“Online Opportunities, Options and Other Fabulous Freebies”

Education is getting to be more and more like a great big breakfast buffet where you can pick and choose and learn this way or that way from this source or that school and combine it all together to make one mighty fine breakfast. It is wonderful because the more options there are, the more likely everyone will find something that works for them even if it is completely different from what is on everyone else’s plate. Join Cara as we explore the opportunities and options that can be found online that can add flavor and spice to your educational plate and all for free at the touch of your fingertips.

Presented by Cara Dansie
 

"The Montessori Reading Program - How to Make Your Own"

The Montessori reading program works! Originally designed by Maria Montessori for special needs children in Italy, it combines sensory rich materials with natural movement and activity. As an age appropriate manipulative, it is irresistible for children ages 3-7. Steps of the program include learning the sounds of the alphabet (not the letters!), moveable alphabet with objects, pink level (2-3 letters), blue level (4+ letters) and green level (phonograms & digraphs). Audrey will introduce the complete reading program with instructions, links and resources so you can make your own, too!

Presented by Audrey Frazier
 

"Montessori for Beginners"

Come learn how to transform your home into a Montessori learning environment. Particularly applicable for teaching 2 ½ - 6 year olds, this class will cover elements of structuring the environment (your home) and preparing yourself to allow your child the freedom to successfully self-educate. Practical helps will open your eyes to a whole new way of simultaneously managing multiple young children. You will leave with many activity ideas to begin implementing immediately. Specifically answers the question: “What do I do with my toddler?”

Presented by Audrey Frazier
 

"How to Make a History Notebook"

History notebooks are a great way to involve students in history. It provides a venue for expression of thoughts and ideas. It is also an easy way for a student to organize their materials in a chronological manner. Notebooks become the student’s own history book, with maps, notes, time lines, essays and research projects included as part of their book. This class will teach the parents and students how to create a fun and exciting history notebook, and how to use it as a learning tool and reference book for life.

Presented by Dan Hunter
 

"Building Character Through Homeschooling—Heroes in the Making"

The 1828 dictionary defines character as “the peculiar qualities, impressed by nature or habit on a person, which distinguish him from others.” Homeschool parents have the opportunity to teach their children how to prepare to accomplish the missions life has in store for them. They have a greater opportunity to be self motivated and not be “like everybody else,” but to be a thinker and a leader, and not a follower or, as Oliver DeMille puts it, “to receive a conveyer belt education.” In this class we will discuss the principles that will bring about this opportunity for our children.

A Hero demonstrates certain qualities in his/her character which brings out the best in themselves. History gives us plenty of examples of heroes. We would do well to learn about these heroes from history, and follow their examples so that we will become the kind of person others would like to follow. This class will demonstrate from history the hero attributes of honesty, courage, leadership, integrity, honor, faith, and wisdom. Come and learn what made these heroes great, and see if you can measure up.

Presented by Dan Hunter
 

"Make a Joyful Noise"

Learn some fun singing games and activities you can do with your children to instill a love of music. Be prepared to participate! What is Solfege, and why is it helpful? We will also talk about a few different products and methods you can use at home as an alternative to costly lessons, although I recommend private lessons for a serious student.

Presented by Tamsyn Spackman
 

"Gizmos, Flashes, and Frogs: Science in Homeschooling"

This course offers ideas and resources for teaching science in your home. We want science to be both fun and interesting because we are not just teaching kids a series of facts and vocabulary, we are helping them learn to think logically and systematically. It doesn't matter if you are just starting out and need a place to begin, or if you are an established homeschooler with a tried and true curriculum, you will find something to make science more fun for your kids.

Presented by Kami Huntzinger
 

"Living Your Own Life but Helping Others Appreciate It: Transcripts, Early College and the GED"

Do you wonder how you can concisely explain what your 15 year old has been doing when they study all the time but aren’t taking “science” or “history” classes? Is your 16 year old chomping at the bit to do more and you need serious outside mentors? Does the idea of your son taking the GED make you nervous? Come to this class! You will find out how to write transcripts to highlight the activities and studies your youth has accomplished. Learn what early college options your youth can get involved in and if what you’ve heard about the GED is true.

Presented by Cynthia Hampton
 

"Youth Scholars and the Environment Where They Thrive"

How do you create an inspiring environment for youth scholars? One where they thrive and grow like crazy? In an effort to create a more inspiring environment for her scholar children, Angela created Erda Academy. Erda is where the academy happens, but it is also the German word meaning “earth.” Youth scholars are like seedlings—eager and ready to grow. What they need is rich earth or an inspiring environment where they can get down to the business of growing. Our role as parents and mentors is to create that environment where they thrive and are inspired to direct their studies toward their God-given potential. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to connect with and inspire youth scholars. You’ll come to understand their needs, their challenges, and what they must accomplish in order to move forward with vision and purpose. You’ll learn the elements of an inspiring environment and get a close up of what Angela does with her students—how they respond, what works, what doesn’t. She will share copies of some of her class syllabi to help you start your own inspiring program. Finally, you’ll leave this workshop knowing that you can! The youth in your circle of influence need you!

Presented by Angela Baker
 

"Finding Joy in Simplicity—One Mother’s Approach to a Vibrant Life"

“Mom, you’re always stressed.” I stopped frantically chopping vegetables for dinner and looked at my 13 year old daughter. “I’m not stressed, at least not always,” I replied defensively. But her comment caused me to take a good, hard look. I found a gap between what I was (stressed and overwhelmed) and who I wanted to be (joyful and peaceful). How was I going to bridge that gap? Can you relate? Do you feel stressed and overwhelmed more than you would like? Do you want to find more joy in your life? YOU CAN! Stress doesn’t need to dominate our lives. Most often, when stress kicks in, it means we are not seeing things quite right and signals that we need to simplify. Motherhood and homeschooling can be joyful. Come. Discover how it can be so. You’ll learn to see past the overwhelming and create more vibrancy in your life with The 7 Lenses of Joy.

Presented by Angela Baker
 

"7 Keys of Great Teaching—The Difference that Makes the Difference"

These keys work! Wherever there is great teaching you will find students who are excited about their education. What you won’t find are resistant, apathetic students with glazed eyes. The fruit of great teaching is students who dig in and study because they want to. And in the process these students discover and develop their God-given greatness and get an excellent leadership education. This is what great teaching does! The 7 Keys are at the center of great teaching. Come. Expand your understanding of what these keys are, how they work, and how you can use them in your home to provide the excellent education you want for your children. Learning to do so will be the difference that makes the difference in your children’s education.

Presented by Angela Baker
 

"To Preserve the Nation"

In 1787 the United States boldly stepped forward in the glorious light provided by their unique new constitution. The confidence of the citizenry blossomed. The economy expanded in the assurance that one’s labor was his own. The nation became invigorated. The transformation was miraculous! The nations of the world stood in awe of the newfound strength and hope of this free land. In the 21st Century, America is in need of a miracle. The United States Constitution is again that miracle. It must be applied as vigorously and purely as it was in the beginning. Today’s national challenges can be traced to a divergence from the original intent put forth in the United States Constitution.

Statesmen of the caliber of the American founders must be raised up. The timeless wisdom that established the United States must again be vigorously applied. The foundational Americanist principles must be learned, understood, and embraced. The results will be as they were in the beginning. America may become again the freest, most prosperous, most respected, and happiest nation on earth. It is the intention of this lecture to encourage this goal.

Presented by Scott Bradley
 

"The Father's Role in Homeschooling"

Taught from an LDS perspective.

Presented by Scott Bradley
 

"Sensational Activities! Improving your child's behavior and learning through a Sensory Diet"

Does your child learn differently? Does he or she have a difficult time staying on task or paying attention? Does your child get overwhelmed or meltdown easily? Are you frustrated with your child's constant need to move? Come and discover how the brain processes our 7 senses. Learn how to identify your child's sensory needs and find out how to develop a "sensory diet" for your child that will decrease frustrations, improve attention, and harness learning ability.

Presented by Ryan Winn