Barbara Beers

A biography is currently not available.

A biography is currently not available.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

03:00PM

03:45PM

Spelling and Grammar and Latin, O My!

Speaker(s):
Barbara Beers
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOPS:  Phonics Road to Reading and Spelling -- A frequent lament of parents centers around teaching their children to spell as well as they read. What begins enthusiastically in kindergarten commonly deteriorates so that by about 4th grade a student reads okay, cannot spell well, and usually hates to write. Since this affects all his language arts such as grammar, composition, and even foreign language, parents find themselves at a loss as to how to proceed any further.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

09:00AM

09:45AM

Latin, the Key to English

Speaker(s):
Barbara Beers
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Latin Road to English Grammar -- No other language in the entire world's history affects English as much as Latin as it reveals the Secrets to many of our difficult English spellings and meanings. It is the mother language of our most common spoken foreign languages and provides the key to the vocabulary of the sciences, medicine, law, literature, and history.

Kathy Bennet

Event activities / Sessions:

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

01:30PM

02:15PM

Executive Skills for Your Student

Speaker(s):
Roberta Ziegler, Nancy Brydle, Tim Polson, Kathy Bennet
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Tutor Doctor -- Tutor Doctor will discuss strategies to help your child develop "executive" skills which are  fundamental (brain-based) skills required to execute tasks.  Examples of this are:  getting organized, planning, initiating work, staying on task, controlling impulses, regulating emotions, and being adaptable and resilient. Recent studies show that students who have weak executive skills between the ages of 12-15 are at a huge disadvantage as they reach high school level and beyond.

Nancy Bjorkman

Nancy Bjorkman began as the ultimate homeschool skeptic; but now, after 20 years teaching her own four children, she has become the resource and information lady for many and a champion of the cause.

She is a certified teacher and has spoken at homeschool conferences in ten states. She loves practical topics such as meal management, avoiding burnout, home schooling through high school, and using games to make learning meaningful.

...

Nancy Bjorkman began as the ultimate homeschool skeptic; but now, after 20 years teaching her own four children, she has become the resource and information lady for many and a champion of the cause.

She is a certified teacher and has spoken at homeschool conferences in ten states. She loves practical topics such as meal management, avoiding burnout, home schooling through high school, and using games to make learning meaningful.

Though she stays busy as a support group leader and now bookstore owner, her favorite times are spent talking and laughing with her family at the dinner table. She is excited to have graduated all four of her children and has found it exciting to have graduated herself from being mentored to being a mentor for other homeschool families.

She and her husband own a homeschool resource store and catalog business in Elk River, Minnesota, where they delight in ministering to the unique needs of homeschool families year round.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

03:00PM

04:15PM

Walking You Through the Homeschool Years

Speaker(s):
Nancy Bjorkman
Nancy will use her 20+ years of homeschool experience to identify several seasons of homeschooling from early childhood through high school. She will cover a basic scope and sequence for these stages and recommend some strategies and resources for each. We will also take some time to interact as a group to glean ideas from other attendees. We’ll talk about where things like Grammar fit into the big picture and what exactly is Pre-algebra. We’ll also cover what long term goals might look like and how to create them.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

09:00AM

10:30AM

Time and Home Management: Managing Life and Home while Homeschooling

Speaker(s):
Nancy Bjorkman
Time management does NOT mean scheduling, but it includes scheduling. Time must be budgeted just like money. We must determine the difference between the fixed (what we must do) and the discretionary (what we would like to do) and then set our priorities. This workshop will be filled with practical tips and encouragement for everyday living as a homeschool family. Areas covered include understanding your calling, relationships, schooling, household clutter and cleaning, and general household management. Attendees will leave with practical and applicable tips. 

Nancy Brydle

Event activities / Sessions:

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

01:30PM

02:15PM

Executive Skills for Your Student

Speaker(s):
Roberta Ziegler, Nancy Brydle, Tim Polson, Kathy Bennet
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Tutor Doctor -- Tutor Doctor will discuss strategies to help your child develop "executive" skills which are  fundamental (brain-based) skills required to execute tasks.  Examples of this are:  getting organized, planning, initiating work, staying on task, controlling impulses, regulating emotions, and being adaptable and resilient. Recent studies show that students who have weak executive skills between the ages of 12-15 are at a huge disadvantage as they reach high school level and beyond.

Dr. Joan Cotter

A biography is currently not available.

A biography is currently not available.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

03:00PM

03:45PM

RightStart™ Mathematics: Visual-Based Success!

Speaker(s):
Dr. Joan Cotter
People are visual thinkers and children are especially visual. Approaching math from a visual perspective is a sure-fire path to success! RightStart™ Mathematics uses manipulatives: the AL Abacus, math balance, place value cards, card games, linear fraction chart, and other items. These visual tools allow children to understand, apply, and enjoy math.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

01:30PM

02:15PM

Mathematics: Kindergarten to College the RightStart™ Way

Speaker(s):
Dr. Joan Cotter
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  RightStart Mathematics by Activities for Learning, Inc. -- Teach your child how to think mathematically from pre-school to college. Hear how RightStart™ lays an amazing foundation with the basics, building and applying knowledge, step-by-step. The middle school curriculum shows the student where and how to apply mathematics. Then finish strong with VideoText’s high school algebra and geometry curriculum. Standardized testing and the new Common Core standards will also be discussed.

Dianne Craft

Dianne Craft, MA, CNHP, a speaker and former homeschool mom, discovered that there are many bright, hardworking, homeschooled children who have to work way too hard to learn! As she speaks with homeschool leaders across the country, she hears that their fastest growing population of new homeschoolers is comprised of parents who are working with bright but struggling learners. This appears to be about 30% of our homeschooling...

Dianne Craft, MA, CNHP, a speaker and former homeschool mom, discovered that there are many bright, hardworking, homeschooled children who have to work way too hard to learn! As she speaks with homeschool leaders across the country, she hears that their fastest growing population of new homeschoolers is comprised of parents who are working with bright but struggling learners. This appears to be about 30% of our homeschooling population. 

Her goal is to show parents how to identify if their bright, hard working child is truly struggling with a learning block (...or if he just has a character problem, the most common question?) and, more importantly, how to reduce the impact of that learning glitch and get the child moving forward quickly. We know that homeschooling is best, especially for a struggling learner; however in their frustration, many parents consider sending their child to the public school system, thinking that it is their only option. With just a little instruction, these wonderful parents can very successfully homeschool their child with reading, writing, math, behavioral or attention issues. 

Attendees to Dianne’s workshops often comment that her presentations are funny, entertaining, informative and chock full of ideas to help them understand their puzzling child. They say that it feels like she has been sitting in their house, watching their daily struggles with their child.    

Dianne has a Master’s degree in Elementary and Special Education with 25 years of teaching experience. She now teaches parents across the country how to help their child learn faster and easier using therapies and strategies that are very effective while being very inexpensive. She is a Certified Natural Health Professional specializing in natural treatments for children with attention, learning and behavioral issues.  Dianne is president of the educational consulting firm Child Diagnostics, Inc. in Littleton, Colorado. 

 

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

10:30AM

11:45AM

Identifying "If" Your Child Has a Learning Glitch

Speaker(s):
Dianne Craft
In this workshop you will learn how to identify if your child has a learning glitch or if he is just a ‘late bloomer’. Is your child exhibiting a maturity problem or is she actually struggling with a blocked learning gate? Determine which learning gates are open and which could be blocked. Learn the signs of auditory processing problems. This workshop answers these questions and supplies strategies for dealing with these situations – and more!
Friday, April 19th, 2013

03:00PM

04:15PM

Kids and Teenagers with Focus/Attention Issues

Speaker(s):
Dianne Craft
Do you have a child who has to work too hard to stay focused on a task? Does his pencil become paralyzed when you leave the room for a few minutes? Does he seem lazy and unmotivated? Are you at your wits end about how to help this child? “He’s so smart, but it takes him FOREVER to complete his work!” You’ve tried all the focusing tricks from the books you’ve read, but still find that you have to use so much of your teaching day just getting the required work out of this child or teenager.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

09:00AM

10:15AM

Training Your Child's Photographic Memory

Speaker(s):
Dianne Craft
“Visual memory is far superior to auditory memory. It is essentially perfect.” (The Brain Book by Peter Russell) Many people think that some are just born with a “photographic memory,” but we now know that this amazing ability can be easily taught. Teach your children learning strategies that are taught at Cambridge University.  Research shows that there are more “megabytes” in the right brain for memory storage.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

03:00PM

04:15PM

Auditory Processing and Memory Issues

Speaker(s):
Dianne Craft
“When my daughter reads, she has to sound out the same word over and over again in the story.” “If I give my child three simple directions, he only does one…if that! Is he just being inattentive, or is something else going on?” “My son’s memory is terrible. He’s ten years old and can’t remember the months in order!” Do you have a child or teenager who has (or you suspect he/she has) an Auditory Processing Problem or Short Term Memory Problem?  This can affect so many areas of life, not just academic areas.

Mike Donnelly Esq.

Mike Donnelly serves HSLDA as director of international affairs and as staff attorney for member affairs in the states of Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio, West Virginia, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia. As director of international affairs he coordinates HSLDA’s support of homeschooling freedom all over the world. Mike is also an adjunct professor of government at Patrick...

Mike Donnelly serves HSLDA as director of international affairs and as staff attorney for member affairs in the states of Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio, West Virginia, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia. As director of international affairs he coordinates HSLDA’s support of homeschooling freedom all over the world. Mike is also an adjunct professor of government at Patrick Henry College where he teaches constitutional law. He received a juris doctorate from the Boston University School of Law with honors as a Paul J. Liacos Scholar. He is a member of the bars of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the United States Supreme Court. Mike’s previous experience includes combat service during the first Persian Gulf War as a United States Army cavalry officer, private legal practice and the founding of a nationally ranked internet marketing firm. Mike is an internationally published writer and frequent conference and media spokesperson on the subjects of homeschooling, educational freedom, parental and human rights. His most recent publications include the first-ever chapter on homeschooling included in the four-volume global education policy series Balancing Freedom, Autonomy, and Accountability in Education, Religious Freedom in Education, appearing in the International Journal of Religious Freedom and Creature of the State, appearing in Homeschooling in America and Europe: A Litmus Test of Democracy. He and his wife homeschool their seven children. For more information, visit www.HSLDA.org

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

01:30PM

02:45PM

The Compelling Case for Home Education

Speaker(s):
Mike Donnelly Esq.
Are you curious about home education, but not sure if you’re ready to make the commitment? Do you have a friend or family member saying you’re crazy if you homeschool? Join HSLDA Staff Attorney and homeschooling father of seven, Mike Donnelly, and see why homeschooling may be the right choice for you. Mike will help you understand the basics, show how home educated students often outshine their public school peers, and shed light on the myths surrounding homeschooling. Handouts are not available for this workshop.
Friday, April 19th, 2013

03:00PM

04:15PM

Elites to Homeschoolers: "You're Next!"

Speaker(s):
Mike Donnelly Esq.
Increasing numbers of intellectual elites are calling for dramatic regulation and even eradication of private and home education. Although the U.S. Supreme Court has recognized parents’ rights to direct the education and upbringing of their children, American home educators need to prepare to confront growing resistance to freedom in education—especially home education. Come hear Mike Donnelly, HSLDA attorney, director of international relations, and homeschooling father, as he examines this growing threat and what American home educators need to do to meet it. 
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

12:00PM

01:00PM

Persecuted for Homeschooling: What's Next for American Homeschoolers?

Speaker(s):
Mike Donnelly Esq.
Jeurgen Dudek, a persecuted German home educator, and Mike Donnelly, HSLDA attorney fighting for homeschooling freedom, discuss reality and implications of persecution for German homeschoolers, the Romeike case, and the growing threat to parental freedom from state encroachment. You may bring in your lunch. There are no handouts available for this workshop.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

01:30PM

02:45PM

Knock, Knock! There's a Truant Officer at the Door!

Speaker(s):
Mike Donnelly Esq.
What are you going to do? There is no need to fear if you understand your rights, the law, and how to manage the interaction with these government workers. They have a job to do—and so do you! Come hear HSLDA attorney and homeschooling father, Mike Donnelly, discuss the most frequent issues home educators face when dealing with school superintendents, principals, and social workers. In this practical talk, Mike will discuss how to homeschool legally in your state and how to handle encounters with civic authorities.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

03:00PM

04:15PM

Town Hall 101: Emerging Issues in Home Education

Speaker(s):
Mike Donnelly Esq., John Tuma
Mike and John will lead this interactive workshop. Bring your questions and comments pertaining to current events and legal issues in the world of home education and have a great group discussion.  Handouts are not available for this workshop.

Becky Edmondson

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

10:30AM

11:15AM

Teaching Science at Home

Speaker(s):
Becky Edmondson
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Apologia -- Teaching science can seem like a daunting task, especially at the upper levels. You can break through the barrier of self-doubt and provide a positive and successful science education for your child. Along with practical "how-to's" and encouragement, in this workshop you'll discover reasons you can successfully homeschool through junior and senior high school science; how to prepare your child for evolution-based science in secular colleges and universities, and more!
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

03:00PM

03:45PM

Teaching Biblical Worldview to Ages 6-14

Speaker(s):
Becky Edmondson
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Apologia -- Are you intimidated by the idea of teaching biblical worldview at home? What is a worldview anyway, and why should you teach worldview as part of your curriculum? And what is the best method for teaching a biblical worldview to elementary-school-age and junior high children? Establishing a clear biblical worldview and a strong foundation in basic Christian doctrine will inoculate your children against the false teachings and worldly values they will one day encounter during the critical teen years.

Denise Eide

A biography is currently not available.

A biography is currently not available.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

10:30AM

11:15AM

Nerf Guns and Shaving Cream: Teaching Reading and Spelling to Kids Who Can't Sit Still

Speaker(s):
Denise Eide
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Logic of English -- Learn how to engage your active learners through movement. Denise Eide will share her experiences teaching and parenting active children.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

03:00PM

03:45PM

The Logic of English: A New Way to See Words

Speaker(s):
Denise Eide
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Logic of English -- Have you always believed English is illogical and inconsistent?  In this workshop your understanding of English will be transformed! Award-winning author Denise Eide will reveal phonograms and spelling rules which explain 98% of English words. No longer will you need to tell your children “that is an exception” when they misread or misspell a word.  We will learn: The rule which explains the two sounds for C in accent and describes more than 6,000 words!

Michael Ernst

Michael Ernst has been involved in theater for over 40 years. In addition to a Theater/Speech degree from Truman University, he has additional course work from several other universities. Michael taught Speech and Theater for over 30 years in high schools and community college. His theater work includes over 150 directing and onstage appearances. From actor-in-residence at the Ice House Theater in Hannibal, Missouri, to...

Michael Ernst has been involved in theater for over 40 years. In addition to a Theater/Speech degree from Truman University, he has additional course work from several other universities. Michael taught Speech and Theater for over 30 years in high schools and community college. His theater work includes over 150 directing and onstage appearances. From actor-in-residence at the Ice House Theater in Hannibal, Missouri, to assistant director of the Tom Arnold Acting Workshop, to (most recently) creator of the one-man Christian drama ministry His Men Revealed Ministries, theater has consumed his lifetime. While working with church drama teams is a high priority and eagerly conducting Christian drama workshops, seminars, and camps for teens and adults, he continues to perform, direct, and write Christian-influenced material. His most recent onstage secular appearance was as Fagin in Oliver. Numerous onstage Christian portrayals of his own characterizations have included his highly regarded creation of John Adams. His most recent directorial credits include Christian productions of Believe and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and a secular production of the Fantasticks. Michael is a member of Christians in Theater Arts (CITA) and has performed in nine states. Since retiring from teaching high school, Michael lives with his wife Marcia in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he participates actively at his church.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

10:30AM

11:45AM

Why Use Drama in Your Homeschool?

Speaker(s):
Michael Ernst
Drama offers an untapped treasure of possibilities for home educators of all ages. Exploring the benefits of Drama will be the focus of this workshop. From Drama as academic content (such as history, people, literature) to the “synthetic art” of Theatre (such as design, costume, sound, marketing) to Personal Skills (such as performance, confidence, writing, speaking, analysis, appreciation), the potential is endless. Understanding the potential Drama has for your situation is our goal. Ideas and plans on “How” to include Drama will be included, time permitting.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

09:00AM

10:30AM

"Dealing with Stage Fright" and Other Lessons

Speaker(s):
Michael Ernst
Have you ever wanted to get your children excited about a particular lesson through “visualizing” what you were teaching? Do you want your children to grow in confidence, as well as develop performance and speaking abilities; but you have no idea how to teach them something like that? This workshop will cover basic information in presentation techniques, voice and diction, imagination, improvisation, and “stage fright.” Michael’s goal in all of this is clear: to advance Jesus Christ through the arts.

Cheri Frame

Cheri Frame enjoys working as an Educational Consultant, helping college-bound students and their families achieve their goals. She specializes in advising students about credit-by-exam programs and how to implement course-to-credit study options while in high school. Presenting workshops through local co-ops and conferences, she speaks on making college affordable by creating a cost-effective and time-efficient plan, earning...

Cheri Frame enjoys working as an Educational Consultant, helping college-bound students and their families achieve their goals. She specializes in advising students about credit-by-exam programs and how to implement course-to-credit study options while in high school. Presenting workshops through local co-ops and conferences, she speaks on making college affordable by creating a cost-effective and time-efficient plan, earning college credits while in high school through CLEP® and DSST®, and maximizing opportunities available through Minnesota’s PSEO program. She also provides affordable one-on-one consulting services and shares a wealth of information and resources on her website www.CreditsBeforeCollege.com

Cheri and her public-school-teacher husband Tim live in Ramsey, Minnesota. Taking it one year at a time, they homeschooled their three children from kindergarten to college.  When her children were moving into the middle school years, Cheri began researching options for college that would not strain their family’s finances or put the burden of years of debt on their children. As a result, her son and daughter took advantage of what she learned and earned their college degrees early, graduating shortly after high school, for a cost well under $10,000. She firmly believes that college loans severely limit future opportunities, closing doors to options that students would otherwise explore. She remains dedicated to helping other families achieve their goal of an affordable college education. 

Besides teaching her own children, Cheri has taught at local homeschool co-ops for many years and worked as a substitute teacher at a school in Indonesia while serving on a one-year mission’s trip with her family.  For eight years, Cheri served as an Independent Administrator of the Peabody Academic Achievement Test, providing testing and consulting services to families. She received her degree in Psychology as well as Local and Urban Affairs from St. Cloud State University. Her goal is to help those within her circle of influence to live up to their calling and realize the dreams God gives each one of them. 

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

01:30PM

02:15PM

Course to Credit Options with the College Level Examination Program

Speaker(s):
Cheri Frame
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP: CLEP -- Studying US History? How about Algebra? This workshop will help you learn how to translate your student’s high school studies into college credit for under $100. The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a College Board program that allows students to demonstrate mastery of material often taught in introductory-level college courses by passing a computer-based exam.

Linda Fugleburg

A biography is currently not available.

A biography is currently not available.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

01:30PM

02:15PM

How to Build Lifelong Learners with Math-U-See

Speaker(s):
Linda Fugleburg
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Math-U-See -- Come see how to teach math using a skill based, multi-sensory approach from counting to Calculus. Teach your child to understand math and build a foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

03:00PM

03:45PM

How to Build Lifelong Learners with Math-U-See

Speaker(s):
Linda Fugleburg
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Math-U-See -- Come see how to teach math using a skill based, multi-sensory approach from counting to Calculus. Teach your child to understand math and build a foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

Dale Gamache

Event activities / Sessions:

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

09:00AM

09:45AM

Teaching Foreign Language at Home ... It Is Important and It CAN Be Done!

Speaker(s):
Dale Gamache
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP - La Clase Divertida (The FUN Class!) -- While most parents are familiar with and feel somewhat confident teaching the 3-R's to their children, very few feel that same confidence with foreign language instruction.  In my workshop I hope to answer many of the questions I have heard repeatedly during my 29 years of Spanish instruction of children 4-18 and my 15 years of homeschooling.

Julie Hiramine

Julie Hiramine is the Founder and Executive Director of the ministry Generations of Virtue (www.generationsofvirtue.org) that equips parents to empower their children for purity in our world today. As an internationally noted speaker, author and Christian leader, Julie has encouraged and impacted parents and teens both in the US and...

Julie Hiramine is the Founder and Executive Director of the ministry Generations of Virtue (www.generationsofvirtue.org) that equips parents to empower their children for purity in our world today. As an internationally noted speaker, author and Christian leader, Julie has encouraged and impacted parents and teens both in the US and internationally through her speaking and written materials.Julie graduated from Pepperdine University with dual Bachelors' degrees in Non Profit Business Management and Sociology. Julie's background in youth ministry has shaped her into a passionate advocate for raising the next generation to fulfill their God-given destinies. Julie is based with her husband, Kay, and family in Colorado Springs, Colorado and at their other home in Conesus, New York. Julie is homeschooling her five daughters: Brianna, Stacia, Alissa, Hana and Mikayla.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

01:30PM

02:45PM

Purity on Purpose

Speaker(s):
Julie Hiramine
If we want our kids to experience the blessings of a pure life, we can’t just start teaching them about it at age 13. Join Julie as she shows you how to create a “culture” of purity in your home, no matter how old your children are. Purity of heart, mind, and body is a subject we not only need to discuss frequently, but need to model in our own lives on a daily basis. Moms and dads need to be on the same page with their children when they give direction on things like media standards and boundaries in relationships.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

09:00AM

10:30AM

Through the Eyes of a Child

Speaker(s):
Julie Hiramine
Our culture has drawn the battle line: immerse our children at any cost. While the world’s agenda may be knocking at our door, we as parents are the gatekeepers of our homes, especially regarding media. In this session, Julie explains how the developmental age of our children is vital in knowing the type and content of media they are able to consume and appropriately view. Julie gives practical age by age tips for parents on how to teach their children discernment while watching TV and movies, playing video games, and while on the internet.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

01:30PM

02:45PM

Technology Overload: A Survival Guide for Parents

Speaker(s):
Julie Hiramine
Have teens or ‘tweens?Then undoubtedly you have been asked, “Can I have or use [insert newest gadget or program here].” You have probably answered one of two ways to this question: (1) “I guess.” [Meaning: you aren’t sure what it can do, but other kids have it, so it must be okay, right?] or (2) “No!” [Meaning: you have no idea what it does or how it works and don’t have time to figure it out, so just to be safe it is an absolute “No!”] Parents, the reality is that the teens and ‘twe
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

03:00PM

04:15PM

Adolescence 101: Who Are You and What Have You Done with My Child?

Speaker(s):
Julie Hiramine
This season of change, both physically and emotionally, can take a big toll on our ‘tweens moving into adolescence. What changes should we, as parents, expect? How do we continue to train them during this intensive and sensitive time? Join Julie as she helps you navigate this short yet influential season with your son or daughter. 

Kay and Julie Hiramine

Kay Hiramine is the Catalyst for Humanitarian International Services Group (HISG). Kay was born into a first generation Japanese-American home. After graduating in 1986, with a Bachelor of Arts from Occidental College in Los Angeles, California, he worked for Procter and Gamble, where he was ranked as one of the top national salesman in 1988. Kay has an International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA), a globally...

Kay Hiramine is the Catalyst for Humanitarian International Services Group (HISG). Kay was born into a first generation Japanese-American home. After graduating in 1986, with a Bachelor of Arts from Occidental College in Los Angeles, California, he worked for Procter and Gamble, where he was ranked as one of the top national salesman in 1988. Kay has an International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA), a globally recognized diploma which was attained in Geneva, Switzerland. Kay was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Philosphy (PH.D) from Kathmandu International University in June, 2010, in the field of Philanthropy. Kay has a distinguished career in the non-profit sector. He has started multiple non-profits and has overseen global initiatives involving millions of people and every country of the world. Kay is one of the founders of Humanitarian International Services Group (HISG), located in Palmer Lake, CO. He has worked with NGOs, IOs, government officials, business leaders and faith based groups in humanitarian activities around the world.

Julie Hiramine is the Founder and Executive Director of Generations of Virtue, a ministry that equips parents to empower their children for purity in our world today. As an internationally noted speaker, author, and Christian leader, Julie has encouraged and impacted parents and teens both in the US and internationally through her speaking and written materials. Julie graduated from Pepperdine University with dual Bachelors' degrees in Non-profit Business Management and Sociology. Julie's background in youth ministry has shaped her into a passionate advocate for raising the next generation to fulfill their God-given destinies.

Kay and Julie homeschool their five daughters in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

 

 

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

03:00PM

04:15PM

Project Blessing: A Project for the Whole Family

Speaker(s):
Kay and Julie Hiramine
The Bible speaks often about the power of blessing those around us. But in our modern-day world, this foundational aspect is often overlooked. The act of blessing our families doesn’t have to be a hyper-spiritualized, time-consuming affair. Even the simplest of words can reach deep into the hearts of our children and plant seeds of blessing, hope, and love. Join Kay and Julie as they impart practical, hands on wisdom to rebirth the lost art of Biblical blessing.

Sharon Hofer

Event activities / Sessions:

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

09:00AM

09:45AM

The Importance of Art in the Home School

Speaker(s):
Sharon Hofer
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Creating A Masterpiece -- Sharyn will explain why art is vitally important in the development of a child's education. It helps promote creativity and growth intellectually.  By working their way through art projects that seem overwhelming and difficult, students learn the importance of making wise decisions and creating strategies.  They learn how to focus and finish a task to completion. This gives them confidence later in life to complete other projects larger in scope that may not even be art related.

Eileen and Given Hoffman

Eileen Hoffman is a homeschool mom almost retired and a MÂCHÉ Board member. She has a degree in Applied Psychology with an emphasis in Crisis Counseling. She and her children have ministered to teens in camp settings, church youth groups and in their home. Their biggest challenges have been with teens from hard backgrounds. Helping her children walk through crisis management and set healthy goals and boundaries with those...

Eileen Hoffman is a homeschool mom almost retired and a MÂCHÉ Board member. She has a degree in Applied Psychology with an emphasis in Crisis Counseling. She and her children have ministered to teens in camp settings, church youth groups and in their home. Their biggest challenges have been with teens from hard backgrounds. Helping her children walk through crisis management and set healthy goals and boundaries with those hurting friends has taught her and her family a lot. Given Hoffman is a 20 year old homeschool graduate, alumni of Worldview Academy, and member of Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. She has a passion for encouraging teens to live a Biblical worldview which she endeavors to do in person and through her blog site whentherocksspeak.wordpress.com. She has a heart for hurting teens and a gift of mercy.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

10:30AM

11:45AM

Preparing our Children to Minister to Hurting Teens

Speaker(s):
Eileen and Given Hoffman
Our children are light in a hurting world. Knowing how to help their friends, summer youth campers, and acquaintances work through their struggles in a Godly way is important.  In this session Eileen and her daughter Given will share some of their experiences. You will receive an overview of some of the possible issues your child might encounter and the Biblical crisis counseling skills they can use, plus some tips on how to help your teens have effective helping relationships.

Bret Hyder

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

03:00PM

03:45PM

Choosing the Right College

Speaker(s):
Bret Hyder
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Crown College -- You’ve dedicated yourself to educating your children. Now, you want to make sure the college they attend carries that same dedication to academic excellence and spiritual commitment so they can succeed in today’s world.

Jenefer Igarashi

A biography is currently not available.

A biography is currently not available.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

10:30AM

11:15AM

Rosetta Stone Homeschool Foreign Language Curriculum

Speaker(s):
Jenefer Igarashi
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Rosetta Stone Ltd. -- Experience firsthand the power of Rosetta Stone® Homeschool. We’ll explore how this program provides students with a rich, interactive, and engaging language-learning experience, while giving parents the tools and resources needed to track and manage student progress. Find out why Rosetta Stone is Homeschool’s #1 foreign language software curriculum. Come join us for this interactive language learning experience!

Mary James

Mary James lives in Bastrop County, Texas, where she home educates her eight children. They have been homeschooling since 1989 and expect to be homeschooling for many years to come. In 1999, Mary co-founded an organization called Smoothing the Way, which seeks to satisfy the needs of new home educators during their first year of homeschooling. Currently, Mary serves on the Texas Home School Coalition Board of...

Mary James lives in Bastrop County, Texas, where she home educates her eight children. They have been homeschooling since 1989 and expect to be homeschooling for many years to come. In 1999, Mary co-founded an organization called Smoothing the Way, which seeks to satisfy the needs of new home educators during their first year of homeschooling. Currently, Mary serves on the Texas Home School Coalition Board of Directors and continues her popular speaking ministry at several homeschool conferences each year. In her workshops, Mary draws not only from her personal experience as a homeschooling mom, but also from her many years of working with those families new to this lifestyle. Much of what she presents will also encourage home education parents who have been at it a while, but just need some review and encouragement. Speaking from her heart with warmth and humor, she encourages her listeners to face the often daunting task of educating their children at home.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

09:00AM

10:15AM

Which Way Do I Go?

Speaker(s):
Mary James
Learn about the most popular methodologies (textbook, living books, unit studies, classical, and unschooling) and gain a close-up look at the homeschool publishers which carry these methodologies. (Many of these publishers will be in our conference exhibit hall.) You will be able to determine which methodology would be best your homeschool. You’ll be glad you attended this workshop!

Coleen Jurado

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

03:00PM

03:45PM

Equipping Kids to Plan Their Day the Easy Way!

Speaker(s):
Coleen Jurado
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Accountable Kids -- Do you ever feel as though you spend most of your day telling everybody what to do and how to do it only to find much still left undone? Learn how to release your children to manage their own day and responsibilities with a simple back-to-basics approach. You will discover tools and techniques that will not only get your home and school "in order," but will build family relationships, develop character, and teach teamwork - all while giving your children the satisfaction of personal accomplishment.

Carol Kelsey

Event activities / Sessions:

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

03:00PM

03:45PM

Occupying Preschoolers While Teaching Older Children

Speaker(s):
Carol Kelsey
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  My Father's World -- 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 at these times to creatively involve them in the learning process? My Father’s World shares many suggestions on how to educate and occupy little ones.

Kathryn Kimball

Event activities / Sessions:

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

01:30PM

02:15PM

Hope for Those Who Struggle with Learning: A New Approach to Strengthen Learning Deficits

Speaker(s):
Kathryn Kimball
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Bachmann & Associates Christian Counseling –This workshop would explain how learning deficits look in the daily academic setting and how they can be addressed with educational therapy. Educational therapy is a deficit stimulation program tailored to the needs of the individual student. The goal is to strengthen weak areas of processing that affect the way the student learns, and therefore achieves. This program is based on the National Institute of Learning Development (NILD) model.

Jan Miller

A biography is currently not available.

A biography is currently not available.

Event activities / Sessions:

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

01:30PM

02:15PM

Experience Excellence in Writing

Speaker(s):
Jan Miller
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Institute for Excellence in Writing -- Come and discover award-winning Excellence in Writing, a method of teaching composition that really works. Using this program, students of all ages will learn to write stories, reports and essays with style. Best of all, parents and students alike find it easy to use and effective in all their writing endeavors. This workshop will give you an overview of the program and show you how you can get started with even the most reluctant writing student so you can give it a try at home.

Dr. Henry Morris III

Dr. Henry Morris III holds four earned degrees, including a D.Min. from Luther Rice Seminary and the Presidents and Key Executives MBA from Pepperdine University. A former college professor, administrator, business executive, and senior pastor, Dr. Morris is an articulate and passionate speaker frequently invited to address church congregations, college assemblies, and national conferences. The eldest son of ICR's founder, Dr. Morris has...

Dr. Henry Morris III holds four earned degrees, including a D.Min. from Luther Rice Seminary and the Presidents and Key Executives MBA from Pepperdine University. A former college professor, administrator, business executive, and senior pastor, Dr. Morris is an articulate and passionate speaker frequently invited to address church congregations, college assemblies, and national conferences. The eldest son of ICR's founder, Dr. Morris has served for many years in conference and writing ministry. His love for the Word of God and passion for Christian maturity, coupled with God's gift of teaching, has given Dr. Morris a broad and effective ministry over the years. He has authored numerous articles and books, including The Big Three: Major Events that Changed History Forever, Exploring the Evidence for Creation, 5 Reasons to Believe in Recent Creation, and The Book of Beginnings: A Practical Guide to Understand and Teach Genesis.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

01:30PM

02:45PM

The Biblical Basis for Modern Science

Speaker(s):
Dr. Henry Morris III
Although the Bible is not a textbook of science, it does speak to scientific principles and discusses many scientific issues. If God is an omnipotent, omniscient, and holy Being, He could not present anything that would not be accurate. Just what does the Bible cover relating to modern science? Handouts are not available for this workshop. 
Friday, April 19th, 2013

06:30PM

08:30PM

Damnable Heresies, Anti-knowledge, and Willing Ignorance

Speaker(s):
Dr. Henry Morris III
There are some teachings that must be opposed. The New Testament presents three categories that receive special condemnation from the Lord Jesus. The biblical message of creation is foundational to who God is and therefore at the core of all Truth. Handouts are not available for this keynote session.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

10:30AM

11:45AM

The Fall, Death, and Thermodynamics

Speaker(s):
Dr. Henry Morris III
What really happened when Eve ate the forbidden fruit? Why didn’t Adam and Eve just drop dead and God start all over again? Why does everything die? What does death and thermodynamics have to do with the gospel message? Why did God have to die for us? Handouts are not available for this keynote session.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

01:30PM

02:45PM

Can Petunias Hear?

Speaker(s):
Dr. Henry Morris III
Just what is life? The Bible teaches that God made plants for food. Do we murder them when we eat them? Why does the science of botany stress that plants are alive? What difference does it make anyway? What does the Bible tell us about life? Handouts are not available for this workshop.

Dr. John D. Morris

Dr. John Morris, perhaps best known for leading expeditions to Mt. Ararat in search of Noah's Ark, served on the University of Oklahoma faculty before joining the Institute for Creation Research in 1984. He received his Doctorate in Geological Engineering at the University of Oklahoma in 1980. Dr. Morris held the position of Professor of Geology before being appointed President in 1996. He travels widely around the world...

Dr. John Morris, perhaps best known for leading expeditions to Mt. Ararat in search of Noah's Ark, served on the University of Oklahoma faculty before joining the Institute for Creation Research in 1984. He received his Doctorate in Geological Engineering at the University of Oklahoma in 1980. Dr. Morris held the position of Professor of Geology before being appointed President in 1996. He travels widely around the world speaking at churches, conferences, schools, and scientific meetings. Dr. Morris has written numerous books and articles on the scientific evidence that supports the Bible. Dr. Morris is the author or co-author of such books as The Young Earth, The Modern Creation Trilogy, and The Fossil Record: Unearthing Nature's History of Life.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

10:30AM

11:45AM

The Search for Noah's Ark

Speaker(s):
Dr. John D. Morris
Join a well-known Ark explorer as he recounts the lessons and vital facts that he gleaned from his many trips to Mt. Ararat. Leave with an understanding of the biblical Flood’s impact on geology and paleontology as well as the Ark’s important spiritual analogy to the salvation message. Handouts are not available for this workshop.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

03:00PM

04:15PM

Creation, Evolution, and Current Issues

Speaker(s):
Dr. John D. Morris
What is the best definition for the created kind according to current scientific understanding? How does a creation or evolution worldview affect one’s understanding of racism, abortion, euthanasia, and other societal wrongs? Wrong thinking leads to and justifies wrong behavior, which the Bible calls sin. With this understanding, become aware of the impact that the correct worldview has on the current hot topics of cloning, stem cell research, and global warming. Handouts are not available for this workshop.

Michael Mullin

Event activities / Sessions:

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

09:00AM

09:45AM

End the Struggle: Understanding a Brain-Based Approach to ADHD, Social, Academic, and Behavioral Issues

Speaker(s):
Michael Mullin
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP: Brain Balance Achievement Centers -- Do you want to help your child and family be happier, healthier, and more successful? A natural brain-based approach can help.

Sandy Norlin

Sandy Norlin is convinced that there are three key ingredients to ‘successful’ homeschooling:  God’s boundless grace and faithfulness along with diligent parenting.  Beginning in 1994, Sandy Norlin received on-the-job training by teaching her three children at home. With her husband’s constant support, vision and encouragement during those years, she also was the coordinator of a local...

Sandy Norlin is convinced that there are three key ingredients to ‘successful’ homeschooling:  God’s boundless grace and faithfulness along with diligent parenting.  Beginning in 1994, Sandy Norlin received on-the-job training by teaching her three children at home. With her husband’s constant support, vision and encouragement during those years, she also was the coordinator of a local support group, a MACHE liaison, and a private home education mentor and consultant. She also co-facilitated the MACHE traveling workshops, Finishing the Journey: Homeschooling Through High School and Considering Homeschooling. Sandy desires her workshops to be an encouragement to homeschooling families, especially moms, as they experience and see God’s faithfulness in their education journey.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

01:30PM

02:45PM

When Homeschooling Becomes a Burden

Speaker(s):
Sandy Norlin
Scenario #1: It's Monday morning, skies are gray again for the 12th day in a row. Somewhere down the hall you hear your two youngest children fighting about who left the cap off the toothpaste and now the end is dry and crusty. You pull the covers over your head to shut out the impending dread of doing battle with lessons, sibling rivalry, besides trying to keep your house from looking like it should be condemned as a public health risk. You are a homeschool mother. Scenario #2: It's Monday morning, skies are gray but you are up and at 'em.

Jay Patterson

Jay Patterson is an experienced public school instructor. Jay has been teaching Language arts, Journalism, Creative Writing, Literature and drama since 1973. He presently teaches in a small community in Minnesota. Jay is the author of three books including The Writing Road to Reading. His published works were a result of his present responsibilities as a teacher of at-risk students.

Jay Patterson is an experienced public school instructor. Jay has been teaching Language arts, Journalism, Creative Writing, Literature and drama since 1973. He presently teaches in a small community in Minnesota. Jay is the author of three books including The Writing Road to Reading. His published works were a result of his present responsibilities as a teacher of at-risk students.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

01:30PM

02:15PM

Grammar Works: Equipping Students for Success with Language Skills

Speaker(s):
Jay Patterson
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  The Works People -- Excellent writers understand function and logic of words. Student survival and success in our culture depend upon language proficiency. Future success and professional credibility depend upon language competency. Grammar Works and Writing Works foster personal ownership and craftsmanship of English while building solid literacy foundations by developing highly sharpened language skills incrementally and sequentially. This curriculum hits a home run every time it’s tried. Come and find out why.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

01:30PM

02:15PM

Reading Works: Road Map to Literacy

Speaker(s):
Jay Patterson
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  The Works People -- With Reading Works you can be assured there are no gaps in your handwriting, phonics, reading, and spelling programs. Do you want a language arts program that is based upon neurological research and addresses all learning styles? Do you need a complete, integrated, research-based approach that is still adaptable to your students’ unique learning rates and needs? In this workshop you will get an overview of how to make the neurological, research-based WRTR truly user-friendly and cover all the bases.

Christy Peddicord

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

10:30AM

11:15AM

Art - It's Essential

Speaker(s):
Christy Peddicord
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Arts Attack (Atelier Art) -- Why is art important? How does art help our children to communicate more effectively? How does art enhance other core subjects? Perhaps the most important question…how can YOU teach art to your children? Whether you are teaching in a home, small group, or co-op setting, learn how Atelier Art can give you the tools you need to teach art effectively with confidence! We invite you to come…listen…laugh…learn…and discover your inner artist!

Tim Polson

Event activities / Sessions:

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

01:30PM

02:15PM

Executive Skills for Your Student

Speaker(s):
Roberta Ziegler, Nancy Brydle, Tim Polson, Kathy Bennet
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Tutor Doctor -- Tutor Doctor will discuss strategies to help your child develop "executive" skills which are  fundamental (brain-based) skills required to execute tasks.  Examples of this are:  getting organized, planning, initiating work, staying on task, controlling impulses, regulating emotions, and being adaptable and resilient. Recent studies show that students who have weak executive skills between the ages of 12-15 are at a huge disadvantage as they reach high school level and beyond.

Andrew Pudewa

Andrew Pudewa is the founder, principal speaker, and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Presenting throughout North America, he addresses issues relating to teaching, writing, thinking, spelling, and music with clarity, insight, practical experience, and humor. His seminars for parents, students, and teachers have helped transform many a reluctant writer and have equipped educators with powerful tools to...

Andrew Pudewa is the founder, principal speaker, and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Presenting throughout North America, he addresses issues relating to teaching, writing, thinking, spelling, and music with clarity, insight, practical experience, and humor. His seminars for parents, students, and teachers have helped transform many a reluctant writer and have equipped educators with powerful tools to dramatically improve students' skills. Although he is a graduate of the Talent Education Institute in Japan (Suzuki Method) and holds a Certificate of Child Brain Development, his best endorsement is from a young Alaskan boy who called him "the funny man with the wonderful words." He and his beautiful, heroic wife Robin are parents of seven, grandparents of three, and educators of their two youngest children at home in Oklahoma’s Green Country.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

10:30AM

11:45AM

Reaching the Reluctant Writer

Speaker(s):
Andrew Pudewa
Many children really do not like to write. Why? This workshop will answer that basic question and teach a specific and successful method of separating the complex process of writing into the smallest possible steps, making it possible for even the most reluctant writer to produce short but complete compositions. He will be proud and motivated to write again. If you remove the problem of what to write, you will be free to help your child learn how to write, using source texts, key word outlines and “dress-up” checklists. Results guaranteed!  
Friday, April 19th, 2013

01:30PM

02:45PM

The Profound Influence of Music on Life

Speaker(s):
Andrew Pudewa
Music has become such an ever-present influence in our daily lives, we seldom stop to consider what effect it has on us. But we must! As we changed over the last 100 years from being music “makers” to music “consumers,” we have gradually lost control over, and even awareness of, our auditory environment. In what way is music beneficial to our bodies and minds? In what circumstances can it actually be harmful?
Friday, April 19th, 2013

03:00PM

04:15PM

The Profound Influence of Music on Life, Part II: Evaluating Musical Elements

Speaker(s):
Andrew Pudewa
Picking up from where “The Profound Influence of Music on Life” talk leaves off, this presentation uses musical samples to help listeners learn to hear more actively, both to gain the most out of their listening experience as well as to encourage “defensive” listening and teach their children to listen with greater discernment.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

09:00AM

10:15AM

The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing

Speaker(s):
Andrew Pudewa
We’ve all suffered it at one time or another: frustration about writing assignments. Either on the receiving end or perhaps now on the giving end, there can be a few distinctly discouraging aspects to teaching and being taught writing. The tough questions include: What to correct and how to give a grade? How much help is too much? Isn’t the assignment clear enough? Why don’t students find their own errors? Learn and avoid four teaching mistakes that contribute to this frustration: Overcorrecting, Holding Back Help, Unclear Assignments, and Over-Expectation.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

01:30PM

02:45PM

Teaching Boys and Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day

Speaker(s):
Andrew Pudewa
Children like to do what they can do; they want to do what they think they can do, and they hate to do what they think they cannot do. If you want excited and enthusiastic children who learn well, you must understand these key laws of motivation, and focus on the essential requirement of relevancy. If it matters, children will learn it; and if it doesn’t, they won’t. This session will enlighten you with specific ways to find and create relevancy for children, even when they have no apparent interest. 

Amy Quakkelaar

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

01:30PM

02:15PM

Combining Classical Education, Charlotte Mason, and Unit Studies with a Biblical Perspective

Speaker(s):
Amy Quakkelaar
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  My Father's World -- The myriad of homeschool choices can be overwhelming like interstates, highways, back roads and scenic routes. There are so many ways and opinions, how can one navigate through it all and still homeschool effectively? Why not blend the best of each method? Join My Father’s World as we show how to 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.

Jennifer Scheler

A biography is currently not available.

A biography is currently not available.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

03:00PM

03:45PM

Raising Kids who Love to Learn

Speaker(s):
Jennifer Scheler
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP -- Sonlight Curriculum -- Education can and should be enjoyable…for both students and teachers. In this workshop you’ll learn from a 15-year homeschool veteran how the award-winning Sonlight Curriculum inspires the love to learn, builds family bonds, equips students to think, and shares a strong missions focus. Sonlight's comprehensive packages are flexible enough to teach one student or a houseful with the best books and complete lesson plans. The adventure is yours to enjoy!

Chawna Schroeder

A biography is currently not available.

A biography is currently not available.

Event activities / Sessions:

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

01:30PM

02:15PM

Practical Discernment: Learning to Distinguish Good from Evil by Fictional Means

Speaker(s):
Chawna Schroeder
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Imagination Investigation -- In a world gone haywire, we need more than ever the ability to discern right from wrong. But situations fly at us almost faster than we can process them, and once we make a decision, it often cannot be reversed. So how can we learn--and teach to our kids--discernment beforehand? Is there any way to tackle the issues before we face them?  Welcome to the realm of fiction. With its imitation of reality, fiction can provide a crash course to life . . . if we know how to use it.

Sonya Shafer

Sonya Shafer is married to her best friend, John, and has homeschooled for fifteen years. With a passion to encourage moms in their homeschooling, she co-directs SimplyCharlotteMason.com, a website designed for those who use the Charlotte Mason method. She has written many homeschool resources, including Laying Down the Rails, and is a frequent speaker at homeschool groups. To minister to younger...

Sonya Shafer is married to her best friend, John, and has homeschooled for fifteen years. With a passion to encourage moms in their homeschooling, she co-directs SimplyCharlotteMason.com, a website designed for those who use the Charlotte Mason method. She has written many homeschool resources, including Laying Down the Rails, and is a frequent speaker at homeschool groups. To minister to younger mothers and those dealing with special needs, Sonya shares her heart through www.IntentionalParents.com and her book This Anguished Blessed Journey: A Mother’s Faith Journal through Autism. For more information please visit www.SimplyCharlotteMason.com.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

10:30AM

11:45AM

The Early Years: Homeschooling Your Preschooler

Speaker(s):
Sonya Shafer
Give your child what is most important. Instead of academic or social pressures, Charlotte Mason encouraged mothers to give their little ones a full six years of developing good habits, getting acquainted with nature, exploring with the five senses, growing in their spiritual lives, and more. Learn how to give your child a quiet growing time.
Friday, April 19th, 2013

01:30PM

02:45PM

Laying Down the Rails

Speaker(s):
Sonya Shafer
Discover the secret to smooth and easy days: habit training. Learn how to instill good habits, which habits Charlotte Mason encouraged parents to cultivate in their children, and practical tips for cultivating the Top Three.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

09:00AM

10:30AM

Looking Past the Fear

Speaker(s):
Sonya Shafer
An encouraging look at God’s response to five fears that homeschooling moms face: (1) fear of what God is calling you to do, (2) fear of being inadequate for the job, (3) fear of what might happen in the future, (4) fear of ridicule or rejection, and (5) fear of our weak areas ruining our children.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

01:30PM

02:45PM

Learning with Living Books

Speaker(s):
Sonya Shafer
Good, living books feed our children a feast of ideas, not just dry facts. Join Sonya for a look at this simple, yet effective, approach to true education. Learn what makes living books “living,” and practice using them in a way that makes learning stick.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

03:00PM

04:15PM

Fine Arts the Charlotte Mason Way

Speaker(s):
Sonya Shafer
You don’t have to be a music major or an art aficionado to teach fine arts to your children. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll discover an easy yet effective way to give your children music appreciation and art appreciation that will enrich their lives and yours!

Beth Staats

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

01:30PM

02:15PM

ELM: Supporting the Home Educator's Curriculum

Speaker(s):
Beth Staats
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Elecronic Library for Minnesota -- The Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM), a collection of 40+ online databases, is funded in part by the Minnesota Legislature. Made available at http://www.elm4you.org for all Minnesota residents to access, the databases include information on subject areas including social sciences, math, literature, science, geography, health, business, and education.

Sheryl Stam

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

01:30PM

02:15PM

A Wise Woman Builds Her House

Speaker(s):
Sheryl Stam
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Inheritance Publications -- A veteran homeschool mother of four shares many practical ideas for making your homeschool God-centered, while introducing you to some of the resources Inheritance Publications has to offer. Sheryl will discuss meal times, devotions and family worship, music, lesson planning, reading good books, and much more.

Stephen Stam

Event activities / Sessions:

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

03:00PM

03:45PM

What Kind of Inheritance Are You Leaving to Your Children?

Speaker(s):
Stephen Stam
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Inheritance Publications -- Veteran homeschool father of four addresses the importance of leaving a godly spiritual inheritance for families. Stephen will speak to the need for fathers and mothers to exercise watchfulness over their own lives and that of their family. He will offer practical tips on compiling spiritual resources and implementing family worship, encouraging fathers to fulfill their God-given role in their families.

David Swan MA LAMFT

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

03:00PM

03:45PM

Relief from the Myth of Perfect Kids

Speaker(s):
David Swan MA LAMFT
EXHIITOR WORKSHOP:  Family Quest -- When a family takes on the vision of homeschooling, dreams, hopes and aspirations are high. Amidst the desire to do things excellently, do things right, do things “as unto the Lord,” perfectionism can sneak in and rob you of your joy, peace and contentment.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

09:00AM

09:45AM

Parenting Adopted Children

Speaker(s):
David Swan MA LAMFT
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Family Quest -- If adoption has not turned out the way you planned, if your adopted child seems emotionally shut down or oppositional, attachment may be the issue. Learn what attachment is and how to identify when a child is struggling with attachment. Learn to adjust your parenting to win this child's heart.

John Tuma

John Tuma and his wife Wendy live in Northfield, Minnesota, with their two children. They met while John was in law school and Wendy was working as a legal secretary. John’s career began as an attorney for a firm in the Northfield area. In 1991, he opened his own solo practice and Wendy stepped in to assist him. John entered the political arena in 1994, when he was elected State Representative for their district,...

John Tuma and his wife Wendy live in Northfield, Minnesota, with their two children. They met while John was in law school and Wendy was working as a legal secretary. John’s career began as an attorney for a firm in the Northfield area. In 1991, he opened his own solo practice and Wendy stepped in to assist him. John entered the political arena in 1994, when he was elected State Representative for their district, and he served in office for four consecutive terms. As a Representative, John had the honor of chairing the Crime Prevention Committee and was one of the chief authors of the state’s terrorist bill developed as a result of the September 11 terrorist attack. John remains active at the Capitol as a lobbyist. John’s and Wendy’s desire to give their children a Biblical foundation and to be involved in their education, as well as their need for a flexible schedule in order to spend time together as a family, led them to homeschool their children. John and Wendy have served on the MACHE Board since 2002.  Both feel God has called them to be a part of this ministry to homeschooling families. John has a deep desire to use his God-given gifts and legal training to assist homeschooling families understand the law and legislation. His struggle with dyslexia since his youth has also given him a heart for parents with special needs children.

Event activities / Sessions:

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

03:00PM

04:15PM

Town Hall 101: Emerging Issues in Home Education

Speaker(s):
Mike Donnelly Esq., John Tuma
Mike and John will lead this interactive workshop. Bring your questions and comments pertaining to current events and legal issues in the world of home education and have a great group discussion.  Handouts are not available for this workshop.

Kim VanDyken

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

10:30AM

11:15AM

Classical Education Made Doable

Speaker(s):
Kim VanDyken
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Classical Conversations -- Classical education is for REAL moms and their kids. Many believe that a classical education is an unnecessarily difficult and outdated approach reserved for gifted children. The truth is that the classical approach is simple, yet profound. Using classical methods, ordinary moms can give their children an exceptional education. Come learn about the Classical model of education and about simple ways to organize and implement the model in your home.

Diana Waring

Extremely happily married since 1979, Bill and Diana Waring homeschooled their three children nearly twenty years. The now grown Waring kids were the proving grounds for all the concepts and encouragements Bill and Diana teach—real-life examples of the wonders of homeschooling!

Their mission is to serve families by encouraging, equipping, and educating in an entertaining way. Diana and Bill have spoken and written for the...

Extremely happily married since 1979, Bill and Diana Waring homeschooled their three children nearly twenty years. The now grown Waring kids were the proving grounds for all the concepts and encouragements Bill and Diana teach—real-life examples of the wonders of homeschooling!

Their mission is to serve families by encouraging, equipping, and educating in an entertaining way. Diana and Bill have spoken and written for the Christian homeschool and private school community for over 20 years. Through their business/ministry Diana Waring Presents, formerly Diana Waring-History Alive!, they have met and talked with homeschoolers in 46 states, half of Canada, and three other continents. The curriculum for world history study Diana wrote, beginning in 1994, has been growing and expanding. She is in the midst of a seven-year effort to update and expand the research and presentation of the material. She is well known for her rapid-fire history recordings and workshops, but is also appreciated for her workshops and books of homeschool encouragement, like Beyond Survival and Reaping the Harvest. Some of these fascinating concepts received emphasis while she was reading and being mentored concerning how students learn and how teachers can facilitate learning. They currently serve on the Board of Directors for Washington Association of Teaching Christian Homes

For more information visit their website at www.DianaWaring.com.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

10:30AM

11:45AM

History Via the Scenic Route

Speaker(s):
Diana Waring
Are you tired of force feeding history to your children? Does history make them yawn? Or, do you have one of those hungry-for-history type students that would devour far more than you could ever dream up to provide? Diana Waring will take you on an extraordinary learning adventure as she shares with you how to make the facts come alive and the learning go deeper! Join Diana for her "sit-on-the-edge-of-your-chair-in-suspense" history approach, using literature, music, art, science, cooking, and more, that has captivated home educators across five nations.
Friday, April 19th, 2013

01:30PM

02:45PM

Not Just Your Average Genius

Speaker(s):
Diana Waring
In this fast-paced, easy-to-understand workshop, you will distinguish three different grids that affect the unique way each one in your family learns: learning modalities (visual, auditory, kinesthetic); learning styles (Feeler, Thinker, Sensor, Intuitor); learning intelligences (interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, spatial, math-logical, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, naturalist).
Friday, April 19th, 2013

03:00PM

04:15PM

Learning: A Breathtaking Adventure

Speaker(s):
Diana Waring
Does that ring true for you? Is learning a breathtaking adventure in your homeschool, or more of a weary forced-march, plodding through endless subjects? One of the most difficult aspects of homeschooling is breaking away from the model of education that we grew up with. A desk, a flag and an apple symbolize the "look" of school, while "lecture, drill and test" describe the method of school, the method that left us passive and bored. It's time to enter a whole new world of education to find a captivating - breathtaking - way to learn.
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

01:30PM

02:45PM

Exposing the Wizard of Oz: A Christian's Guide to Teaching History

Speaker(s):
Diana Waring
The essential crash course for every homeschool parent. Discover insights from Diana's research behind the events of history. Share her wisdom for teaching history. Do you wonder, "Whom do I trust and what do I read to know real history?" Diana will equip YOU, regardless of your curriculum, to find your way through the challenges. She will lead you to a path you can follow in discovering treasures of history with your family. 
Saturday, April 20th, 2013

03:00PM

04:15PM

Glimpses of Glory

Speaker(s):
Diana Waring
Can we fallible and finite human beings see the fingerprints of God in history? Are there examples from various times and various cultures that show the unmistakable handiwork of the Creator/Redeemer God? Does history have more to teach us than mere dates, names and places? For an intriguing look at the Story behind the stories, join Diana for this adventure-filled recounting—which could change your life!

David and Linda Watkins

David and Linda Watkins are southern transplants to cold, wintry Minnesota. David has pastored for 43 years at Baptist churches in Oklahoma, Missouri, Virginia, and Minnesota. They began home educating their eight children in 1986 and have continued to be involved in home education circles even though their children have graduated. They have a deep desire to assist parents in strengthening their families and personal...

David and Linda Watkins are southern transplants to cold, wintry Minnesota. David has pastored for 43 years at Baptist churches in Oklahoma, Missouri, Virginia, and Minnesota. They began home educating their eight children in 1986 and have continued to be involved in home education circles even though their children have graduated. They have a deep desire to assist parents in strengthening their families and personal relationships with Jesus Christ through daily fellowship with the LORD and scripturally-focused home education. They served on the MÂCHÉ Board nine years, where David served as the chairman and Linda was the conference director. In 2012, they stepped off the board and David became the first executive director of MÂCHÉ. Linda continues to serve as the conference director. In 2007, they began serving on the National Alliance of Christian Home Education Leadership (Alliance) board, where David serves on a committee for international homeschool relations and Linda writes the Communique e-newsletter and oversees special projects. Four of their eight children are married, two of their sons serve in the military, one daughter is in nursing school, and one daughter is an invaluable help at home. Eight of their fifteen grandchildren are of school age and are now being home educated. In their spare time, David enjoys hunting with his family in the woods of northern Minnesota and Linda enjoys sewing, quilting, and music.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

03:00PM

04:15PM

Grandparents' Tea: Compounding Your Influence

Speaker(s):
David and Linda Watkins
This workshop is a pleasant break for the grandparents who ventured with you to the conference. While they enjoy refreshments and a respite from the noise in the exhibit hall, we will help them understand how important they are to their grandchildren and give them practical ways to help home educate them. This will be a very encouraging workshop.

David Watkins

David Watkins has a BA degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and went on to receive his Master of Divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in 1982. He has pastored Heritage Baptist Church in Blaine, Minnesota, for 29 years.  He and his wife Linda began home educating their eight children in 1986, just before the Minnesota homeschool law was passed by the legislature. David had been the Chairman of the Board...

David Watkins has a BA degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and went on to receive his Master of Divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in 1982. He has pastored Heritage Baptist Church in Blaine, Minnesota, for 29 years.  He and his wife Linda began home educating their eight children in 1986, just before the Minnesota homeschool law was passed by the legislature. David had been the Chairman of the Board of Directors of MÂCHÉ for seven years before becoming the Executive Director in 2011. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Alliance of Christian Home Education Leadership (NACHEL), which is a national organization that serves homeschool leaders from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He sees the eternal benefits of Christian home education and the importance of encouraging and equipping younger home educating families. His desire is to mentor a second generation of homeschoolers who are willing to take the baton and run well. In his spare time, David enjoys hunting and playing with his thirteen grandchildren.

 

 

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

12:15PM

01:15PM

But I Didn't Volunteer for This Job

Speaker(s):
David Watkins
 …or perhaps you did volunteer but wish you hadn’t!  If 20% of the people do 80% of the work (and you are in the 20%), how do you keep from getting over-worked and becoming resentful? Hear insights which every volunteer leader needs to apply. Your sanity may depend upon it!  This workshop is for support group leaders and is by invitation only. If you would like to attend, please check at the MACHE booth in the Grand Lobby.

Melissa Weaver

Event activities / Sessions:

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

03:00PM

03:45PM

Home Schooling through High School with Classical Education

Speaker(s):
Melissa Weaver
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Classical Conversations -- Home schooling your junior high and high school student can seem to be an overwhelming task. Can you really do it? Absolutely! Come learn about Classical education and hear how you can home school through high school while providing the tools for your student to develop a love of learning and the tools to learn for a lifetime.

Ashley Strayer Wiggers

A biography is currently not available.

A biography is currently not available.

Event activities / Sessions:

Friday, April 19th, 2013

10:30AM

11:15AM

The Trail Guide to Learning Series

Speaker(s):
Ashley Strayer Wiggers
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  GeoMatters -- Come hear about the Learning Series, a complete curriculum that offers easy to use, activity-based learning, reflecting the proven educational principles of Dr. Ruth Beechick and Charlotte Mason. Beginning with "real" books, Trail Guide to Learning series uses a natural approach to teaching that helps develop strong thinking skills.

Esther Wilkison

Event activities / Sessions:

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

09:00AM

09:45AM

Your Most Organized Homeschool Year Ever

Speaker(s):
Esther Wilkison
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  BJU Press / HomeWorks by Precept -- “Is it normal to end the homeschooling day sitting on the floor in tears? This is not how I wanted homeschooling to be.” Even if your days don’t end this way, do you ever wonder if other homeschoolers make it through their day on schedule without taking time to hunt for missing things? Come discover organizational strategies that will help you take advantage of the many opportunities you have to influence lasting transformation in your students.

Roberta Ziegler

Event activities / Sessions:

Saturday, April 20th, 2013

01:30PM

02:15PM

Executive Skills for Your Student

Speaker(s):
Roberta Ziegler, Nancy Brydle, Tim Polson, Kathy Bennet
EXHIBITOR WORKSHOP:  Tutor Doctor -- Tutor Doctor will discuss strategies to help your child develop "executive" skills which are  fundamental (brain-based) skills required to execute tasks.  Examples of this are:  getting organized, planning, initiating work, staying on task, controlling impulses, regulating emotions, and being adaptable and resilient. Recent studies show that students who have weak executive skills between the ages of 12-15 are at a huge disadvantage as they reach high school level and beyond.