January 23rd, 2027 14305 Covenant Way, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
KeyNote Speaker- Dr Peter Gray
Peter Gray is a research professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College who has conducted and published research in behavioral biology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education. He is author of an internationally acclaimed introductory psychology textbook (Psychology, Worth Publishers,
editions 1-6), which views all of psychology from an evolutionary perspective. Much of his research focuses on the role of play in human evolution and how children educate themselves through play and exploration, when they are free to do so. He has expanded on these ideas in his book, Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct
to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life (Basic Books), which has been translated into 18 languages. He also author of a Substack series entitled Play Makes Us Human. He is one of the founders of the nonprofit Let Grow (letgrow.org), the mission of which is to renew children’s freedom to play and explore independently of adult control. You can follow him on Facebook and find many of his published articles on his website. His most recent book is Restoring Childhood, How to Set Kid Free in the Age of Anxiety.
~Come and Connect~
Whether you’re a seasoned homeschool parent or just beginning your homeschooling journey, the Homeschool Connection Points Conference is designed to inspire, equip, and connect families across the Suncoast community.
Join us for a full day of learning, networking, encouragement, and fun in a family-friendly environment where homeschool families, educators, and local providers come together to build lasting relationships and strengthen our local homeschooling community.
Everyone is welcome– from veteran homeschoolers to those just getting started!
Children of any age can attend the conference alongside you, OR if they are ages 5-12 they can attend STEAM Learning Day.
Conference Information
Spend the day connecting with homeschool families, exploring educational resources, learning from experienced speakers, growing your skills, and discovering organizations that support your homeschooling journey.
Pricing
Early Bird Offer (now through Dec 31st)
$60 – Individual Participant
$75 – Participant + One Adult Family Member
Regular price (January 1 through the day of the event)
$90 – Individual Participant + One Adult Family Member
Registration Includes
- Inspiring keynote & a breakout session by Dr Peter Gray
- 3 conference sessions of your choice
- Lunch, snacks, coffee, tea, and water throughout the day (*w/allergy-friendly options)
- Family community networking
- Opportunities to meet local homeschool organizations & providers
- Curriculum vendors
- Resource/Curriculum trade table
- Entry into conference raffles
Questions?
Email Tina Massmann at regenerativelearningconcepts@gmail.com
Conference Schedule – 8am-4pm
8:00am Doors Open (Registration and drink coffee)
8:30am STEAM Learning Day drop-off opens
9:00-9:50 Welcome and Keynote: Dr Peter Gray
10:00-10:50 Breakout Session 1
10:50 Vendor Hall opens
11:00-11:50 Breakout Session 2
11:50-13:00 Lunch and Raffle #1
13:00-13:50 Breakout Session 3
14:00-15:00 Community Connection (participants, vendors, speakers)
15:00-16:00 Wrap up/Q&A Panel and Raffle #2
Key Note by Dr Peter Gray: How Play Promotes Children’s Self-Regulation, Independence, and Emotional Resilience
In the United States and in other Western nations there has been a well-documented, dramatic decline, over the last several decades, in children’s freedom to play with other children, in their own chosen ways, without adult direction. Over this same period there has been a dramatic increase in childhood depression and anxiety and decline in young people’s sense of being in control of their own lives. In this talk, Dr Gray will present the logic and evidence behind his claim that the decline in free play is a, if not the, major cause of these deleterious effects on children’s psychological wellbeing. Dr Gray will explain how play provides practice, for children, in the most important skills required for successful adulthood. Finally, he will describe some ways to bring real play back to children’s lives in our time.
STEAM Learning Day (ages 5–12)
While parents attend conference sessions, children can enjoy a full day of engaging, hands-on STEAM activities led by experienced facilitators.
Participants will explore science, technology, engineering, and art, through fun, collaborative learning experiences while making new friends on site.
Includes
- Hands-on STEAM activities
- Group games
- Creative projects
- Social connection
Please bring your own lunch and snacks.
Registration
$40 per child
**Step Up For Students- direct pay option
Adult Breakout Session Topics
We Live in the Digital Age: Why Children Need to Play and Explore Online as Well as Off. by Dr Peter Gray
In this workshop, Dr Gray will describe the value of children’s use of digital technology for play and communication. He will present evidence countering the popular belief that smartphones and social media are a major cause of a rise in anxiety and depression among kids. Discussion will center on how to enable kids to use digital devices safely and productively.
Step Up For Students info
More being announced weekly!
Vendor and Provider Opportunities
Tier 1 (1 6’ table, 1 exhibitor ticket, standard event promotion) $100
Tier 2 (Tier 1 + online vendor spotlight) $150
Tier 3 (Tier 2 + in-person vendor spotlight) $200
Additional tickets are available for adding on at $20.
Sponsorship Opportunities. ($500)
- Tier 3 exhibitor space
- Pre-event social media promotion
- Raffle item (provided by sponsor)
- 2 extra event badges
- Name and logo displayed throughout the event
Refund Policy
Conference registrations are non-refundable.
If you are unable to attend, your registration may be transferred to another participant. All transfer requests must be submitted via email one week before the event.
Questions?
For additional information, please contact Tina Massmann.
