks be to God) and has been homeschooling for twelve years. Jil is on staff, helping to run the children’s program at Redeemer City Church, Orillia. Heart of a Bowman, Jil’s debut novel, was released this January. It is the first book in the Vertical Horizon Trilogy, an epic Young Adult adventure fantasy written from a Christian worldview. Book two, Heart of a Spy, is available this December with Heart of a Warrior to follow in 2027. Jil loves literacy, science and everything homeschooling! She is committed to equipping and encouraging homeschool families to experience that joy by sharing helpful science experiments, activities, teaching tips, and strategies for free on her Instagram page – @jil.koller, as well as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Jil lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and four kids, where they play hockey, camp, mountain bike, swim, and snowboard together, enjoying every opportunity to be outside. It is Jil’s greatest hope that her life and stories would echo the gospel and point readers to Christ.

    43 min

  7. May 29

    5 Ways to Increase Your Impact | Jan Smith

    Every homeschool mom thinks she is failing and wants guidance. Every one of them also can help another. Jan will give practical tips to finding a mentor or being a mentor. From child training to seemingly fruitless discipline, every mom needs a confidant for comfort and reassurance, or a new perspective. Get ideas from Jan’s forty years of mentoring. Jan Smith loves people and speaks straight to the heart! She is mother of 4 adult children, manager of the family farm and businesses, and mentor of many young moms. Jan began homeschooling in 1989 in rural Louisiana where no one had heard of homeschooling. After 2 other families joined her, she began a 3-family co-op. Learning together at home was key to the strong family relationships the Smiths experience today. Upon graduation from homeschool, all 4 children completed university studies on scholarships. Because of the positive impact on family relationships, she works to protect freedom to home educate for future generations through her leadership on her state and national homeschool organizations, as well as by equipping others through speaking at conferences. She also loves teaching God’s word at women’s events. Jan mentors young mothers in her community through a weekly Bible study and monthly parties in her home for the couples. Playing keyboard at church, reading to the grandchildren, riding horses, and growing flowers and vegetables keep her life after homeschooling far from empty.

    48 min

  8. May 29

    In Over My Head! What Was I Thinking? | Jan Smith

    Often falling on the heels of making a bold decision in your family, a little voice in your head cries out, “What was I thinking?!! I can’t do that!” Even when we are obedient to clear direction, we can become insecure and fearful. Humorous stories will lighten your load if you are feeling the press to make changes, and will help you to stop listening to the accusations from within. Jan Smith loves people and speaks straight to the heart! She is mother of 4 adult children, manager of the family farm and businesses, and mentor of many young moms. Jan began homeschooling in 1989 in rural Louisiana where no one had heard of homeschooling. After 2 other families joined her, she began a 3-family co-op. Learning together at home was key to the strong family relationships the Smiths experience today. Upon graduation from homeschool, all 4 children completed university studies on scholarships. Because of the positive impact on family relationships, she works to protect freedom to home educate for future generations through her leadership on her state and national homeschool organizations, as well as by equipping others through speaking at conferences. She also loves teaching God’s word at women’s events. Jan mentors young mothers in her community through a weekly Bible study and monthly parties in her home for the couples. Playing keyboard at church, reading to the grandchildren, riding horses, and growing flowers and vegetables keep her life after homeschooling far from empty.

    38 min
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About

The OCHEC annual homeschool convention is a place to renew relationships, be re-energized, and find resources for the coming year. Our speakers this year are hosting workshops on a variety of topics related to homeschooling, including teaching, faith, and family life. Additionally, our vendor hall always has a plethora of curriculum options.

Information

  • Creator
    OCHEC
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    127
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 OCHEC
  • Show Website
    OCHEC Convention