Schedule

Friday, May 31, 2013
Before Conference Begins:

All-day Seminars:
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. High School & Beyond Workshop by Linda López ASC (Scooters)

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). The event will end with a panel discussion of current college students who were homeschooled in high school.  


This workshop will include a 100-page packet of take-home materials. High School Workshop fee ($55/attendee) includes the Conference registration fee.
8:30 - 4 p.m. Fiction Writing Course by Regina Doman MHC 204

Fiction instructor and editor Regina Doman gives an intensive seminar that focuses on writing fiction. This seminar, for age 16 through adult, is for anyone who's writing fiction --  whether they are writing a novel, a screenplay, a children's book, a comic book, or an epic poem.  The three talks, Starting your Story: Which Comes First, the Plot or the Character?, How to Create Evil Characters (When You're a Good Catholic), Reverse-Engineering Your Plot: Building a Story from Premise to Climax, focus on the three key aspects of Premise, Character, and Plot.  Whether you are writing fiction or trying to mentor students who are constantly writing fiction, this seminar will set you on the road to understanding the construction of good stories and how to create them.  Please come to the seminar with a story idea (finished or unfinished) that you're willing to share with the class. 

This workshop will include take-home materials. Fictional Writing Course fee ($55/attendee) includes the Conference registration fee.
3:30 p.m. - Support Group Leaders Meeting ARC 110 (Tommie Room)
Are 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 Molly Koop and Jenny Clarke. Please bring a one-page description of your group to exchange with others (25 copies).  (If you plan to attend, please RSVP by emailing: info@mnconference.org.)  We are compiling a list of Support Groups to display at the Conference.  If you know of a group, please submit information.

4  p.m. Catholic Studies Ice Cream Social & Open House ASC 103 (Scooters)
High school students and parents are invited to come and learn about the Catholic Studies Community at the University of St. Thomas while enjoying some ice cream sundaes.  For more information on the Department of Catholic Studies, visit www.stthomas.edu/catholicstudies or contact Alex Marchetti marc3806@stthomas.edu.. (Event takes place at Sitzmann Hall.) (The High School & Beyond Workshop and Fiction Writing Course will be completed in time for participants to attend this event.)

Conference Events:

4-9 p.m. Curriculum Fair and Used Book Sale ARC - Fieldhouse
4:30 Bloggers' Gathering - hosted by Margaret Berns (sponsored by Scholaric.com) ARC 110 (Tommie Room)
5:30 Vendor Presentations 
Handling Schoolwork Hassles & Maximizing Motivation — Jen Beyst & Johann Marsland, Learning Rx ARC 302
Earning College Credits in High School with CLEP — Cheri Frame, Credits before College ASC 103 (Scooters)
RightStart Mathematics: Visual-Based Success — Dr. Joan Cotter, RightStart Math ASC 202
Evangelization and Mission — Ryan Lopez, NET Ministries ASC 233
Is Reading FUN in Your Homeschool?  Or, Just Schoolwork? — Becky Dean, Usborne Books & More ASC 341

5:30 Special Need Discussion - hosted by Cathie Baier ARC 110 (Tommie Room)
6:30 Vendor Presentations 
How I. Q. Can Change and Why it Matters — Jen Beyst, Learning Rx ARC 302
Moti-Venture: Motivating Kids Through Adventure — Rob Snavely, Moti-Venture ASC 103 (Scooters)
How to Build Lifelong Learners with Math-U-See — Linda Fugleberg, Math-U-See ASC 202
Experience Excellence in Writing — Jan Miller, Institute for Excellence in Writing ASC 341
Spooks, Legos & Peanut Butter Toast: Makin' the Spelling Thing Work — Jay Patterson, The Works People ASC 238
Easy Online Homeschool Planning With Scholaric  — Scholaric.com ASC 233
Family Formation 101 — Matt Brownstein and Deb Lindahl, Family Formation ARC 110 (Tommie Room)

7:30 p.m. - Being a Man After God's Own Heart by Fr. Mike Schmitz ARC - Arena (Gym)

What is it to be a man of God?  So many men struggle to lead their families and their communities because they fail to know what it is to follow.  What are the obstacles to being a true follower of Christ and how can a man become the man that God knows he is called to be?
Saturday, June 1, 2013 

8:30 a.m. Vendor Presentations 
ADD/ADHD: Our Disconnected Kids   — Dr. Nathaniel Samuelson, DC, Valeo Health and Wellness Center ARC 302
The Chunk Chart Decoding and Spelling System — Christine Marks, Ladybug Literacy ASC 103 (Scooters)
Online School Options — Jennifer Houghton, K12 ASC 202
Learn to Read and Write with PAL — Jan Miller, Institute for Excellence in Writing ASC 341 
Language Arts in the Real World  — Nancy Bjorkman, Heppner's Legacy ASC 238
Classic Literature iBooks for Homeschool --Cole Mathisen, Providence eLearning ASC 233

9:30 a.m. Real Education by Fr. Mike Schmitz ARC - Arena (Gym)

What is the primary goal of education?  Many of us spend a great deal of energy and effort trying to form the hearts and minds of our children…how do I know if I have accomplished this noble task?
11:00 a.m. Workshop Session I
How Catholic Home Education is Changing American Culture 
by Ginny Seuffert ARC - Arena (Gym)
Catholic Education has a long and noble history in the United States.  In the last decades, Catholic home education is carrying on this tradition and has evolved from a tiny group of parents to a powerful social movement.  What impact are home schooling parents having on the church and the country.

Who is Prettier: the Disney Princesses or the Blessed Mother? 
by Regina Doman ASC 103 (Scooters)
The imagination is a powerful thing. Forming your family's imagination is crucial, and Scripture and beauty provide the guidelines.  This fun talk deals with the practicals of  how to communicate the truth about goodness and beauty to your children.
Beginning Homeschooling 
by Cathie Baier OEC Auditorium
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.
Homeschool Dad: What exactly does a homeschool principal do? 
by Todd Kraft JRC 128
When your wife is the primary educator, what is the responsibility of the dad? What specific ways can you support your wife in the day-to-day responsibility of educating the kids? We'll answer questions like these and seek to define the role of the dad in the homeschool. We'll discuss ways in which dads can guide their families' homeschooling, even when their schedules do not allow much free time.
12:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m.  Workshop Session II
Are you Martha or Mary?  Defining your Home Management Style 
by Regina Doman ARC - Arena (Gym)
Everyone's approach to housekeeping is going to be different. This talk presents dual strategies for dealing with housekeeping tasks, one from a "Martha" point of view, and one from a "Mary" point of view. 
The Well-Read Mom: "Why Reading Matters for Women” 
by Marcie Stokman ASC 103 (Scooters)
Many women understand the value of quality literature for their children’s moral growth, yet they lack a seriousness when it comes to the education of their own hearts. What does a woman’s commitment to her own growth have to do with Pope John Paul’s prophetic charge, “Women will increasingly play a part in the solution of the serious problems of the future…in a way which favors the processes of humanization which mark the ‘civilization of love”? Through personal stories and gentle humor, women will be encouraged to see their pivotal cultural responsibility and be encouraged to read more and read well. Hear how Well-Read Moms Reading Groups began, starting from the desire of a few moms who wanted to read works from the Catholic and Western Tradition.  The workshop will also include several testimonials from women who have participated in groups this year.  They will describe how the groups encourage reading in a way that is fun, provides gentle accountability and is at the same time, workable for busy moms. 
Scream-free Parenting (based on a book by Hal Runkel) 
by Rita Ryan OEC Auditorium
With today’s pressures and expectations, parents can feel anxious, overwhelmed and under-appreciated.  Together these emotions can cause a parent to feel out of control. This presentation will show ways to manage these emotions and be the level-headed parent your children need.
Five Necessary Steps to Succeed 
by Pam Patnode JRC 128
How do you know if you are succeeding in home schooling your children? Are you new to home schooling and looking for the necessary tools to help you begin? In this workshop, Pamela Patnode helps you define “success” according to God’s plan for your family and children. Once defined, Patnode walks you through the necessary steps to achieve that success. This workshop will discuss the value of prayer, the importance of identifying a mission statement, the necessity of reading great literature, how to organize the calendar based upon the goals you’ve established for your family, and where to go for support.
3:00 p.m.  Workshop Session III
May My Life be a Yes to You 
by Shelly Lichty ARC - Arena (Gym)
An encouraging talk on prayer and family life for home schooling moms...From the beginning God has been calling us to a personal love relationship with Him.  It’s the starting point of everything and the place from which grace flows into the rest of our lives.  As home schooling moms we so often get discouraged by what we are unable to do or what we feel we don't do well, and many of us, either knowingly or unknowingly have stopped saying yes to the Lord....In her own personal, practical, and heartfelt way, Shelly prays that this is a place where you can recapture some of your vision and joy, where you can get refreshed and renewed, and where you can be encouraged to keep saying Yes to the Lord and embracing home schooling as a way of family life.  

Well-Read Mom Workshop 
by Marcie Stokman ASC 103 (Scooters)
Experience the power of literature through two selections, The Birthmark, a short story by Nathanial Hawthorne, in conjunction with “Memoirs to MaryAnn” an essay by Flannery O’Connor. A lively introduction, followed by small group discussions will enable women to experience the power of literature as well as the format of a Well-Read Mom group. Although it is not necessary, selections can be read ahead of time at www.wellreadmom.com (Year  1 selections). 

Testimony from a participant: "... I am especially excited because this group fills a huge need I have to be truly more "well-read," but not just for that sake. I see that I need to know what other women went through, have struggled with, suffered through, celebrated, were moved by, and on and on. Thank you for following this dream/vision of yours. It is already bearing fruit for me!"
Got game?  Bet Your Kids Wish You Did! (Using EASY, Almost No-Fuss Games to Help Keep Learning Fun) 
by Cathy Baier OEC Auditorum
Kids love games and so much is gained by playing games: learning to taking turns, good sportsmanship, patience and development of relationships. By using games, we can tailor to the needs of the child — not just academically, but socially, too. Come join in the fun yourself and learn how easy it is to put together games for your children — and you don't have to be creative to do it, either! Besides learning how, you will walk away with instructions, tips and resources to make your own games at home.

When Home Schooling is no Longer "Ordinary" but "Extraordinary": 
Home Schooling Struggling Learners and Those With Special Needs
by Pam Patnode JRC 128
Just when we thought we had found our 'rhythm' with home schooling we received some interesting diagnoses. First came 'dyslexia', then 'right brain learner'  followed by 'obsessive compulsive disorder' and finally 'Tourette’s Syndrome'. To be sure, we had been thrown a curve ball – a curve ball that has turned into a tremendous blessing and one that we embrace with determination, energy, humor, and hope. If you have a child who has a unique learning style and God-given special needs, then this is the session for you. Pamela will offer practical resources that have been of benefit to her family. You will also receive encouragement in your efforts and community with others who, like you, walk a different journey.
NOTE: ARC is Anderson RECREATION Center; ASC is Anderson STUDENT Center