Workshops for Saturday, July 31st, 2011 will be posted here as the date of the Expo gets closer.
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Workshops from 2010 Expo

10:00 AM

See the Light (Gloria Kohlmann/See the Light) – 15 Parents and 15 Homeschoolers draw along as chalk artist Gloria Kohlmann illustrates a Bible story with a surprise finale! (Room 102)

America the Beautiful: Giants of American History (Jim Weiss/Greathall Productions) – America has been blessed with numerous heroic, extraordinary men and women who are real-life role models for our children. In this workshop, Jim Weiss presents riveting, time-honored, true stories that provide character, history and life lessons. Jim will show parents ways to make these people come to life in history and language arts lessons as well as how to offer perspective between the times in which they lived and today’s world. (Room 104)

Are They Really Struggling? When should I Start Worrying? (Jennifer A. Hasser M.Ed./Syllables Reading Center) – As children acquire language & written skills, some types of errors are abnormal. This workshop provides parents with a guide to the red flags & what can be done to intervene before learning suffers. (Room 105)

7 Secrets to Help Kids Think for Themselves (Cindy Wiggers/Geography Matters) – Do you have trouble keeping your students interested in learning? Perhaps it’s time you begin to think outside the box. Discover techniques that will improve critical thinking and creativity, inspiring your students to want to gain knowledge. Included in this workshop are ideas from the teachings of Ruth Beechick to develop thinking skills which help create a delight for learning and improves your children’s ability to excel in any area they choose to pursue. (Room 106)

Mission as Life: Making the Kingdom of God your family’s passion. Dr. J. Randall Wallace/Mission As Life) Examines how to counter the failure of churches to transmit Biblical values to children by placing the family as primarily responsible for religious instruction. Special attention is given to community service and developing a family culture that reinforces values on a formal and informal level. (Room 108)

Not by Bread Alone (Sue Becker/Bread Beckers) – Man does not live a healthy life just by eating good nutritious food, but by following every word given to us by our Lord. This powerful workshop by Sue Becker is her personal testimony of her survival of a cancer that is often terminal. Although proper nutrition was key in her survival, her complete healing came through very basic principles laid down by God’s word. (Room 110)

You HAVE Covered the 4 Disciplines of Science, HAVEN’T You? (Kabao McCarver/Gravitas/Real Science-4-Kids) – You HAVE covered the 4 disciplines of science, RIGHT?! Don’t know where to start? Afraid of where you’ll end up with science. Hear this mom of 5 boys!  (Room 112)

Why Students Need a Patriot’s History of the United States (Larry Schweikart/A Patriot’s History of the United States) – This workshop will discuss historical bias in top U.S. history textbooks. (Room 113/114)

Early Learners: Seven Secrets for Starting Out Right (Randi St. Denis/Director, HEEA, Homeschooling Mother of 7) – Randi cautions parents not to overlook some important childhood activities that actually set the stage for later learning skills. Enhancing these early skills prevents learning problems and also builds a firm foundation for future academics ease and success. (Room 115/116)

Latin, the Key to English (Barbara Beers/The Latin Road/The Phonics Road) - No other language affects English as much as Latin & reveals the secrets of many of our more difficult English spellings & meanings. It is the mother language of our most common spoken foreign languages & provides the key to the vocabulary of the sciences, medicine, law, literature, & history. Discover how you can learn this important language along with your 5th-12th grade students & teach them their advanced English grammar at the same time. (Room 117)

Etiquette Training In the Home (Monica Irvine/The Etiquette Factory) – Come and learn from a certified etiquette instructor and master motivator, Monica Irvine, how to teach your children from preschool and up, in the art of etiquette. Etiquette skills take time to form and perfect, so it’s never too early to start! Kids love to sing, play games, role play and listen to stories. That’s the key in making etiquette a topic that your children actually look forward to learning about. You will be so grateful you attended this discussion and will leave with confidence and excitement to implement these ideas into your home. Children are invited! (Room 118)

Cut the Chaos (Michele Helms/Homeschool Mother) – Love to homeschool but feel like there is just so much chaos?! Michele Helms is the mother of 5, and has seen her fair share of chaos. Come as she shares how things work in her family. She will share easy steps that any family can take to help you go from chaos to calm. She is passionate about seeing families enjoy their time together instead of dreading it! (Room 119)

11:15 AM

What About Socialization? (Israel Wayne/Wisdom’s Gate) – Do you know where the theory of peer group socialization originated? Learn what really drives the question: “What About Socialization?” Also, Israel will provide you with four questions to help determine whether your child’s socialization activities are beneficial to your family. Israel shares candidly from his dual perspectives as a homeschooled student and now father. (Room 102)

America’s National Mystery Book Series = Great Cross-Curricular Material (Carole Marsh/Gallopade International) – America’s National Mystery Book Series: Real Kids! Real Places! uses real kids as characters in current day stories that incorporate history, geography and culture. With locations all over the country, these fact-based mysteries will take children on a journey of learning through the excitement of mystery! Free handouts will be available and a door prize will be given. (Room 104)

Gaining Confidence to Teach (Debbie Strayer/Co-founder of Homeschooling Today Magazine) – Whether you are a newcomer to homeschooling, or a veteran of many years, this talk will encourage and refresh you. Debbie Strayer speaks with humor and honesty about the homeschooling life and the confidence available to all who feel called to home school. (Room 105)

How to Prepare an Artistic Portfolio (Rita Gagliano/The Savannah College of Art & Design) – Learn helpful tips on preparing a dynamic artistic portfolio! This session presents the fundamentals of successful portfolios & what our review committee looks for in portfolio submissions.  The presentation will address visual, media, & performing arts; writing elements, artistic elements, guidelines for inclusion, presentation quality as well as additional aspects of portfolio preparation.  The session will include visual examples of portfolios, including those meriting past scholarships. (Room 106)

Your Family Can Make an Eternal Difference (Gary Thigpen/Gospel for Asia) – We know the Lord wants us to love people the way He loves them. But how do you get your children to grow in love for the lost world? Learn practical ways to lead your family to love the lost, especially those not yet reached with the Gospel, and to focus on what truly lasts forever. (Room 108)

Effective and Practical Strategies for Teaching Your Child Who Struggles  (Jessica Reck/Homeschool Mother of 2) – Jessica Reck shares some of the strategies she has found effective in teaching a child with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. In particular, she will share her experiences in teaching reading, comprehension skills, independent writing and grammar (using the very exciting and highly effective Grammar Shapes), as well as math. She will also discuss how you can accelerate this type of learner to reach his or her potential. (Room 110)

Creative Writing With Your Kids (Victoria (Kasten) Tecken & Kathy Kasten/Epic Scrolls) – Writing can be fun! Join 18-yr-old homeschooled author Victoria Kasten (author of 7 books) and her mother, Kathy, as they discuss creative writing ideas that will excite your kids. Music, photography, parent/child exercises, classic literature and more. Victoria has taught nearly 2000 children & adults through writing workshops and school visits in Minnesota. She recently received a large journalism scholarship to Bethany Lutheran College. Come and be inspired! (Room 112)

Lap Books: Get Them Writing The Easy Way (Donna Lookenott, M.A./Homeschooling Mom of 6, Tutor) – Use simple items like scissors, construction paper, and glue to create beautiful displays that get children excited about writing. Donna shows beautiful lap books and discusses other creative ways to encourage writing.  (Room 113/114)

ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, Autism – The Brain Balance Approach to Addressing Learning and Behavioral Symptoms (Dr. Peter Scire/Brain Balance Achievement Centers) – Brain Balance is a unique, non medical, program based on the principles of Hemispheric Integration. At this workshop you will learn the science behind the Brain Balance Program as well as why this program can produce measurable, permanent results in a short period of time. You will also learn what the underlying cause of these symptoms is.
(Room 115/116)

Homeschooling Civics 101 (Mike Olson/HEIR [Home Education Information Resource]) – Learn the requirements of Georgia law for home study programs &, just as importantly, appreciate the freedoms that the law respects. How have we gotten to where we are? Who & what forces threaten the free practice of home education? (You might be surprised.) How do we defend our freedom? What is more important: Access to the taxpayer-funded resources, albeit fair, or practicing home education without third party oversight (3PO)? (Room 117)

Math-U-See: Clarity & Fun at All Levels of Math (Sandra Rush/Math-U-See) – See how fun & understandable math can be using manipulatives for concrete understanding of math concepts. Whether you’re a whiz at math or have struggled, this program is for you. In other words, Math for life! An enlightening & entertaining workshop. (Room 118)

Raising Kids who Love to Learn with Guidance, Great Books and Good Times – (Jennifer Scheler/Sonlight Curriculum) – Education can and should be enjoyable…for both students and teachers. In this workshop you’ll learn from a 13-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. See how 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!  (Room 119)

12:30 PM

Help Your Children Be Great at Math…Whether You Are or Not! (Dana Mosely/Chalkdust) Discover the top three things parents can do to prepare their children, of any age, mathematically.  A good math education is often the gateway to higher learning and if a student can’t pass College Algebra, they will most likely drop out of college. So, learn how to keep them on top of their math game!  Learn why some math books are terrific and some…not so much.  Discover how competition is improving math instruction and who the really great math authors are.  Don’t miss this highly informative workshop! (Room 102)

Teaching Struggling Readers & Spellers (Denise Eide/Spell to Write & Read) – Do you have a child who struggles with reading or spelling? So many people who struggle are auditory or kinesthetic learners. We will discuss how to target these learners & help them to soar by using all four learning modes. In addition many children with logical/literal, engineering minds become frustrated by English, when they are taught inconsistent, funny phonics rules. Sadly, these learners often internalize “I am not good at English”. (Room 104)

Best Tips for Big Families (Kelly Ling/Homeschool Mom of 5) – While big families present big fun, it takes some unique approaches to raise big families. As one of nine children (#8!) and a homeschooling mom of a large family, Kelly gives parents tips on life with a big family – grocery shopping, meals, activities, chores, organizing, and even how to handle those comments about your family from strangers.  These practical and helpful tips will help improve the life of ANY size family! (Room 105)

Homeschool to College, Military & Beyond (Cara Ellison/Orchard/Westridge Christian Academy) – Wondering how you are going to get your homeschool student into College or the Military? This workshop is designed to give you guidance & information that will help you make the transition from Homeschool to College, Military & beyond. Cara Ellison has homeschooled her three sons on to college & the military. Listen to her as she shares her experiences & insights. (Room 106)

Homeschool Apologetics 101: Why Homeschooling is the Only Sane Solution to the Culture’s Attack on Children (Dr. Karen Gushta/Research Coordinator of Coral Ridge Ministries, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, author of The War on Children: How Pop Culture and Public Schools Put Our Kids at Risk) Have you found yourself engaged in conversations with friends and family who think you are slightly loopy for choosing to homeschool your children? This workshop will give you the facts and the arguments to use in sharing with them why your choice is not only the best for you, but is in fact the only sane response to the things that are happening in the culture and in government controlled schools today. The speaker, Dr. Karen Gushta, is Research Coordinator for Coral Ridge Ministries and author of The War on Children: How Pop Culture and Public Schools Put Our Kids at Risk, and co-author of Ten Truths About Socialism. (Room 108)

Using Art to Improve Your Child’s Abilities in Reading, Writing, Handwriting and Math (Jessica Reck/Homeschool Mother of 2) – Jessica Reck has discovered the joy of using art to teach perceptual, motor and sensory issues that can sometimes get in the way of learning. Every child has the ability to create art and, through this experience, to develop skills in areas in which he or she is experiencing challenges. Join Jessica in this workshop to learn how you too can use art in homeschool and especially help children who might struggle with reading, writing, handwriting and math. (Room 110)

A Christian Approach to Scientific Technologies (Michelle Holland/Rainbow Resource Center) – From stem cells and cloning to genetic engineering, new scientific technologies are constantly being developed. How should we respond as Christians? Are there some guiding principles to help us evaluate these complex issues? (Room 112)

The Five Finger Paragraph (Johnnie Lewis/The Five Finger Paragraph) – “The Five Finger Paragraph” is a brain-based method of teaching students AND adults to write paragraphs and essays without the stress.  The method learned is very kinesthetic in nature, making it very simple to learn and yet easy to remember.  Everyone in class will write an essay! (Room 113/114)

The Secret Weapon in Academic Success (Dr. Carol Reynolds/Professor Carol/Discovering Music) – Our modern society has dismissed music, the arts, and cultural literacy as…  (Room 115/116)

Flashcards: There IS Another Answer! (Wendy Braswell/RightStart Mathematics by Activities for Learning, Inc.) – Memorizing 390 math facts is exhausting. Sadly, whatever is learned by rote needs frequent review to stay learned. On the other h&, games are fun & exciting, games provide practice for the facts, & games become an application for the information! Children of various abilities can play together. Join us for some FUN as we play addition, multiplication, & fraction games. (Room 117)

Creativity: More Than a Pretty Picture (Kim A. Howe/Moving Beyond the Page) – An orderly and unimaginative homeschool environment can produce pliant, disciplined children. Without creativity, however, we will fail to nurture the problem solvers and innovators of the future. Creativity is much more than being able to draw a pretty picture. In this session, we will look at the importance of creativity and will explore fun and exciting ways to develop a creative homeschool environment. If you homeschool a creative child, we will provide you with some important tools to encourage this creative potential. (Room 118)

Kaplan Writing Workshop (Kaplan Tutoring) Description Coming Soon (Room 119)

1:45 PM

Discover the Lost Tools of Learning (Julie Melendez/Classical Conversations) – Description Will Be Updated Soon! (Room 102)

Teaching the JR and SR High School Sciences at Home (Kyle McManamy/Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc.) – This seminar explains how any parent can help his or her children learn science at the upper levels. By the time a homeschooled student reaches high school, both the student and the parent should be able to learn by reading. Thus, we admonish the parent to learn the subject right along with the student. With both the parent and the student helping each other learn, an upper level science experience can be equally rewarding for both! In order to help the homeschooling parent plan his or her science curriculum, this session provides study timelines for both the science-oriented and the non science-oriented student. In addition, he also discusses the mathematical skills needed in order to maintain the proposed timeline. Finally, the session discusses the curriculum that will make it possible for the homeschooling parent to provide a quality high school science education for his or her children. (Room 104)

Georgia Geographic Alliance Presents: Best Practices for Learning Geographic Skills (Members of the Georgia Geographic Society, Kennesaw State University) Participants are led in a variety of activities from Kindergarten through High School that encourage children to relate what they are learning to their real everyday life.  This approach doesn’t require expensive equipment or texts and most resources are free from your home, your public library or National Geographic. (Room 105)

Organization 2010: Save Money, Create Space, Teach Critical Thinking, Share with Family and Involve Dad (Madon Dailey/Nancy Larson Publishers) – How to 1) organize projects and papers, file and keep for future reference, while freeing up storage room; 2) teach children critical thinking (analysis, application, synthesis and evaluation) while they organize and share their projects with Grandparents, plus a great gift idea; 3) involve Dad and help children review their analysis and evaluation choices; makes lasting impressions on both. There is a lot to share. Come prepared to rethink organization. (Room 106)

Home Business & Home Education: Overwhelming or a Successful Mix (Marjorie Clark/GNLD Products) Description Added Soon (Room 108)

Toxic Brain: Death to Learning (Karen Hopkins/Growing Healthy Homes) – Description Will Be Updated Soon! (Room 110)

Ideas for Creating & Augmenting a Valid, Engaging, & Customized Foreign Language Curriculum without Stress (Jessie McGuire/Bilingual Books) – The speaker will present ideas on how to implement a foreign language program capitalizing on the learners’ interests and without involving a major expenditure of time or money. Valuable online resources for most major languages will be given, as well as fun, engaging and educational projects that can involve the entire family. (Room 112)

Expert Advice for Helping the Struggling Reader and Writer (Donna Lookenott/Homeschooling Mom of 6, Tutor) – Tutor and Certified Wilson Language Instructor, Donna describes her journey to find answers for her daughter’s reading difficulties.  See how the multisensory, structured, sequential approach allows children to become fluent readers and spellers. Homeschool parent and child friendly materials end frustrations! (Room 113/114)

Integrating the Seven C’s of Biblical History into your Curriculum (Polly Brown/Answers In Genesis) – Discover practical ways to implement the seven critical events from our Biblical history into your teaching no matter what curriculum you are currently using. It is so important to purpose to teach a true Biblical worldview. (Room 115/116)

The Value of a Classical Education (Tanya Charlton/Memoria Press) – This workshop deals with the value of studying Latin and the classics. It also provides guidance for integrating these courses into an existing curriculum. (Room 117)

Why Art is Essential to your Child’s Education (Geri Dietz/ARTS Attack) – This presentation will review the important role art plays in developing right brain skills (creativity, synthesis, spatial awareness, intuition, imagination, visualization, etc.) and in enabling children to develop their full potential as students. It will also review the Atelier art program; and discuss the essential elements of a successful program while viewing slides of children’s artwork. (Room 118)

Music Makes a Major Difference (Lisa Brown/Homeschool Mom) -  Music is such fun ~ we all enjoy it! What we did not know is that it improves many other areas of learning exponentially! In this enjoyable workshop, learn why music is so important, what areas of learning it improves and why, and how it broadens our horizons in ways we never imagined. Here you will even learn how to apply music to help your special needs child. Finally, we can understand some of the many reasons we are all so drawn to music, automatically! Come learn what a major difference music really makes ~ you will be amazed! (Room 119)

3:00 PM

The Biblical Basis for Parental Rights (Israel Wayne/Wisdom’s Gate) – Who owns the children? Does the state have a compelling interest in your child’s education? What are your rights as a homeschooling parent? Do you know what to do if a social worker shows up for an unexpected visit? Israel shares personal stories and insights from the early days of the homeschooling movement when many parents faced jail and the removal of their children from the home if they chose to home educate. Learn how to equip yourself to stand against opposition. (Room 102)

Story Writing with Excellence in Writing (Pamela White/Excellence in Writing) – Does your student protest that book reports ruin the book? Are theirs either impossible summaries or fill-in-the blank book reports leaving no room for composition or style? Learn Excellence in Writing’s method to write both meaningful book reports & fantastic stories for children of all levels & creative abilities. Working from a key word outline, specific enough to give students detail to work from yet brief enough to sketch it quickly, students write three-paragraph compositions on stories of any length. They learn specific tools to add style, so that even reluctant writers successfully compose well-organized and stylish critiques! (Room 104)

Language Arts that Really Communicate (Debbie Strayer/Co-founder of Homeschooling Today Magazine) – Children are born with a God-given desire to communicate! In this seminar, Debbie will talk about the key areas of communication and how to develop your child’s skills in each area. As Christian homeschooling parents, we have been freed from “worldly philosophies” and are able to do what is efficient and effective. Come and learn about ways to decrease stress and increase productivity in your language arts instruction! (Room 105)

NFC Academy (Mr. Jim Lieser/NFC Academy) – This workshop will provide the Home School family with the tools to create a rich media driven curriculum with a Biblical Worldview.  Students can bring the education to just about anywhere with the use of the Internet.  Lesson plans created and adjusted as needed with grading of most assignments instantly.  NFC Academy teachers provide students with the direction and assistance needed to make home school a success. The curriculum from grades three to twelve is rich in attractive media that draws the student’s attention.  Those pursuing a high school degree  can depend upong the regionally accredited degree as they pursue colleges of their choice. (Room 106)

The Power of a Simple Gift: Sharing the Joy of Christmas (Phil Barks/Samaritan’s Purse) – What better way to teach your children the true meaning of Christmas than by involving them in a simple, hands-on giving project?  Operation Christmas Child delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to needy children around the world in over 100 countries.  Not only will your children have the opportunity to learn the value of giving to another child in need, they will be a part of sharing the good news of Christ- the greatest gift of all!  This fun and interactive workshop with allow you to experience the journey of a shoebox so you can see the “power of a simple gift.”  All the resources you’ll need to get your kids excited will be provided.  (Room 112)

Morals and Music (Bonnie Simon/Maestro Classics) – Listening to music increases creativity, develops listening skills, and promotes a lifelong love of music. Discover how this new series of CDs with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and narrator also provides opportunities to discuss the importance of core values of love, loyalty, friendship and diligence as well as the dangers of pride, taking shortcuts, and not listening to parents. (Room 113/114)

Yes! Your Child Can Get a Great Homeschool Math Education (Randi St. Denis, Homeschool Mother of 7, Educational Consultant/Tutor) – Even if you hated Math and know you can’t teach more than arithmetic, you can give your child a great math education.  Randi shares secrets that help parents choose great math materials and finally understand how to help their kids without all the mom’s, dad’s or children’s tears.  Randi reviews curriculums and gives all kinds of helps and learning tricks from Arithmetic to Calculus. (Room 115/116)

Occupying Preschoolers While Teaching Older Children (Amy Quakkelaar/My Father’s World Books) – 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. (Room 117)

Couponing 101 (Michele Helms/Homeschool Mother of 5) – Michele can show you how to cut hundreds of dollars out of your budget and still feed your family healthy nutritious meals. This workshop is filled with visuals so that you can leave and start saving $$$ immediately on groceries, toiletries and gifts. Michele has shown thousands of families how to save big and use that money toward paying down debt or having the ability to give more away!(Room 118)