SEE WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS BELOW SCHEDULE

Please print your own workshop handouts. Handouts will not be available at the convention.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

8:30AM

“How Do We Measure Success in Homeschooling?” by J. Michael Smith

Why aren’t your Christian neighbors homeschooling? What is the number one reason that parents do not homeschool? It is their lack of confidence to believe that they can actually do the job, or, put another way, fear of failure. Many homeschoolers in the midst of homeschooling are wondering how they will be able to determine whether or not they are successful with their children. Mike will explain in clear and decisive terms how you can know whether or not you have been successful when you get to the place in your homeschool experience where it says “The End.” The Bible gives clear and decisive direction in this area which should be very encouraging to all of us, even in difficult situations.

10:00AM

Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends by The Mallys

Many parents say that one of their biggest struggles in homeschooling is the bickering and fighting that occurs between their children. In this session, Sarah, Stephen, and Grace Mally, co-authors of the book Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends, will share how they have worked through pride, offenses, and irritations in their relationships, and learned to become best friends. This entertaining presentation, including ideas, insights, skits, and personal testimonies, is recommended for the entire family.

Dad’s Irreplaceable Role by Phil Downer

This is a practical and biblical session on the father's role in training the homeschool family and leading the home. Dad needs to be engaged in instructing, but also in building strong character and strong relationships. He is called to be a strong leader and yet at the same time to be gentle and humble. He is not just a coach, but God’s player-coach. And one of the most powerful secrets of how Dad can be all these things is to start by being a three-letter word: Fun!

OCHEC 101: The Home Educator’s Guide to Scheduling and Planning by Susan Chrisman

Susan will break down the task of educating into step-by-step details that will get you started with a workable schedule. This practical session will help you with yearly, weekly, and daily schedules and planning ideas, what to do with toddlers and preschoolers during school time, and tips on lesson planning.

Mastery Learning, Ability Development, and Individualized Education by Andrew Pudewa

What is mastery learning, and how does it relate to home education? Andrew will explain the methods, goals, and benefits of the ability development model as developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, and applications to disciplines other than music, along with potential obstacles to successful implementation. Come and hear how, as Dr. Suzuki puts it, “Every child can learn,” and you can create success in areas where you or your children have struggled in the past.

The Heart of True Education by Barb Shelton

To experience all God has for us in our homeschool, we must be willing to focus on His way of approaching education,and His priorities therein. If our focus is "avoiding gaps" or "preparing for college," we will strive to emulate the traditional school system, without realizing that the school system as we know it was not God's idea, but man's, and as such, is unable to produce the godly fruit we so desire to see in our children. Before going one more step on your path of homeschooling, make sure you are headed in the right direction, which starts with knowing what that is! Because the primary purpose of true education is "preparing us for the works God has prepared beforehand that we may walk in them," what's "right and best" will be different for each family and each child. A generic, one-size-fits-all, cookie-cutter education does not fit all! Broadening our view of "education" and getting a scriptural "God's eye view" of it is essential to making our homeschool experience all that it can be! You'll save hundreds of dollars in unused, misused or overused curriculum, and years of frustration and futility!

Basic Lapbooking Across the Curriculum by Cyndi Kinney

If you have ever thought that lapbooking was just way too complicated, then this is the session for you! Let Cyndi Kinney break this exciting learning tool down into bite-sized portions and tell you about how you can add lapbooking to your homeschool.

11:15AM

Good Science, Good Faith—Building Critical Thinking Skills Through Science by Krista Bontrager (Reasons to Believe)

Empower your teens to stand strong in the faith amid the growing challenges of a secular culture! Come and discover the high school science apologetics curriculum from Reasons Academy. This unique one-year program will equip your high school student to put their confident trust in Jesus as the Creator.

A Simple Plan; Bringing Beauty & Order to Your Home by Dee Jones (Mardel)

Dee Jones is a homeschool veteran of 18 years and now serves as the Homeschool Marketing Manager for Mardel Christian & Education retailer. With her years of experience, she has a heart to encourage homeschool families to not grow weary in the day-to-day life of discipling and training their children, but to keep pressing forward. In this workshop, Dee will share how to develop a realistic plan for your family and demonstrate some useful tools and organizational techniques to help manage your homeschooling. You will walk away feeling empowered and encouraged!

Combining Classical Education, Charlotte Mason & Unit Studies with a Biblical Perspective (My Father’s World)

The myriad of homeschool choices can be overwhelming like interstates, highways, back roads and scenic routes. There are so many ways and opinions, how can one navigate through it all and still homeschool effectively? Why not blend the best of each method? Join My Father’s World as we show how to instill Christian values while integrating great literature, chronological history, geography, hands-on activities, notebooks and timelines, narration, study of Greek and Latin roots, nature studies, and more. Enjoy short, well-planned lessons in the morning with time to pursue individual interests in the afternoon.

Classical Conversations by Kim Ford (Classical Conversations)

The purpose of education is to know God and to make Him known. Our purpose is to lead the home-centered education movement by equipping parents and students with the classical tools of learning needed to discover the order and beauty of God’s creation and to inspire others to do the same.

12:00PM

Irresistible Parenting by Todd Wilson

A pandemic has struck homeschooling families across the country with full force. Homeschooled children of well-meaning, God-fearing parents have graduated and now hate homeschooling, their parents, and anything to do with God. Some fatalists say, “Well, that’s the ‘chance’ you take with children. You do your best and then spin the wheel.” Others say, “Obviously, there must be a flaw in our teaching model.” Still others shrug their shoulders, cross their fingers, and press on. There’s a better way. Come be encouraged as Todd explains the reasons for the pandemic and gives you hope through one sure-fire way to get your children to love homeschooling, you, and everything you hold dear.

But…but…but… What About Grammar? By Andrew Pudewa

Knowing how to teach grammar is especially challenging for the parent who doesn’t feel confident in his or her own grammar proficiency. Grammar programs often consist of piles of workbooks, wasted dollars, and way too much time spent trying to fulfill that subject. Often what is taught in those workbook pages doesn’t translate into success in writing. The results are poor mechanics and a less than stellar understanding of "What is a verb?" or perhaps more importantly, “How do verb choices enhance writing?” If you are asking, “But what about grammar?” Andrew Pudewa has answers to your dilemma.

OCHEC 102: Choosing Curriculum That Fits Your Child by Cindy Nicolai

Choosing the right curriculum for your child can be overwhelming. There are so many great vendors to choose from and so many different styles that you don’t know where to start. In this workshop, you will be given a passport to help you discover the many learning styles and curriculum methods available and which ones will work best for your child.

History Via the Scenic Route by Diana Waring

Are you tired of force feeding history to your children? Does history make them yawn? Or, do you have one of those hungry-for-history type students that would devour far more than you could ever dream up to provide? Diana Waring will take you on an extraordinary learning adventure as she shares with you how to make the facts come alive and the learning go deeper! Join Diana for her "sit-on-the-edge-of-your-chair-in-suspense" history approach, using literature, music, art, science, cooking, and more, that has captivated homeschoolers across five nations.

Self-Teaching 101 – Part 1 by Joanne Calderwood

Discover the secret to homeschooling freedom with the Self-Teaching Method of Education! Part 1 will show you the incredible, almost-too-good-to-be-true benefits of the self-teaching and mastery methodologies as well as focusing initially on the all-important ingredient to a peaceful home life: capturing your child’s heart. Learn Joanne’s proven self-teaching formula and you will have obedient, cheerful children who learn independently and with excellence. For real.

Deadly Weaknesses in the Strong Man: Moral Lessons Fathers Must Teach Their Sons by Dennis Gundersen

An entertaining but challenging look at a bizarre and remarkable life: Samson! Learn why Samson failed big in relationships, and most of all, learn how not to repeat his blunders! This peculiar man, mighty and strong where it mattered least, and weak where it mattered most (character!) makes for a fascinating story, full of truths that fathers must pass on to their sons.

1:15PM

Discipleship in the Home by Charissa Maxwell (Growing in God)

We will explore the importance of disciple making in the home, while looking at the mandate of our Lord Jesus Christ and His ministry to the twelve.

Turn On the Light to Reading by Diane Stout (Know Its)

PreK-2 grade children need engaging activities to learn to read. Diane Stout will demonstrate reading activities both online and hands-on. She will show parents how to use the Know-Its Essentials Online Manual by starting with the reading skill and with just a click, the online games and activities are there for the child to do. The games and activities can be worked on the computer or Ipad. Diane will demonstrate these activities on a SmartBoard so all will be able to see and participate. Participants will play a reading game to see how a specific skill can be taught. Diane will demonstrate how to teach reading strategies such as blending the sounds, sight words, etc. Participants will even get to take home a game to make for their child.

Building Scholars, Molding Leaders: FPE Statesmanship Training by LouAnn Dalbac (Freedom Project Education)

Our Founding Fathers were scholars, innovators, men classically educated in reason, science, and moral virtue. Their rigorous and faith-based education forged them into leaders and provided the vision and wisdom necessary to form a new nation, under God, and conceived in liberty. These ideals have vanished from the public schools, giving rise to our current crisis of leadership at every level of American life. At FreedomProject Education, we reinstate the educational values of the Founders—the subjects they studied and the Biblical values they imbibed—in order to mold the next great generation of American thinkers and leaders. We reject political correctness and multiculturalism, which make excuses for other cultures while condemning our own, and instead focus on teaching students critical thinking skills: how to think, not what to think. We highlight the role of faith in our founding and teach the American narrative as it happened, without apology of revisionism.

Aromatherapy: the Key to Brain Sensory by Karen Hopkins (Growing Healthy Homes)

The use of aromatherapy for relaxation and good health promoting benefits can also be used to provide sensory stimulation for the brain. Inhaling essential oils through the nose into the Olfactory Bulb leads directly to the Central Brain to improve concentration, memory and all executive functions. Learn about this amazing discovery that will reduce stress and optimize learning in your classroom.

2:00PM

Balancing Responsibilities for the Busy Homeschool Family by J. Michael Smith

Many homeschoolers confess that the most difficult thing for the homeschooling family is learning to balance all the responsibilities the family has. This workshop will approach this challenge from a strictly biblical perspective. Mike Smith will explain that the key to solving the time crunch is establishing priorities, and how to carry out those priorities. This is an essential workshop. Lives will be changed, schedules will be met, and families, many for the first time, will go through days, months and years without the frustration of feeling like a failure because they have not accomplished their goals and objectives.

Homeschooling the Strong-Willed Child – I AM ONE! By Paul Downer

Between the ages of eight and thirteen, I (Paul) was a terror! I was a liar, a thief, lazy, self-centered, and had a fiery temper that caused constant problems for my siblings and family. But my parents didn’t give up on me. They applied specific biblical principles of discipleship which God used to reach my heart, change my direction, and transform my life. Come hear what they did that made the difference.

OCHEC 103: Philosophies of Home Education by Tracy Phillips

With so many educational ideas and curriculums floating around out there, how will you know which one is the perfect fit for your family? In this workshop, you will hear about the different styles of homeschooling and why they may or may not be right for your family.

Box-Free Living by Diana Waring

Rather than raising children to follow formulas, let us teach them using the principles of discipleship, and then have them "follow me as I follow Christ." And, rather than trying to force your home schooling to look like someone else's, let's learn to hear from the Lord just what is best for your own family. Instead of falling victim to preconceived judgments, from ourselves or from others, let's learn to find God's way for us in this home schooling journey.

Self-Teaching 101 – Part 2 by Joanne Calderwood

This workshop will show you how to implement the self-teaching method of education in your homeschool. Self-teaching is a process that children grow into which results in increased motivation and strong work ethic. ‘The Seven Myths of Homeschooling’ will also be presented. Joanne will show you the simple secret to becoming an underwhelmed homeschool parent! Comprehensive hand-outs will be supplied at both sessions.

Preschool and Kindergarten Education at Home Part 1 by Susan Chrisman

Understanding the developmental abilities of your young child is essential before planning a preschool/kindergarten curriculum. What should your child know by the age of six? Susan Chrisman, homeschool mom of five and grandmother of three, will show you the keys to early education, and how to set goals for and record what your young children need to know. You will learn the specifics of academic preparation for your young child.

3:15PM

REAL College Prep for Homeschoolers by Dr. Kuni Beasley, w/Debbie Lindstrom (National Homeschool Academy)

How to Prepare, Package, and Position your Homeschooler for College Success
Dr. Beasley has helped homeschoolers gain admission to the highest rated colleges in the nation and earn some top scholarships.  Find out how to Prepare, Package, and Position your college bound student for competitive admissions and significant scholarship offers.  Debbie Lindstrom will share her story on how her two oldest sons were prepared to receive complete college scholarships that covered all college costs including room and board!

Experience Excellence in Writing by Chardell Novotny (Institute of Excellence in Writing)

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.

Occupying Preschoolers While Teaching Older Children (My Father’s World)

Our children are precious gifts from the Lord but sometimes they can interfere with our human plans. These little ones seem to seek attention at the wrong time. What can we do at these times to creatively involve them in the learning process? My Father’s World shares many suggestions on how to educate and occupy little ones.

Revitalize Your Homeschool Bible Class by Dianna Wiebe (Grapevine)

Regardless of your Biblical knowledge or the knowledge of your children, these Bible curriculums can help you disciple your children effectively! Easy-to-use teacher manuals walk you through each lesson while giving you opportunities to teach and share your personal faith with your children.

4:00PM

Resolving Family Conflicts in Truth and Love by Phil Downer

Learn the do’s and don’ts of how to bring up and deal with the smoldering issues, keep difficult discussions from escalating, work through the toughest issues, and change negative patterns of interaction to positive ones. It is imperative that we don’t merely teach our children, but that we work through and resolve old hurts and resentments that can undermine our efforts to grow them into godly leaders. This powerful workshop is designed to help you build relationships that are closer than ever before.

The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing by Andrew Pudewa

We’ve all suffered it at one time or another—frustration about writing assignments. Either on the receiving end, or perhaps now on the giving end, there can be a few distinctly discouraging aspects to teaching and being taught writing. The tough questions include: What to correct and how to give a grade? How much help is too much? Isn’t the assignment clear enough? Why don’t students find their own errors? Learn and avoid four teaching mistakes that contribute to this frustration: Overcorrecting, Holding Back Help, Unclear Assignments, and Over-Expectation.

OCHEC 104: Taming the Beast of Record Keeping by Cindy Nicolai

Description: Transcripts! Credit Hours and Grades! Oh, My! If the thought of keeping records for your homeschool haunts you, this workshop will help you tame the beast and get your records in order. If you have never kept records, you will learn what you need to keep and what you can throw away, methods of record-keeping, how long to keep the records, and much more.

Credentials Without College by The Mallys

Two homeschool graduates, Sarah and Stephen Mally, will help young people and parents set wise life goals, learn to avoid worldly thinking in the area of education, understand the importance of seeking God's credentials rather than the world's credentials, and consider some of the dangers of college. This workshop communicates the need to be prepared for "life" not just a career with the focus being on doing a "great work" for God.

Preparing Heart, Soul 'n' Guts NOW to Homeschool to the END! by Barb Shelton

Does the thought of homeschooling through high school give you the shivers every time you think of it? Whether high school is still several years away or you're already DOing it, you don't have to continue to be plagued by fear! Let's expose and deal with the myths, intimidations and misperceptions head-on, once and for all! The focus for this workshop is high school concerns~ not "high school how-to's." (Those are in another workshop.) We'll delve into the fears and concerns, like the diploma issue, can I really do this, will my child be missing out. With these fears dealt with (as in dealt a swift "death blow"), you'll be free to approach high school with vision and confidence! It takes some time to go through this process, so do yourself a favor and do thisearly on!

Preschool and Kindergarten Education at Home Part 2 by Susan Chrisman

Understanding the developmental abilities of your young child is essential before planning a preschool/kindergarten curriculum. What should your child know by the age of six? Susan Chrisman, homeschool mom of five and grandmother of three, will show you the keys to early education, and how to set goals for and record what your young children need to know. You will learn the specifics of academic preparation for your young child.

7:00PM

OCHEC FAMILY NIGHT – Lies Homeschoolers Believe by Todd Wilson

Your house is a disaster, your kids seem out of control, and you wonder how you'll ever make it through another day of school. Your "get up and go" has "got up and went". You used to think homeschooling was the best thing since sliced bread, but now you’re feeling like burnt toast. Take heart—you're not alone! No one homeschools because it's easy. You do it because you believe it's best. But there are times when you need to be reminded once again why it's best. Join me as we do just that. You'll laugh and be encouraged in the toughest job you'll ever...love.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

10:00AM

Homeschooling and Parental Rights – Freedom Under Fire by J. Michael Smith

Parental rights and religious freedom have been the two foundations to establish a constitutional right for parents to teach their children at home. Several years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court weakened the free exercise of religion claim as a foundation for homeschooling so that in order for homeschoolers to claim a fundamental right to homeschool, they must be able to combine the free exercise right with the parental rights claim. Currently this is not a problem, but because of the fragile nature of freedom, moral decay, complacency and apathy, homeschooling freedoms are in jeopardy. An additional threat is the opposition from the intellectual elites based on a belief that the state, through public schools, should have access to all children to teach tolerance for others, which leads to collectivism. Homeschoolers are in their cross-hairs and are clearly at risk.

Media and Entertainment – Monitoring What Influences Your Family by Paul Downer

This session will confront questions like these: How can families avoid the extremes of license or legalism? How can children become equipped and committed to standing alone for their convictions? How can families engage their world without becoming conformed to its values? How can parents remain involved in their children’s decisions without becoming controlling or invasive? What is the right approach to making family rules and standards? What is the key to fostering character, virtue, and uncommon leadership in your children?

The Key to Education is Relationship by Diana Waring

Experts in learning tell us that one of the best predictors of educational success is having a positive relationship between student and teacher. Translated for homeschooling parents: If we build healthy, happy relationships with our children, they will be able to thrive educationally. It goes far beyond desks and multiplication tables, however. For us, it encompasses every aspect of life—since our students are learning with us 24/7! Often we teach, react and parent out of fear which produces feelings of failure and guilt. These negative feelings can impact and even damage those relationships, which in turn affects our children's learning. Discover how to grow these significant relationships as well as say goodbye to those feelings of fear, guilt and failure. Join Diana for an insightful and practical workshop that will give you tools for building and improving these critical connections with our kids.  

Connecting Hearts - Now and Forever by Barb Shelton

We see many people—homeschoolers included—who appeared to have their children's hearts during the homeschool years, only to see them "go their own way"—a way that doesn't include parents or family—after leaving home. Many assume it is normal and natural do not have good, healthy, flowing relationships with their kids, that it’s okay for disrespect to reign in the home. Indeed it *is* "normal"; but it is not God's "norm"! He has SO much MORE for His precious people!!! Learn how to sweeten, correct, and heal relationships between parents and children, and between children, from baby through adulthood—how to get and keep your children's hearts, "until death do you part."

Organize THIS! by Tracy Phillips

“A person who is organized is too lazy to look for things.” Are you one of the many moms who feel like their home is always in disarray? Or maybe you already have your own system, but you keep forgetting what it is? If so, then this is the workshop for you! Join Tracy as she gives you tips and hints on keeping your house tidy and orderly, no matter how many children you have!

OCHEC: YOU CAN HOMESCHOOL by OCHEC Trustees

An introduction to homeschooling designed to answer questions including: Is it legal? Why do families choose to homeschool? How do you get started? How do you choose curriculum? What about group activities, "socialization," etc.? Come and get all of your questions and glean wisdom from OCHEC Trustees. This workshop will last approximately 90 minutes.

11:15AM

Good Science, Good Faith—Building Critical Thinking Skills Through Science by Krista Bontrager (Reasons to Believe)

Empower your teens to stand strong in the faith amid the growing challenges of a secular culture! Come and discover the high school science apologetics curriculum from Reasons Academy. This unique one-year program will equip your high school student to put their confident trust in Jesus as the Creator.

How & Why? by Vicki Olson (Sonlight Curriculum)

Vickie Olson, homeschooling veteran of 14 years speaks on the ins and outs of Sonlight, and what makes it a good choice for homeschool families. She will discuss literature based education, how to use the Instructors Guides, and share personal experience. Time will be left at the end of the session for Q&A.

A Simple Plan; Bringing Beauty & Order to Your Home by Dee Jones (Mardel)

Dee Jones is a homeschool veteran of 18 years and now serves as the Homeschool Marketing Manager for Mardel Christian & Education retailer. With her years of experience, she has a heart to encourage homeschool families to not grow weary in the day-to-day life of discipling and training their children, but to keep pressing forward. In this workshop, Dee will share how to develop a realistic plan for your family and demonstrate some useful tools and organizational techniques to help manage your homeschooling. You will walk away feeling empowered and encouraged!

You Can Homeschool High School! by My Father’s World

Studies indicate that homeschooled high-schoolers are more likely to remain committed to Christ than those who attend public school. My Father’s World high school curriculum integrates Bible, history and English, allowing your student to develop a strong Biblical worldview using easy to follow self-directed lesson plans for all subjects. Students read through the entire Bible, apply Biblical analysis when reading classical literature, develop strong composition skills and nurture a heart to serve others. Look forward to homeschooling your student through high school and make Christ a central focus during these crucial growing years.

Learn to Read and Write with PAL by Chardell Novotny (Institute for Excellence in Writing)

Announcing IEW’s Primary Arts of Language (PAL), a beginning reading and writing program based on Anna Ingham’s 70-year legacy. Designed to provide everything you need to start your K-2 students reading and writing, these multisensory, interactive materials will give your children a foundation for excellence in writing as they take delight in learning.

12:00PM

What To Do When Your Plan Doesn’t Go According To Plan by Todd Wilson

We like things nice and neat, orderly, and with a predictable outcome. And while it plays out nicely on television, the honest truth is that most of the time our plans don’t ‘come together.’ Instead, our plans too often fall apart, disintegrate right before our eyes. I’ve talked to plenty of homeschooling parents who were sold a plan. They followed the plan and then later stood before me with tears in their eyes because the plan didn’t work. “We did everything they said to do,” they say. “We didn’t have TV…we homeschooled…we ate organic…we only wore dresses…we sheltered and protected…our kids played the violin…we emphasized the classics…we never missed family devotions…we emphasized purity…we birthed our children at home…we had a home business” and the list goes on and on. They feel betrayed, angry, and lost. I have to admit that I inwardly wondered what they had done wrong. Now I have learned that sometimes our plans don’t come together because God has a DIFFERENT PLAN.

Teaching Your Children How to Work With Godly Diligence by Paul Downer

More than ever, children are coming of age without the basic training necessary to be men and women of diligence, determination, follow-through, and excellence. This session is packed with practical stories, ideas, methods, and strategies for raising up your children to beat the curve, counter the culture, and do all things as unto the Lord.

Creative, Flexible Home Organizing by Barb Shelton

This pictorial tour of Barb's home and life—with lots of explanations along the way—will help and inspire you to make the most of what you have, organize it better, set up "centers" in your home that will help you function more efficiently, and thus create more order and peace in your home, which are part of the foundation of a peaceful homeschool. (The other part is having healthy, loving relationships, which Barb covers in her "Connecting Hearts—Now and Forever!" workshop.) 

Top 10 Things I Wish I Had Known As A Young Mother by Joanne Calderwood

In this session, Joanne shares her top 10 basic things that moms and dads can benefit from knowing while their children are young, yet will surely benefit any parent of any child. These items involve important life lessons learned along the journey of homeschooling eight children. (Joanne insists she is not THAT old!) Get these 10 nuggets of wisdom that can alter your parenting experience for the better and enhance your sanity now! Comprehensive hand-outs supplied.

Fostering Hope: How the Homeschool Community Can Bring HOPE to Hurting Children and Families by Foster and Adoptive Panel

Pending

Learning Styles - What Are They, and Why Do They Matter? by Cyndi Kinney

In this session, Cyndi will explain the basic learning styles. She will tell you how to determine the learning styles of your children and yourself - and then how to use that knowledge to choose curriculum.

1:15 PM

Discipleship in the Home by Charissa Maxwell (Growing in God)

We will explore the importance of disciple making in the home, while looking at the mandate of our Lord Jesus Christ and His ministry to the twelve.

God Knew There Would Be Dyslexia by Bea Edwards (DEAR)

DEAR presents a clear presentation about the root of dyslexia based upon God’s Word and debunks misconceptions associated with the struggles caused by dyslexia. A free consultation, $50 student enrollment registration, and $400 tuition, which is payable as the student progresses through the 3-month individualized program, will be presented. DEAR’s opportunity, giving a dyslexic the freedom to soar for a life time, may be the first ray of hope for many desperate parents.

Starting A Sports Team/League for Your Group by Janet Wortham

Live in a rural area? Don’t have a venue for your child to play sports? Are you willing to start a league in your area but don’t know what to do or where to start? This workshop will give you the in’s and out’s of starting a sports team for your local group or a league for your area.

Revitalize Your Homeschool Bible Class by Dianna Wiebe (Grapevine)

Regardless of your Biblical knowledge or the knowledge of your children, these Bible curriculums can help you disciple your children effectively! Easy-to-use teacher manuals walk you through each lesson while giving you opportunities to teach and share your personal faith with your children.

2:00 PM

The Power of Praise with Our Children by J. Michael Smith

Life and death is in the power of tongue. Deep scars can occur as a result of negative, condemning words and withholding of praise and affirmation.  The goal of this talk is to ensure that our children do not grow up feeling rejection from us as parents because of bad communication. This talk uses James 3:1–10 as a model for how we use words to edify and build up rather than to tear down. The talk will explore some ways that we use our tongue to injure our children and how we can use our tongue as an instrument of blessing. The talk’s goal is to develop a relationship with our child that lasts forever.

Raising Pure Daughters in a Generation of Darkness by The Mallys

A young lady who is pure will shine with a radiant brightness in this world of darkness. How can a young lady stay physically and emotionally pure as she waits for God’s best in marriage? How can parents protect and guide? This workshop will encourage young ladies to guard their minds, to desire the very best marriage, to give their hearts to their parents, to avoid the dangers of the world’s thinking, and to have a life purpose bigger than marriage. This workshop is taught by Sarah Mally (age 30). Sarah is the founder of Bright Lights, a nationwide discipleship ministry designed to equip young ladies to live fully for the Lord. Today over 400 Bright Lights groups have started around the country.

Don't Scare the Children! Homeschooling and the Fear of the Lord by Dennis Gundersen

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom", Proverbs tells us – often. And since our children start at "the beginning", and we’re with them from that beginning, it’s all too clear – they must learn the fear of the Lord. But most Christian parents have little idea how to impart this perspective on life to their children. We want to raise children who trust and love God, certainly not children who withdraw from Him in terror! Where’s the balance? Dennis Gundersen shows how you can make the fear of the Lord a reality in life, tying in this topic to fathers, to faith, forgiveness, the future, and more. Children who learn the fear of the Lord won’t be afraid of anything else!

If Mary and Martha Had Been Homeschool Moms by Joanne Calderwood

Feeling tired? Ragged around the edges? Overwhelmed with your job as parent, spouse, teacher, chauffeur, cook, dietician, et cetera? Forget who you even ARE? Joanne has certainly been there, and at her lowest, the Lord has shown her a life-changing secret to being underwhelmed. The secret has absolutely nothing to do with homeschooling, yet everything to do with homeschooling. Come be uplifted and inspired through the picture presented of two ladies named Mary and Martha. (Don’t worry; we won’t even mention the Proverbs 31 Woman!) Yes, you can become underwhelmed! Comprehensive hand-outs supplied.

Real Life Homeschool Learning and Organizing Tools For Younger Children by Barb Shelton

Practical help for organizing homeschool, chores, and life, plus how to set up a flexible lesson plan based on a healthy balancing and weaving of your child's real life experiences with their academic needs, and then how to "dish it out." Plus ten reasons to keep records and how to determine which ones YOU do and don't need! You will also get ideas for getting and keep your home and homeschool in order, your day running smoothly, your stuff (including kids' jobs) organized.

Homeschooling Your Teen: Your Finest Hour by Kim Ford

Do you hear the battle cry over your teen? We are in a moment in time when the stakes are large. The battle lines have been drawn. And the prize? Your teenager. Unfortunately, the stats are not in your favor, but God is! Please join me as we rally together to encourage each other for this moment in history like none other. Where the darkness is great, the light shines brighter. Your teenager is an answer to this darkness, not to be succumbed to it. Get practical tips on how to win in your home, secure the heart of your teen and launch him/her out into the world equipped and able to lead his own generation.

3:15PM

Hands-on Kindergarten and First Grade (My Father’s World)

Overwhelmed? Try our easy-to-teach complete curriculum that incorporates phonics, reading, writing, art, Bible, hands-on science, math, history and more. Incorporate preschoolers and older kids in many of the interesting activities. My Father’s World shows how easy-to-teach yet flexible lessons plans eliminate preparation time without sacrificing the FUN.

Real M.O.N.E.Y. for College by Dr. Kuni Beasley w/Debbie Lindstrom (National Homeschool Academy)

Real College Funding – NO Gimmicks, NO Loans, NO Debts, NO Mortgaging the Family Home!
M.O.N.E.Y. describes the five sources of College Funding: Merit, Opportunity, Need-based, Entitlement, and Your own money for college.  Dr. Beasley attended college 22 years and paid for only one semester!  Dr. Beasley’s wife attended Harvard on scholarship and paid only $411 her first semester!  Debbie Lindstrom has no college expenses for her two oldest sons!  1,000s of funding sources regardless of income!  Find out for yourself!

Three Keys to Great Art Education by Daniel Ellis (Artistic Pursuits)

Discover the simple keys to unlocking your child’s God-given talents in the visual arts. All children can excel in the visual arts with encouragement and teaching methods that address both the expressive and technical aspects of art. Learn how you can give your child a great art education at home by focusing on awareness, creativity, and well timed instruction in the basic principles of art!

OETA/PBS Learning Media Workshop by Ashley Barcum (OETA / PBS)

Join OETA-The Oklahoma Network for a demonstration of their free next-generation digital media service that empowers PreK–16 educators to re-imagine learning, transform teaching, and creatively engage students. More than 20,000 free assets in this content library are tied to Common Core and national curriculum standards, including carefully created, purpose-built media: videos, interactives, audios, lesson plans, multimedia, professional development, and more. The service also provides the ability for educators to search, save, share, and review content.

4:00PM

Choose the Hard Things by Todd Wilson

Homeschooling is hard, parenting is hard, and marriage…well, that’s way hard. And that’s OK and even normal. Trouble is we don’t like hard. We want easy, fast, and cheap, and at the same time we want successful results. But the truth is that good things are hard and hard things are good, and they go hand in hand. Sadly, most people don’t ever experience the good because they can’t handle the hard. They put the hard thing off, hoping it will get easier, or they avoid it all together, and all they end up with is a pile of regrets. Here’s the good news: you can handle the hard. In fact, if you’re faced with two choices, pick ‘HARD.’ During this hour, you’ll laugh with Todd as he shares how to embrace the hardness while keeping your eye on the joy and how to experience God’s best for you.

Knights, Maidens, and Dragons by the Mallys

How to find the right life partner and avoid or slay the many dragons along the path. Using stories, testimonies, and skits, this session looks at a series of biblical concepts that are safeguards for young people as they embark on this important journey. By Harold and Grace (daughter) Mally

Got Teens??? By Diana Waring

What a challenge! What a blessing! What a reward! But what do we, as parents, do to see the blessing and to harvest the reward? This practical, hands-on workshop looks at vision, opportunities and counsel in your teenager's life through such issues as: what we can do, through school subjects and training, to prepare our unfolding young adults; how do we home school when the subjects get harder; why we should study worldviews with them? … and much more.

Carschooling – How to Turn ANYTHING into a Learning Experience by Cyndi Kinney

Learn at the grocery store, at the museum, on vacation, at the dentist's office, while waiting in line, while riding on long road trips, and just about everywhere else! In this session, Cyndi will give you some new and fun ideas for turning everyday experiences into learning opportunities for all ages.

Courtship and Dating – So What’s the Difference? By Denis Gundersen

Families hear much about “courtship” these days, but often lack clear ideas as to the differences between a “dating” approach and the “courtship” concept. We want to spare our children the pitfalls of the modern “dating” tradition, but often don‟t know how to explain to them how “courtship” works! This seminar gives six easily-understood differences between the two approaches, to help any family apply the old approach in a modern era, but without arbitrary, Pharisaical rules. Dennis gives parents principles they can apply, in varied household situations.

Teaching Truth, Goodness, and Beauty by Jennifer Courtney

Are you frustrated by textspeak because it’s destroying the beauty of our language? Do you look wistfully at old buildings and wish modern architecture weren’t so ugly? Are you concerned about raising children who recognize and speak Truth in an era of relativism? Do you want to teach your children the difference between values and virtues so that they can pursue goodness? In this workshop, we will examine how you can train your children to recognize truth, goodness, and beauty and to hunger after them. We will examine older models of education which focused on these three ideals.