FRIDAY, APRIL 25
8:30 – Session 1
“History’s Heroes” – Kevin Swanson, South Hall
Teach history to your children and you may end up changing history! Everyone has heroes whom they admire and emulate. The heroes of many children today are entertainers who are often devoid of any outstanding character traits any great acts of courage and heroism. But history is full of exciting heroes who exhibit strong virtues worth emulating; many of whom, by their godly leadership, changed the course of history. In this challenging and inspiring presentation, Kevin shows how you can uncover real meaning in history, and how, through your history curriculum, you can very well change your children’s lives.
“Teaching the Right Brain Child, Part 1” – Dianne Craft, Ballroom 1
Half of the population is right brain dominant, and half is left brain dominant. If you have more than one child, you likely have a right brain learner in your midst. These wonderful children learn in a different manner than their left brain sibling. They don’t learn as easily in an auditory manner (like many curriculum methods), but rather store information in their long term memory by using pictures, color, story, or emotion attached to the facts they need to learn. In this workshop you will learn how to identify the right brain child, and learn many simple teaching techniques, such as visual spelling, which causes the words to “stick instead of slip”. Watch your children become good spellers with very little effort! You’ll learn how to put “velcro” on math facts, and how to help your right brain children easily remember vocabulary words. You will help them get in touch with the “smart part of themselves” and really shine, using these right brain strategies. Their faces will light up when they find that they can retrieve information so easily. If you have right brain children who are struggling to retain information, or left or right brain children with auditory processing problems, you will love these techniques! Put them into practice the next day!
“Communication: The Most Powerful Leadership Tool” – Teresa Moon, Ballroom 3
Nothing that man can do is more powerful than communication. In an age of atomic power, super computers, and the double helix, the spoken word still stands alone in its ability to move men’s hearts. It doesn’t matter how much scientific power the world harnesses, the course of history will always be shaped by those who can effectively get their ideas across, whether their name is Adolf Hitler, John F. Kennedy, or Martin Luther King, Jr. By contrast, in everyday conversations the lessons of rhetoric and communication often make the difference between a potent opportunity and a pointless disagreement. Given the dynamic power of public communication, Christians are the ones who should be the most excited about harnessing it and using it, as we are the ones with the truth. Come, learn how you can train dynamic communicators!
“Designing a High School Program” – Jim Stobaugh, Room A
For such a time as this, every moment counts. With so many opportunities available we need to be very wise in our designing of a high school curriculum track. The problem is not that there is a paucity of choices but that there is a plethora of good choices!!! Via e-mail, Dr. Stobaugh will provide a sample transcript.
“Homeschooling: Seven Steps to a Great Start” – Walt & Glenda Grayum, Room B
This session will help you know what to think about, what to do, and what decisions to make as you begin your homeschooling journey. With practical advice and real life illustrations, you will be encouraged and informed. Whether you’ve already made the decision to teach your children at home, or are still considering, this workshop will answer the questions you’re asking. Includes a 50-point practical checklist for you to use.
9:45 – Session 2
“Why Homeschool?” – Mike Donnelly, South Hall
Homeschooling works. Studies show that homeschooled children perform 20–30 points higher than their peers on standardized tests, and that homeschoolers are more civic-minded and socially prepared to deal with the “real world.” Homeschooling also protects children from negative cultural influences rampant in public schools. These are all valid reasons to homeschool, but there is one reason more important than any of them. Come hear more in this talk by HSLDA attorney and homeschooling father Michael Donnelly.
“Reaching the Heart of Your Child” – Ginger Plowman, Ballroom 1
There is far more to parenting than getting our children to "act" right. We have to get them to "think" right and to be motivated out of a love of virtue rather than a fear of punishment. Ginger encourages and equips parents to reach past the outward behavior of their children and pull out what lies within their hearts. Come learn how to move past the frustrations of not knowing how to handle issues of disobedience and into a confident, well-balanced approach to raising your children. "The purpose of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out." - Proverbs 20:5
“A Wife’s Priorities: for Women Only” – Maggie Hogan, Ballroom 3
Ladies, how can we support, encourage and equip our husbands to be the best homeschooling Dads and husbands they can be? What’s the secret behind successful dads? Using Biblical examples, real-life anecdotes, tips & techniques that work, and a sense of humor, Maggie shares ways to build up and support the “Principal” at home. This workshop could revitalize your entire homeschool! Don’t miss it. (Husbands - this is where you want your wife to be.)
“Identifying and Avoiding the Trouble Spots in Math” – Tom Clark, Room A
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 he 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”.
“Essential Science” – Rebecca Keller, Room B
Let Dr. Keller teach you how easy it is to teach your students science without being a scientist, using the basic building blocks of science that are common to all scientific disciplines. By building a solid foundation at the elementary and mid-school grades in the core subjects of chemistry, biology, physics and earth/space, students will be more confident, and upper level science will be more enjoyable.
11:00 – Session 3
“Successful Homeschool High School” – Kevin Swanson, South Hall
Some homeschool parents lack confidence and lose steam when their children reach high school. However, Kevin Swanson asks the question, can the homeschool high school be as successful as or better than a typical classroom education?
“Biology of Behavior and Learning, Part 1” – Dianne Craft, Ballroom 1
Johnny is a constant motion machine. Tom cries in frustration over minor matters. Susie has mood swings. Joey is nicknamed “Eeyore” because of his negative attitude towards things. A three year old gets so angry that his rages are almost scary. Carol acts “spacey” and forgets the things she knew the day before. Harold lays awake a long time each night before he can fall asleep. Could all of these behaviors be caused by an upset “gut ecology”? Could they be related to multiple antibiotic use when the child was young, or other factors that affected the child’s intestinal health? Could common physical symptoms such as athlete’s foot, rashes, canker sores, sinus problems, and stomach aches be related to these children’s behavior and learning issues? The answer is a resounding “YES”! Find out what other parents have been learning: that there is a different connection between the physical well being and learning ability and behavior of a child. This fascinating workshop provides you with clues to your child’s internal learning environment, and how to change that environment for the better. It is easy to correct these conditions at home and dramatically affect your children’s learning day. The testimonies that we receive from parents across the United States, who are using these simple remedies with their children, are amazing!
“Public Speaking: A Force to be Reckoned With” – Teresa Moon, Ballroom 3
Imagine yourself standing in front of a group. Someone asks you a question. Ready? Answer… How did you respond? Are you comfortable passing on your public speaking abilities to your children? This workshop will help you to teach and evaluate your student’s communication skills across the curriculum. You will learn how to complete your child’s education with public speaking skills and platforms. We will explore tips for coaching children to effectively use communication skills in every area of life.
“Tech Support” (FOR PARENTS ONLY) – Generations of Virtue team, Room A
Tired of being transferred to India? Join the Generations of Virtue team as they help you navigate your child’s world of internet and technology in a language you understand.
“Choosing Curriculum That’s Right for You” – Tammy Duby, Room B
Buying curriculum because it works for your friend’s kids is probably the LAST reason you should buy it. You alone know what’s best for your child. You even know what he already knows! Let’s look at three types of curriculum: the Classroom Approach, the Life Approach, and the Applied Approach. What are the teacher’s and student’s roles in each? Figure out which suits you, relax in your decision, then take charge of the Curriculum Hall!
12:15 – Midterm Sessions
“Oh NO – Not the CLASSICS!” – Maggie Hogan, Ballroom 3
Oh sure, EVERYONE reads the classics . . . right? Wrong! Too many of us know we “should” read them to (or with) our kids but we don’t really know how to get the most out of them. We wince every time we notice that unopened Ivanhoe sitting on the shelf. Do you desire that your children be exposed to the best in literature but feel ill-equipped to help them? Let’s throw out the guilt trip and look at what makes good literature. I’ll provide a super list of great books to read as well as ideas for book projects that will make you excited about reading the classics! Bonus: directions included for running a successful on-line classic book club for kids and parents, too!
“Inviting Hearts to Intercession” – Karen Stobaugh, Room A
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16. Prayer is a result of our relationship to our God yet it is also a discipline to be practiced. Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. As His disciples and as homeschool parents we need to learn and to teach how to be powerful and effective in the work of prayer.
“Getting Your Students to Love to Write” – Tammy Duby, Room B
Do your kids hate to write? Writing is a creative process that is fun for students, if you avoid the mistakes that actually teach your kids to hate writing. I’ll help you evaluate your situation, show you some great tools, and give you lots of simple ideas for working writing into every day. Learn why this skill is so crucial, especially for Christian children.
1:30 – Session 4
“Real-Life Courtship” – Mike Farris, South Hall
Mike Farris shares the biblical vision for courtship and its value over traditional dating, plus what he has learned through the experience of his three oldest daughters’ courtships and marriages.
“Taming the Tongue” – Ginger Plowman, Ballroom 1
Do you find yourself threatening, repeating your instructions, or raising your voice in an attempt to get your children to obey? Do you feel guilty because you know you should be faithfully training and instructing your children in righteousness but you're not sure how? Are you frustrated because it seems you just can't reach the heart of your child? Ginger guides parents in searching out God's truths for how to give a biblical reproof. This presentation richly inspires and equips parents to let faithful instruction flow from their lips! “She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue." - Proverbs 31:26
“Are You ‘Just Fine’ without the Fine Arts?” – Maggie Hogan, Ballroom 3
What is fine art? It consists of any of the art forms (including music, theater, painting, poetry, etc.) that is produced or intended primarily for beauty rather than utility. Why bother with fine art? You are too busy with phonics and math to waste time on the extras, right? Wrong! There are compelling intellectual and spiritual reasons to include fine arts in your curriculum, and Maggie Hogan, the Queen of All Things Practical, is going to show you how to make this happen in a painless way!
“Forging Ahead – Apprenticeships in the 21st Century” – Mike Donnelly, Room A
College? Homeschoolers may be better prepared for it than many other college-bound teens, but that doesn’t mean they should automatically get sucked into the “college conveyor belt.” But if not college, what do we do with our bright, well-educated, well-socialized homeschooled students? And where do we find resources and apprenticeships to help guide homeschoolers through this process of vocational preparation and calling? Get practical tips and insightful advice in this talk by HSLDA attorney and homeschooling father Michael Donnelly.
“Help! How to Prepare Your Student for High School and College Level Science” – Rebecca Keller, Room B
Join Dr. Keller as she shows parent-teachers how to teach students the building blocks for science (centered on the three core subjects of chemistry, biology, and physics) at the elementary and mid-school grades, building students’ confidence as they face progressing to upper level science.
2:45 - Session 5
“The Greatest Fathers Who Ever Lived” – Kevin Swanson, South Hall
A message that this generation of fathers needs to hear! In a time where it feels that we are “re-inventing” fatherhood, Kevin Swanson brings out, in living color, examples of those who went before us.
“Smart Kids Who Hate to Write” – Dianne Craft, Ballroom 1
There are children who can tell a wonderful story orally, but when it comes to writing their thoughts down, they only write a few sentences. Sometimes these children reverse letters, or have difficulty writing cursive, or just have sloppy handwriting. They write many of their letters from the “bottom to the top”. These children often can spell a word correctly orally, but leave out a letter when trying to write it in a test. When they copy from a book, they leave words out, or even spell them incorrectly. The spacing on a math paper is very erratic, leading to math errors in problems they know how to do. These children may be “mixed dominant”, being left eye dominant, but right handed. They are truly experiencing a “glitch” between their head and their hand. Learn how to identify the child who has a true “writing glitch” (that is correctable), or a child who is just not motivated to write. This workshop answers these and many other questions that have puzzled you about your children. The exercise you will learn will take the stress out of their writing systems, and make the whole process so much easier. Older children go from writing a few paragraphs to 4-6 pagers after doing this easy exercise daily for 4-6 months. This exercise is used throughout the United States by athletes.
“I’m Sorry: Training Young Apologists” – Teresa Moon, Ballroom 3
Their beliefs will be questioned. Their values will be criticized. Their faith will be attacked. The question: Will our children be ready? This workshop will address real life situations where we, and our students, are forced to defend what we believe. The art of defending our faith is fundamental to Christianity. We will acquire tools for helping our children to know what they believe…and how to talk about it.
“SAT Prep for Christian Students” – Jim Stobaugh, Room A
Doing their best on the SAT is one avenue God has before our children to prepare to be the kind of Christians who will change their world no matter what the obstacles. In light of the changes to the new 2005 SAT I, this workshop is especially relevant.
“Deciding What to Teach in Mathematics” – Tom Clark, Room B
This workshop is designed to help parent-educators understand the scope, the sequence, and the logic of mathematics instruction from pre-school through adult. Join Tom Clark, founder of VideoText Interactive and author of “Algebra: A Complete Course” and “Geometry: A Complete Course”, as he takes you on a sometimes humorous journey, describing all levels of arithmetic and all mathematics courses encountered in high school and college. In addition, considerable attention will be given to identifying the “why” of the study of mathematics with an emphasis on the development of concepts, instead of rote memorization.
6:00 (General Session)
“From Tyndale to Madison : The Battle for the Bible and the Foundation of American Liberty” – Mike Farris, South Hall
How the battle in England to publish God’s Word in the English language began a struggle for freedom that would impact the U.S. Bill of Rights.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
8:10 (General Session)
“Parental Rights: It’s Now or Never” – by Mike Farris, South Hall
Hear how the Supreme Court and our nation’s lower courts are failing to hold parental rights to the same legal standard as fundamental rights like speech and press, and how European court decisions on children’s rights are influencing our U.S. judicial system. Mike Farris describes three threats to parental rights that involve the political right, political left, and international law, and proposes a solution that will be the battle of the century for home schoolers and other pro-family forces.
9:45 – Session 6
“The Heart of Fatherhood” – Kevin Swanson, South Hall
Here is a rousing call for renewing the involvement, relationships, and powerful influence of fatherhood. In many ways, fatherhood is a lost art. Kevin comes to this presentation with the blessing of having received a great legacy of four generations of godly fatherhood. It is more than leadership, responsibility, and relationships. It is a generational vision that renews families, reforms cultures, and establishes family dynasties. Dads, get ready for a huge encouragement and uplifting vision from this presentation.
“Teaching the Right Brain Child, Part 2” – Dianne Craft, Ballroom 1
Once you have identified your right brain learners, become an expert at training those children to use their superior “photographic memory” in many areas of learning. Teach your children the lifelong skill of studying for tests by taking a picture of the contents of a chapter. These memory techniques are commonly used by Cambridge University students to reduce studying time. Learn how to help your children improve their reading comprehension by showing them how to make a movie in their heads while they read. This only takes ten minutes a day to do. You can even “glue in” those phonics sounds for ease in reading long words, and watch their reading soar. This works well for sight word memorization too. Using these powerful strategies, your right brain children will truly “learn how to learn”, and confirm to themselves that they are very smart! Learning doesn’t have to be so hard!
“Teaching Sense in a World of Nonsense” – Teresa Moon, Ballroom 3
What are "Critical Thinking Skills" and why are they so important? You may have asked yourself, "How can I teach my children to think?" What's the difference between thinking and critical thinking? This workshop is designed to give you some tools for stretching your students to higher levels of thinking in every academic discipline, however ordinary or complex. This workshop will discuss levels of thinking and provide you with tools to help your children think critically across the curriculum and for life!
“How to Teach Literary Criticism” – Jim Stobaugh, Room A
C.S. Lewis, perhaps the greatest apologist of the 20th century, was not a theologian; he was a classicist, a student of literature. Dr. Stobaugh will specifically address the urgency of learning how to analyze literature both in light of college preparation needs as well as a basis for apologetics. It is his firm belief, and fervent prayer, that God is calling forth a new C.S. Lewis in this generation and that he/she will probably emerge from a community that understands, analyzes, and appreciates its literature.
“Homeschooling: Seven Steps to a Great Start” – Walt & Glenda Grayum, Room B
This session will help you know what to think about, what to do, and what decisions to make as you begin your homeschooling journey. With practical advice and real life illustrations, you will be encouraged and informed. Whether you’ve already made the decision to teach your children at home, or are still considering, this workshop will answer the questions you’re asking. Includes a 50-point practical checklist for you to use.
11:00 – Session 7
“For You, Dad – Leading Your Homeschool Family” – Mike Donnelly, South Hall
In most homeschooling families, Mom carries the biggest burden. How can Dad pull a share of the load when he is gone all day earning a living? There are so many other good works dads are asked to do—how can we influence our families as God calls us to do? Come listen to HSLDA attorney and homeschooling father Michael Donnelly, as he discusses Kingdom priorities in homeschooling and practical ideas to balance the increasing demands on your time and resources.
“The Bottom Line” – Ginger Plowman, Ballroom 1
We’ve heard it said, "You can spank the fool out of your child but you can't spank wisdom into him." God has ordained two primary methods for parents to use for training their children in wisdom. They are the rod and the reproof. Ginger discusses the biblical use of the rod and examines the differences in worldly spanking versus biblical chastisement that, so often, even Christians miss. "The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother." - Proverbs 29:15
“Ancient Civilizations: History Starts Here” – Maggie Hogan, Ballroom 3
What were the Ancient Civilizations and why are they important? Can we teach thousands of years of history in one year? Ancient Civilizations have had a great impact on life today (think current events). Learn to teach history chronologically, Biblically, and in-depth. If you’ve ever been tempted to skim through this time period because you never learned this stuff yourself, be encouraged! You can teach this subject by learning right along with your students. Fun, fast-paced workshop includes an outline for developing a solid course, with ideas for literature, resources, projects, and much more.
“Fighting the Culture War: Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design” – Rebecca Keller, Room A
In this seminar Dr. Keller will describe the two main worldviews behind the culture war, the politics behind them, and the impact each has on our lives and on our effectiveness as Christians, outlining a strategy for Christians who want to successfully engage in fighting the culture war.
“Lesson Planning 101” – Tammy Duby, Room B
You want to have the best year yet, but don’t know how to organize the piles of curriculum you’ve purchased for your kids? I’ll show you different lesson plan formats and how to plan for several grade levels. Start using your time wisely and you’ll feel like you have more of it. And you can stop feeling guilty about never getting around to all that great stuff you bought!
12:45 – Session 8
“The Raising of a Mighty Man of God” – Kevin Swanson, South Hall
This workshop contemplates the unique qualities that God has given boys and presents a challenge that every parent of a boy needs to hear. The message is especially practical for the homeschooling family that struggles with high-energy young boys. It will leave you with a new vision for raising godly sons. This is a much-needed presentation to homeschoolers, many of whom struggle with what to do with boys in the home.
“Biology of Behavior and Learning, Part 2” – Dianne Craft, Ballroom 1
Remember when your mom told you, “Fish is brain food”? Well, she was right. Current brain research is very clear on this facet. The brain is 60% FAT, with half of that fat in the front part of the brain where focusing and attention takes place. For the brain synapses (connections) to be made properly, proper fats are required. (French fries and doughnuts don’t count.) Many universities, including Harvard and Purdue have done much research on the use of essential fatty acids for good neurological health. Dyslexia, dyspraxia (“the clumsy child syndrome”), ADD, hyperactivity, bipolar, depression, postpartum depression and sensory integration problems are conditions of essential fatty acid deficiency. This deficiency often shows up in physical symptoms such as dry hair, dry skin, asthma, allergies, bumps on the back of the arms, or white spots on the fingernails. When the brain is fed the fats it needs, the physical symptoms disappear as well. Kids often comment that they can “think better” when they take the essential fatty acids. Get the real skinny on fats! Learn how to help your child feel better, and thus act and learn better. Knowledge is power!
“Heaven at Home” – Ginger Plowman, Ballroom 3
Just as Jesus is preparing a magnificent place for us in Heaven, we can prepare our homes to be a haven where energy is restored, spirits are renewed, and the best of life is lived. Create a warm and welcoming refuge in which your family can dwell and delight by learning how to establish and enjoy a peaceful home.
“Hands-On Geography” – Maggie Hogan, Room A
This practical workshop is loaded with interesting, easy-to-do ideas that will bring a smile to your face – and your children’s faces, too! See samples of kid-produced projects. Learn how to incorporate geography into your everyday life. This vital subject, heavily emphasized in early America’s education is sadly neglected. Discover for yourself not only how important geography is but how to teach it in this lively, encouraging workshop. Bonus: Maps make you snooze? Timelines confuse? Learn how to incorporate these terrific geography tools effortlessly into your studies.
“Evaluating for Excellence” – Teresa Moon, Room B
Do you want to know whether your students are making progress? …or how much they have learned? If we want excellence, we need something more than a relative comparison. We need to know exactly where our students are and how they are progressing toward the goal at any point in time. We need to be able to evaluate their progress without giving up more precious teaching and learning time!
2:00 – Session 9
“Teaching Your Children the Constitution” – Mike Farris, South Hall
Mike Farris discusses the importance of knowing the content and purpose of the founding documents of our country, and how that can impact our interpretation of issues today.
“Identifying ‘if’ a Child has a Learning Glitch” – Dianne Craft, Ballroom 1
This is for your ‘puzzling child’. A child may be a reluctant learner for several reasons: 1. Maturity;
2. Information Processing Block (visual, auditory, writing); 3. Attention/focusing issues; 4. A right brain learner using a left brain curriculum. If you knew what was the problem, you would know how to help this child. It is not difficult. There are only Four Learning Gates. When all four of these gates are working well, then learning is easy. When one or more of them is blocked, learning is much more work. This workshop will help you find out why your smart child is having to work so hard to learn. It doesn’t have to be so hard!
“Teaching Your Children the Most Feared Activity: Public Speaking” – Teresa Moon, Ballrm. 3
Public speaking is actually ranked as the #1 fear of Americans. Sound familiar? What will be the result of our efforts to teach and train our students if they can't communicate the truths they have learned? That is exactly what this workshop is all about . . . giving our students tools necessary for communicating their ideas, beliefs and values to the culture in which they live. This workshop explores a variety of speaking styles, sharing interactive, fun and effective ways for you to plan Public Speaking education into every area of the curriculum.
“Reclaiming Science for God” – Rebecca Keller, Room A
What does science really say and not say? What is the new data, and what does it mean? In this seminar Dr. Keller will discuss how the average Christian can understand the implications and results that have emerged from scientific laboratories over the last 30 years, how Christians can use this information to battle for the Gospel in the marketplace of ideas and how we can get the next generation of Christian kids to reclaim science for God.
“Can One Man Make a Difference? Can You?” – Bruce Eagleson, Room B
It is May 1940 and the decision of one man will change the course of World War II, and the course of democracy. In our current age of spreading democracy to the whole world, it is hard to imagine just 65 years ago the survival of democracy was seriously in doubt. Dr. Eagleson will share the story this man’s decision, how it changed the world and what we can learn from it.
3:15 - General Session
“How Homeschooling Will Change the World” – Kevin Swanson, South Hall
Is it saying too much that homeschooling will change the world? It already has. Ideal for keynote, this presentation will draw from history, real research data, and the Bible, to illustrate the power of relationship-based, parent-guided learning. The real reason why homeschooling will change the world is found where it is least expected.
Workshop Descriptions
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