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Workshop Descriptions
Before Conference Begins:
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. High School & Beyond Workshop by Linda López
Overwhelmed at the thought of homeschooling through high school? Linda López will present a day-long workshop on Friday (before the conference begins) to address all of your concerns. You will leave knowing how to develop a four-year plan for high school, how to keep records and create a transcript, and how to prepare your student for college, including testing, applications, and scholarships (as well as information about post-secondary enrollment option and other opportunities). This informative workshop will include a 100-page packet of take-home materials.
You must register for the Conference in order to attend the workshop; the fee for the High School workshop ($30/attendee) is in addition to the Conference registration fee.
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. High School Essay Intensive Seminar by Andrew Pudewa
The High School Essay Intensive class is an excellent way to get immediate
experience and inside tips on how to do your best on the timed, 25-minute
response to a prompt required on the SAT and/or ACT tests. Participants will
actually write two full essays, carefully study and then apply the College Board
evaluation criteria to sample essays, while receiving a detailed booklet of
resources and lesson plans for continued practice.
Additionally, students will learn special structure and style tools for use in
composing the college application "personal essay" — an entirely different type
of writing task. The complete process will be presented: choosing the question,
creating the outline, and polishing a final version. Participants will leave
with a clear concept of the task, their own outline for an actual personal
essay, and several new tricks and techniques to add to their repertoire.
Although this seminar is specifically designed for those who will be taking the
SAT/ACT or submitting college applications within the next 1-2 years (and
especially those teaching such students), it is also useful for general writing
practice, tools and tips. It is open to all students, regardless of their
experience with IEW courses or materials. A lot of actual writing is done during
this six-hour class.
You must register for the Conference in order to attend the workshop; the fee for the High School Essay Intensive Seminar ($30/attendee) is in addition to the Conference registration fee.
3:30 p.m. - Support Group Leaders MeetingAre you a homeschool support group leader who would like to network with other leaders? Or maybe you’re a new homeschooler who is thinking of starting a group? Whether you need some new ideas, would like to discuss a situation, or just want to meet other leaders, this gathering is for you. This session will be an informal gathering of leaders from across the Midwest. Hosted by Anne Gross and Sara Boros. (ARC110)
Please bring with you a one-page description of your group to exchange with others (25 copies). Refreshments will be served. (If you plan to attend, please RSVP by emailing: info@mnconference.org.)
3:30 p.m. Catholic Studies Ice Cream Social & Open HouseHigh school students are invited to come eat ice cream sundaes, socialize with other students, and learn about the Catholic Studies Community at the University of St. Thomas. For more information on the Department of Catholic Studies, visit www.stthomas.edu/catholicstudies For more information about the event, contact Theresa Klein at 651-962-5704. (Event takes place at Sitzmann Hall.)
Conference Events:
4:30 p.m. Vendor Presentations
Math-U-See: Math Without Tears by Linda Fugleburg, Math-U-See
Come, learn what makes Math-U-See’s complete K-12 curriculum a consistent winner of homeschool curriculum awards. Learn why Math-U-See’s multisensory, manipulative-based approach is highly effective for a range of students from math minded to the math handicapped. Leave saying "I see it! I get it!"
Those Oh So Important Language Skills: Master Them Once and For All! by Jay Patterson, The Works People
Beautiful handwriting, excellent reading skills, spelling that makes sense, grammar and composition without boring drills that drive your students (and you) to tears..... Stop buying bits and pieces only to have to do it all again next year! Make a one-time purchase for multiple subjects, for multiple students, for multiple years. Let The Works People help you get it all together once and for all in this neurologically based, multi-sensory, integrated, and proven program that gets it all done with effective, amazing results.
Brain Balance: A Proven Program to treat ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism and Other Disorders by Dr. David Stussy, Brain Balance of Minnetonka
Dr. Stussy will explain neurobehavioral disorders such as ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette’s, Asperger’s and Autism Spectrum Disorders as Functional Disconnection Syndrome (FDS), a functional imbalance of brain activity between the left and right sides of the brain. He will demonstrate how Brain Balance, a drug-free approach, can reverse these symptoms.
The Universe in My Hands by Mary O. Daly, Hedge School
Our universe home, though vast, is not infinite, and its layout and boundaries are knowable. The Universe in My Hands teaches students to study 40 objects within the universe in order of size, achieving a non-trivial organization of the sciences and their principal objects of study.
Concepts for Busy Parents by Angela Malavolti, Jungle Wagon Press
Busy? No time to navigate through complex curriculum guides? Journey back to the basics of quality education; parental knowledge and experience. Explore how one phenomenal pictures book can launch your family into an entire month of superior real life learning. Facilitate independent learning. Optimize early literacy with sheltered internet exploration.
4:30 p.m. Bloggers ChatBloggers, blogger fans, and wannabe bloggers are invited to this session. Meet your online friends in person! Hosted by Ana Braga-Henebry. (ARC110)
5:30 Vendor Presentations
MN Knows: Online Resources for Minnesotans Reference, Outreach, and Instruction by Minitex Librarian, Minitex
Did you know you can access five information tools, created specifically for MN residents, at one easy place, online at www.mnknows.org? In this session, a Minitex Reference Librarian will take you through the amazing resources you can access through the MNKnows portal. This includes a place to search and get Minnesota library materials via the MnLink Gateway. The resources in ELM give you access to on-line articles on a vast array of topics. You can search historic images and documents from Minnesota’s past via Minnesota Reflections. Get real-time answers from a librarian 24/7 at AskMN. And, plan a research project with the Research Project Calculator.
Finding Time for God by Julia Taube, Pacem in Terris Retreat Center
Finding time for God in the busy-ness of homeschooling, homemaking and LIFE is challenging.
Is it that He Can’t or He Won’t? Part 1: Weak Cognitive Skills May Be at Play by Jennifer Beyst, Learning Rx Brain Training Center
Many home educators ponder why their children won’t complete an assignment, do chores without reminding, or work to their full potential…. Often the underlying reason for the “won’t” is actually a correctable “can’t.” Weak cognitive skills often manifest as frustration, lack of attention, poor memory, and even lack of motivation. Learn what you as a home educator can do to strengthen these skills – and change “I won’t” or “I can’t” into “I DID IT!!”
Preparing your Child for the Professor-Student Relationship by Dr. Carol Reynolds, Discovering Music
Professors can be quite different from tutors and secondary-school teachers. All incoming college students can benefit by understanding these differences and learning how to negotiate them. Dr. Reynolds will analyze the “professorial-student dynamic” and suggest approaches to help students to take full advantage of their professors’ expertise and mentoring.
Little Angel Reader Catholic Phonics by Linda Bromeier, Stone Tablet Press
Teach your child to read with the Little Angel Reader Catholic phonics series. Our phonetic readers and workbooks teach all the phonograms in a systematic manner, using multiple teaching strategies to reach all learners. Catholic, bible, and Saint stories are included in our colorful child-friendly books. A homeschool favorite.
5:30 Special Needs DiscussionMeet other homeschooling parents of students with special needs. Share ideas and resources in this informal discussion. Hosted by Monica Duffy, president of Exceptional Catholic Minnesota.
6:30 p.m. Vendor Presentations
Moti-Venture: Motivating Kids Through Adventure by Rob Snavely, Moti-Venture
Parents, are you puzzled about how to motivate your kids to have positive attitudes and good behavior while doing their schoolwork and chores? Moti-Venture may be the answer! Discover an innovative way to motivate your kids through creative adventures while strengthening family bonds in fun and exciting ways!
RightStart Math: Building a Solid Foundation by Dr. Joan Cotter, RightStart Mathematics
The foundation of mathematics is patterns and relationships. Build on your children’s natural ability to see patterns and to visualize. Enhance their learning by using guided discovery. Help them master the facts and solve problems while understanding concepts and relationships. All these are critical for building a strong foundation.
CYC: Planting Seeds of Faith by Julie Strahan, Catholic Youth Camp
To a kid the world of full of limits. CYC provides a fun, safe, faith-filled opportunity for kids to get away and try new things, without pressure or judgment. New or renewed faith, new friends, new skills - endless possibilities. Come find out more!
Family Formation 101 by Family Formation Team Members, Family Formation
Have you heard the buzz about Family Formation? It’s transforming families and parishes across the country! Come hear how to make it happen in your parish and family. In this session, we’ll: review what the Church teaches about parents as primary educators of their children in the Faith, present the philosophy and fundamentals of the Family Formation program, explain how sacramental prep works, and introduce you to the many supplemental pieces that can enhance your existing program. You’ll leave with a new vision, zeal, and hope for the future!
The Logic of English by Denise Eide, Pedia Learning
Have you always believed English is illogical and inconsistent? In this workshop you will learn things few educators know. We will overview rules which demonstrate that English is far more consistent and logical than most people ever thought! Once the patterns in English are understood, reading and spelling are revolutionized. Discover five reasons for a Silent Final E and see how the reasons influence when we may or may not drop the E when adding a suffix. This information eliminates numerous bogus exceptions. We will introduce 34 of the 74 basic Phonograms. The Logic of English is especially powerful for students who have struggled with traditional literacy methods, including auditory learners, logical thinkers, and struggling readers.
Is it that He Can’t or He Won’t? Part 2: Why Motivation Must be Trained - Even Through the Teen Years by Jennifer Beyst, Learning Rx Brain Training Center
Motivation is a complex brain function – underlying cognitive skills are just the foundational piece to achieving and maintaining positive motivation. From childhood through young adulthood our children need the specific “reward pathways” in their brains trained to create and respond to internal rather than just external stimuli. Learn what you can do to help your children develop a positive internal motivational system – and watch him or her thrive!!
7:30 p.m.
The Profound Influence of Music on Life by Andrew Pudewa
Music has become such an ever-present influence in our daily life, we seldom stop to consider what effect it has on us. But we must. As we changed over the last 100 years from being music “makers” to music “consumers,” we have gradually lost control over, and even awareness of, our auditory environment. In what way is music beneficial to our bodies and minds? In what circumstances can it actually be harmful? Solid scientific research provides some astounding answers to such questions--indeed, facts that must not be ignored by today’s parents and children.
Saturday
8:30 a.m. Vendor Presentations
Engaging Early Learners by Nancy Bjorkman, Heppner’s Legacy Homeschool Resource
What should "school" look like for early years learners? This fun and informative session will provide a comprehensive overview of learning styles and teaching methods specifically geared to pre- and elementary-age children. Nancy will share curriculum options, fun games, toddler tips, and easy activities all designed to help parents think outside the box when it comes to "doing school."
PUREly YOU! Growing God’s Way: Helping parents help their children understand "growing up" by Sue Lewis and Gretchen Thibault, PUREly YOU!
Need help talking to your child about puberty, chastity and God’s plan for them to experience true love? When is the right time? How can it be done in a way that protects innocence? PUREly YOU! offers practical tools, advice and valuable insight to assist you in this most important task.
Preventing and Teaching Struggling Readers and Spellers by Denise Eide, Pedia Learning
Reading and spelling are complex skills that involve the mind/logic, muscle memory, learning styles, and the heart. Many children have become discouraged by being taught oversimplifications of the English Language, such as “S” says /s/. In reality “S” says /z/ 70% of the time, including simple words like “is.” Other students struggle with developing visual muscle memory. Most teachers unknowingly reinforce visual confusion. Usually reading is taught solely a visual activity, leaving auditory and kinesthetic learners struggling. Discover how to teach reading to all learning styles. By utilizing all learning modes, all students are able to learn deeper and faster. This workshop will lay the foundations for teaching literacy to all students, aid teachers in selecting reading curriculum, and help teachers guard their student’s hearts from discouragement.
Socratic Seminars in Classical Homeschooling by John Niemann, Veritas Conspiracy
If your classically trained high schooler does not have access to serious, formal seminars, they are missing the capstone of the classical model. What is a Socratic seminar? What do they accomplish?Learn more about this vital but overlooked aspect to a classical education.
Hymns and Their Role in Home Education by Dr. Carol Reynolds, Discovering Music
Hymnbooks sit on our shelves, but how often to we use them in teaching History, Poetry, even Geography? Even math lessons are hidden in hymnals! Dr. Reynolds will lead a lively session showing ways to take an often-overlooked resource to enrich home education and restore traditions once common to American homes.
The Art of
Etiquette: Easy, Fun, Unique and Interactive by Laura Wiering,
The
Etiquette Factory with Laura Lee
Learning etiquette skills is at the heart of social and
professional success. The Etiquette Factory offers a unique and exciting three
phase training program, designed to teach children ages preschool through high
school in the art of etiquette.
9:30 a.m. Saturday
KEYNOTE: Freedomship Education: Rebuilding Your Education Paradigm by Andrew Pudewa
Escaping the “conveyor belt” approach of institutional education by which most of us were shaped isn’t easy, but it has to be done. For many parents, our greatest handicap as teachers is our own education—but it need not be so. In this inspiring and empowering session, you will not only come to understand the nature and purpose of today’s educational system as it was originally conceived and designed, but you will see a shining alternative path, one that develops true thinkers, leaders, and communicators—so desperately needed in today’s world.
11:00 a.m. • Workshop Session I
Vocation: Our Path to Happiness and Holiness by Fr. Troy Przybilla
Following the vocation for which God made you brings peace. This peace comes from knowing that God will take care of everything while leading you where He wants you to be. Fr. Przybilla will share insight and encouragement to help our children determine and live out the vocation to which God has called them.
A Saint, A Criminal and a Country Priest: The Writing of G.K. Chesterton by Jim Weiss
Storyteller and author Jim Weiss shares works by one of modern Catholicism’s greatest and wittiest authors: G.K. Chesterton. Jim will bring to life the first of Chesterton’s famous Father Brown mysteries and tell the story of how it came to be written. He will also share some of Chesterton’s profoundly witty reflections on Saint Francis of Assisi, a saint for whom Chesterton had deep affection, admiration, and understanding. For adults and older children, this session offers a rollicking introduction to a beloved author’s wisdom and humor, presented by renowned storyteller Jim Weiss.
Organize Your Home, Enrich Your Life by Colleen Billing
Are there piles of paper throughout your home? Does your bedroom look more like a storage closet than a sanctuary? Do you tell the kids to hide if someone shows up unexpectedly at your door? Come listen to professional organizer Colleen Billing give you some tips for doing the exterior decluttering that will bring interior peace!
Beginning Homeschooling by Cathie Baier
Are you new to homeschooling? Where do you start? How do you ensure a very good (not just adequate) homeschooling experience, especially in that important first year? This practical how-to session will help you determine the appropriate first steps on your homeschooling adventure. We’ll talk about filing your school district paperwork, picking a curriculum, scheduling and strategies for developing an independent child as well as strengthening your family and social relationships.
12:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. • Workshop Session II
Nurturing Competent Communicators – The Power of Linguistic Patterns by Andrew Pudewa
Many parents think that good readers will naturally become good writers. Others think that writing talent is just that—a natural ability—some have it; others don’t. Both are myths. History and modern research show very clearly how good writers have developed. What are the two most critical things you can do as a parent to develop a high level of aptitude, from a young age and into high school? With humor and insight, Andrew will share the two easy but unbelievably powerful things you can do to build language patterns and nurture competent communicators in your family.
The Loving Father: The Why and How of Dads Telling Stories by Jim Weiss
In an age in which children receive many competing, confusing messages, stories are among the greatest and longest lasting gifts that a father can give his child. Long before Jim Weiss turned his passion for telling stories into a profession, he told stories to his own child. A generation before that, Jim and his brother listened to stories from their father and grandfather.
The results: a lifelong love of reading; an unquenchable thirst to learn; a passionate ability to listen, and a profound sense of passing along the central beliefs of those who came before us, in an entertaining, memorable form. In this timely session meant especially for dads, Jim will share his own experiences and demonstrate clear ways to transmit beliefs and credos, and to show our children how much we love them through the stories we share.
Family: An Intimate Community of Life and Love by Anne Bielejeski
In the words of Pope John Paul II, "The future of humanity passes by way of the family" (On the Family, no. 86). What you do in your family to create a community of love, to help each other to grow, and to serve those in need is critical, not only for your own sanctification but for the strength of society and our Church (USCCB). With humor and down-to-earth practical advice, Anne Bielejeski, homeschooling mother of 11, will share her vision for family life and give realistic ways to maintain a firm foundation at home during the changing seasons of family life.
Discerning the Will of God by Fr. Troy Przybilla
For many of us, determining God’s will presents one of life’s greatest challenges. How do we know if we are doing what God desires in our lives? In this presentation, Fr. Przybilla will help you to recognize God’s voice in your life and open yourself to it fully.
3:00 p.m. • Workshop Session III
Nature Deficit Disorder: Causes, Consequences, & Cures by Andrew Pudewa
“Nature Deficit Disorder” refers to the costs of alienation from nature, among them: diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of emotional of physical and emotional imbalances. It can affect individuals, families, and communities. Although we as homeschoolers strive to provide the best education for our children, we may also be overlooking the importance of sufficient time in a natural environment—an essential component of raising children in an environment saturated with goodness, truth and beauty.
What is Classical Education? by Martin Cothran
Classical education was the predominant mode of education in America and the Western world until the early 20th century. It was the education of the founding fathers and of every student who attended a good school until the onset of John Dewey — and lived on in Catholic schools for many years. Learn what this system of education was and how it worked — and how you can implement it in your own home.
Coping with Stress and Burnout by Colleen Billing
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Is the stress level in your home hitting the boiling point? Come listen to some practical ideas that will help you foster spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as bring peace to your spirit, your body, and your home!
Technology in the Homeschool: To Boldly Go Where No Homeschool Has Gone Before! by Cathie and Kevin Baier
While we are all trying to raise saints, we know that we must prepare our children for the technological world in which they will eventually work. The question is: How do you do it? How can you use technology to your advantage while keeping your kids safe and centered? We’ll take a look at everything from platforms (e-book readers, computers, gps) to filtering software and on-line classes to social networking. Find out what it takes to keep your kids safe while becoming technically savvy. Dads might be especially interested in this topic!