Workshop Titles
For more information about the speakers, see the Speakers page.
Friday, August 6
Keynote Session #1 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Dr Jay Wile Homeschooling: Discovering HOW and WHY it works
In this seminar, Dr. Jay L. Wile, a former university professor and high school teacher,
explains why homeschooling is the best means by which a child can be educated in America. This
seminar is filled with statistics that show homeschooled students are better academically prepared
and better socialized than their publicly or privately schooled counterparts. These facts will bolster
the resolve of homeschooling parents while equipping them to counter arguments from their
detractors.
Dr. Wile also tells the audience how he became interested in homeschooling. Unlike most
homeschoolers, he did not get involved with home education because he had children who he
wanted to homeschool. Instead, he became interested in homeschooling because of the
homeschooled students that he had in his university courses. Dr. Wile is convinced that home
education is the best means of educating a child in America, and after listening to this seminar, you
will be inclined to agree with him!
Workshop A - 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Tambra Birkebak: Homeschooling on a Shoestring
Cutting homeschooling cost doesn't mean abandoning rich educational experiences. But rather, it requires a perspective overhaul, that prioritizes foundational goals, underlining principles, and multi-purpose opportunities. Come review a list of abundant low-cost tools, less conventional strategies, and diverse community resources, and explore some "outside the box" low-and-no-cost assets.
Joyce and Eric Burges: One People: The People of God
Today’s ethnic groups have been separated and stereotyped too long by prejudiced propaganda from the media all the while claiming to be on the side of reconciliation. In this session, you are challenged to believe that as wise Christians, we carry the balm of healing and respect. Eric will share how to inspire respect and true love for others, traits that are the foundation for good relationships. These ingredients are essential in creating and helping to maintain peace among people of varying backgrounds and beliefs. You will learn that purposeful relationships can be achieved by those who desire to understand both points of view.
Jenni Carlson: Second Timothy -- Instilling a Legacy of Faith
Helping our children establish a genuine, dynamic, and enduring faith in God.
Vicki Nurre: Navigating the Music Maze
Navigating the world of music can be a bit daunting, especially if you do not have a musical background, but you do have children that are showing an interest in music! We'll talk over how to find the best private teacher for your child, good resources for teaching music, what to do when your child shows an obvious gift, and more! Come with your questions. The seminar will center mostly on getting you the answers you need to get your child started on the right road!
Heidi St John:The First Three Years: A Workshop for Homeschool Rookies!
If homeschooling up til now feels more like drudgery than delight, or if the thought of homeschooling makes your knees shake and your palms sweat, this is the workshop for you! Perhaps you've been hearing from "experts" that view homeschooling as just another form of education, like any other. Public schools think that way, but homeschooling is nothing like the school system. It's just the opposite. Learning at home is an adventure, a journey, a new lifestyle. Join veteran homeschool mom of six (including one homeschool graduate!) Heidi St.John as she talks about the three things you've got to know as a new homeschooler that will set you on a track for success and enjoyment with your children.
Because, although you're nervous now, it'll all be okay. Homeschooling is worth it. So sit back, relax. You'll soon discover that homeschooling is a journey like no other. Take it in stride that you will bumble and stumble, stick your foot in it, take wrong turns, backtrack . . . . and your child will be just fine. Come and bring a friend for a dose of information and encouragement. You can do it!
Keynote Session #2 1:15- 2:30
Diana Waring Roots: Growing Well-Loved Children
Homeschooling parents today are being told how to do their job. They are even being told by harsh, competing voices to accept an authoritative description of their job—and WHY to do it. Many have shared the sense of fear and failure which they carry in response. However, look at the contrast in Isaiah 40:11, which shows us the heart of our God: “He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.” Join Diana for a very special and liberating look at the ways God has prepared us to have a nurturing heart towards our children, for both academics and character. Walk away refreshed, encouraged, and equipped to love your children in this journey of homeschooling, all the way from cradle to faith.
Workshop B 3:00 - 4:00
Eric Burges: Discipline with Dignity
Do you feel like you are losing patience when it comes to correcting your children? Perhaps you have shown some partiality or even lost your temper when disciplining your children. Do you even believe that they should be disciplined? Some have asked the question, “How do parents encourage themselves to choose the rod of reproof over the option of leaving the child to himself?” In this session Eric offers some practical suggestions to parents on how to discipline without compromising their dignity.
Candice Childs: Multiple Math Methods
Sample several approaches to teaching math and mastering math facts without tears. Learn how to choose and adapt any math curriculum to fit the learning style and academic needs of your student and maybe even overcome mom’s math anxiety in the process!!
Dan Ellis: Why Young Children Make Art and How You Can Encourage It
Do you wish you could look inside your child’s mind to see what is behind that artwork he just handed to you? Do you want to learn how to respond to a work you just can’t decipher? Learn how to help children gain skills without drawing for them. Offer age-appropriate suggestions in ways that will encourage your child to continue to be creative. It’s all discussed in this presentation.
Heidi St John: Busy Mom's Guide to Romance
What comes first? The marriage or the math lesson? Most homeschool moms (every mom, for that matter) have felt the pull and pressure of trying to balance their marriages and their commitment to motherhood. Hey, most homeschool moms are happy to find time for a shower, let alone a romantic night with their husband! Yes, it's true. Homeschooling adds a new dynamic to the pressures of motherhood - but it doesn't mean you need to let your marriage suffer! In fact, it's never been more crucial than it is right now to strengthen the core of your family. In case you are still wondering, your marriage comes first.
In this workshop, you'll learn several key ingredients to balancing your love life with language lessons ~ and how you can become the most romantic homeschool mom on the block! Come hear a story of personal experience that will challenge the way you view your marriage and inspire you to seek God's heart as you model a strong healthy marriage for your children. This is Heidi's favorite topic, so bring a notepad and fasten your seatbelts! It's time to put the "real OO" back in your Homeschool!
In this seminar, Dr. Wile talks about Job 12:7-10, which begins by commanding the reader to “Ask the beasts.” In his view, this Scripture is telling us that we must study nature to fully understand God. While God’s divine revelation (the Bible) is clearly more detailed and precise than His natural revelation (creation), both are necessary to have a full and complete understanding God. He gives a bit of history to show you that this was the motivation for many of the great scientists of the past, and some great scientists of the present. He then draws from fields such as astronomy, microbiology, zoology, and botany to share at least a bit of what science tells us about
God.
Friday Night Session 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Rod Carlson, re-enacted as the Apostle Paul: The Book of Philippians
Terry Small: Brain Boosting Secrets - Making the Most of Your Amazing Brain!
Your brain is involved in everything you do!
90% of what we know about the brain has been learned in the last 2 years and yet most people never think much about their brains. You simply trust your brain to do its job.
Brain dysfunction is the #1 reason people fail work, school, and relationships. Your brain is the supercomputer that runs your life. This session has 2 bottom lines: when your brain works right, you work right and everyone needs a little help.
When you look after your brain, the results are amazing. This session will give you the tools to boost your brain power, Improve your thinking, and improve your health. It is based on the latest cutting-edge neuroscience research. You will learn:
* the #1 job of your brain
* how to eat right, to think right
* how to get rid of negative thoughts
* the #1 food for your brain (you probably don't eat this right now)
* how to improve your reading skills
* how to improve your memory
* how to outwit Alzheimer's disease
* the 3 things every brain must have
* and much more!
Brain Boosting Secrets is packed with tips, stories, ideas, and strategies to help you improve your greatest asset...your brain.
Both presentations are great for the whole whole family
Saturday August 7th
Keynote Session #3 8:30 - 10:00
Dr Jay Wile: Where Are They Now?
Dr. Wile became involved in homeschooling because while he was teaching at the university level, his best students were homeschool graduates. Since then, he has expected homeschoolers to become the true leaders of their generation. To investigate whether or not his expectation is coming true, Dr. Wile tracked down several homeschooled students who are now adults and learned what they are doing. In this talk, Dr. Wile tells you what he learned. You will be amazed at what these
young adults are doing and how they have already impacted the world. If you are wondering whether or not homeschool graduates can make a difference in the real world, you should definitely listen to this talk!
Workshop C 10:30 - 11:30
Barbara Blakey: Writing Strategies for Struggling Writers
This presentation focuses on ideas to infuse fun into writing assignments and help students understand the writing process. It includes practical suggestions to help overcome writing obstacles and to inspire confidence in both teacher and student.
Joyce Burgess: Quiet Times for Moms
Do you desire quiet time? Do you even know what quiet time is anymore? Joyce Burges will take you on a siesta of quiet time, a refreshing moment just for you. Our Father Himself values moments of quietness and encourages us to come away with Him as in Psalm 23:2 where it says: “He leads us beside quiet waters.” Yes, ladies this call is for us.
Rod Carlson: From Zero: Memorizing Scripture in 60 Minutes
Making a heart desire to memorize God's Word a personal reality.
Dan Ellis: Three Keys to a Great Art Education
Discover the simple keys to unlocking your child’s God-given talents in the visual arts. All children can excel in the visual arts with encouragement and teaching methods that address both the expressive and technical aspects of art. Learn how you can give your child a great art education at home by focusing on awareness, creativity, and well timed instruction in the basic principles of art!
Patrick Nurre: Teaching Kids Geology: Why it is Crucial and How to Teach it
Geology (or earth science) is viewed by many as a necessary evil, a science requirement that has to be fulfilled in order to move on to the next grade. But the subject of geology is much more than that. Most children have a natural interest in geology, and it gives you a tremendous opportunity to build a Biblical worldview. This seminar will focus on why it is absolutely critical to teach geology and give you some practical steps on how to teach it and expand your child’s natural curiosity.
Keynote Session #4 12:45- 2:00
Diana Waring Wings: Releasing Them to Soar
What is the goal of all of this homeschooling labor? Are our children supposed to grow up and live next door? Many homeschool speakers are advocating this, infusing it with biblical terminology so it has that weighty “feel” of godliness. But what is God’s heart for our children? How can we cooperate with His agenda for our unique and precious children? What do homeschooling graduates do to be God’s change agents in this generation and culture—what kind of exploits will they do? Join Diana for an eye-opening look at this very important issue.
Workshop D 2:30- 3:30
Barbara Blakey: Homeschool thorugh Jr and Sr High
Debating whether or not to homeschool through the upper grades? This presentation is for you. The hows and whys are covered including transcripts, state requirements, and college options. Ten important benefits of homeschooling the upper grades, potential dangers, and practical suggestions are also part of the workshop.
Joyce Burges: The Four Elements to a Child’s Successful Education
All parents desire to give their children the best possible education, not only in terms of academics, but more importantly in terms of character. Joyce Burges provides insights into how to raise your children for excellence. She recommends simple areas that you can target to help improve your child’s educational experience.
Candice Childs: Building a Mathematic Mind
Why doesn’t 1/2 + 1/3 = 2/5’s? Why do fractions get smaller when you multiple them but bigger when you divide them? This workshop will show parents how to encourage mathematical thinking in their children (and themselves) to optimize mathematical intelligence with appreciation for God’s love of order. Math Concepts + Facts Mastery = Mathematical Mind.
Diana Waring: History Via the Scenic Route
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 schoolers across five nations.
Teen's Conference August 6th & 7th
Friday
Join Keynote Session #1 for worship 8:30
Savanna St John and Family 8:45 - 10:00
Savannah St. John, along with her parents, Jay & Heidi, describe the real life challenges, rewards, and surprises of homeschooling during the teen years. Recently graduated, Savannah has fresh insight for today's homeschooled teens.
Diana Waring: Becoming World Changers 10:30 - 1200
This passionately energetic workshop will offer teens practical and Biblical means for accomplishing the amazingly adventurous task of bringing the Lordship of Jesus into every sphere of life. We will examine seven areas of influence in the earth – family, government, media, the arts, business, the Church, education – in light of the fact that the earth is the Lord's!
A Challenging Up-Close and Personal Hour With the Apostle Paul
Melody Waring: Off the Couch, into the Soup Kitchen 3:00-4:00
Melody Waring began volunteering in high school -- partly for the joy of serving and partly because she's savvy about getting scholarships! Now, 3 years after graduating summa cum laude from college (7 years after graduating from k-12 homeschool), she has dedicated herself to service. Hear stories of the power (& pitfalls!) of volunteering while collecting a handy toolbox of ideas for getting "out there" before you graduate
Saturday
Join Keynote Session with Dr Jay Wile 8:30-10:00
Teen Panel 10:30-12:00
Dr Jay Wile: Real Environmentalism 1:00-2:00
There are many people who champion causes relating to “saving the planet,” and they all call themselves “environmentalists.” Unfortunately, many of these self-proclaimed environmentalists are not helping the planet at all. Instead, many of them are harming the planet by concentrating on doomsday scenarios that are not backed by the scientific evidence. Unfortunately, this distracts people from the real environmental issues we face. In this talk, Dr. Jay L. Wile discusses what science says about some of today’s environmental issues, indicating which issues are real threats to the health of the planet and which ones are simply distractions. You will be amazed at how propaganda trumps science in what you typically hear from self-proclaimed environmentalists.
Service Project - Vendor Hall tear down 3:00 - 4:00
