Back to Annual Conference 2008 MACHE & Exhibitor Workshops Thursday, 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Getting Started 101: A Seminar for Beginning Homeschoolers Getting Off to a Great Start - Mary James (Gooseberry Falls Room). This workshop will help you begin those first steps in home educating and set realistic goals for yourself and your children. Home education is not an educational choice; it is a lifestyle of learning! Discuss common mistakes, burnout, and changes that might need to be made. Why Am I REALLY Doing This? - Dari Mullins (Gooseberry Falls Room). Once only a conservative Christian movement, homeschooling has gone main stream. We will discuss the main reasons for choosing to teach your children at home and the strengths of each. This workshop will emphasize the Biblical reasons, encouraging parents to focus on the eternal benefits of homeschooling. Learning Styles - Mary James (Gooseberry Falls Room). What is your child’s learning style? What is your teaching style? There is a strong correlation between the curriculum you buy and ‘your’ learning style. Learn how to make better educational choices by learning to understand your child. "Questions and Answers" with the Pros - Mary James, Dari Mullins, MACHE Board (Gooseberry Falls Room). Here is your chance to ask those questions which you may be too embarrassed to ask anywhere else. We’ve all "been there, done that". Take advantage of this time, write down those questions, and let us help you ease into your own wonderful homeschooling adventure. Friday, 9:00 a.m. Which Way Do I Go? - Mary James (Ballroom J). Reduce your Exhibit Hall frustration by learning about the most popular methodologies (textbook, living books, unit studies, classical, and unschooling) and gaining a close-up look at the Conference Exhibitors. Which ones have which methodologies? Which methodology is best for my homeschool? You’ll be glad you stopped here first! Friday, 10:30 a.m. Rescuing Your Children from the Culture of Irresponsibility - Dr. Jeff Myers (Arena). We hear it all around us: "It’s not my fault!" American culture promotes irresponsibility and is teaching it to children at every turn. Learn the top ten strategies for encouraging "response-ability" in your child. Managers of Their Homes - Teri Maxwell (Ballroom J). Universally, homeschooling moms face a daunting task as they fit school into already busy days. How does one schedule school time? What about schooling with babies and toddlers? Are you struggling with keeping up in areas such as laundry, dishes, or housekeeping? Do you feel stressed over the busyness of your days or not accomplishing all you want? Move from chaos, stress, and disorganization to peace, contentment, and productivity. Identifying If Your Child Has a Learning ‘Glitch’ - Dianne Craft (Ballroom K). A child may be a reluctant learner for several reasons: 1. Maturity; 2. Information Processing Block (visual, auditory, writing); 3. Attention or focusing issues; or 4. A ‘Right Brain’ learner using a ‘Left Brain’ curriculum. If you knew what the problem was, you would know how to help this ‘puzzling’ child. When your child’s learning gates are working well, learning is easy. This workshop will help you find out why your smart child has to work so hard to learn. Becoming Somebody or Containing SomeONE? - Chris Hogan (Ballroom L-M). This presentation reveals the three pitfalls every parent encounters on the road to becoming "Somebody". Identify and escape these pitfalls by taking a journey to the heart. You will discover the four types of parents and which ones children consider credible and are willing to follow. Chris points you to the priorities a parent cannot fail to do or all other efforts in raising a Godly generation will be rendered inconsequential. Chris’s following three workshops will build on these priorities. Help! Prepare your Student for High School and College Level Science - Dr. Rebecca Keller (Ballroom N-O). What science does your student really need to know to excel in high school or college level science courses? How can you equip your student to challenge the secular culture using a solid scientific background as an ally? Teach your students the building blocks for science in the elementary and mid-school grades and give them the confidence to reach the next level in their education. Charlotte Mason 101 - Nancy Kelly (French River Room). Who was Charlotte Mason? What was her educational philosophy? Can her methods be used in high school as well as elementary and mid-school? Drawing from her 13 years of experience using Charlotte Mason’s methods, Nancy will talk about the basics of a Charlotte Mason education and how it can transform your homeschool. Nifty Notebooking - Dari Mullins (Gooseberry Falls Room). Notebooks are a tried and true method utilized throughout history. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson educated themselves through the establishment of personal notebooks. Learn ways to encourage your child to be a ‘producer’ rather than a ‘consumer’ and foster mastery of a topic through the production of his or her own notebook. Various methods and different types of notebooks will be demonstrated. Homeschooling with Creation Moments - Sharon Gore, Creation Moments (Harbor Side 203). In a world bombarded by false messages about origins, students need materials that provide accurate, up-to-date information that points to God as Creator. Learn what materials are available from Creation Moments to support the needs of homeschooling parents looking for high quality books, videos and more. Use these materials in daily devotions or as supplements for your science curriculum. Teaching the Passionate Writer - Jonathon Friesen, WriteHomeStudio (Harbor Side 204). Does your child love to write? Do stories and characters buzz around their brain and spill onto a page - or multiple pages? For many children and young adults, creative writing is more than an outlet, more than a subject; it is a passion. These young authors quickly tire of traditional methods of writing instruction - their combination of passion and creativity demands more. Come learn how mentoring can ignite your child’s writing gift. Art - It’s Essential - Mary Thompson, Atelier by Arts Attack (Harbor Side 205). Review the important role art plays in developing ‘right brain’ skills (creativity, synthesis, spatial awareness, intuition, imagination, visualization, etc.) and in enabling children to develop their full potential as students. Also review the Atelier art program and discuss the essential elements of a successful program while viewing slides of children’s artwork. Great Spelling Made Easy - Barbara Beers, Phonics Road to Spelling and Reading (Harbor Side 302). HOW you teach can be as important as WHAT you teach. Since many students are often good readers and poor spellers, let us show you the best method for teaching balanced skills in spelling, writing, reading, grammar, composition, and introduction to Latin - by combining a multi-sensory approach. Teaching from a Christian Worldview - NWC Staff and Faculty, Northwestern College (Harbor Side 303). Deuteronomy 6:4-7 not only commands that we love God with all our hearts, but that we teach the counsel of God to the next generation. Teaching from a Christian worldview when you are conducting a Bible study is one thing, but how can you teach the counsel of God as you study mathematics, composition, and history? Discuss how to articulate Christian worldview to students in all academic disciplines. Friend to Friend: Build Relationships for Christ - Jason Gudim, FaithSearch International (Harbor Side 304). Unmask the usual myths about sharing your faith with others and make the most of your relationships with unbelievers by building bridges. Learn how to use your natural abilities in a team to live the love of Christ and influence others. Math outside the Book - Nancy Bjorkman, Heppner’s Legacy Homeschool Resources (Harbor Side 305). In this highly visual and interactive workshop, Nancy will share many resources to help you teach math concepts outside of the traditional textbook. She will share with you games, manipulatives, and lesser-known programs that just might be the ticket to better math understanding for your children. Friday, 1:30 p.m. Keeping Our Children’s Hearts - Steve and Teri Maxwell (Arena). The greatest challenge every homeschooling parent faces is not only to educate our children academically, but also to come through the homeschooling years with children who have become mature Christian men and women living their lives for Jesus Christ. Steve and Teri together share what they have gleaned from Scripture and applied in their home. This is a powerful session presenting exciting information that holds the key to successful homeschooling. Technology 101: Understanding Your Child’s Internet World (for parents only) - Kay and Julie Hiramine (Ballroom J). The technology that is available to children today is astounding; our kids are daily facing pressures and temptation at the push of a button—in a way our generation never had to do. The truth is that even though our children spend most of their time with us, these influences are going to bombard them. This is a crash-course on how to set safeguards on the activities kids are exposed to on the internet (web surfing, MySpace, web cams, chat rooms, video games, and more). Teaching the ‘Right Brain’ Child: Part I - Dianne Craft (Ballroom K). ‘Right brain’ children learn in a different manner than their ‘left brain’ siblings. They don’t learn as easily in an auditory manner (like many curriculum methods), but rather store information in their long term memory by using pictures, color, story or emotion attached to the facts they need to learn. If you have ‘right brain’ children who are struggling to retain information, or ‘left brain’ or ‘right brain’ children with auditory processing problems, you will love these techniques! Put them into practice the next day! Avoiding Resistance in Your Student - Mary James (Ballroom L-M). Looking at the major causes of resistance in various age groups will help you to better understand some of the frustration and tantrums your child is exhibiting. This workshop covers behavior norms of different age groups, learning styles, learning modalities, and love languages. Developing a better understanding of how your child learns will help you establish a more successful learning environment. This workshop offers ways to avoid resistant behavior and tips for dealing with it when it does occur. Homeschooling Math without a Plan? You’ve Got to Be Kidding! - Tom Clark (Ballroom N-O). This workshop is designed to inform parent-educators about the scope, the sequence, and the logic of mathematics instruction from pre-school through adult. Tom Clark will take you on a journey through all levels of arithmetic and all mathematics courses encountered in high school and college. Considerable attention will be given to "why" we study mathematics, with an emphasis on the development of concepts instead of rote memorization. Cheaper by the Baker’s Dozen - Chris and Wendy Jeub (French River Room). Would you be interested in knowing how to be happy with less, how to make ends meet when your income is not enough, and how to implement neat ideas on being frugal? Chris and Wendy Jeub and their 13 kids spend $500-$700 per month on groceries, and their eating habits are not much different than smaller families that spend trice that. Whether you have a small or large family, come ready to learn their secrets! From Homeschool High School to College Campus: Should We, Could We, How Would We? - Donna Johnson (Gooseberry Falls Room). Are you contemplating a traditional college experience for your home educated high school student? Learn how to plan courses, keep records, earn college credits during high school, and prepare a high school transcript. You will also find out about the college application process and learn what college admission counselors have to say about their home educated applicants. Which Reading Program? - Connie Swan, JoyceHerzog.com/Teaching4Mastery (Harbor Side 203). Learn the basics of different reading program approaches and see how the Scaredy Cat Reading System can meet the needs of all parents and students. Receive tips for making any reading program more effective and fun! Home Schooling and Global Governance - EdWatch, Professor Allan Quist. Michael Farris has recently said that we are now in a "life and death struggle for American liberty and sovereignty." This workshop explains how far down the road America has already come in giving up its sovereignty regarding education. Subtopics include: "How NCLB is structured to comply with two international education agreements," "How the U.S. Department of education is pushing global government," and "How International Baccalaureate is the prototype for the global education system." Art: The Glue That Makes It Stick! - Renee Miller, Miller Pads and Paper (Harbor Side 205). Are you looking for a way to fit art into your busy schedule? Do you want to see your children excited about what they are learning - and retaining what they learn? Learn how to teach art basics to your children and leave excited and renewed with ideas galore for making learning exciting. Plenty of ideas, examples, and Q/A. Math You Finally Understand (K-12th grade) - Steve Demme, MATH-U-SEE (Harbor Side 302). A multi-sensory, complete and comprehensive K-12 curriculum, Math-U-See is a powerful and effective method for teaching math from place value through Algebra. Discover how student and teacher alike can understand and enjoy math! Grammar Works and Writing Works: Equipping Students with Language Survival Skills - Jay Patterson, The Works People (Harbor Side 303). Future success and professional credibility are built upon language competency. Learn to build a solid, literacy foundation by developing highly-sharpened language skills incrementally and sequentially and by fostering personal ownership and craftsmanship of English. The Way You Wish You’d Been Taught: Guaranteed! - Jennifer Scheler, Sonlight Curriculum (Harbor Side 304). Flexible...Faith Affirming...Filled with Great Stories! Do you want to create life-long learners and equip students to think, not just memorize facts? Come see how Sonlight Curriculum has done the planning for you and compiled all the tools to make this next year a learning adventure for a lifetime. Combining Classical Education, Charlotte Mason, and Unit Studies with a Christian Perspective - David Hazell, My Father’s World (Harbor Side 305). There are so many methods and opinions about how to homeschool, how can one navigate through it all and still homeschool effectively? Why not blend the best of each! Instill Christian values while integrating great literature, chronological history, geography, hands-on activities, notebooks and timelines, narration, study of Greek and Latin roots, nature studies, and more. Friday, 3:00 p.m. The Christian Worldview: A Call to Reason - Dr. Jeff Myers (Arena). Christian young people are at risk in a battle for their very minds and souls. To equip them effectively, we must show them that God’s Word offers a powerful, life-changing view of the world and for the world. In this workshop, Jeff reveals the nature of the battle facing youth, shows how to understand the worldviews of our day, and gives a reasoned defense of the Christian worldview. Managers of Their Chores: How Chores Facilitate the Homeschooling Family - Steve and Teri Maxwell (Ballroom J). What homeschooling mom has time to teach plus do all the housework in the home? The Maxwells discuss a biblical basis for chores, the multitude of benefits chores bring, the inherent pitfalls of chore implementation, and how to make chores as stress-free as possible. From preschoolers to teens, each person can be a contributing member of the family while gaining life-long personal benefits that prepare him for life. Teaching the ‘Right Brain’ Child: Part II - Dianne Craft (Ballroom K). Once you have identified your ‘right brain’ learners, become an expert at training those children to use their superior "photographic memory" in many areas of learning. Teach your children the lifelong skill of studying for tests by taking a picture of the contents of a chapter; or teach your children to improve their reading comprehension by showing them how to make a movie in their heads while they read. Using these powerful strategies, your ‘right brain’ children will truly "learn how to learn", and confirm to themselves that they are very smart! Becoming a Credible Messenger - Chris Hogan (Ballroom L-M). The first priority that a parent cannot fail to do is to become a credible messenger who is Person-centered in Christ Jesus - a trustworthy role model in the vital few things that will manifest God’s image to your children. You will learn how to teach your children the practical skills of hearing God’s voice through the Scriptures, and how to credibly answer one of a child’s core questions, "Does God delight in me?" (A continuation of Chris’s first workshop; it can also stand alone.) Let’s Be R.E.A.L. - Dari Mullins (Ballroom N-O). Are you intimidated by the achievements of other homeschoolers? Are you worried that your children don’t "measure up"? Are you afraid that your children will never get the opportunities of those "overachievers" that you know or read about? Come join us for a R.E.A.L.-ity check. We will examine those areas of life that are most important to remember when we start to compare ourselves and our children to everyone else. The Banquet Which Is Shakespeare - Nancy Kelly (French River Room). Using methods espoused by Charlotte Mason, Nancy will guide you through how to teach Shakespeare to your elementary and high school students. Personal anecdotes, recommended resources, tried-and-true techniques, and some audience participation will motivate and prepare you to tackle the ‘Bard’ in your homeschool! Answering the "Tough" Questions Which Youth Ask Concerning Faith - Jason Gudim (Gooseberry Falls Room). Is your teen prepared to answer the challenges he or she will face at college? Challenges like: "Is the Bible true?" "Is Jesus really God?" "Is all faith valid?" "Is there evidence for design in nature?" This workshop will look at some of the answers that you can prepare your teen to present when these challenges come. Breathing Life into Language Arts - Kris Cournoyer, Total Language Plus (Harbor Side 203). Language Arts is a critical part of any student’s education and yet working through spelling, vocabulary, grammar, writing, reading comprehension, critical thinking and character development can consume mountains of time and energy. Discuss how to develop students who can think, reason, and communicate with a Biblical worldview through the study of great literature. (grades 3-12) The Power of Abacus-Based Math - RightStart Math by Activities for Learning, Dr. Joan Cotter. Math is exploring patterns and relationships through guided discovery, so much more than memorizing facts and procedures. Encourage the child's natural ability to visualize using the AL Abacus. Hands-on learning helps master the facts and solve problems. Hear research-based methods for teaching math. When Children Struggle to Learn: Vision and Learning Problems - Jeri Leatherdale, Minnesota Vision Therapy Center (Harbor Side 205). Does your child fit the "bright but struggles to learn" model? Delays in visual development cause struggles with reading, spelling, and handwriting—just three of many possible difficulties your child may be having as a result of a functional vision problem. This presentation includes symptoms, effects, and corrections for functional vision problems. Geography: It’s Much More Than Maps - "Uncle Josh" Wiggers, Geography Matters (Harbor Side 302). Geography gives connections to seemingly unconnected subjects and provides a framework for learning. See how it impacts history, language arts, science, and more. We’ll show you how you can naturally incorporate geography with these subjects in a way that develops critical thinking and makes learning fun for all ages. How to Teach Children to Follow Instructions - Lori Kemper, National Center for Biblical Parenting (Harbor Side 303). All parents want cooperation but many find it difficult to teach. In this session, you will examine the ‘Instruction Routine’ in your home. Replace whining, arguing, and yelling routines with a five-step approach that teaches cooperation and responsibility to children for the long-term. Teaching Latin with Artes Latinae - Rose Williams, Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers. This workshop opens with a discussion about including Latin in home school. This study can enrich students' understanding of English so that the vocabulary is enriched, and grammar sharpened, leading to better work in other subjects and the SAT. It continues with a lesson in the use of Artes Latinae, a comprehensive, self-teaching program. After completing this course, students will have covered two years of high-school Latin and met university entrance requirements for foreign languages. One Homeschooler’s Journey - Hand in Hand with God - Victoria and Kathy Kasten, Victoria Kasten - Age 16 - Homeschooled (Harbor side 305). Victoria is a home educated, published author. What began as a home school project has grown into thousands of book sales, guest appearances, speaking/teaching engagements with hundreds of students, radio/newspaper interviews and more - an amazing story that we can’t wait to share with you! Generations of Influence: How to Start a Legacy of Four Generations - Dr. Jeff Myers (Arena). Explore the tremendous spiritual power of "four generations" and discover the world-changing legacy you can have on the lives of your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Hear stories of how past generations did it and what we can learn from them. FRIDAY KEYNOTE Saturday, 9:00 a.m. Family Devotions: Here’s How: Guaranteed! - Steve Maxwell (Arena). Tried them and failed? Never tried because you knew it would be too big of a battle? No time for them, even if you wanted to? Do any of these questions describe your experience with family devotions? Steve will give practical advice for achieving success in family devotions that he guarantees will work! Homeschooling in the Dark - Dari Mullins (Ballroom J). Are you homeschooling under less than ideal circumstances? Are you dealing with financial hardship, unemployment, depression, chronic illness, marital problems, an untimely move, or any other stress-inducing situation? During these dark times, homeschooling success can seem impossible. Come share in encouragement, Biblical principles, and practical tips to keep going when life gets complicated. The Biology of Learning and Behavior: Part I - Dianne Craft (Ballroom K). A constant motion machine, frustrated over minor matters, mood swings, negative attitude towards things, rages that are almost scary, "spacey", lies awake each night—do any of these describe your child? Common physical symptoms such as athlete’s foot, rashes, canker sores, sinus problems, and stomach aches are directly related to these children’s behavior and learning issues. This fascinating workshop provides you with clues to your child’s internal learning environment, and how to change that environment for the better. Help! How Do I Pay for College? - Chris Johnson (Ballroom L-M). Are you concerned about your ability to finance a college education for your child/children? Chris Johnson, homeschool dad of three college-educated daughters and an experienced CPA, will teach you strategies to help you maximize your resources. You will also learn about the current financial aid application (FAFSA) and the qualification process used by colleges to distribute financial aid. There will be lots of time for discussion, so bring your questions. Raising Pure Daughters in a Generation of Darkness - Sarah Mally (Ballroom N-O). How can a young lady stay physically and emotionally pure as she waits for God’s best in marriage? How can parents protect and guide? This workshop will encourage young ladies to guard their minds, to desire the very best marriage, to give their hearts to their fathers, to avoid the dangers of the world’s thinking, and to have a life purpose bigger than marriage. Books: Yours, Mine, and Ours - Mary James (French River Room). The battle cry of the home school community is "Read, Read, Read!" So, what should your children read? For that matter, why should your children read? What and why should you read to your children? How should you read to your children? Join Mary in this entertaining workshop loaded with practical suggestions to make books come alive and take their proper place in the education of your children (and yourself)! Ten Things Homeschoolers Should NOT Tell Their Pastor - David Watkins (Gooseberry Falls Room). Many pastors have said that homeschoolers cause more problems within the church than any other group - even for the pastor who is also a homeschooler. Could it be that pastors don’t understand the mind of homeschoolers and homeschoolers don’t understand the mind of their pastors? David Watkins, a veteran homeschooling pastor for over 30 years, will try to bridge that gap of misunderstanding and help us learn how to work together - after all, we both want the best for our families. Your Old Timeline Is History! - Liz Sloan Blauer, Add-A-Century Timeline (Harbor Side 203). Have you struggled to find a history timeline that fits you and your teaching style? Or maybe you’re not sure why a timeline is a great tool for teaching history. Come and hear from a homeschool mom who developed a completely flexible history timeline system for her own child - and now yours too! Coaching Teens toward Better Writing - Brian Wasko, WriteAtHome (Harbor Side 204). Nothing is tougher to teach than writing. Students need more than a red-pen-wielding evaluator. They need a mentor, partner, and coach. Not just a WriteAtHome info-mercial, this workshop will entertain and equip parents hoping to improve their children’s writing skills. Latin Is Essential and How You Can Teach It with No Prior Knowledge - Mary Harrington, Latin in the Christian Trivium (Harbor Side 205). Latin, the base of the English language, is the key to a good English vocabulary and to good grammar. In this seminar, we will explain the principles and how to teach this very important basic subject for the teacher who has no prior knowledge of Latin. Is "Playing Games" Considered Schooling? ABSOLUTELY! - Ann Jansen, GeoDeo Educational Resources (Harbor Side 302). Hear a quick run-down of 40+ games that stimulate the brain, challenge the mind, and bring back the "family game night". Participate in a lively game of Crystal Styx, a tossing and flipping activity (Phy Ed!) that attracts the young and not-so-young. Remembering Our Grandparents - Lehman Riley, Papa Lemon’s Children’s Books (Harbor Side 303). In May 1992, God spoke to Lehman Riley and told him to write children's books utilizing his grandfather, Papa Lemon, as the main character. Lehman will talk about the importance of grandparents as positive role models. He will also discuss how his Papa Lemon Books teach children about respect, cooperation, and responsibility. Lives Transformed - The Mullen Family, Character First! (Harbor Side 304). "...For if ye do these things, ye shall never fall." (II Peter 1:5-10) The directions to receive this incredible promise are very simple, and have been transforming for our family. Come be encouraged that in the complexities of life a simple game plan can bring success. Building Character and Strong Work Ethics in Your Children - Shirley Solis, Lifetime Books and Gifts. (Harbor Side 305). Find out why Shirley and her husband are often complimented on their children, who have "the hardest work ethics they have ever seen." What are they doing that could give you similar results? Learn Biblical principles and practical tips to give a successful outcome with winning attitudes for the Lord’s sake. The Blessing: How to Transform Your Home, Church, and Community - Dr. Jeff Myers (Arena). God blessed Abraham so that all nations of the earth would be blessed through him. That same promise is available to Christians today, if we could only figure out what the blessing is and how to give it to others. These principles have transformed families, churches, and even entire cities. SATURDAY KEYNOTE Saturday, 1:30 p.m. Manager of His Home (for men only) - Steve Maxwell (Arena). A dad often holds the key as to how successful his wife is in homeschooling and having a schedule. Successfully being the head of a Christian family is a task that requires prayer, time, and effort. When a mom begins bringing problems to her husband, she desires a listening ear, comfort, direction, and help. In this workshop, you will be given practical, Biblical suggestions for how you can support and facilitate your wife in her role as a homeschooling mom. Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit (for ladies only) - Teri Maxwell (Ballroom J). The desire of a homeschooling mother’s heart is to have a meek and quiet spirit instead of the negative emotions she often experiences. Teri knows first-hand the struggle for a meek and quiet spirit. She gives practical insights into gaining a meek and quiet spirit that any mom can take and apply to her individual circumstances. Teri transparently shares how God brought her through her struggles of depression, anger, discouragement, and fear. The Biology of Learning and Behavior: Part II - Dianne Craft (Ballroom K). Remember when your mom told you, "Fish is brain food"? The brain is 60% FAT, with half of that fat in the front part of the brain where focusing and attention takes place. For the brain synapses (connections) to be made properly, proper fats are required. (French fries and doughnuts don’t count). Dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADD, hyperactivity, bipolar, depression, sensory integration...the list goes on. This is a very enlightening workshop. Technology 102: iPods, Cell Phones, and TV, Oh My! (for parents only) - Kay and Julie Hiramine (Ballroom L-M). Does your family deal with the "but everyone else gets to..." issue? The Generations of Virtue team will guide you through the twists and turns of iPods and other mp3 players, cell phones, TV, movies, music, DVR, and more. The new technology available to young people may seem insurmountable; but there are many safeguards, tips, and tricks parents can use to stay one step ahead of their children’s electronic world. Teenage Math—What to Teach and How to Teach It - Tom Clark (Ballroom N-O). Do the words "ALGEBRA" and "GEOMETRY" strike fear in the hearts of your homeschool family? Tom Clark will explore with you the reasons that instruction can be difficult and will then get serious about WHY teenagers need higher level math. If you or your students have ever asked, "When are we going to use this Algebra stuff?", then this workshop is for you! Developing a Safe and Joyful Home - Chris Hogan (French River Room). The second priority of a parent is to develop a safe and joyful home, one that is principle-governed and fosters righteousness, peace, and joy. Discover the practical skills necessary in helping your family become of one heart, one mind, and one accord. Learning these skills will help you answer another of your child’s core questions, "Do you delight in me?" When you understand the heart, you will win the heart. (A continuation of Chris’s first two workshops; it can also stand alone.) Top Ten Homeschooling Myths - Mary James (Gooseberry Falls Room). What homeschooling myths are out there? Have you believed any of them? Dispelling the top ten myths of homeschooling will clarify your understanding of what homeschooling should be. Homeschooling with Creation Moments - Sharon Gore, Creation Moments (Harbor Side 203). In a world bombarded by false messages about origins, students need materials that provide accurate, up-to-date information that points to God as Creator. Learn what materials are available from Creation Moments to support the needs of homeschooling parents looking for high quality books, videos and more. Learn how to use these materials in daily devotions or as supplements for your science curriculum. Capture Your Yesterdays, Document Your Todays, and Plan for Your Tomorrows - Brian Rigsby, Edu-Track Home School (Harbor Side 204). Come see how the $59 Edu-Track Home School software can completely organize your home school using their easy-to-use lesson planning, record-keeping, transcripts, report cards, forms, awards/certificates, attendance tracking, student data tracking, graphical chore charts, and more! Two Minute Teacher - Kristin Surver, Two Minute Teacher (Harbor Side 205). How do you find time to become an expert in math, prepare a lesson individualized to your child’s needs, and present it in a way that engages multiple senses for best retention? We have prepared a series of math DVD’s that won’t replace you as your child’s primary teacher, but can be a valuable resource that will help you accomplish your math education goals. How to Do Real Physical Science That Sticks to Your Brain - Aurora Lipper, Supercharged Science (Harbor Side 302). Avoid the three biggest mistakes made in science education. From a real rocket scientist and university instructor, learn how to bring dynamic hands-on projects into your science curriculum. If you’ve never fired seltzer rockets, built laser light shows from Tupperware, or created working robots from junk, you’re in for a real treat! How to End Every Discipline Time with a Positive Conclusion - Lori Kemper, National Center for Biblical Parenting (Harbor Side 303). Parents often think their job is done after they've given a ‘consequence’. Unfortunately tension often lingers, and many children don't seem to make the connection between ‘correction’ and ‘life’. This session will give you a plan for helping the child who blames, rationalizes, or justifies. Walk away from this seminar with a plan to move correction from the head to the heart. The Art of Memorizing Scripture - Dan Peters, Picture This! (Harbor Side 304). The Bible is the most important subject we teach our children, and we need help in making God's word relevant to their very visual world. In this hands-on workshop, we will show you how to draw your way through the Bible and memorize Scriptures the fun, easy way. You will learn how to draw simple cartoons & symbols that communicate - plus you will learn the "art" of implanting God's Word (James 1:21). (For artists and non-artists) One Homeschooler’s Journey - Hand in Hand with God - Victoria and Kathy Kasten, Victoria Kasten - Age 16 - Homeschooled (Harbor Side 305). Victoria is a home-educated, published author. What began as a home school project has grown into thousands of book sales, guest appearances, speaking/teaching engagements with hundreds of students, radio/newspaper interviews, and more - an amazing story that we can’t wait to share with you! Saturday, 3:00 p.m. Discernment: Raising a ‘Thought-full’ Child - Dr. Jeff Myers (Arena). Movies. Music. Television. Advertising. Help your children know how to respond intelligently and appropriately when they are confronted by secular thinking, without becoming cynical and hard-hearted. This seminar includes the wildly-popular "four deadly questions" that will help ensure that you are never taken captive by hollow and deceptive philosophies again! Preparing Sons to Provide for a Single-Income Family - Steve Maxwell (Ballroom J). Homeschooling families are often concerned about whether their sons will be adequately prepared to earn sufficient income for a one-income family. Steve shares specific ways a parent can start equipping a son with the character and skills needed to eventually be a successful single-income wage earner. This session has been very helpful for parents of daughters as well. Smart Kids Who Hate to Write - Dianne Craft (Ballroom K). Does your child tell a wonderful story orally, but when it comes to writing his thoughts down, he only writes a few sentences; or does she spell a word correctly orally, but leaves out a letter when trying to write it in a test; or, when he copies from a book, does he leave words out; ...reverse letters; ...write letters from "bottom to top"; and so on. These children may be "mixed dominant", being left eye dominant, but right handed. Learn how to identify the child who has a true "writing glitch" (that is correctable), or a child who is just not motivated to write. Incremental Release - Chris Hogan (Ballroom L-M). The third priority of a parent is to incrementally release their children as they become purpose-motivated. Learn how to develop the elements of a noble plan that will empower your children to fulfill their "Calling" in Christ Jesus. Noble planning is a tool you can use throughout a child’s life to help him be wise and consider his ‘latter end’. (See Deut 32:29) This skill will help him answer the question, "Can I delight in doing God's will?" (Final session of Chris Hogan’s series; it can also stand-alone.) Reclaiming Science for God - Dr. Rebecca Keller (Ballroom N-O). The possibility of a real and personal God has all but vanished from the worldview of most modern scientists. This workshop will discuss how the average Christian can understand the implications and results that have emerged from scientific laboratories over the last 30 years, how they can use this information to battle for the Gospel in the marketplace of ideas, and how we can get the next generation of Christian kids to reclaim science for God. Motivate Learning with Adventure - Dari Mullins (French River Room). Are you looking for something different than the traditional textbook/workbook approach? Do you long for unit studies for the elementary child, not ones written for older and younger children? If you want to make learning an adventure rather than a chore, then this workshop is for you. Dari will demonstrate creative ways to adapt any topic into a unit study for the preschool and elementary age child. Grandparents’ Tea - David and Linda Watkins (Gooseberry Falls Room). With eight children, nine grandchildren, and 20+ years of homeschooling behind them, the Watkinses have some unique insights about grandparenting homeschoolers. Sit down and relax as they share their hearts with you about homeschooling—from a grandparent’s point of view. Coffee, tea, and pastries will be served. The Family That Stays Together Stays Together - Steve Demme, MATH-U-SEE (Harbor Side 203). With plenty of humorous illustrations, Steve relates positive experiences of raising four sons, and shares tried and proven suggestions that have enhanced their family life. Steve has a special heart for families, and his presentations are filled with challenging, solid, Biblical teaching and humor - an inspiration to all who attend. There is hope for the family in the 21st Century. Great Spelling Made Easy - Barbara Beers, Phonics Road to Spelling and Reading (Harbor Side 204). HOW you teach can be as important as WHAT you teach. Since many students are often good readers and poor spellers, let us show you the best method for teaching balanced skills in spelling, writing, reading, grammar, composition, and introduction to Latin - by combining a multi-sensory approach. Teaching from a Christian Worldview - NWC Staff and Faculty, Northwestern College (Harbor Side 205). Deuteronomy 6:4-7 not only commands that we love God with all our hearts, but that we teach the counsel of God to the next generation. Teaching from a Christian worldview when you are conducting a Bible study is one thing, but how can you teach the counsel of God as you study mathematics, composition, and history? Discuss how to articulate Christian worldview to students in all academic disciplines. Occupying Preschoolers While Teaching Others - David Hazell, My Father’s World (Harbor Side 302). Our children are precious gifts from the Lord, but sometimes they can interfere with our human plans. These little ones seem to seek attention at the wrong time. What can we do to creatively involve them in learning? Many suggestions will be presented on how to educate and occupy little ones. Making The Writing Road to Reading Truly User-Friendly - Jay Patterson, The Works People (Harbor Side 303). Do you need the assurance that there are no gaps in your handwriting, reading, spelling, and grammar programs? Do you want a language arts program that is based upon neurological research and addresses all learning styles? In this workshop you will get an overview of how to make the neurological, research-based, WRTR truly user-friendly. Answering the ‘Tough’ Questions Youth Ask Concerning Faith - Jason Gudim, FaithSearch International (Harbor Side 304). Is your teen prepared to answer the challenges he or she will face at college? Challenges like: "Is the Bible true? Is Jesus really God? Is all faith valid? Is there evidence for design in nature?" This workshop will look at some of the answers that FaithSearch International has been providing to these questions. Homeschooling Multiple Ages - Miriam Heppner, Heppner’s Legacy Homeschool Resources (Harbor Side 305). How can I teach multiple subjects to multiple children for multiple days each week? Miriam Heppner, mother of 17 (No, that’s not a typo!), will share with you her best tips for most effectively homeschooling children of different ages, simultaneously. Multi-age learning can be a delight and draw your family together. Let Miriam’s 24 years of homeschooling experience encourage and help you to get there. Back to Annual Conference