2017 Workshop Schedule

Workshop Listing Format:

Room Location
Title of Workshop
Name of Speaker
Name of Company
Workshop Description

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Friday, July 28, 2017

Moms of Many Children, Take Heart!
Charlotte Ellard
Room: 105
A mother of 12 homeschooled children, Charlotte is eager to share how she managed to homeschool with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and teenagers–all at the same time! Focusing this workshop on keeping life positive, simple, productive and mostly in order! Come be encouraged and glean some practical knowledge from a mom who not only survived 20+ years of toddlerhood but has actually enjoyed raising her 12 toddlers and is now helping with her 5 grandchildren while homeschooling her last 2 teenage boys.

Power of Definitions and Routines
Jenni & Jody – POP Parenting
Room: 106
It is amazing how wrapping simple words around abstract concepts can totally shift an atmosphere. In this workshop Jenni and Jody will show you how a shared vocabulary puts everyone in the family on the same page and brings peace and order to the home. Definitions covered in this workshop that will change your family dynamic include: disobedience, willful disobedience, honor vs. respect, fairness vs. justice, tattling vs. telling and sarcasm vs. facetiousness. Just as definitions bring a sense of peace and justice, routine has the power to override emotions and take over where anger might normally do the driving. Routine also provides predictability, which makes kids feel safe and helps them develop lifelong habits that will add to their peace and productivity. In this workshop, Jenni and Jody will share routines that can be particularly helpful to homeschool families.

How To Succeed in Chemistry & Other Sciences
Brenda Esselman
Room: 109
Chemistry and sciences require a different learning and reading comprehension skill than other subjects like english, history, or social studies. This workshop will expose tips, techniques and strategies that will help students in the sciences get an A+ in class. Students and parents should attend this workshop to begin to understand the new/different skills that are needed to be successful in science as one progresses toward high school graduation and then onto college. Plus there will be a fun chemistry demo to watch during this time with ‘learnchemistrybetter.com’

Blended Learning & Student Ownership
Amanda Glover
Room: 110
Blended learning, including homeschool education, should launch students into a world where they are empowered by their growth and engaged with effective technology, building on their 21st century skills. Our hands-on professional development workshop is aimed at supporting educators looking to enhance the learning environment they’ve already begun. Participants will self-select their learning goals and have relevant learning playlists to create a space driven by student choice and voice. Kiddom will be highlighted as a free personalized learning platform option, while we will also be highlighting several other digital media resources such as Playposit, Flocabulary, Google Drive, Khan Academy, and more. The PD is designed to showcase multiple approaches to blended learning and fostering student ownership, including the four different learning models and exploring multiple educators’ experience with the strategy. Kiddom’s platform is free for educators and students, making it an ideal supplemental tool to homeschool education. Coming from the classroom myself, and still teaching a weekly class, our team is comprised of several former teachers still engaging with students on a regular basis.

Why the Struggle with Reading Comprehension?
Dr. David Cook
Room: 111
Your child’s reading comprehension is not as good as you would expect. Is it dyslexia? Is it a language problem? Is it an attention problem. Is it a vision problem? Is it all or none of these? Let Dr. Cook guide you through a commonsense approach for finding where to begin in enhancing your child’s ability to read, learn, and attend.

SumBlox. A New, Incredibly Fun Way to Teach Kids Math
David Skaggs
Room: 112
SumBlox, a new approach to teaching elementary mathematics through tangible wooden shaped number blocks. Each number block scales in height to represent its value. This simple system for visual comparisons create a tangible number line where nearly all elementary math problems can be done through exciting games and challenges. Addition through fractions. Participants will discuss and take part in the SumBlox concepts and games.

Unlocking the Secrets to Free College
Christine Torre
Room: 113/114
Parents with kids of any age will learn the secrets to college scholarships – It’s never too early to start earning money for college! Billions of dollars in college scholarships go unclaimed every year. Seats at tuition FREE colleges go empty every year. This is money your family can tap into IF you know the secrets to free college! Some of this money can be tapped into the moment your child is born! Middle school students can easily start earning scholarship money! High school students can earn $500 an hour for college without taking on a part time job! In this valuable workshop, Christine will unlock the well-kept secrets that make college affordable for every family!!

Home Business Education 101 – 7 foundational principles that aren’t taught in school
Rhea Perry
Room: 115/116
Owning a home business is just one way for young people to implement practical leadership abilities to impact their world. Leadership education is different from employee-oriented education. So how do you know if you are encouraging your students to be leaders or workers? Get the answers, plus learn the secrets of entrepreneurial education the Perry family has discovered from almost 30 years of homeschooling about educating children, not just to get a diploma but to live financially free!

How Kids and MOM Benefit from Learning a Foreign Language
Misty Bailey
Room: 117
Foreign Language: Learning a foreign language can be fun and rewarding to our children. It also comes with many benefits including an expanded worldview, better interpersonal relationships academic achievement and career success, and much more. However, did you know that YOU can benefit from learning a foreign language also? In this workshop, we are going to discuss the many benefits of teaching a foreign language for mom and kids. We are going to take a look at the different ways you can teach a foreign language, as well as the best methods for teaching a foreign language to kids. This workshop, through demonstrations, discussion, and videos, will show workshop participants how adding a foreign language component to their homeschool curricula will benefit them and their children as well as how it will add an element of fun and enrichment to their homeschool studies.

After The Fact: Historical Literacy, and Why It Matters
Annette Laing
Room: 118
Kids fed up memorizing dates? Meet Non-Boring Academic Historian and Time-Travel Author (The Snipesville Chronicles) Annette Laing. In this entertaining presentation, Annette explains what history is, its connection with facts, and how to engage your homeschoolers in thinking historically.

Let’s Discuss Unschooling: What Is It and How To Do It
Mikala Streeter
Room: 119
Unschooling is an approach to education where learning is driven by the student’s interests and goals, instead of a pre-set curriculum. As adults, we learn all of the time through experiences, trips, books, and conversations (long before we turn to a textbook), but we don’t often give our children an opportunity to learn in this way. This workshop is for families considering a different way to educate their children at home, but have questions about what actually is unschooling and how to do it effectively. We’ll discuss fears and worries (eg. math, college admissions, “missing the core stuff”) and practical tips for getting started. Current unschooling families are also welcome to come and share their experiences and insights.

11:15 AM to 12:15 PM – Friday, July 28, 2017

Frustrated, Perfectionistic Kids: Guiding and Changing Their Behavior
Dr. Kathy Koch
Room: 105
Are your children easily frustrated by their mistakes – even small ones? Do they give up too quickly when something is hard? Do they resist taking risks? Do they want everything to be easy and is getting them to put forth effort like pulling teeth? Learn what contributes to all of this and what to do. Ideas will be practical, realistic, and relevant to all ages.

Nurturing Talent and Passion in Your Children
Holly Giles
Room: 106
Holly’s passion is to inspire you to find your children’s God-given talents and skills. She shares her personal story of how she was led to embrace non-traditional education for her son and use his skills and passions to teach. Holly will help you find sparks of skills and talents in your children that will motivate them beyond paper and pen.

Lessons from Harvard: A Biblical Reimagination of Higher Education 
Finny Kuruvilla
Room: 108
The modern higher education system is broken. With their skyrocketing costs, unfocused curriculum, and lack of real Christian leadership, many colleges today are destroying, instead of helping young Christians to prosper in their post-secondary faithwalk. Dr. Finny Kuruvilla, having obtained his MD-PhD from Harvard and Master’s in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from MIT, saw first-handedly the dire spiritual and intellectual state among many schools. Finny would like to invite you to examine with him the Biblical purpose of a higher education, and reimagine what a truly Christ-centered college experience would look like.

Brain Based Strategies for Improving and Eliminating Neurodevelopmental and Learning Disorders.
Dana Hernandez
Room: 109
Brain Balance is an after school program utilizing the latest brain research to help children with Learning Disorders like ADHD, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and Autism to function better academically, socially and behaviorally. Research shows that children with these labels have areas of brain underconnectivity, especially between the right and left hemispheres. One of the two hemispheres of the Brain has become STRONGER AND FASTER and the other has become WEAKER AND SLOWER. When this happens the two hemispheres become functionally disconnected and are unable to communicate effectively. The characteristics of the stronger, faster hemisphere become amplified while the characteristics of the weaker, slower hemisphere are muted. This lack of balance translates into the noticeable academic, social and behavioral problems that these children exhibit. Come Learn how the Brain Balance Program™ identifies and improves areas of Brain Underconnectivity to give your child their best chance at success.

The Homeschool Edge: How homeschooling prepared me for success in college.
Jordan Crenshaw
Room: 110
In The Homeschool Edge I will share how homeschooling equipped me for success in college, how I started my college search as a homeschool student, and share advice and tips for students and families as they begin their college search and application process.

Pen to Paper: The Publishing Process to Launching Your Book
Ann Haney
Room: 111
So you want to write a book, but have no idea where to start, then this workshops for you. Ann Haney will help you go from idea to implementation in easy to understand steps that go beyond the binding to detailed components that make up a good book. Ann Haney will break down the basics and beyond in a simple format answering a writer’s most frequently asked questions. Ann is the CEO of Aaron Publishing and author of over eighteen published books. Since 2001 Ann has experienced the writer’s process from beginning to end learning the do’s and don’ts to help a writer achieve their goals and experience their dreams of becoming a published author. The only question remaining…..Are you ready to put your pen to paper and turn your passion into print?

Engaging with the Ancient World
Morgan Cantrell
Room: 112
Want to experience the ancient Biblical world without leaving Georgia? Look no further than Biblical History Center! At BHC, we focus on bringing the ancient world to life through hands on activity, food, and lectures. This workshop will detail the various ways we engage.

The Ten Biggest Mistakes in Homeschooling High School Students
Brenda Farrell
Room: 113/114
Did you know that homeschoolers were once considered students worth pursuing by colleges and universities? Did you also know that this is changing? With the growth of homeschooling, comes the reality that not all homeschoolers were educated equal. As a result, college, universities and even scholarship committees are taking a harder look at homeschoolers. What can you do to ensure that your homeschooler stands out in a crowd? In this workshop, we will examine the ten biggest mistakes in homeschooling high school students, how to avoid them and how to ensure that your child stands out.

Am I Doing Enough? How to Evaluate Student Progress
Jennifer Henn
Room: 115/116
Do you wonder if you’re assigning enough work? Or maybe too much? Learn to evaluate your child so you’ll know when to move forward or revisit an area. Learn how to grade projects and writing assignments. Jennifer will also show you how to combine subjects and help you create easy record keeping.

Multi-Age and Multi-Subject All Together Without Mom Losing Her Mind
Julia Nalle
Room: 117
Are you longing to find ways in your day to bring all your children together around the table? Are you looking for a history and literature curriculum that allows you to meet the needs of each of your children on their level and in their style of learning? Are you tired of juggling different time periods for the different grade levels? Are you overwhelmed with the extra work your curriculum requires you to do just to teach the lesson? Do you want a curriculum that makes history fun and engaging and fun for the whole family? Do you want your children to watch the pages of history unfold while reading quality literature that lines up with what they are learning? Do you want your children to learn Bible, church and missionary history alongside world history? Come learn about BiblioPlan as well as tips and tricks for teaching history, literature, writing, Bible, geography, art and more across multi?age levels.

How to Think and Talk Math!
Dennis DiNoia
Room: 118
What if math was its own language? Learn to speak math similar to the way you learn to speak other new languages. Learn the basic foundations on which the math language is created and how to see Algebra skills in basic math. This workshop will give participants wanting to expand their thinking to higher levels of math using basic operations they already know. Learn how the “secrets” of mental math and how to apply them in everyday situations. Participants access a common math language that can be used at any grade level.

The Struggling Reader
Kristen Eckenwiler
Room: 119
Does your son or daughter seem to be faltering in their efforts to learn to read? Is it the curriculum? Is it you? Based on current research, Kristen and her husband have designed this workshop to help parents better understand the most essential elements of the reading process, along with those critical ingredients that must be emphasized to produce a successful, capable reader. Attend this workshop and receive an additional 10% discount on any of The Struggling Reader products found in our booth in the vendor hall.

12:30 PM to 1:30 PM – Friday, July 28, 2017

7 Keys to College Admission and Scholarships: Setting Your Child Up for Success and Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Charlotte Ellard
Room: 105
The current Coordinator of Homeschool Admission for Berry College and a mother who has helped her children apply successfully to over 25 different colleges, Charlotte shares what makes a good candidate for college admission and scholarships. With nine children attending college on scholarships over the last 13 years, Charlotte has seen many changes within the college admission landscape, mostly to the advantage of homeschoolers. Valuable insights learned as both a parent and an admission counselor can encourage families of perspective college students.

Seven Life Breathing Phrases to Speak To Your Kids
Alice Reinhardt
Room: 106
What grade do you give yourself in communicating with your children? What grade would they give you? Don’t let poor communication stand in the way of your relationship with others, especially your children. Learning to communicate is a life-long process and most of us have never been given the proper tools to improve or direct communication away from harmful words. Hurtful communication actually damages relationships in the long term and negatively affects your homeschooling. Applying these seven phrases can be an incredible tool in your homeschool toolbox.

Raising Boys to be Gentlemen
Monica Irvine
Room: 108
Parents, this is such an important workshop if you are raising boys & girls! We’ve got to do all that we can to help our boys understand that these life skills will directly impact every part of their life, both personally and professionally. These skills change lives and contribute to happier, healthier and more stable relationships. These skills are essential for true success. However, we also must ensure that our daughters know what a gentleman looks like so they will know how to find one someday. Dads, you will be so grateful you attended this as well. You can’t raise a gentleman if you’re not a gentleman. Let’s make sure we are. Don’t miss this!

Harnessing the Value of Online Educational Programs, Content and Curriculum for Homeschool Education
Trina Angelone
Room: 109
Participants will learn how to differentiate between all the programs, resources, and “edutainment” on the market today. Trina will share the “Value of Online Educational Programs, Content and Curriculum for Homeschool Education”, while holding true to the values and standards that are so important to homeschool families. Format: Presentation with Open Question Forum for active participation.

Is Math Straining your Relationship with your Children? (Let’s Identify the Trouble Spots)
Tom Clark
Room: 110
Join Tom Clark, founder of VideoText Interactive, and author of “Algebra: A Complete Course”, and “Geometry: A Complete Course”, as he offers an entertaining and educational session designed to help you discover the reasons behind the difficulty, on several of the traditional trouble spots in math. Topics discussed will be determined by the audience, and may include division of fractions and multiplication of decimals (using those mindless rules), long-division, story-problems, positive and negative numbers, and numerous others, all of which seem to indicate that Mathematics is just naturally “difficult”.

Move On When Ready: Jump Ahead!
Christopher Williams
Room: 111
Christopher will present framework of Move On When Ready and how it has evolved, and requirements regarding Early College at Young Harris College.

RightStart™ Math: Let’s Play Games!
Kathleen Cotter Lawler
Room: 112
Are you tired of flashcards? Does your child cry when you give another timed math fact quiz? Are you both beating your head against the wall because your child can’t seem to remember the multiples of 7? This workshop will show you fabulous and effective alternatives to worksheets and flashcards by playing easy and fun math card games. Imagine your kids asking you to practice their math facts more! Come and discover games to help your child learn their math facts!

Well Planned Day, Yes It’s Possible
Rebecca Farris
Room: 113/114
Having a productive day is so much more than buying a planner or a tool for organization. In this workshop, Rebecca, the Well Planned Gal, takes listeners a few steps back, helping them begin with a philosophy and understanding of the uniqueness God has created in each family. From there, Rebecca explores ten essentials for having a Well Planned Day.

What Mattered Most: Recollections of a Homeschool Graduate
Ashley Wiggers
Room: 115/116
It can be difficult to keep the big picture of homeschooling in mind amidst the trials of everyday life. Ashley will share about what really makes a difference in the end, from the perspective of a homeschool graduate. She will speak to common concerns on the hearts and minds of parents and bring encouragement for the journey ahead.

Schooling at Home While Working at Home
Misty Bailey
Room: 117
Are you thinking of working from home, but aren’t sure where to start? There are so many options out there that the idea of working from home can be mind-boggling. This is especially true when you also have a houseful of kids to educate. Misty has been where you are, and in this session, she is going to walk you through the process of working from home, step by step. From finding a job to getting hired to managing your time, house and family, everything will be covered and when you leave the session you will have an idea in mind to begin your work from home career.

Piecing Together the High School Puzzle
Joanne Mastronicola
Room: 118
This workshop discusses credits, course content, transcripts, graduation, college admission requirements, vocational preparation, ways to deal with classes for which you do not feel qualified to teach, earning high school credit in middle school, volunteer hours, working toward scholarships for college, and much more. Taught by Joanne Mastronicola, author of Piecing Together the High School Puzzle.

The Three Keys to Homeschool Science
Paige Hudson
Room: 119
Teaching science at home really can be as easy as 1-2-3! In this session, Paige details the three key ingredients for teaching science in your homeschool. She also provides several tools and methods you can use to apply the keys to your homeschool education plan from preschool through high school.

1:45 PM to 2:45 PM – Friday, July 28, 2017

Maximize the Genius Qualities in Your Children
Dr. Kathy Koch
Room: 105
It’s very probable that you and your children are blessed with many of the 12 genius qualities identified by studying classic geniuses of all times. You might have much in common with Edison and Einstein! Dr. Kathy will share the list of genius qualities (e.g., curiosity, playfulness, imagination). We’ll examine the list (you’ll probably be surprised), define the qualities, and consider how they might be shut down and can be encouraged in our children.

From C’s to A’s in One Semester
Jenni & Jody – POP Parenting
Room: 106
Does your student really know how to take notes? And does he know what to do with the notes that he does take? Does your student know how to create study tools (and we don’t mean flash cards), and does he know how to pre-test so that he always gets great grades? In this workshop, Jenni and Jody will talk about how to prepare your student throughout high school to be able to ace college classes. Topics include how to partner with the instructor, how to pre-learn the material, how to use telegraphic sentences to take effective notes, five different methods for note processing, how to create a study timeline and effectively use study groups and the best ways to prepare for exams. These very methods have helped students turn Cs into As in just one semester!

Can You Teach Your Child to Manage Their Time?
Gretchen Roe
Room: 108
Imagine your child bring able to manage their time in to their school tasks. What if your child learned to successfully estimate the length of an academic task – and stuck to it until it was finished? Join Gretchen Roe as she teaches you this simple, effective, practical time management tool.

The Laws of Motion – Integrating Physical Activity and Academics that Makes Moving and Learning FUN!
Suzanne Stone
Room: 109
Numerous studies reveal that regular physical activity is critical to children’s mental and physical health, and has been shown to reduce stress, improve concentration and academic performance. This workshop integrates academic components and physical activity in a unique format that helps develop healthier, more productive children. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this engaging and inspiring workshop! Physical Activity has never been so much fun!

Early College for Every Student
Christine Torre
Room: 110
Most home schooled teens can be ready for dual enrollment as early as age 14 or 15. Even teens with learning challenges can be successful in early college. Many home school parents doubt their teen’s abilities and shy away from early college opportunities for their average or challenged learners. Average students and challenged students who are motivated can and do succeed, even rise above expectations, in early college classes. This workshop will explore how to prepare your teen for dual enrollment, how to motivate your student and how to navigate the college terrain with a student who has learning challenges. You’ll be surprised by how much your teen can accomplish with the right skills, tools and encouragement!

Transforming Struggling Readers to Excellent Readers in Months—Not Years!
Dee Tadlock, Ph.D.
Room: 111
“If we are to obtain results never before achieved, we must expect to employ methods never before attempted.” (Francis Bacon) Learn about an innovative reading intervention program that challenges mainstream thinking in the field of reading and explains why so many students have reading problems. Research results will be presented, confirming the power of Read Right to dramatically transform struggling readers—in a matter of months, not years! Find out about Read Right’s neuroscience perspective, giving compelling evidence that reading problems can be quickly eliminated for readers of all ages. Your son or daughter can have access to the Read Right methodology at home through real-time live tutoring via the internet.

Using Essential Oils to assist with homeschooling
Stephanie Howells-Scoville
Room: 112
Sharing ways that essential oils can be beneficial in parenting and the homeschool environment.

Teaching Your Kids to Manage Money
Cynthia Simmons
Room: 113/114
Homeschool parents have the privilege of teaching their children life skills as well as academic. What an important topic! This class will cover a Biblical approach to money and demonstrate handling resources wisely. Ideas on teaching various age groups will be included.

Early Elementary HomeSchool…It’s the Simple Things
Tracee Wood
Room: 115/116
Everything is full… the subject list, the wish list, even the daily task list. Why can’t I breathe? Too often our lists stay full but our check offs seem few and far between. When do things actually get “done?” What’s the right combination? How can I make it all work together and fall in place? Not everything requires a full production – use the simple things to cross the curriculum, round out the lessons, and complete the picture. Let yourself and your student experience not only the joy of accomplishment but also the love of learning.

Clarify What It Is That You Want Your Children To Learn
Van Marosek
Room: 117
When we think of schooling we think of academic classes: math, reading, writing, history, science, and others. But, is that all we want our children to learn? Homeschoolers have opportunities to teach our children to learn much, much more and our unique experiences and background can be a part of the customized curriculum for our children. After more than ten years of homeschooling her three daughters, Van helps parents learn to make the most of their homeschooling years, by creating unique learning experiences. She also encourages parents to think about some of the things children are not learning but ought to in order to be successful, not just in school but in life.

How can I help my young gifted artist?
Dwayne Walker
Room: 118
Join a conversation with the creative professional, Dwayne Walker, as he gives you a crash course on teaching you how to help your young artist develop at any age without having artistic abilities yourself.

What EVERY Mother of a Preschooler Needs to Know
Kathy Lee
Room: 119
If you have little ones, you DO NOT want to miss this session. Children get one shot at childhood and it is our job to make it count. You will leave this session with some practical tips on how to engage and connect with your child. We will take a trip down memory lane that will make you laugh and possibly shed a few tears. Either way, you will be challenged and hopefully changed to take on mothering with a newfound passion.

3:00 PM to 4:00 PM – Friday, July 28, 2017

Lessons from Over 30 Years of homeschooling or What I Would Have Done Differently
Charlotte Ellard
Room: 105
Successes and failures of over 30 years of homeschooling. 12 children provide a plethora of veteran insights. Goals, schedules, record keeping, life skills, grades, whining, multiple level schooling, sibling rivalry, laundry, meals, budgets and more. Extensive Q & A for an individualized workshop.

Surviving Exhausting Joy
Holly Giles
Room: 106
Home-schooling can be a challenge in itself. However add in family, marriage, learning challenges and laundry and the joy in our days can turn into exhaustion. Follow Holly’s journey as she shares her funny and real stories of how God has helped her find joy in the messy days time and again. Her stories of survival will ring true with yours as she shares how you can survive the exhausting joy of being a wife, mother and home educator.

Lessons from Harvard: A Biblical Reimagination of Higher Education
Finny Kuruvilla
Room: 108
The modern higher education system is broken. With their skyrocketing costs, unfocused curriculum, and lack of real Christian leadership, many colleges today are destroying, instead of helping young Christians to prosper in their post-secondary faithwalk. Dr. Finny Kuruvilla, having obtained his MD-PhD from Harvard and Master’s in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from MIT, saw first-handedly the dire spiritual and intellectual state among many schools. Finny would like to invite you to examine with him the Biblical purpose of a higher education, and reimagine what a truly Christ-centered college experience would look like.

Teaching America’s Principles of Liberty to the Generations; How the Pathway to Liberty Curriculum Works
Jayme MacCullough
Room: 109
“Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people.” -John Adams Pathway to Liberty is a history-based curriculum designed around the key principles, people and events of liberty. The timeline begins with Creation and builds chronologically. We are holistic meaning that the subjects of literature, geography, writing and word studies coordinate and compliment the weekly history topic and principle. This approach submerges the student in the subject matter to encourage mastery of content. The workshop reviews the principles of liberty, what the curriculum offers and how it is flexible and easily implemented at home.

Simplifying Algebra for the Hesitant Learner (When are we going to need this stuff anyway?)
Tom Clark
Room: 110
Algebra is the study of relations (equations and inequalities). It is therefore essential that students completely and conceptually understand the basic concepts necessary to solve them. In this workshop, Tom Clark, founder of VideoText Interactive, and author of “Algebra: A Complete Course”, and “Geometry: A Complete Course”, will help you to develop an inquiry approach which is applicable to all basic relations. You will discover the analytical questions students need to ask, in order to “undo” all of the complications they may encounter, when solving equations and inequalities.

Best Practices for Teaching Reading
Lorie Delk
Room: 111
This workshop introduces research-based “best practices” in literacy instruction and provides practical advice on how to incorporate these practices in the homeschool environment. The key areas of instruction for a reading curriculum will be discussed. In addition, proven methods for effective teaching will be demonstrated.

Once Upon a Time… How Stories Teach, Whether We Like it or Not
Ryan Weston
Room: 112
From the pages of the Bible to the pages of a website, stories are among the most powerful means of communicating ideas. As educators, we need to understand how to utilize stories to teach our students. As parents, we need to understand that stories are already teaching our children, whether we like it or not. Come explore how stories teach and how we can create stories that teach our students.

Leveraging your child’s creative passions towards success
Dwayne Walker
Room: 113/114
Join the creative professional, Dwayne Walker, as he unveils tips and tricks that helped himself, as a homeschool student, go from tracing pictures in a coloring book to working with celebrities and large companies before he was 18 years old. You will leave this session inspired to help your child leverage their talents.

Our HomeSchool Vault
Tracee Wood
Room: 115/116
“Lions and Tigers and Bears – oh my.” These may have been the things that caused Dorothy and her friends to second guess their travels along the yellow brick road but for the homeschooling mom – it’s Papers and Tests and Plans – huge sigh. This workshop will center around focusing it all into one place, deciding what to keep, how to keep it, and finding it all when you need it. It is the reference book of your homeschool journey and the wish book of the things to come; and, it’s all practical and no “fru-fru.”

How I Homeschooled: The Good and the Not So Good
Van Marosek
Room: 117

Teaching Math In The Real World (Even if you have no idea)
Cassidy Cash
Room: 118
This session is designed for parents that want to show their kids where math is useful beyond just baking and compound interest, but they don’t know the relationships to things like rockets and airplanes. This workshop will walk you through key strategies you can use to make sure your kid’s math lessons are infused with real, relevant, activities that help them see why learning math matters.

The Homeschooler’s Guide to Experiments
Paige Hudson
Room: 119
Learn the why’s, what’s, and how’s of experiments. In this session, Paige explains the benefits and difficulties of incorporating experiments into the homeschool setting. She removes the fear of doing experiments at home by sharing the different types of scientific tests you can do at home. Along the way, she provides tips for adding experiments into your homeschool routine from preschool through high school, including a live demonstration on how you can use one experiment with multiple ages of students.

4:15 PM to 5:15 PM – Friday, July 28, 2017

Motivation Matters: Instill Hope
Dr. Kathy Koch
Room: 105
Learn about common causes of motivation problems and three things children must believe in order to be motivated. Learn many practical and realistic ideas such as how to effectively use positive and negative consequences, how to compliment and correct (and not criticize), which character qualities to prioritize, and the four roles parents must play in order to increase children’s motivation to learn, succeed, and obey. Ideas will be relevant to all ages.

Homeschooling With the End Result in Mind: The Elementary Years
Jenni & Jody – POP Parenting
Room: 106
What is the goal of education in the elementary years? “Homeschooling with the end result in mind” means starting with a vision and then creating a plan to reach your goals. In the elementary years, students need a strong foundation of basic skills (the three Rs). They need to develop a love of learning, and they need to explore interests and discover talents. In this workshop, Jenni and Jody will give you practical tools for “end result” schooling that you can put into practice as soon as you get home (and without having to purchase any extra curriculum).

Failure to Launch?  How to Help Your Teens Flourish in Life!
Leah St. Denis
Room 108
Raising a teenager and looking at next steps?  There’s many things that parents of teens need to know!  Join Homeschool graduate Leah St. Denis as she gives practical advice that anyone can use and suggestions to avoid common pitfalls.

Educating the Creative Learner
Lori Adams
Room: 109
Master’s Academy presents this workshop and speaker Lori Adams. Using her experience in working with home school families and providing strategies to families of students with a variety of diverse learners, Lori will discuss with parents the best ways to educate children using creative strategies to meet them where they are.

Teaching MOM (“Mysteries” of Math)
Christy Walters
Room: 110
Join noted author and highly successful math tutor Christy Walters as we discuss some common areas of difficulty in math. We will focus on operations with fractions, decimals, and positive and negative numbers, but requests from the audience will also be taken. We will discuss what the rules say, and we will also discuss the reasoning behind the rules.

Dual Enrollment online through University System of Georgia’s eCore.
Randy Blackmon
Room: 111
Online Dual Enrollment with free tuition and books through eCore and Move on When Ready. eCore offers the first two years of college level courses online through 23 affiliate University System of Georgia colleges and universities. Move On When Ready is Georgia’s non-need based grant that funds 9th through 12th graders for dual enrolled credit. Not only do these courses count as high school and college credit but also count toward Hope Scholarship rigor requirements. Over 700 eCore courses were taken for dual credit last year with a 90 percent success rate, earning college credit.

Experience Excellence in Writing
Rachel Rist
Room: 112
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. This workshop will give you an overview of the program and show you how you can get started.

Well Planned High Schoolers
Rebecca Farris
Room: 113/114
None of us wants our kids gaming on the basement couch at the age of thirty. In this workshop, Rebecca, the Well Planned Gal, gives parents a plan for navigating the high school years with wisdom and purpose. Parents can learn how to discover their child’s passion for the future, train them in time management, and help them understand how to handle money.

Making Your Test Scores Soar!
Dennis DiNoia
Room: 115
Mr. D, as he is known by his students and families, is a test-prep specialist! He was also the standardized testing consultant to the Kamaile Academy PCS in Waianae, HI, which had the most dramatic test score increase in its history and was named most improved charter school for all the Hawaiian Islands. This is a hands-on workshop giving those attending simple strategies for any testing situation. Learn Mr. D’s easy to follow 2-step method for test taking. The focus will be on math and reading comprehension standardized tests.

Benefit from Learning a Foreign Language
Kit Strauss
Room: 117
Foreign Language: Learning a foreign language can be fun and rewarding to our children. It also comes with many benefits including an expanded worldview, better interpersonal relationships academic achievement and career success, and much more. However, did you know that YOU can benefit from learning a foreign language also? In this workshop, we are going to discuss the many benefits of teaching a foreign language for mom and kids. We are going to take a look at the different ways you can teach a foreign language, as well as the best methods for teaching a foreign language to kids. This workshop, through demonstrations, discussion, and videos, will show workshop participants how adding a foreign language component to their homeschool curricula will benefit them and their children as well as how it will add an element of fun and enrichment to their homeschool studies.

GIVE ME LIBERTY, or GIVE ME ANOTHER PLOT LINE!
Jenny L. Cote
Room: 118
This workshop will cover Jenny’s research for her upcoming novel on Patrick Henry: The Voice, the Revolution, and the Key Go behind the scenes of Patrick Henry’s famous speech that rallied a nation to independence, and discover how it actually all started in Rome. Jenny will share how she is weaving together one fun plot line for this famous speech across two novels, and a second plot line across five novels.

Strategies To Teach a Struggling Reader
Kristen Eckenwiler, M.Ed.
Room: 119
By request, this workshop is offered to provide practical application of the five key elements of reading discussed in the workshop, “The Struggling Reader” Whether you attended the earlier workshop or not, you will be blessed by learning about teaching strategies and innovative activities that not only gives you fresh ideas for more effective teaching, but will also help you better understand the essentials for reading success.

5:30 PM to 6:30 PM – Friday, July 28, 2017

Well Prepared High School Students
Charlotte Ellard
Room: 105
Whether your child is pursuing college or a career straight from high school, being sure they are well prepared is a daunting task. With 10 graduates from their homeschool, the Ellards have successfully launched students into both college and careers. As a homeschooling mom and Admission Counselor for Berry College, Charlotte understands how graduating our students can have parents holding their breath. Keys to smooth transitions, admirable interviews and admission portfolios are some of the topics covered in this workshop.

What Do You Know That’s True?
Alice Reinhardt
Room: 106
Titus 1:2 says that God can not lie. So where do these lies come from that seem to keep homeschooling moms shackled with guilt and frustration? Do other moms have it more together than you, including their homes and their kids? Are other mothers more patient or more disciplined than you? Does God even like you? Been there and done that (and still occasionally do), 35 years of parenting and homeschooling and this mom and grandmother will assure you that everything is going to be ok.

Exploring College Alternatives
Dale Callahan
Room: 108
When your kids want to be educated, but they don’t believe college is the right step for them, this workshop will help you explore options that prepare them to be educated and earn a living without requiring an academic degree.

How Can I Teach My Kids a Foreign Language When I’m Not Fluent In That  Foreign Language?
Dale Gamache
Room: 109
Not many parents have the language skills to teach their children a foreign language. In my seminar, we will explore the different options out there to teach foreign language at home.  I will give  encouraging  answers to many of the questions I have heard repeatedly during my 32 years of Spanish instruction of children ages 4-18 and my 15 years of
homeschooling.

Can Mom or Dad Really “Teach” Story-Problems? (And why would you want to?)
Tom Clark
Room: 110
In this entertaining and instructional workshop with Tom Clark, founder of VideoText Interactive, and author of “Algebra: A Complete Course”, and “Geometry: A Complete Course”, you will develop, and learn how to use, the five analysis questions that must be asked to solve all story problems, whether in simple arithmetic or in Algebra. The correct answers to these questions are guaranteed to lead students to the relation (equation or inequality) they must solve in order to find the answer to the problem.

Economics of Entrepreneurship
Jason Riddle
Room: 111
FEE’s new course, The Economics of Entrepreneurship, teaches the humane value and ethical principles of Economics with a focus on Entrepreneurship by introducing a series of engaging short videos, inspiring articles and stories, as well as fun, interactive games and activities. Economics of Entrepreneurship is a self-guided course and can be delivered to high-school-aged students by anyone. The main message teaches the inextricable link between personal character, free markets, and civil society. This presentation will be an overview.

Christian Worldview Shaping: Raising Your Children to Love God and Others
Sharon Fisher
Room: 112
Genesis 1:26 explains that we are created in God’s image. The Bible also tells us to love God with our hearts, souls, minds, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Is this the worldview your teaching reflects? Are you raising up more image bearers of Christ? Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about a correct worldview and re-evaluate how and what we teach in view of His plan for educating our families.

Laying a Foundation of American History First: How Much Do Dates Matter?
Ashley Wiggers
Room: 113/114
Studying American history first, lays the foundation of understanding what it means to be an American. Students learn what a good leader, government, and citizen look like. Also, while children are young and impressionable, learning about historical figures who display character and values is essential. Come to this workshop to learn about the importance of teaching our rich history in depth, and why the timing for teaching it early is significant.

Boring? Create Interest and Motivation Through Unit Studies, Projects & Field Trips
Jennifer Henn
Room: 115/116
Teach your kids executive function, socialization, and use a variety of learning styles while utilizing Unit Studies, Projects, and Field Trips. Jennifer will give several examples that her adult children still remember as being the best of school times. Don’t miss out because you think you’re not creative, there are lots of ways to go about this!

Transitioning Students From Homeschool To Traditional Schools
Van Marosek
Room: 117
How long are you planning to homeschool your children? Teaching your children is a tremendously rewarding endeavor, and you wouldn’t think about sending them to school. But what if your circumstances change? Are your students ready to transition out if they need to? Van shares her experiences and informs parents of some issues to think about to help prepare their children for the possibility.

Raising Girls to be Ladies
Monica Irvine
Room: 118
Our precious daughters…do they know how special they truly are and are they confident enough in this truth that they will one day only accept the hand of a true gentleman? Today, our society is teaching girls that being a lady is a thing of the past. This is FALSE. Today’s young ladies need now more than ever to have conviction in what it means to be a lady, as they have an amazing opportunity to be an example to so many. Come, bring your daughters and listen to national motivational speaker and certified Etiquette Coach, Monica Irvine, teach what being a lady is all about. They will walk away inspired and excited to continue to learn the skills that will lead them to happiness. This is not just for moms…dads please come too.

Math-U-See – Math-You-Hate becomes Math-U-Love with Math-U-See
Gretchen Roe
Room: 119
Math-U-See is a unique instructional approach that uses a distinctive set of manipulatives and strategies presented through videos and textbooks to help students master math concepts and fundamental skills. Math-U-See’s simple but powerful set of colorful manipulatives allows abstract math concepts to be represented in clear, relatable ways, making mathematics understandable for students and parents. These manipulatives, combined with Math-U-See’s unique strategies guide students from concept to concept as they build a solid understanding of mathematics from preschool through calculus. Come see how even a parent who is a reluctant mathematician can help children develop a positive relationship with math.

6:45 PM to 7:45 PM – Friday, July 28, 2017

How to structure a solid STEAM curriculum for you child
Dwayne Walker
Room: 105
Join a conversation with the creative professional, Dwayne Walker, to discuss the pros and cons of STEAM education. You will leave this session with a more open mind on how you would want to structure your curriculum.

The Very Best High School Curriculum That Money Can’t Buy
Jenni & Jody – POP Parenting
Room: 106
High school is not a time to experiment or explore or discover. It’s a time that demands laser focus. But how you focus and where you focus depends totally on where the student is going after high school. In this workshop, Jenni and Jody will teach you about the one game changing phone call that can help you design the perfect high school plan for your homeschooler. They will also teach you about special opportunities to maximize these crucial years.

Danger in an Isolated Homeschool Community
Melody Hopper
Room: 108
Sexual abuse is more prevalent than ever in our homeschool communities. Most people don’t even understand what it is, or how to stop it. This talk will not only bring awareness to your families, but also give women and girls a voice to to stand up for themselves. Please be encouraged through this personal testimony – a truly redeeming story from ashes to healing!

What You Dough Nut Know About Bleeding and Wounds
Ellen Katzowitz/Erika Ijames
Room: 110
This 60 minute workshop will concentrate on bleeding and wounds. It is broken into two parts. The first part will use jelly donuts to show the many types of wounds from a simple abrasion to an amputation. The second part will be a demonstration on how to use proper first aid to control bleeding. This will be an interactive event with the audience learning how to use this skill.

Teaching Algorithms…Exactly Backwards!
Patti J. Dieck
Room: 111
The method of teaching mathematics that most of today’s adults were exposed to led to roughly half of all students “getting it”, while the other half developed the all-too-accepted feeling of, “I’m just not a math person.” Sound familiar?? The truth is that as adults we USE math, we don’t DO math….so the memorization of “what to do” doesn’t serve us well when we forget “the steps”! In our adult lives we don’t “remember how to DO math”, rather we “think about how to USE math” to solve problems. In this workshop participants will explore teaching algorithms…exactly backwards. Rather than beginning with “what to do”, participants will explore each of the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) from a conceptual standpoint. They will see how each algorithm is based in place value understanding, and that the “steps” students have traditionally memorized are really more about “doing what makes sense” than memorizing! Participants in this workshop will experience how natural a process learning these algorithms can be for their children when the “why” comes before the “how”.

Dads and Daughters: Friendships, “Special” Friends and Dating.
Sam and Jasmine Doyle (Back to the Basics)
Room: 112
Relationships! In this social media-filled world, all relationships are complicated, especially for our teenage daughters. Sam and Jasmine will help you navigate these difficult waters together with your daughter. We will help you build, rebuild or repair your relationship with your daughter so you can effectively have influence in this area of her life.

The Right Fit: Finding the Perfect Curriculum for Your Child’s Learning Style
Kimberly Kulp (Bridgeway Academy)
Room: 113/114
Every parent wants to find a curriculum that will capture their child’s interest and encourage a love for learning. Especially when learning becomes a struggle. But this can be tough when the majority of curriculum is designed for the auditory, sequential learner. In “The Right Fit” Jessica Parnell will discuss your child’s unique brain and how to choose curriculum in light of his or her specific interests, needs, and learning style.

When Life Happens to Your Home School
Tracee Wood
Room: 115/116
During those times in life when everything happens to us – it also happens to our homeschool. We have to deal with those moments and the havoc that they seem to bring with them. When is it OK to let go? What is OK to let go of? What if it feels to far gone?

Thoughts, Feelings, and Emotions: How to be Fully Well!
Steph Loewen
Room: 117
All we need to thrive in this life has been given to us. In our workshop you will learn what scripture says about our thoughts, feelings, and emotions and how they affect our physical body as well as how to manage them more effectively to be a happier you! Your family will thank you for attending this workshop!

Don’t Let Your Fears Hold Back Your Kids: How to hold high standards in a high school math class when you aren’t a math person
Cassidy Cash (AskDrCallahan)
Room: 118
This workshop is designed for parents that aren’t math people, but as homeschool parents, they want to empower their children to study well beyond Algebra. I’ll show you how to choose good curriculum, how to work problems when you yourself are confused, and I’ll even show you how to get help from some leading experts when your children have surpassed what you were taught in math.

The Role of Beauty in Homeschooling: (Or How to Build a Cathedral)
Lesli Richards
Room: 119
The education of a child should be a work great beauty, like the building of a magnificent cathedral. Years of planning, though, and hard work are poured into both endeavors. In this workshop, we will explore the ideas of cultivating beauty in our homeschools; in ritual, the five senses, and in ourselves as teachers and parents. Packed with both big ideas, and practical advice, parents will leave energized and inspired for the years ahead.

8:00 PM to 9:00 PM – Friday, July 28, 2017

The Creative Advantage – How Nurturing Your Child’s Creativity Could Eventually Lead Them To Success
Dwayne Walker
Room: 105
Join a conversation with the creative professional, Dwayne Walker, as he explains the benefits of raising creative children and how you can help them along their creative journey.

Homeschooling With the End Result in Mind: The Middle School Years
Jenni & Jody – POP Parenting
Room: 106
What is the goal of education in the middle school years? “Homeschooling with the end result in mind” means understanding the needs of each season and creating a plan to meet those needs. The middle school years is the time to find direction. It’s the time to begin creating a long term plan. Students who are college bound will need to lay a firm foundation of study skills. These are the years to think outside of the curriculum box and explore internships and apprenticeships, a time for kids to start their own businesses, to capitalize on contests and awards programs, to dive deeply into extra curricular activities and to ultimately create a unique high school plan. In this workshop, Jenni and Jody will give you practical tools making the most of the middle school years.

Creation: Impacting our Culture
Joel Tay
Room: 109
A powerful and attention-grabbing presentation on the vital importance of the Bible’s history in Genesis: how it is foundational to the Gospel and relevant to our world and society. The authority of the Bible is paramount. Items of scientific evidence are woven into the presentation in a way that is easily understood by the layperson, as is the Gospel message. Christians are motivated to become armed and equipped to be able to ‘give an answer’ and to be vastly more effective at personal evangelism, thus stimulating church growth. In addition, their own personal faith is strengthened. Non-Christians are challenged to see the issues in a different light, and at the same time get salvation-relevant information which an ‘evidence-only’ talk would not provide.

What is “Critical Thinking”, and Can Anyone Do It?
Tom Clark
Room: 110
Are your students learning passively, or are they involved in concept development? Are they figuring things out for themselves, or are they just learning tricks and shortcuts? Come brainstorm with Tom Clark, founder of VideoText Interactive, and author of “Algebra: A Complete Course”, and “Geometry: A Complete Course”, as he humorously explores with you, the reasons instruction can be difficult, developing along the way, a list of benchmark signals, and strategies which will help students “think” critically and analytically.

If YOU can Imagine it… YOU can create it!
Jennifer Kramer
Room: 111
Imagine if our children could learn that their thoughts have the ability to create the world around them. That with the proper tools, support and guidance, they can achieve anything they want in life. The Imagine If program looks at the whole child, with all learning styles/types and helps them learn to turn challenges into opportunities by increasing self awareness and resiliency!

Goal Setting – A Family Event!
Dennis DiNoia
Room: 112
Goal setting is often thought of as a great idea and something everyone needs to do but we rarely do it and when we do, we usually lose track of the goal along the way. In this workshop, goals are brought to life through creation and conversation. Everyone participating will create a goal and a visual display for that goal during the workshop. This process can be done with family members over and over again as well as with other homeschool groups as activities. The process is created in a fun and fast paced style with everyone having an opportunity to create and share their goal that will leave each participant inspired by their goal and by the goals of others.

Teaching the Basics of Investing
Ray Simmons
Room: 113/114
With his background in accounting and money-managing, Ray will share the Biblical foundations of handling money. He’ll also describe his approach to investing and share how to teach the basics to your kids.

Mom, We’re Graduating
Tracee Wood
Room: 115/116
Once we become parents our job is pretty clear. We are often reminded that our goal is to prepare them for “leaving the nest;” we understand the task and work diligently down the list of things to do, teach, and learn. Then it happens – you’ve been hit like a freight train; you spent all of this time preparing your child but no one prepared you. This mom’s heart knows, all to well, the emotional roller coaster. Good News – the coaster can stay on track, you can guide the twists or turns, embrace the ride,, and step out smiling (from the inside out).

From Awkward to Empowering; How to Talk to Your Kids About Healthy Sexuality and it’s Opposite
Dina Alexander
Room: 117
Discussing healthy sexuality and it’s opposite—online pornography— can be daunting for many parents— and focusing on positive, simple discussions is the key to success! We have created simple, straightforward solutions to prepare you to talk with your children and teenagers about sexual intimacy and the unhealthy effects of watching porn. These critical dialogues don’t have to be ‘awkward’, they can be incredibly empowering. Learn to leave shame and guilt out of these talks, build trust and improve the most vital of your communications. We will demonstrate how to layer various conversations, and express your personal feelings, values and cultural beliefs. If you can discuss these issues with your kids, you can talk about anything!

Couponing Your Way to Debt Free Living
Ann Haney
Room: 118
More than likely you have tried your hand at couponing to some extent. Ann takes down a different path that leads to not only saving money, but living a life debt free through your savings. You will not want to miss the time saving principles Ann teaches encouraging you to “lower your nets again” and this time bring in a catch that’s worth the effort and changes your life. Ann’s Biblical based teachings bring to light how God’s word can richly enhance your life through couponing. Come learn the importance of manufacturer/retailer/consumer relationships, websites, time management techniques, organizational skills, and more while you coupon your way to debt free living.

Nature Study – The Natural Way to Learn about Science
Paige Hudson
Room: 119
How to teach science with your backyard, a notebook, and a smartphone. In this session, Paige explains what nature study is and where this method fits into science education. In the process, she shares about nature journals, how to use nature study with the whole family, and what nature study can look like in each of the seasons. You’ll be inspired to add this beneficial tool to your bag of science-teaching tricks!

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Saturday, July 29, 2017

Raising A Critical Thinker
Ashley Wiggers
Room: 105
Thinking skills are buzzwords in education today – everyone wants to include them in their curriculum plans! In this seminar, Ashley will explain what thinking skills are and how to incorporate strategies into daily life that will bring great results in your child’s ability to think. Include these ideas to add critical thinking to any curriculum!

Game Changing Curriculum That Doesn’t Come in a Box
Jenni & Jody – POP Parenting
Room: 106
Most of us went through thirteen or more years of schooling, ourselves, but can hardly remember the difference the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires or the atomic mass of dubnium or how to spot a comma splice. Sure, homeschool curriculum can be helpful, but when we recognize that our children are not containers into which we pour information but instead realize that they are their own hunter/gathers of education, we can begin to think outside the curriculum box. In this workshop, Jenni and Jody will show you how to incorporate field trips, internships, apprencticeships, mentorships, a small business, a website, awards, contests and more into a powerful homeschool plan.

THE STORY OF HISTORY – RETHINKING THE WAY WE TEACH
Julia Nalle
Room: 108
In most subjects, we start by teaching the basics: In reading, we start by teaching children the alphabet; in writing, we start by teaching children how to hold a pencil; and in arithmetic, we start by teaching children how to count. Since we start every other subject at the beginning, why should we start history in the middle— with Columbus’ arrival in the West Indies, or with the American Revolution? In this seminar we will discuss the importance of allowing students to follow history as it happened: In order, from ancient times through the present. Teaching history classically produces a well-rounded student who knows the stories from all of history— whether ancient or modern, Biblical or secular— that every educated person should know. This seminar will help you understand how integrating history with literature reading, geography study, hands-on history activities in a classical four year Charlotte Mason styled approach is the best approach to having children love and retain the history they are learning.

What Foreign Language Credits Will Be Accepted by Colleges and Universities? All Courses Are NOT Equal.
Dale Gamache
Room: 109
To be accepted to a four year university, your child will need two consecutive years of a foreign language. How do I know if the course or method he or she is taking will be accepted by that college or not? Dale Gamache will share his research on this very important topic in this interesting and informative workshop. He will also try to ease the anxiety these ever-changing requirements can cause by sharing how these requirements can be met in your homeschool. (79)

Teaching Mathematics with Art (or is it Teaching Art with Mathematics?)
Tom Clark
Room: 110
Can your child’s future really be boiled down to something as simplistic as whether they are right-brained, or left-brained? Surely, as homeschooling parents, we want our children to believe that they are capable of using “both sides” of their brains. In this educational and entertaining workshop, we will explore the natural and logical connections between Mathematics and Art. We will investigate mathematical principles, and see how they are related to, and illustrated by, artistic applications. Likewise, we will explore several artistic concepts, and see how they are based on mathematical ideas. Of course, throughout, the importance of language and communication will be stressed, as it must play a key role in the understanding of both areas.

Essential Oils and Natural Health Solutions for the Family
Melanie Howells Tidd, RN and Jacqueline Howells
Room: 112
Melanie Howells Tidd, RN and her sister Jacqueline Howells will discuss multiple ways to use essential oils in the home environment.

Break Free and Teach your Kids with Wild Abandon
Holly Giles
Room: 113/114
Have you ever noticed that children are fearless in their curiosity? Their wonder of the world inspires their daily pursuits. Many times as adults, the fearless turns to fear of failure, not measuring up and falling behind. Our wonder turns to insecurity because we believe we are not pin-worthy or social enough in this trendy world. Holly shares inspiring stories of her pursuit to break free, keep her family close, follow God’s design for education with wild abandon.

Take the Mystery Out of Homeschooling: A Workshop for New Homeschoolers
Jennifer Henn
Room: 115/116
Whether you are considering homeschooling a five-year-old or bringing your older child home from public or private school, this class answers your questions. How do I choose curriculum? What about socialization? Am I doing enough? Can my child get into college? And more…. This will be an informative workshop, bring your questions.

5 Home Business Projects that Teach Financial Literacy and Create Income
Rhea Perry
Room: 117
In this insightful session taught by an award-winning Internet business owner and veteran homeschool mom of 7, you will learn the fundamentals of five proven home businesses your family can start part-time that could possibly bring dad home like they did! You’ll also learn why some of your children never finish a job, why others are not self-motivated, and how to work toward a lifestyle of freedom instead of a paycheck.

A Year of Playing Skillfully – Getting Organized for Young Learners
Lesli Richards
Room: 118
From scheduling to home organization, this workshop gives parents the confidence that they can provide a rich early education for their little ones. Lesli provides an overview of what every child from 3-7 needs to cover over the course of one year, and how to fit it all in. Lesli provides solutions for the many challenges parents with young learners face, such as time management and schooling multiple ages at the same time.

Homeschooling Truths That I Keep Re-Learning
Kristen Eckenwiler, M.Ed.
Room: 119
Whether you are a beginning homeschooler, or a seasoned veteran, there are core truths that call you back to your greatest success. Join Kristen Eckenwiler as she shares her personal list of seven insights she wishes someone had told her about homeschooling. Her passion for homeschooling and encouraging spirit is sure to
help you move forward with renewed enthusiasm.

11:15 AM to 12:15 PM – Saturday, July 29, 2017

Technology’s Influence Over Kid’s Beliefs and Behaviors
Dr. Kathy Koch
Room: 105
Many children are more ungrateful and argumentative than we ever thought they’d be. Do yours complain frequently and get bored quickly? You’re not alone. Technology is powerful and helpful in many ways. Yet, it can also contribute to children’s unhealthy beliefs (e.g., I deserve to be happy), negative attitudes and character (e.g., impatience, entitlement, self-centeredness), and unwise actions (e.g., isolation, ignoring authority). Learn why this happens and practical, realistic things you can do.

Stretching Your Budget
Charlotte Ellard
Room: 106
The Ellards know firsthand about when things are “cheaper by the dozen” and how to stretch a budget for 12 children. Most homeschoolers are one income families working hard to maximize their resources. Charlotte Ellard shares insight on how she and her family save money and “gather up the fragments so none is wasted” without labor intensive methods.

Making MODEL Students: Problem Solving Models that “Grow” with Children
Christopher M. Sarlo
Room: 108
Developing “modeling skills” is one of the best ways to set children up for success with math! It provides them with “entry points” into any problem solving situation. Early and continued experiences with models leads to greater conceptual understanding and greater overall success. Mastering the use of strategic models, as early learners, enables children to rely on their own “mental scaffolding” as they move to learning new and more complex concepts. Participants in this workshop will explore number tracks/number lines, place value charts, number bonds, area models and bar diagrams…models that grow with students through each grade. Hands-on activities will allow participants to experience how best to teach the use of these models and how they can immediately incorporate these models into lessons, even if children have never used them.

Heart to Heart
Ellen Katzowitz/Erika Ijames
Room: 109
This 60 minute workshop will concentrate on 2 vital signs – pulse (heart rate) and respiration. The participant will learn about the different pulse sites, and they will practice how to take a pulse and respiration reading under different setting. This will be an interactive event with the audience learning how to use this skill.

Best Practices for Teaching Reading
Lorie Delk
Room: 110
This workshop introduces research-based “best practices” in literacy instruction and provides practical advice on how to incorporate these practices in the homeschool environment. The key areas of instruction for a reading curriculum will be discussed. In addition, proven methods for effective teaching will be demonstrated.

I Hate Math, But I Want My Kids To Love It: RightStart™ Math!
Kathleen Cotter Lawler
Room: 111
So, math was not your favorite subject. But now you’re the teacher and you don’t want your kids to suffer through math like you did. You know that math is important and it would be nice to have a healthy relationship with it. In this workshop, you will learn about a curriculum that will provide ways to learn and practice math other than through memorization. In fact, how about teaching about the beauty and wonder of math? Come join us and learn what is needed to unlock understanding in math. Beware, you may actually start to like math!

Classic Literature: The Starting Point for Teaching Language Arts
Jennifer Pierce
Room: 112
Use quality, award winning literature as your springboard to teach language arts! Discover how to effectively teach your student using excellent books as your starting point. Students will utilize integrated lessons to master spelling, vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and punctuation. Third graders through high schoolers will cover analytical and critical thinking while they hone their writing skills with appropriate assignments that teach effective communication. Related field trips and projects bring the literature to life in a way that makes the story jump off the pages.

Well Planned Early Years
Rebecca Farris
Room: 113/114
Mothering little ones is a glorious season of life, but it can also be the most challenging. In this workshop, Rebecca, the Well Planned Gal comes prepared with spit-up clothes and wipes as she shares with young moms how to make the most of these early years with simple and practical tips for daily life.

5 Steps to a Successful Homeschool Day
Misty Bailey
Room: 115/116
Homeschool days can be chaotic, how do yours start? Does it involve lost papers? Kids crying? Forgotten lesson plans? Misty has been there and knows what it’s like. If you want more out of your homeschool day, then you NEED this session. 5 Steps to a Succesful Homeschool Day will cover: how to have more peaceful homeschool days, days that start on time, and how to create a homeschool routine that works for YOUR family. PLUS…. why it’s important to give yourself grace when things DON’T work out as planned. By the end of the session, you will have a plan in place to start having a successful homeschool day.

Eliminate your fears and doubts about science fair projects!
Paige Hudson
Room: 117
See how even you can do a science fair project at home with these 8 easy steps. In this session, Paige helps you move past the fear and doubt you have surrounding the much-dreaded science fair project! She shares 8 easy steps to complete a science fair project along with tips on when you should do one and advice for setting up a homeschool science fair co-op in your area.

The Best Strategies to Prepare and Protect Kids from Online Dangers
Dina Alexander
Room: 118
Parenting in the digital age has never been more challenging. And with new information, apps, and dangers appearing everyday, it can be difficult to know what are the real dangers are and where we should be spending our time to truly strengthen our kids. We will discuss simple ways to approach and discuss social media, hyper sexualized media, pornography and excessive gaming. And more importantly, we will talk about simple ways to truly connect and strengthen our kids. As well as teaching children to use technology to improve the lives of their families, their community and the whole world!

Are you holding your kids back from their creative genius? Let’s find out.
Dwayne Walker
Room: 119
Join creative professional, Dwayne Walker, as he demonstrates the advantages of children growing into a creative genius, the signs that you are/aren’t holding back from your child’s creativity, and how you can implement creativity into your curriculum.

12:30 PM to 1:30 PM – Saturday, July 29, 2017

Am I Wrecking My Kid and Am I Doing Enough?
Jenni & Jody – POP Parenting
Room: 105
What homeschool parent has not entertained these questions at one point or another? You know the drill — you are on a field trip and overhear one mom talking about the awesome unit study they are doing on the Holocaust, and you panic thinking, “Oh no! We haven’t done that yet. My kids don’t know anything about the Holocaust. What kind of homeschool mom am I?”
In this workshop, Jenni and Jody will help you find a compass that you can check whenever you’re tempted to question yourself and your decision to homeschool.

Grandparents, Homeschooling Parents and Grandkids; How to Make it All Work
Alice Reinhardt
Room: 106
The role of grandparenting in this homeschooling journey is somewhat like uncharted waters. For some, grandparents are confused or antagonistic. Other grandparents offer the wrong kind of support or opinion, even to the point of control. Parents may struggle with boundaries and expectations and might not know how to incorporate this generational tool into their homeschooling. From a homeschooling mom and grandmother, you can learn how to establish a healthy common ground that is a win-win for your homeschool experience.

The Truth About Dinosaurs
Joel Tay
Room: 108
People of all ages are captivated by dinosaurs. Unfortunately, evolutionists use dinosaurs to indoctrinate the young and the old with an earth history that includes millions of years but has no room for the Bible. This presentation will show the power of a person’s starting assumptions (or “worldview”) when interpreting past events, and will define the different types of sciences used in investigating the world around us, with a thorough exploration of these enigmatic lizards. Let’s take dinosaurs to the Bible and see what God’s word has to say about them!

Brain Based Strategies for Improving and Eliminating Neurodevelopmental and Learning Disorders.
Dana Hernandez
Room: 109
Brain Balance is an after school program utilizing the latest brain research to help children with Learning Disorders like ADHD, Asperger’s, Dyslexia, and Autism to function better academically, socially and behaviorally. Research shows that children with these labels have areas of brain underconnectivity, especially between the right and left hemispheres. One of the two hemispheres of the Brain has become STRONGER AND FASTER and the other has become WEAKER AND SLOWER. When this happens the two hemispheres become functionally disconnected and are unable to communicate effectively. The characteristics of the stronger, faster hemisphere become amplified while the characteristics of the weaker, slower hemisphere are muted. This lack of balance translates into the noticeable academic, social and behavioral problems that these children exhibit. Come Learn how the Brain Balance Program™ identifies and improves areas of Brain Underconnectivity to give your child their best chance at success.

DE, AP, CLEP, DC, JE – Navigating the Alphabet Soup of Early College
Christine Torre
Room: 110
Through early college, your teen can earn high school and college credit at the same time and save you thousands of dollars in college tuition! During this essential workshop, Christine will lay out early college options while helping parents and teens understand the differences. Christine will share a dozen reasons to consider early college, how you can position your teen for early college, what the requirements for early college are and how to choose your first college classes using MOWR funds. Dual enrollment paired with AP and CLEP opportunities, allows your teen to earn early college credits and take challenging courses he or she will enjoy! You’ll be glad you came to this money saving information exchange!

Can Spelling Be Remediated? Yes! But It Requires a Constructivist Approach
Dee Tadlock, Ph.D.
Room: 111
Spelling ability seems to be something that students either have or they don’t have. Attempts to improve spelling through memorizing word lists or studying word etiology have little effect. Learn about an innovative, constructivist-based approach that works quickly to remediate spelling problems and how you can access it for your child.

Dads and Daughters: “The Future”, Goals, and Careers
Sam and Jasmine Doyle
Room: 112
The Future!! It can be difficult for your child to plan ahead and make decisions as to their future, especially with all of the societal pressures around them. Sam and Jasmine will discuss how to work together with your child to help them discover and use their gifts during their teenage years, which will prepare them for their “next steps”.

A Non-Artistic Parent CAN Teach The Artistic Child
Dwayne Walker
Room: 113/114
Do your children love art but you lack the artistic ability to teach them? Join a conversation with the creative professional, Dwayne Walker, as he talks about actionable ways to figure out the best way to teach your kids art and an open discussion on specific challenges.

Homeschooling 101
Brenda Farrell
Room: 115/116
Just what is this adventure you are about to begin? And how in the world do you get started and still keep your sanity? In this workshop we will cover the basics you need to know to get started right and enjoy homeschool success.

How to Homeschool without Losing Your Sanity
Cynthia Simmons
Room: 117
Cynthia’s mother often said if she got her children to adulthood, she wouldn’t have enough sense to come in out of the rain. Once Cynthia had children of her won, she understood her mother’s distress, and she helps that overwhelmed mother find ways to cope with all the chores. This class is must for mothers of large families.

Active Education: How to teach using math labs in your classroom.
Cassidy Cash
Room: 118
Every student learns best, and retains more, when they are having fun learning. In this workshop, I’ll demonstrate some of my favorite math activities that we use as labs–just like science class–to show kids the way math works in the world. You’ll leave with a printable copy of my Sun-dial Geometry and Solar Pizza Oven Activities to take home with you.

Hope for the High School Years
Ashley Wiggers
Room: 119
Are you struggling with teaching your high school student? Homeschooling through High School is a down to earth talk with a homeschool graduate about the ups and downs of life with a high school student. If you are need of a little encouragement and some proof that everything will work out for the best, please come join Ashley for an uplifting workshop that will leave you with a new understanding of how to successfully Homeschool through High School.

1:45 PM to 2:45 PM – Saturday, July 29, 2017

Your Child’s Brain: Learning More with the 8 Great Smarts
Dr. Kathy Koch
Room: 105
All children have eight intelligences that can be awakened, strengthened, and used when learning. Each smart will be defined and explained so you can determine which ones are strengths for your children and how to teach with them. Reteaching with a variety of smarts is especially effective. You’ll also learn how children might be getting into trouble through their greatest smarts and how they’re relevant to spiritual growth and career choice.

Organization: How Do You Do It All?
Charlotte Ellard
Room: 106
Confessions of a mom of 12 homeschooled children. School, laundry, meals, chores, cleaning, household business and budgets. This is the testimony of one family’s pilgrimage with the hope that you glean some tips and come away greatly invigorated on your homeschooling journey.

Teaching America’s Principles of Liberty to the Generations; How the Pathway to Liberty Curriculum Works
Jayme MacCullough
Room: 108
“Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people.” -John Adams Pathway to Liberty is a history-based curriculum designed around the key principles, people and events of liberty. The timeline begins with Creation and builds chronologically. We are holistic meaning that the subjects of literature, geography, writing and word studies coordinate and compliment the weekly history topic and principle. This approach submerges the student in the subject matter to encourage mastery of content. The workshop reviews the principles of liberty, what the curriculum offers and how it is flexible and easily implemented at home.

How to Teach Science to Elementary Students
Paige Hudson
Room: 109
Learn the tips and tools you need to teach science to your younger crowd. In this session, Paige walks you through the three key ingredients for teaching science in your homeschool. She then provides an outline for how you can use these three keys to teach science to your preschool and elementary students.

My Dear Aunt Sally Was Wrong! Addressing Some Common Misconceptions in Math
Christy Walters
Room: 110
Join noted author and highly successful math tutor Christy Walters as we examine some common fallacies in math. One of the most prevalent misconceptions is the (incorrect) belief that the phrase “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally” says that the order of operations states that one must always multiply before dividing and that one should always add before subtracting. We will also discuss other misconceptions related to the order of operations as well as topics involving exponents and percentages. The topics for this workshop arise from real-world tutoring experience of explaining the proper techniques to students. There will be time for questions from participants.

Your Next Life: College
Joanne Mastronicola
Room: 111
This workshop is not just for seniors! How do you find a college that’s right for you? How do you get into your college of choice? What does it cost and how do you pay for it all? Learn about the college search and application process as well as how to find scholarship money to help you fund it. Taught by Joanne Mastronicola, author of Piecing Together the High School Puzzle.

Meeting Your Child’s Special Education Needs at Home
Sharon Fisher
Room: 112
Parents know their children better than anyone else and can become well-equipped to make accommodations to meet the needs of their struggling learner. Let’s talk about nutrition, learning environment, teaching and learning materials and styles, and routine to help meet the needs of your special learner.

Well Planned Middle Schoolers
Rebecca Farris
Room: 113/114
The tween years are the beginning of autonomy, responsibility, and a smart mouth. In this workshop, Rebecca, the Well Planned Gal, shares her experience and a bit of wisdom for raising and training girls and boys during this unique season. Parents will learn the most important thing they can do in preparation for the teen years.

Stop Fighting with Your Kids! Five Steps to Less Stress in Your Home
Jennifer Henn
Room: 115/116
“I don’t know how you stand being with your kids all day,” say neighbors and friends. We assure them that we love our kids…but do we like them? Perfect curriculum will not solve attitude problems. I implemented each of these five steps in my home and share from personal stories. Come learn how to get the school work done while maintaining a loving relationship with your children.

Spelling You See – Radically Different Spelling Success without Word Lists, Tests, Stress, or Tears
Gretchen Roe
Room: 117
Spelling You See’s carefully designed approach empowers instructors to help students develop skill and confidence in spelling through an effective, engaging, low-stress learning experience. Spelling You See’s format guides students through the four essential activities (listening, reading, copywork, and dictation) presented at the appropriate developmental stage. These activities help students transfer the correct spellings of common words to long-term memory, enabling them eventually to be able to reproduce the correct spellings in their everyday writing, without the use of word lists or tests.

Turning Your Preschoolers into Life Long Learners
Kathy Lee
Room: 118
Do others try and convince you that your child is child behind if they are not reading by four? Do you worry about your child’s academic success if they prefer to play in the mud instead of write their letters? Join me for a fun and creative presentation that will answer these and many other questions parents have about teaching young learners. I will share how to create an amazing foundation for your child based on the latest scientific research on brain development. This information packed session will help you prepare your child for lifelong learning, while making wonderful memories along the way!

Student Led Learning
Dennis DiNoia
Room: 119
This hands-on workshop will give parents strategies, guides and the outline for having their children be self directed learners who have ownership of their learning and assessments. This session will cover portfolio development and presentation skills for students. The session will also give students what they need to assess their own work in a meaningful way discovering their own unique learning potential.

3:00 PM to 4:00 PM – Saturday, July 29, 2017

Kill the Spider – Don’t Just Sweep Away the Web
Dr. Kathy Koch
Room: 105
Discovering roots of learning, motivation, and behavior issues is a key to helping children change. We must kill the spider and not just sweep away the web! Would you be surprised to know that every problem can be assigned to one or more of just five issues? It’s true! Come and be refreshed with this practical problem-solving approach so you can efficiently meet children’s needs with solutions that work.

How Do You Do It All?
Jenni & Jody – POP Parenting
Room: 106
This is the #1 question that people ask us, and as it turns out, we actually have an answer. For those who don’t know us, we have eleven kids between us; we’re homeschool moms, radio show hosts, columnists, curriculum writers and speakers. And like many of you, we also run field trips and lead scouts troops and 4-H clubs and volunteer at our local homeschool co-op. By trial and error and research and the wisdom of those who have gone before us, we have landed on some really powerful tools that help us live to our fullest potential. In this workshop, we will share those secrets with you.

IF THIS BE FICTION, MAKE THE MOST OF IT!
Jenny L. Cote
Room: 108
Playing on one of Patrick Henry’s impassioned quotes, “IF THIS BE FICTION, MAKE THE MOST OF IT!” will cover how to write historical fiction, including choosing a character, doing the crucial research (and having fun with it!), organizing the story, and then writing it to keep your reader eagerly turning the pages.

How to Teach Science in Middle School and Beyond
Paige Hudson
Room: 109
Learn the tips and tools you need to teach science to your older crew. In this session, Paige walks you through the three key ingredients for teaching science in your homeschool. She then provides an outline for how you can use these three keys to teach science to your middle and high school students.

Transcripts, Credits, Grades, OH MY!
Christine Torre
Room: 110
During middle school and above, parents start asking, “How in the world do we home school high school?” As a home school guidance counselor, Christine has helps hundreds of students successfully navigate the high school years into college. Through this nuts and bolts class, Christine will share how to prepare a transcript, keep and record grades, calculate a GPA and figure credits. You’ll be equipped with everything to home school through high school including forms and templates. If you have a middle or high school student and you’re considering home education through high school, you should definitely attend this workshop! You’ll walk away knowing you CAN do it!

7 Pearls For Improving Reading Comprehension
Dr. David Cook
Room: 111
In this workshop, Dr. Cook will demonstrate 7 time-proven tools for combining language and visualization to increase reading comprehension.

Releasing Your Identity to Walk In Your Destiny
Ann Haney
Room: 112
Have you ever wondered what God has purposed for your life? Do you have a dream but your reality seems to be crowding it out? Far too many miss their calling and keep their success in bondage due to fear, confusion, or lack of direction. Ann will share how she not only found her purpose and success, but helped each of her children chase their dreams, build their visions and benefit from their pursuit. Come hear the path Ann and her children have taken from past to present and learn from her new book, “A Penny In My Pocket, A Million Dollars In My Mind,” releasing Spring 2017. Are you ready to birth your dream and make it your reality?

The Learning Lifestyle Revival
Holly Giles
Room: 113/114
In Holly’s struggle with traditional learning and her search for the perfect curriculum, she discovered success from early home-school families. Weaving daily life and the rhythm of nature into teaching. She will show you how to add community and natural resources to your day planner that will start a revival in your own home.Life skills and real world learning can open up endless opportunities for your children.

Movers and Shakers: Curriculum and Teaching Strategies for the Struggling Child
Kimberly Kulp (Bridgeway Academy)
Room: 115/116
Do you have a wiggle worm? Does your child seem bored to tears with your current method of homeschooling? Have you chosen homeschooling because your child was struggling in their previous program? Turn these troubles into triumphs! More and more parents are discovering that homeschooling is often the best option for children who struggle academically, are sensory-seekers, or have attention problems. Why? Because parents are able to attack academic deficits on an individual basis using the best curriculum to meet each need. And they can allow their “wigglers” the freedom to learn by moving and shaking rather than forcing them to “sit still.” Learn strategies for evaluating your child, how to customize a curriculum to meet each individual’s specific needs, and how to integrate sensory elements into your homeschooling plan.

Homeschool and Stay Organized
Cynthia Simmons
Room: 117
A homeschool mother has too many jobs and lack of organization can cause added stress. Cynthia demonstrated that mothers can stay on top of the craziness and enjoy her family.

Play, a Child’s Work
Alice Reinhardt
Room: 118
Do you give yourself and your child permission to play or is it seen as a waste of time and lack of discipline? Studies are showing that play is critical to a child’s development and intelligence, yet we struggle writing that down in the lesson plan book. It isn’t just a break or relief from serious learning, play IS serious learning. Come learn how to play, when to play and why it matters.

Teaching Children That Struggle
Kristen Eckenwiler, M.Ed.
Room: 119
A learning disability presents many unique challenges to any teacher as they search for the most effective way to teach their child. Based on solid research, Kristen and her husband have designed this workshop to present teaching strategies and adaptations that have been shown to effectively meet the needs of students who struggle with various learning disabilities.