Preparing for High School & Beyond Seminar by Cheri Frame (Scooters)
•Homeschool through High School with Confidence 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. (90 minutes) •Lunch 11:35 – 12:25 p.m. (50 min) - Bring lunch or purchase food in Anderson Student Center •Jump Start College with CLEP 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. (90 min) •Career Exploration for Teens 2:15 – 3:30 p.m. (75 min)
Testimonial from a previous attendee: If you have never been to one of Cheri's complete three-hour workshops, I can’t recommend it highly enough. It was the BEST $ I have ever spent. She is an amazing speaker and speaks not only to the parents, but also to our teenagers. Bring your 7th & 8th graders along for her talk — she is MOTIVATING! This was the first time I ever heard this information or felt “on fire” with the feeling that maybe we could actually accomplish this much as homeschoolers. She gave me a folder at the seminar with all of the tools to start understanding this process. Every time I’ve had a question since the seminar, she has answered it immediately and completely. I would recommend this to any homeschooling or public schooling parent. Bring both mom and dad if you can along with your teenager!!! She is an expert guide in navigating the waters of CLEP, PSEO, and the MN Transfer System and shows us clearly what our kids can accomplish and how affordable it can be! Her motto: “Work smarter – not harder.” It is exciting what we can do!” ~ Holly
Seminar fee: $30/attendee (in addition to the conference registration fee)
1 p.m. Pre-conference Bloggers Workshops
Bloggers Workshops (ARC 110 - Tommie Room) by Sterling Jaquith
Attend 1, 2, or all 3 workshops. No charge or extra registration. (You must be registered for the Conference to attend the Blogger Workshops.)
Beginner Blogging and Podcasting Workshop (1-2 p.m.) Have you been thinking of starting a blog or a podcast? Come to this workshop to learn whether this step is right for you! Sterling will provide some workbooks for you to go through to help you understand your personality type and your life situation to see if starting and online business is right for you! This will be a no-pressure, come-as-you-are, ask any question you want kind of atmosphere!
Blogger Networking! (2-3 p.m.) For those who are considering online projects or who already have online projects, come and chat with other Catholic women who work online. This will be a fun time when we will get to know each other and network! Ask questions of your favorite bloggers, podcasters, and more!
Advanced Blogging and Podcasting Workshop (3-4 p.m.) This workshop is for women who have been working online for at least one year and want to step up their game. Maybe you lack clarity on how to take your work to the next level? Maybe you've taken on too many projects and you need help figuring out which ones to continue with. This advanced workshop will be about getting clear on who your target market is, what problem you solve for them, and how to monetize your work!
Conference Events: 4-9 p.m. Curriculum Fair and Used Book Sale
5:30 Vendor Presentations:
What College Professors are Saying About Your Homeschooler (OEC 203) by Megan Fassero, Homeschool Outreach Coordinator, Benedictine College, Atchison, KS
What does it look like, from a professor’s point of view, when a homeschooled student steps foot in the college classroom? Hear from real college professors about what they wish homeschool parents had taught their students about succeeding at college, and hear about how homeschool students are impressing educators at the college level. If you are wondering what it takes to prep your high schooler for college, join us for this presentation. Megan Fassero is the Homeschool Coordinator for Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. She and her husband Matt live in rural Atchison county, Kansas.
Experience Excellence in Writing (OEC 204) by Jan Miller, IEW Certified Instructor and Exhibitor
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.
Spooks, Legos, and Peanut Butter Toast: Makin' the Language Thing Work (OEC 206) by Jay Patterson, The Works People
Teach 'em how to spell and read and everything else falls into place. Come and learn the step-by-step recipe for helping your child be successful. You profit from our experience teaching Handwriting, Phonics, Reading, Spelling, Vocabulary, and Composition using just one set of scripted, neurologically based, multi-sensory teaching materials from start to finish with proven results…Pre-K through high school. Presenter Jay W. Patterson is a highly respected public-school teacher recently retired, a veteran homeschool educator, and a teacher trainer over the past twenty years. He holds a B.A. Degree in Language Arts and an M.S. Degree in Elementary Reading and Literacy. He has taught Language Arts, Literature, Journalism, Creative Writing, and Drama since 1973. Jay is a playwright and successful drama director, a committed father and grandfather. He is the author of Reading Works, Grammar Works, and Writing Works and supporting materials. These published works are a result of his effective teaching of both at-risk and high-achieving students and his unwavering commitment that every student deserves to be taught in the way he or she can best learn.
Bringing Truth, Goodness, and Beauty Into Your Homeschool with Memoria Press (OEC 207) by Brandon and Jessica Zingsheim, Headmasters, AMDG Academy
As primary teachers of our children, we have a responsibility to pass on the culture that we ourselves have received. In introducing our children to the greatest teachers, philosophers, and writers of all time, we can witness together God's revelation of his Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. Come to learn about our experience with Memoria Press, a unique classical curriculum with this as its aim, and our interest in starting a cooperative to connect and teach our children with other area families!
RightStart Math Card Games (OEC 208) by Ann Meola
Are you tired of flashcards? Does your child cry when you give another timed test? Are you frustrated because your child can’t seem to remember the multiples of 7? Use games to practice and review math facts. This workshop will show you fabulous and effective math card games that are easy and fun. Imagine your kids asking you to practice their math facts! Come and discover RightStart™ Math card games to help your child learn their math!
6:30 Vendor Presentations:
How to make History Come Alive in your Home (OEC 203) by David Williams, SaintCards
David Williams, Principal Emeritus of St. John Paul II Preparatory School in St. Louis, and Sr. Education Specialist in the Technology Industry, will share keys to unlocking the memorization (and enjoyment) of History for you and your children. This unique presentation will cover the tried and true memorization techniques used by Saints throughout the ages to finally make this difficult subject more enjoyable in your home.
Family Formation (family-based catechesis for Pre-K through Grade 6 (OEC 204) by Deb Lindahl, Family Formation
A family based catechesis model which supports parents in their role and mission as primary educators of their children in the Catholic Faith. Weekly lessons for the family are enhanced by games, activities, quizzes, stories, and music. Materials are engaging, down-to-earth, easy to understand, and fun! Driven by Sacred Scripture and faithful to the teachings of the Magisterium, Family Formation lessons transmit solid Catholic teaching and bring the Faith to life within the family. Presenter: Deb Lindahl, director of Distance Family Formation/Parent
Why Catholic History Books (OEC 206) by Matt Sumers, M.A., Catholic Textbook Project
This presentation will show the value of teaching history with 2,000 years of Catholic contributions. This presentation will cover grades 4-10 and will explain why it is so important to be telling the story of history from a Catholic perspective. Presenter Matt Sumers M.A. has been married 40 years, and he worked in ministry in the Catholic church for 15 years and selling in the Catholic market for over 25 years.
Learn How to Reset Your Metabolism (OEC 207) by Susan Torborg, R3 Weight Loss Plan
R3 Weight Loss Plan is based on science and psychology. You will grow in discipline and the virute of temperance during the 6 week program. Susan has been teaching the skill of weight loss for the past 25 years and currently helps priests and seminarians in the St. Paul/Minneapolis Diocese. She weekly visits seminarians at St Paul and St John Vianney Seminary helping the men reach their health and fitness goals. Susan will share the top 5 tips to reset your metabolism. Presenter: Susan Torborg, BS Exercise Science, OCDS (Professed Carmelite)
Teach Computer Programming at Home (OEC 208) by Alex Leone, Coding Foundations
As more and more jobs rely on computers, teaching your homeschooler how to program will set them up for success in whatever field they pursue. But what if you don’t know anything about computers, much less computer programming? The good news is: anyone can help their kids become computer programmers! Join professional software developer, instructor, and homeschool graduate Alex Leone to learn how you can teach your kids (12 and up) computer programming without knowing anything about it yourself.
How to Teach Spanish to Your Children, Even If You've Never Studied Spanish Before! (OEC 209) by Theresa Gunderson, O'Neill Language Academy
Do you wish you could teach Spanish to your children but you're not sure how? Is hiring a Spanish teacher too expensive? What if there were an affordable, step-by-step curriculum that made it possible for you to learn or brush up on Spanish while you're teaching it? With the Teach & Learn Spanish curriculum all of this is possible! It's easy to use, colorful and fun! Teach & Learn Spanish is designed for homeschool families to begin speaking Spanish together from day one! Presenter Theresa Gunderson has a Master's Degree in Teaching Second Languages and Cultures Education. She is the author of the Teach & Learn Spanish curriculum and she's been teaching Spanish to children for many years. Theresa and her husband are raising their children speaking English and Spanish. Theresa writes a weekly blog on the topic of children and families learning Spanish. Most recently Theresa has launched the On-Line Family Spanish Membership which includes easy Spanish lessons families can do at home.
The News Memo: How Following the News Can Help Us Engage with Reality (OEC 210) by David & John Stokman
Following the news is a worthwhile endeavor, especially for young people, because it provides an education and method to engage with the world and one's peers. The News Memo is the simplest way to follow the news. Every Friday, The News Memo explains the most important stories of the week. We intentionally deliver the Memo on Friday so that we can give you the necessary backdrop and context for each story as it developed throughout the week. Then, simple 10 question quiz tests your knowledge. Presenters David and John Stokman are Founders of The News Memo.
7:30 p.m. Special Presentation
Educating Young Children Through Daily Family Life (ARC Arena) by Haley Stewart
The two things that most positively affect our young children's future academic success are reading to them and talking to them. On the one hand, this takes a lot of pressure off the homeschooling family. There is no need to obsess over workbooks and structured "school" time for the young child! But focus on reading and conversing with our children does require the valuable resource of time with parents. How can we order family life to make this a priority? In what ways do simple family tasks like gardening, cooking, talking over the dinner table, prayer, and reading aloud enrich the formation of young children?
9 p.m. - Conference closes for the day.
Saturday, June 1, 2019
No Mass this year due to construction project. (There is 8 a.m. Mass at St. Mark's Church.)
8:00 a.m. - Vendor area opens (ARC Field House) (No breakfast included this year; food will be available for purchase.)
8:30 a.m. Vendor Presentations (OEC):
RightStart™ Math: Why it Works (OEC 201) by Ann Meola
Have you heard the buzz about RightStart™ Math? Hear about our philosophy and what sets us apart from other curricula. We will teach children that a real mathematical problem is like a puzzle, that math is more than memorization, and that math is fun. Come and learn what’s special about our math program!
Ensuring the Best Foundation in Home Educated High Schoolers (OEC 203) by John Niemann, St. John Paul II Education Guild
Regardless of what our young people are called to in life, a truly Catholic, classical education is the foundation for success in a life well lived. While some families opt for comprehensive curricula and some are un-schoolers, all families want to make the best of these years so that they can be a beginning, and not an end to learning. Join me to learn which elements of the logic years (age 12-14) are essential to maximizing the rhetoric years (age 15-18) in a classical education. Presenter:John Niemann, JD William Mitchell College of Law; MA St. John's College; and a BA Evergreen State College
Where Has Patriotism Gone? (OEC 204) by Leilani Homstadt, Patriotic Heritage Honor Guard
Come learn to be a voice against the current culture of divisiveness and to unite as one Nation under God. Presenter: Leilani Holmstadt, current homeschool mom for 16 years with a BA in social work.
Story Time with Socrates: Transitioning from Reading Aloud to Socratic Discussion (OEC206) by Kenneth Rolliing, Schola Rosa
Reading aloud is often lauded for a variety of reasons. One of the under appreciated aspects of its value is the manner in which it allows parents to model the habits of inquiry that make Socratic discussion a powerful educational model. This talk explores these points of contact and looks at practical ways to emphasize them. Presenter: Kenneth Rolling, B.A. Philosophy; M.A. Classical Literature, Greek, and Philosophy
Building Blocks of Faith: Teaching the Faith Towards Long-term Memory (OEC 207) by Kevin O'Neill, StoryTel Press
Demonstrating how typology & biblical literacy taught in an engaging and visual way can be used to catechize and evangelize children, parents, families, schools, and parishes by teaching the Faith in a memorable & meaningful way. Presenter Kevin O'Neill is an author and speaker.
Integrating the Theology of the Body in Everyday Lessons & Outdoor Adventures (OEC 208) by Jennifer Messing, Into the Deep
How do we understand this teaching introduced to us by St. John Paul II? This presentation will clarify what the 'theology of the body' means, how it applies to every age group and vocation, and how to integrate the core concepts into everyday life. A unique part of Into the Deep's mission is to integrate these lessons into week-long camping retreats for both adults and teens; this is an opportunity to hear an overview of content and think through vocabulary for your own family. Presenter: Jennifer Messing, MTS, Founder of Into the Deep
Learn How to Reset Your Matabolism (OEC 209) by Susan Torborg, R3 Weight Loss Plan
R3 Weight Loss Plan is based on science and psychology. You will grow in discipline and the virute of temperance during the 6 week program. Susan has been teaching the skill of weight loss for the past 25 years and currently helps priests and seminarians in the St. Paul/Minneapolis Diocese. She weekly visits seminarians at St Paul and St John Vianney Seminary helping the men reach their health and fitness goals. Susan will share the top 5 tips to reset your metabolism. Presenter: Susan Torborg, BS Exercise Science, OCDS (Professsed Carmelite)
FREE Aerospaced-themed Curriculum and STEM kits for Educators Who Join Civil Air Patrol (OEC 210) by Dennis Swanson
Civil Air Patrol offers a special category of membership to Educators - the Aerospace Education Member (AEM) program. After a one-time $35 membership fee, AEMs may freely download or order CAP curriculum from about forty STEM-themed titles, for ages spanning from preschool to high school. AEMs may also apply for, one-at-a-time, any of more than a dozen STEM kits. Upon receipt, the AEM should use it for 6 hours of instruction and then submit a review, after which the next kit may be ordered. 1st Lt Dennis Swanson of Civil Air Patrol is an engineer at Honeywell & a retired US Air Force communicator. He has volunteered with CAP since 2014.
How to Teach Spanish to Your Children, Even If You've Never Studied Spanish Before! (OEC 216) by Theresa Gunderson
Do you wish you could teach Spanish to your children but your'e not sure how? Is hiring a Spanish teacher too expensive? What if there were an affordable, step-by-step curriculum that made it possible for you to learn or brush up on Spanish while you're teaching it? With the Teach & Learn Spanish curriculum all of this is possible! It's easy to use, colorful and fun! Teach & Learn Spanish is designed for homeschool families to begin speaking Spanish together from day one! Theresa has a Master's Degree in Teaching Second Languages and Cultures Education. She is the author of the Teach & Learn Spanish curriculum and she's been teaching Spanish to children for many years. Theresa and her husband are raising their children speaking English and Spanish. Theresa writes a weekly blog on the topic of children and families learning Spanish. Most recently Theresa has launched the On-Line Family Spanish Membership which includes easy Spanish lessons families can do at home.
9:30 a.m. Keynote
The Grace of Enough: Pursuing Less and Living More in a Throwaway Culture (ARC Arena) by Haley Stewart
Do you ever feel caught in an endless cycle of working harder and longer to get more while enjoying life less? The Stewart family did—and they decided to make a radical change. Popular Catholic blogger and podcaster Haley Stewart explains how a year-long internship on a sustainable farm changed her family’s life for the better, allowing them to live gospel values more intentionally.
11 a.m. - Workshop Session I
Charlotte Mason Foundations: A Paradigm Shift (ARC Arena) by Nancy Kelly
Join Nancy Kelly for an introduction to Charlotte Mason, including her belief in the child as a person and her viewpoint that education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life, and the science of relations. Who was Charlotte Mason? What was her educational philosophy? Can her methods be used in high school as well as in elementary school and middle school? Drawing from her 24 years of experience using Charlotte Mason’s methods, Nancy will talk about the basics of a Charlotte Mason education and how it can transform your homeschool.
PSEO in Minnesota (OEC Main) by Cheri Frame
Take advantage of Minnesota’s dual enrollment program and help your student graduate high school with college credits! This workshop outlines the facts along with steps to develop a solid strategy for degree completion. Teens are encouraged to attend.
Now What?!?: What to do when your homeschooling days are over (OEC 201) by Anne Bielejeski
Anne has spent the past 29 years home educating most of her 11 children, most of the time. With her youngest attending a local Catholic School and only three teens left at home, she begs the question, “Now what?” With wit, wisdom and much encouragement, Anne will look back with gratitude and lessons learned and look forward with joy and anticipation to this next season. We will explore some of the issues that come with this transition. Who am I ? What are some key questions we need to ask now?
Beginning Homeschooling: Beyond the Basics (OEC 216) by Cathie Baier
New to homeschooling? Where do you start? How do you ensure an excellent (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 picking a curriculum, scheduling and strategies for developing an independent child as well as strengthening your family and social relationships. Handout
12:30 pm. Informal Gathering of Parents of Children with Special Needs
Lunch and Learn (OEC Lobby) hosted by Cathie Baier
Informal Gathering of Parents of Children with Special Needs. Bring a lunch and meet other parents who are teaching children with special needs. Share resources and experiences.
1:30 p.m. - Workshop Session II
Virtue: The Key Ingredient of Education (ARC Arena) by Deacon Joseph Michalak
When the Catechism of the Catholic Church says that “parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children,” it describes education in the virtues as the fundamental element even prior to those of evangelizing our children, educating them in the faith, and choosing the right schooling for them. Why are the virtues so central? What do the virtues really look like? How do we grow in them?
Great Jobs Without a Four-Year Degree (OEC Main) panel discussion by the Center of the American Experiment
This workshop is based on a project of Center of the American Experiment that aims to bring awareness to career paths that don’t require the traditional, four-year degree route. Join us to learn more about alternatives to four-year degrees and how they lead to meaningful and successful careers. Catrin Thorman and Mitch Pearlstein will lead a three-member panel of working professionals (Amanda Phillips, Daniel McGee, and Robert McLainand) to share thoughts about why they chose these careers that do not require four-year degrees.
Living the Liturgical Life (OEC 201) by Amber Sechser
Do you wish your family could find ways to make our Faith real at home and not just on Sunday mornings? Want to add the richness of the Catholic Feast days to your home and academics without becoming overwhelmed? Come and learn ways to organize and use all the accumulation of Catholic sacramentals and materials you have in your home, learn about valuable Liturgical Living resources, and to make baby steps in the way to Living a Liturgical Life.
Parenting the Young Child: Best Practices From Charlotte Mason For a Life of Wonder (OEC 216) by Nancy Kelly
Charlotte Mason said, “One of the secrets of the educator is to present nothing as stale knowledge, but to put himself in the position of the child, and wonder and admire with him; for every common miracle which the child sees with his own eyes makes of him for the moment another Newton.” This talk focuses on how to begin a Charlotte Mason education with the youngest of children, from birth to 6, and considers the irreplaceable role of the parent in fostering the child’s wonder and imagination. Fresh book recommendations and thoughtful discussions will be highlighted.
3 p.m. - Workshop Session III
Parenting in Difficult Circumstances (ARC Arena) by Haley Stewart
Whether it's a busy season of life, or a veritable crisis, there are times when circumstances aren't ideal for homeschooling. As someone who is bedridden during months of her pregnancies, Haley Stewart has experienced some difficult seasons of homeschooling. But there are both resources and attitudes that can help survive these seasons (or discern when we need to take a break!).
Transcripts and Record-Keeping (OEC Main) by Cheri Frame
Transcripts are not just for college – every student needs one. How to begin? What to include? Understand the essentials of record keeping, the five types of records to keep, how to grade, evaluating credits, and preparing a professional looking high school transcript. Teens are invited!
What are we aiming at? The Father’s Plan of Salvation (OEC 201) by Deacon Joseph Michalak
“There is a temptation,” said St. John Paul II, “which perennially besets every spiritual journey and pastoral work: that of thinking that the results depend on our ability to act and to plan.” And therefore he counsels us not to forget—especially in the midst of the thousand details of family life and schooling—the primacy of grace and of the Father’s plan. What is that plan? And what does “primacy of grace” really mean? And what might be some practical consequences of this “plan of grace” for our endeavors as parents and educators?
How Being Homeschooled Fostered Creativity and Independence (OEC 216) by David and John Stokman
As recent college graduates, we are increasingly aware that being educated at home gave us so many opportunities to be creative and independent. As homeschoolers, we often had more free time and less structure than kids in school. It’s fairly simple: when you have time + less structure, you have to be creative and independent!! I remember frequently asking my mom, “I’m bored. What can I do?” She would often start listing a variety of chores, which was typically enough motivation for me to think of something else to do! My siblings and I would build forts outside, read books or the newspaper, collect aluminum cans, or run neighborhood lemonade stands. These experiences taught us valuable things like using our imagination, working hard, and being responsible.
Years later, we are so grateful for our homeschool experience. These early experiences were fundamental in fostering our creativity, which has been invaluable in adulthood. This creative process has enable us to do many things, which includes launching a new business, The News Memo. Come and hear why we will always be grateful for being homeschooled -- and imagine your kids telling you the same thing years from now.