20^th Annual Homeschool
Conference & Curriculum Fair 2008

Workshops

Heartbeats of Discipleship:
Shaping Your Child's Heart to Live for God
(Sally Clarkson)

The biblical commitments parents must make to reach and shape the hearts of their children for Christ—obedience, discipline, love, protection and direction. Biblical instruction and personal illustrations.
 

Whole Hearted Homeschooling:
Living and Learning Together at Home (Sally Clarkson)

How to use your “whole home” as a living and learning environment to nurture, disciple, and educate your children. Explains “whole book” learning methods, fine arts studies, creative writing, “discovery corners” and others.

The Ministry of Motherhood:
Becoming a Life Giving Mother (Sally Clarkson)
 

Following Christ’s example in discipling your children, using the Life GIFTS model of Grace, Inspiration, Faith, Training, and Service. Material taken from Sally’s book, The Ministry of Motherhood (WaterBrook Press, 2004).
 

Building Mental Muscles: Strengthening Your Child's Mind to Learn for God (Sally Clarkson)
 

How to Send Your Child to College without Going Broke (Ron Adams)

Biology, Chemistry: How Can I Teach It If I Don’t Get It? (Tina Bosh)

Do you think High School Science is too hard for you to teach??  Let’s talk that idea over. Let’s put it to rest…you can teach “higher level science.”

What about Labs?? “How do I provide a science lab in my home?”

Microscopes – “Do I really need one?” What is the difference between compound and stereo microscopes? What is the best buy?

What about dissections? “How do I teach it?”

Organizing Your Child’s Brain for Better Long Term Memory        (Marilee Coots) 

For children to be efficient learners with good long-term memory, they need to have well organized brains. Academic or attention challenges, letter or work reversals, difficulty retaining academics, lack of coordination, stuttering or stammering, disorganization or emotionality are often symptoms of brain disorganization. Applicable to “normal”, “gifted” and “struggling” students, the information in this session may help you discover underlying causes of troublesome symptoms and give you some ideas that may help your children.

Unlocking Your “Special Needs” Child’s Learning Potential          (Marilee Coots)

Even if your child has a learning related diagnosis, such as sensory Integration Disorder, Autism, Developmental Delay, CAPD, PDD, ASD, Asperger Syndrome, Down Syndrome (or another chromosome disorder), MMR, Brain Injured, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Language Delay, or Cerebral Palsy you can successfully teach him/her at home. You can make excellent progress, if you will address the root causes of his/her learning difficulties.  This workshop will teach you how to identify areas for remediation and give you specific activities that you can use to help your child to become a better learner.

The Key to Helping Your Child Enjoy Writing         (Kris Cordell)

Legal Legislative Update       (Jim Davis)

Jim Davis will give homeschoolers an update on the legislation in California that concerns homeschooling, religious freedom, family values, or parental rights.

Just What is a “Philosophy of Education” and Why do I need one?   (DeeDee Eldridge)

When I began this journey lovingly called “homeschooling”, I often heard people ask, “What is your philosophy of education”, or “Have you written your philosophy of education yet”?  But it was a couple of years after I began teaching my children before I learned what one was, let alone why I needed one or how to get one!  Once I learned the “what”, “why” and “how”, I understood how critical it is for this journey. While we can not get far in a strange land without a map, neither can we progress in teaching our children without the “road map” of our own philosophy of education. Habakkuk 2:1-3 is our starting point in this workshop.  We will discuss what a philosophy of education is and answer those all-important “whys” and “hows” to write one that is specifically for your family.  The knowledge gained in this workshop will save you time, money and heartache and help you begin to visualize the “map” God has designed for you home educating and prepare your children for the destiny He planned for them before they were even formed in the womb!

Disciples Versus Students       (DeeDee Eldridge)

Every teacher, every where has an idea of what they believe education is, but as Christian parents we must first ask not, “What curriculum do I buy?,” rather, “What is God’s idea of education?”  This may sound logical, but is not often the first concern of a beginning home educator, depending upon their frame of reference. What does the Word of God say, if anything, about this thing we call “education”?  Is there a biblical model?  What is the model we grew up with and does it reflect the biblical design?  There is a saying that if you don’t have a target, you will still hit something.  When we have completed the task of raising our children, what is the product that will result?  Will they have “all knowledge”, or will they have a heart after God?  Can they have both?  Come find out the answers and start out (or get back on track) with a renewed mind and vigor for teaching “God’s way”.

Teaching Beginning Penmanship:  Why Cursive Is The Way To Go! (Elizbeth FitzGerald)

The methods used for teaching beginning penmanship can literally have life-long benefits . . . or consequences.  This workshop will discuss the history behind how the changes in penmanship instruction in the early 1900’s contributed to a decline in the literacy rates of our nation, the benefits of teaching cursive as the primary form of penmanship, how cursive can actually help children learn to read, and how it can help avoid reversals and other penmanship troubles.  We will also address effective methods for teaching beginning penmanship.

Building Literacy in the Home School (Elizbeth FitzGerald)

Every home school parent desires to produce literate children who can read the Word of God for themselves and who are prepared for the literacy demands of our complex society.  How to actually achieve this goal is sometimes baffling and a matter of more than choosing Publisher X’s curriculum.  This workshop will address the various elements necessary for building a complete Language Arts program that ensures our children are able to read, write, and effectively communicate with their world. 

Speech and Language Issues for the Home Schooler (Elizbeth  FitzGerald)

How can home school parents know if their difficult-to-understand child needs speech services or will just grow out of it?  Children’s speech and language development can be one of the most overlooked and troublesome areas for home schoolers to address.  Screening of early elementary students is a regular process in the public schools, but what about the home school population?  In this workshop a former speech therapist will discuss normal speech and language development, how to detect when something is not developmentally appropriate, and when and how to seek services. 

The Home Educating Family (FATHERS)          (Chuck Geib)

The father’s role in home schooling is pivotal. Chuck will share both the Biblical mandate that he follows and the actual activities he is involved in on a day to day basis. What about me? Is a question we moms sometimes ask ourselves when trying to decide about home schooling and also when we are considering what our role should be. Pam will discuss this area both Biblically and concretely. Training godly sons and daughters is fundamental roll of the family. How to accomplish these individual roles will also be discussed.

Home Schooling Method  (Pam Geib)

Home schoolers have a variety of ways in which to teach their children. Many of these methods have names, for example: Charlotte Mason Approach, The Principle Approach, Teaching the Trivium, etc. During this workshop, we will explore various method’s pros and cons and give positive reasons for discovering the approach that works best for your family.

Home Educating Teens with a Purpose        (Pam Geib)

You child is on the threshold of adulthood, isn’t now a good time to let him try his wings in institutional education? This workshop has a strong Biblical emphasis on “why” we should home educate our teens. Taught from the perspective of parents who raised two sons in institutional education and two in home education. We will close with some practical “how-to’s” for high school and college.

Q & A: Children Who Were Homeschooled Elementary Through High School

A panel of formerly homeschooled children. Come and listen to the experience of some adults who were homeschooled from elementary through high school. Then ask them questions about their experience.

Q & A: Parents Who Homeschooled Their Kids Elementary Through High School

A panel of parent who homeschooled their child(ren). Come and listen to the experience of some adults who homeschooled their child(ren) from elementary through high school. Then ask them questions about their experience.

Walls Do No Good If You Invite the Enemy In          (Mike Riggs)

Home school has provided a wall of protection from a number of the facets of a humanist educational environment.  However, “a recent survey by America’s Research Group revealed that an alarming number of young people are leaving the church after they graduate…” We will discuss some ways our children’s hearts and minds can be compromised inside our walls.  We will also provide guidelines for identifying compromising influences and building a solid, sustaining foundation.   

Training up a Godly Generation   ( Mike Riggs)

While home schooling has been valuable for so many families, a number of families have been saddened to see their children walk out the door and pursue less than godly lifestyles.  While you may not be a theologian, you are your child’s primary influence in spiritual matters.  Come and look with us at what this responsibility means and how you can maximize the impact of godly values for your child.

Math Solutions: Tips on How to Teach the Foundations of Math     (Carissa Ruiz)

This workshop will give the parents information on the foundations of math, and the affects of improper math instruction.  She will give you tips on how to choose a good math program for your child, how to recognize signs of a child not understanding math concepts, and give you ideas on how to bring the enjoyment back to math.  Come and join her for her informative class that is sure to help you in the following years of your child’s math education.

Ten Secrets of Successful Homeschooling        (Mary Schofield)

All homeschoolers desire a successful educational experience for their children, but most wonder if they will be able to achieve that lofty goal. Come and be encouraged as we look at ten simple secrets to successfully homeschooling your children. These tips will help both new and veteran homeschoolers to prosper.

High School Overview        (Mary Schofield)

How do you decide what to study in high school? How do you know that your teen is learning enough (and of the right things)? How can parents continue a home-school lifestyle during the high school years? Must home-school students model their high school years after the institutionalized educational style of learning? Come and learn how to make your high school years special, wonderful, and complete as we discuss the overall plans needed to teach high school at home.

 
Overcoming the Supermom Syndrome
(Jennifer Steward)

Because of the demands of motherhood and homeschooling, moms tend to have high expectations of themselves. How often do we compare ourselves to other moms and then become discontent with the wonderful design of the Father? This workshop will help moms remember and appreciate their strengths and weaknesses and use them for God’s glory in raising their children.

Fear Not!         (Jennifer Steward)

Many parents suffer from the “What Ifs” and often fear “WE” will not be competent to teach our children what they will need. Find encouragement by knowing that the same God who called you to homeschool will be there to supply your EVERY need. We can be bold and confident...not  fearing anything - which brings real freedom to teaching and learning.

History Boring? NEVER!!!       (Jennifer Steward)

Some people think history is a boring subject. Jennifer Steward loves history but it wasn’t always that way. She says “History came alive for me when I started interactively teaching and reading to my children during unit studies.” Jennifer will show parents how to take their children around the world exploring history topics via the unit study method using historical fiction and living books.  watch out - you’ll get hooked! She enjoys co-teaching and adds her humorous flare while teaching unit study co-ops with her sister...they call themselves “The HISTerical Sisters”!

Liberty Lost; Why Not to Use Charter Schools          (Kathy Young)

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's dainties, Daniel 1:8a. Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom Daniel 1:17

In this workshop we will clear up confusion about the greatest threat to our homeschool liberty – Charter Schools. Like Daniel, we need to be clear about not indulging in the King’s [the State’s] “dainties” – all the dazzling “extras” Charter Schools appear to offer. Only then will our children be able to stand like Daniel and the other youths as a testimony bringing all glory to God – not the state. In every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters who were in all his realm Daniel 1:20