We are entering a new Dark Age—one more subtle, more insidious. A culture sedated by sounds and images that deaden our senses and rob us of who we are created to be. “We are amusing ourselves to death.” Join Mark as he exposes the damaging effects that certain kinds of media, electronic games, and literature, have on the brain, the conscience, the imagination, and a child's moral and spiritual development. Most importantly, he will introduce a substitute that possesses timeless principles that can redeem, transform, and cultivate a hope that never disappoints.
Have you heard of classical education, but thought it sounded too confusing or difficult? Have you tried utilizing this method only to become defeated in the process? If so, I encourage you to take another look at this time tested philosophy. Explore Biblical references to knowledge, understanding and wisdom and how these aspects of learning line up closely with the classical trivium. Learn how to train your mind to remember, process and communicate information. Gain encouragement and practical ideas for how to successfully implement classical education in your homeschooling.
We all have different levels of ability to handle stress. This workshop will give you the signs of someone in burnout and strategies to combat such levels of stress in both yourself and in your children.
Health begins in Genesis
What foods will keep us healthy?
Are there foods that should be avoided and why?
This presentation has the audience memorize a favorite Bible verse. It includes a basic introduction of the metamemory techniques. In addition, I share some testimonies about how God has used Scripture memory in powerful ways in His children’s lives.
Many homeschoolers confess that the most difficult thing for the homeschooling family is to balance all the responsibilities the family has. This workshop will approach this challenge from a strictly biblical perspective. Mike Smith will explain that the key to solving the time crunch is establishing priorities, and how to carry out those priorities. This is an essential workshop. Lives will be changed, schedules will be met, and families, many for the first time, will go through days, months and years without the frustration of feeling like a failure because you have not accomplished your goals and objectives.
Does most of your homeschooling day go fairly well, but you bog down at math time? Why are your teens unable or unwilling to tackle and excel at high school math? Does your spouse think it should be easy, but you are having lots of trouble? Do you think it is YOUR fault, or the KID’S fault? In this session, Steve Clark explains what is going wrong and then he shows how to fix it! After he proves that “Algebra just doesn’t have to be that hard,” you will walk away with a checklist that will transform your homeschool math sessions!
This session concentrates on the importance of passing on a Christian world view to the next generation, be it our own children or others with whom we interact. It defines how a world view works, and offers a series of practical steps to laying a strong, biblical foundation through what we’ve called “The 7 Cs of History”.
Frustrated? Surprised? Wondering what will be thrown your way next? From years of observation as a homeschool student, a homeschool mom, and active participation on homeschool message boards, Dawn has a list of 10 seemingly universal truths that every first-time and veteran homeschooler should understand—everything from “how to avoid whining and complaining” to “having a beginning and ending time for school.” Learn simple ways to add harmony to your homeschool and life.
Grades and graduation may be part of school, but should they be part of your school? Are we limiting ourselves by thinking in these terms? Should we really care about grades in a classroom of one? Or is there another way to think about academic, spiritual, and emotional progress? HSLDA Staff Attorney and homeschooling father of seven explores the freedom and flexibility homeschooling offers you and your children.
God has instilled in each of our children a passion for glory. The question is, “Whose glory are they after?” In this keynote Tracy encourages parents’ as they explore the Scriptures together and gain a vision to inspire our children toward living exciting, fulfilling lives based on a God-glorifying pursuit of their hearts’ desires.
Parental rights and religious freedom have been the two foundations to establish a constitutional right for parents to teach their children at home. The U.S. Supreme Court some years back weakened the free exercise of religion claim as a foundation for homeschooling so that in order for homeschoolers to claim a fundamental right to homeschool, they must be able to combine the free exercise right with the parental rights claim. In other words, both rights have to co—exist. Currently, this is not a problem, but because of the fragile nature of freedom, moral decay, complacency and apathy, homeschooling freedoms are in jeopardy. An additional threat that is brewing but not well known, is the opposition to homeschooling from the intellectual elites, e.g., law and college professors. This opposition is based on a belief that the state, through public schools, should have access to all children to teach tolerance for others, which leads to collectivism. Homeschoolers are in their cross—hairs. We are clearly at risk.
Our children engage in our world through technology like
no other generation has ever before. Computers and communication tools
like email, Facebook, instant messengers, cell phones and texting can
be used in ways that glorify God, but can also be a means to draw our
hearts away from Him. In this talk, Tracy shares some practical tips
and experience to help parents and teens navigate this ever-growing
world of social networking for the glory of God.
Based on the life of Ehud the Benjamite, Mark will unveil the unique strategy that God and his parents used to prepare him to become a skilled and strategic warrior, confident leader, and a skillful entrepreneur. In this seminar we will look at the assessment of a child’s natural abilities and the instructive insights that are necessary to prepare each child, teen, and adult for God’s ultimate purpose and calling. This seminar promises to be an eye opener for all ages—in more ways than you expect; but in a way you will never forget!
Economic hardship these days is causing many of us to change the way we homeschool. Financial worry may make us question whether homeschooling is even a wise choice for this season of life. Is it possible to homeschool on a single income? Or, harder yet, is it possible to homeschool through economic crisis, like during a lay-off? Just because things are tight doesn’t mean you can’t provide a top-rate education for your homeschool students! This practical workshop looks at topics such as “Where can I find free resources?,” “Can I homeschool and hold down a job?,” “Staying out of debt while homeschooling,” “Working at home,” and much, much more. This workshop is only 40 minutes long on purpose – so that there is plenty of time for questions and discussion at the end. Susan, who is now a working-at-home mom because her husband was laid off in 2009, will offer help and show you that homeschooling on a shoestring is an exciting endeavor! Courage!
A Tale of Two Lakes – The Grand Canyon is one of the most breathtaking, and perplexing, sites in the USA. Standard geological explanations for its formation are incorrect, and most creationists have overlooked some major pieces of the puzzle. Amazingly, what carved the canyon also explains most of the fascinating geological features in the entire area (e.g. Monument Valley, The Petrified Forest, Canyonlands & Arches, Canyon de Chelley, etc.). Furthermore, they all formed very quickly! What happened?!
In 1925 the U.S. Supreme Court said children are not mere creatures of the state. The 1945 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes that parents have the “prior right” to decide what kind of education their children will have. Is homeschooling a “human right” of the first order? HSLDA Staff Attorney, homeschooling father of seven, and Director of International Affairs Michael Donnelly explores this question and shares a presentation he delivered at the world’s largest human rights conference on the philosophy of law and social philosophy. In this talk, Donnelly examines philosophies on the relationship between the family and the state and looks at how human rights doctrine is applied globally towards homeschooling.
A general overview of the challenges, burdens, and benefits of homeschooling from a veteran homeschool father and leader. Addressing the potential homeschooler, the new homeschooler, the veteran homeschooler and all homeschoolers in between, Michael Smith outlines the success of homeschooling in academics and socialization, describes legal and legislative advances, and concludes that homeschoolers have earned the right to be left alone. For homeschoolers who are losing the vision, he reminds them of the benefits of homeschooling and offers some practical suggestions for relieving the pressure on the homeschooling family, especially Mom. “Thank you for confirming the experience of my public education,” writes one parent, “and for convicting us even more of our commitment to bettering the lives of our children.”
I can’t work with all this clutter! Where did I put the
math lessons? Where are my supplies? Why are our school days never
smooth like everyone else’s? Chicken nuggets for dinner AGAIN? Sound
familiar? In this workshop Karen will help you get a handle on your
homeschool, by simplifying. Getting rid of the clutter that can
physically and mentally disrupt our homeschool. More importantly,
getting rid of anything that distracts us from putting God first which
can hinder our efforts in our homeschools. God must be our first
priority! Simplifying homeschool is about keeping our focus on God and
why we chose to homeschool in the first place. Learning how to get rid
of distractions whether they be physical, mental, or spiritual, and
prioritize our homeschools so that we can glorify God in all that we
do!
Parents do you have a child who can sound out a word but can’t remember the word in the next paragraph? Is your child one who cannot spell simple words yet has been taught those words multiple times? Maybe you have a child who can memorize a spelling word list but misspells those words as they write. Does your child struggle to sound out words fluently? These are all symptoms of weak cognitive skills, not IQ but cognitive skills. Learn the difference between IQ and cognitive skills and how both impact a child’s ability to read.
Beginning with learning basic metamemory techniques and then appiying it to spelling words. This presentation explains how to use these techniques with commonly misspelled words, words with broken into syllables and complicated or advanced spelling words. This technique does not require phonics or grammar rules to be successful.
Some of the recent exodus of students from the church after high school can be traced to how we present spiritual truths to children even before they are school age. This workshop will help you identify foundational truths preschoolers can learn and some practical ways of passing on a hunger for the truths and principles of God's Word.
Could you explain where the water for a world-wide flood would have come from, and where it all went?! Understanding the flood (the purpose, the causes, the aftermath and the evidence) is very important to a biblically sound creation model. This session covers all the basics about this event, and also includes a video and PowerPoint presentation on the “Hydroplate Theory”, a biblically accurate and scientifically feasible portrayal of the “how” of the flood event.
Tracy Klicka hasn’t met a homeschool mom yet who at some point in her homeschooling experience doesn’t desperately want to quit. Sometimes it seems the challenges are more than we can take, but there is hope. Be encouraged not just to survive, but to thrive in raising children for the Lord.
Busting the myth that history is confusing; that choosing history curriculum is overwhelming, Rainbow’s curriculum consultant will provide a comprehensive look at the three main subjects sometimes known as social studies--world history, American history, and their “kissing cousin,” geography. Find out why classical prefers chronological and Charlotte Mason prefers literature. You will never be confused again (not by history, at least).
“What will I do with my pre-schooler while teaching the other kids?” Has that question ever crossed your mind? Preschoolers and toddlers are precious and their learning needs are unique. Integrating them into your busy day can be easy and fun! This workshop provides many ways to use multi-sensory educational toys and household items to engage, educate, and when needed, occupy young ones. Whether your youngster is the oldest or is a younger child who wants to do school, too, learn how to create a family learning lifestyle that meets the needs of everyone in your home.
Serving in the United States Military is generally considered patriotic and an honorable profession. Is it still? Changes in society are reflected in the military. How can this impact a parents view of service in the military today? What is involved in serving in the military and how should parents mentor their children in viewing service in today’s military? Michael Donnelly is an HSLDA attorney and homeschooling father of seven who served as a platoon leader in combat during Desert Storm with the U.S. Army’s Third Armored Cavalry Regiment. He will discuss practical and philosophical issues about serving in today’s military. Come with questions and be prepared to be challenged in your thinking.
With candor and humor, covering topics by using the
acronym LAUNCH, Tracy will share principles and life lessons that are
helping her raise children who are ready to embrace life in the
knowledge of God’s plan and goodness.
Almost every father has heard that he is to lead his family spiritually, physically, and in every other way. However, many fathers will tell you that no one has ever told them how to effectively lead their children, especially in the area of spiritual development. Michael Smith presents encouraging and practical tips to fathers for becoming a helpful participant in the home education program and a leader in the home. He provides insight on the mental and emotional benefits to mothers and children fathers can provide through specific activities, and offers suggestions to men on being more effective as husbands. Mike candidly shares his many failures and a few successes. The session concludes with a list of the six things homeschooling mothers have identified as the primary ways their husbands can be more effective in the family’s homeschool program. In one father’s words, “Inspiring and convicting—thanks for the straight talk!”
You know your child has great potential but they seem to consistently struggle to learn or follow through on tasks. The smart you know is there seems to be locked-up when it comes to certain academic or social situations. Their smart shines brilliantly at times but too often it seems trapped within. Come learn how the smart in your child can be unlocked. We will discuss the brain, neuroplasticity, and cognitive skills as they directly affect your child’s smartness.
Writing can be a daunting skill to learn. Find ways to make it fun and engaging so that your task of teaching is easier and your children learn to love to compose.
I will highlight three aspects of keeping children healthy: Good Nutrition, Clean Environment, and Proper Supplementation.
It has been said that you will be the same five years from now as you are today, except for the people you meet and the books you read! Inspiring literature that models unwavering character can be one of the catalysts that awakens a child’s drive to first think differently and then act accordingly. “Without biblical thinking, there is short term obedience and long term frustration.” Through an inspiring, informative, and dramatized lecture, Mark will make you laugh and cry as he “demonstrates” the power of character-based literature. This will be followed by an in depth look at the ancient steps of character development from early childhood through adulthood. In conclusion, an annotated bibliography for preschoolers through adults will introduce powerful, life-changing Christian literature from the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. This life-transforming session will lay the foundation for children to live a creative, skillful, and godly life.
Do I have to eat everything organic? How can I buy in Bulk? How can I locate farmers in my area? What is a food Coop?
As easy as a walk in the park! Integrating Charlotte Mason philosophy to teach elementary science may breathe new life into your homeschool. Join Deanne, a veteran homeschool mom and RRC curriculum consultant as she introduces you to this gentle approach to teaching science and learn the tools necessary for a successful nature study in your homeschool.
Charlotte Mason wrote about education as an atmosphere in her writings. What exactly does that look like put into practice? If you think home school involves all sorts of fancy curriculums, workbooks, and exercises think again! While those things are very helpful, your home is the perfect environment to foster the desire for learning. Learning takes place from morning until night! In this session we will discuss why making your home an atmosphere of learning is so important, and how we can use our home environment to be the most useful tool we have in our home school curriculum!
After years of college and military ministry, we have discovered significant reasons children from Christian homes leave the church when they go to college or start a career. This workshop focuses on the later years of home schooling. You will learn some foundational elements and practical methods that will prepare your young adults spiritually and mentally to leave home with lifetime convictions.