CHOIS Convention 2008
Workshops


Friday June 6, 2008

Morning Keynote: 8:45-10:15

Sanctuary

The Ten Secrets to a Successful Education
     Kevin Swanson

Most parents want a successful education for their children. With this assumption in mind, Kevin presents a powerful presentation that uncovers the ten secrets to a successful education and training for your child. They are time tested. They are the rock bottom principles that are basic to all education. And they affirm the homeschool vision. It's not a one-size-fits-all education. In fact, one of these ten principles is the Principle of Individuality, which requires a different model for each home and child. This impacting presentation will give the first-time homeschooler confidence and vision. It will also provide encouragement and a reality check for the experienced homeschooler.


10:45-11:45 Workshops (June 6)

Sanctuary

Higher Education and the Homeschooler
     Kevin Swanson

Homeschooling took education out of the box, so why does higher education have to put it BACK in the box? College education has seen the same academic, moral and social disintegration as that seen in the K-12 schools, perhaps even worse in many cases. The bottom line question Kevin seeks to answer in this talk is, "How can I prepare my child for the calling God has on his life?" Without dismissing college, Kevin shows how we can bring the powerful principles behind home education to bear in higher education and produce highly relevant, world-changing young people for the 21st century.


Franklin Hall

Help! How do I Teach this Highly Distractible Child?
     Carol Barnier

Can a simple 20 minute lesson drag into 2 hours? Does your little wiggler seem to fall out of his chair a great deal? Is he distracted by things others don't even notice? Find out what you must change for this child to stay on task and learn. Instead of trying to make this child learn like most others, find the key that unlocks learning for the highly distractible child. We'll cover how to put motion into learning, making math fun (no, really!) and how to make learning experiences that cement your child's understanding of science, history, and language. In other words, come and learn practical tips that you can start using Monday morning.


Room 200

Slime, Slugs, Soda Pop, Science Secrets
     Maggie Hogan

Elementary science is about exposure to science topics, introduction of basic principles, and orderly thinking. If it feels like drudgery, perhaps you didn't know it's also supposed to be fun! Reading great books, talking about ideas, observing God's creation, taking easy field trips, and worthwhile hands-on experiences make teaching science a pleasure, not a punishment. Put the joy back in science - keep it simple! Come hear and see great ideas for streamlining your elementary science curriculum. Your kids will thank you. Bonus: using the classical approach to science? You don't want to miss this one!


Room 108

Homeschooling: The Great Adventure
     Linda Patchin

An old Steven Curtis Chapman song began, "Saddle up your horses, we've got a trail to blaze through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace." This is an apt description of God's calling to home educate. This workshop will begin with the history and philosophy of education, and then get down to the nuts and bolts of how to homeschool. "It's a life like no other...this is the Great Adventure!"

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12:45-1:15 Workshops (June 6)

Sanctuary

Sonlight: The Way You Wish You'd Been Taught
www.sonlight.com

Flexible…Faith Affirming…Filled with Great Stories! Do you want to create life-long learners and equip students how to think, not just memorize facts? Come see how Sonlight Curriculum has done the planning for you and compiled all the tools to make this year a learning adventure for a lifetime.

Franklin Hall

HELP Learning Center: Unlock the Mystery to Reading Problems

Does your child struggle with reading or comprehension? Are sentences skipped? Words reread? Is schoolwork a chore? Then this workshop is for you! The computerized Visagraph unlocks the mystery of reading problems and learning difficulties. Watch as your child's eyes move across the page, sentence by sentence, word by word. Discover the roadblocks to comprehension and why reading can be so difficult. Unlock the mystery, and help your child succeed.

Room 200

Math-U-See: Where Seeing is Understanding!
     Teri Ivey
www.mathusee.com

This workshop will demonstrate math concepts from place value to algebra, using the Math-U-See system. This informative workshop is designed to provide you with helpful hints, no matter what math curriculum you are currently using. This is a fast-paced nine year overview of math!


Room 108

Gospel for Asia: Instilling a Heart for People
www.gfa.org

Does your family have a heart for those around them let alone those around the world? Well known verses like John 3:16 show God's heart for the world. The Lord wants us to have the same heart for those whom Christ died as He does. How can we walk in love towards each other and not be so inwardly focused? Through this workshop we seek to help believers lead their families to live for what is eternal and lasting in life.

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1:30-2:30 Workshops (June 6)

Sanctuary

Maximizing Memory and High Performance Learning
     Kevin Swanson

How would you like to teach so effectively that a child could recall the information at a moment's notice for the rest of his life? Kevin will present the latest research in brain function research and methods of teaching and learning that will maximize long term retention. This is powerful stuff, and you can put it into practice tomorrow!


Franklin Hall

What are You Thinking? Learning Styles and Beyond
     Carol Barnier

This talk is BIG on the beyond. So often, learning style materials pour all their time and energy into finding the right label for your child's learning style. (Yes, we now know he's a right brained, global, sub-dominant, argyle-wearing, rational wombat....but....how do I teach him to spell?) And while there are many different tools for assessment, too often these same materials are light on just what you should do after the label. How do you teach history so it sticks? What if she can't understand fractions? What if he loves language but hates to write? This workshop will be all about "What do we do now?" Come away with lots of ideas you can use Monday morning.


Room 200

Hands On Projects Across the Curriculum
     Maggie Hogan

Looking for simple ideas to spice up your lessons? There is nothing like a fun, hands-on activity to make learning both enjoyable and even more importantly: memorable! Come see actual student-made projects and see for yourself how easy this can be. Subjects covered include Literature, Fine Arts, Science, History and Geography. Taking home a few ideas from this workshop may be just what you need to reignite the love of learning in your household.


Room 108

Quests and Homecomings: (Life after High School)
     Kim Anderson

Will our children fly or fail to launch? Will they ever come home again? Focus on your goal: loosing your ‘arrows’ on the world. But learn how to build home-coming calls into the rhythms of everyday life.

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3:00-4:00 Workshops (June 6)

Sanctuary

Training in the Homeschool-99% of the Job
     Kevin Swanson

Biblically speaking, the education of children is far more than books and tests. Character training of our children is the foundation of successful child raising whether, we aim for success academically, spiritually, or in any other area. In this powerful, fast-paced survey of character training, Kevin lays out a vision that will stay with you.


Franklin Hall

Limits that Liberate
     Carol Barnier

Too often we've just accepted how busy our lives our supposed to be. But many of us are running through life in a frenzied fog. We have a nagging sense that it shouldn't be this way, but don't know how it should be. Even if we did, we often don't know how to get from here to there With a bit of laughter and an unabashed challenge of the status quo, learn to take control of the input and output of your family's lives.


Room 200

Academically Gifted (Elementary and Middle School Years)
     Maggie Hogan

Do you have a gifted child? (Not sure? Come anyway!) Would you like ideas, resources, encouragement, and suggestions for making teaching easier? Gifted children learn differently – what are you doing to meet your child's needs? This workshop will cover much territory: identifying giftedness and recognizing traits (both positive and not so positive!), choosing curriculum, and looking ahead. These children may be a challenge – but they are also a blessing! You'll leave this one with a new understanding of the *gift* of your bright child.


Room 108

Beyond Competition: (Developing personal impact during high school)
     Kim Anderson

Prepare your young people for college and career by helping them to develop a mission and a message during high school. Explore several ways to integrate debate across the high school curriculum. Learn how persuasive communication skills can facilitate earning college scholarships and real-world impact.

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Afternoon Keynote 4:30-6:00 (June 6)

Sanctuary

Practical Parenting: What I Know Now that I Wish I'd Known Then
     Carol Barnier

Why don't kids arrive AFTER we've gained our parenting experience? Why can't we have a rewind button that allows us to re-DO what we did DO back when we didn't know what TO DO? Come and be encouraged as Carol shares some of the best things she's learned through her many years as a homeschooling mom.

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Saturday June 7, 2008

Morning Keynote: 8:45-10:15

Sanctuary

Why Homeschooling Will Change the World
     Kevin Swanson

Is it saying too much that homeschooling will change the world? It already has. Ideal for keynote, this presentation will draw from history, real research data, and the Bible, to illustrate the power of relationship-based, parent-guided learning. The real reason why homeschooling will change the world is found where it is least expected.

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10:45-11:45 Workshops (June 7)

Sanctuary

Raising a Mighty Man of God
     Kevin Swanson

This workshop contemplates the unique qualities that God has given boys and presents a challenge that every parent of a boy needs to hear. The message is especially practical for the homeschooling family that struggles with high-energy young boys. It will leave you with a new vision for raising godly sons. This is a much-needed presentation to homeschoolers, many of whom struggle with what to do with boys in the home.


Franklin Hall

Help! I Fell Off My Lesson Planner
     Carol Barnier

When things don't go as planned, when no one can seem to focus on their spelling, when the kids (and you) need an off day, what can you do? A day away from the lesson plan doesn't have to mean learning is over. Come learn lots of ideas for an atypical day that are fun, memorable and packed with learning.


Room 108

Ancient Civilizations: History Starts Here
     Maggie Hogan

What were the Ancient Civilizations and why are they important? Can we teach thousands of years of history in one year? Ancient Civilizations have had a great impact on life today (think current events). Learn to teach history chronologically, Biblically, and in-depth. If you've ever been tempted to skim through this time period because you never learned this stuff yourself, be encouraged! You can teach this subject by learning right along with your students. Fun, fast-paced workshop includes an outline for developing a solid course, with ideas for literature, resources, projects, and much more.


Room 204

Choosing an Appropriate Method of Homeschooling
     Linda Patchin

This highly practical workshop will compare and contrast the many different teaching methods and styles commonly employed by home educating parents. Linda seeks to share advantages and disadvantages within each method, without endorsing any one in particular, hopefully helping you to choose the method that will work most effectively for you and your children. She plans to leave plenty of time for Q & A.

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11:45-1:15 Brown bag Session (June 7)

Franklin Hall

Hot Topics
     Barry Peters

Bring your bag lunch and your children to learn about the latest threats to our home schooling freedoms. Barry Peters, Esq., Legal Advisor to ICHE and CHOIS, will bring you up to speed on the California court decision threatening to make home schooling illegal: How does it affect Idaho families? How can we keep it from happening here? Crumbling Constitutional rights: Parental rights to teach our children threatened on several fronts. Idaho Legislature: Tax credits & public preschools. Session will include time for Q & A.


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12:45-1:15 Workshops (June 7)

Sanctuary

Can a Mom Nurse a Baby and Teach Three Boys at the Same Time?

www.konos.com

Deanne Knopp will tell how she feeds her family, cares for her new-born, and teaches hands-on learning to her three older boys and stays sane all at the same time. She will share what a typical unit looks like and how multi-level teaching actually is easier with KONOS. Plenty of time for Q&A from a mom who is neck-deep in the trenches …and loving it! Your kids will be glad you came to this workshop!


Room 200

Berlitz Language: 130 Years of Innovation
www.berlitzidaho.com

Come experience how the Berlitz Method can help your child learn a foreign language. The workshop will include a brief description of the Berlitz Method used in teaching children a foreign language but the main focus will be on a demonstration of the method using our children's curriculum. Volunteers from the audience will be encouraged to participate in the demo and experience how the Berlitz Method can help their children achieve success in their journey to learn a foreign language.


Room 108

Right Start Mathematics: Building a Solid Foundation
     John Orluck
www.rightstartmath.com

Mathematics is about patterns and relationships, much more than memorizing facts and procedures. The AL Abacus enables children to learn through guided discovery. It uses their natural ability to visualize, which helps them master the facts and solve problems. Understanding concepts and the relationships between them are critical for building a strong foundation.


Room 204

National Academy of Child Development: How Does Your Child Learn?
Shouldn't This be the First Step in Educating Your Child?

www.nacd.org

For over 30 years, NACD has been at the forefront of Neurodevelopment in helping tens of thousands of parents identify their child's strengths and weaknesses. At this workshop, learn how you can identify those inefficiencies in your child, as well as be given simple tools on how to improve your child's processing abilities.

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1:30-2:30 Workshops (June 7)

Sanctuary

A Homeschool Vision for Fathers (MEN ONLY)
     Kevin Swanson

"Without a vision, the people perish." That Proverb applies to families too. As more fathers see God's powerful purposes in homeschooling for their families, they are getting involved. In this message, Kevin Swanson will demonstrate the importance of fathers casting a vision for the family. Where can fathers best involve themselves in the home for the best possible return on the investment?


Franklin Hall

A Wife's Priorities (WOMEN ONLY)
     Maggie Hogan

Ladies, how can we support, encourage and equip our husbands to be the best homeschooling Dads and husbands they can be? What's the secret behind successful dads? Using Biblical examples, real-life anecdotes, tips & techniques that work, and a sense of humor, Maggie shares ways to build up and support the "Principal" at home. This workshop could revitalize your entire homeschool! Don't miss it.

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3:00-4:00 Workshops (June 7)

Sanctuary

The Most Serious Challenges Facing Homeschool Families Today
     Kevin Swanson

As a second generation home educator and as a leader growing up with the movement over 42 years, Kevin gives an honest assessment of the challenges facing home school families. The three most serious challenges facing home schooling families today are: our teenage boys, stress on our moms, and lack of vision. Facing our problems honestly is critical at this juncture in the movement. If we can do this, then we can and we will find the solutions.


Franklin Hall

A Prodigal Speaks Out
     Carol Barnier

Do you have a child who is doubting his faith? Or perhaps a daughter who has rejected your beliefs completely? Are you convinced you've failed....and the state of this child's heart is weighing heavily on you and your spouse? Come and listen to Carol share her own journey away from and back to her faith after 13 years as an atheist. She'll share thoughts and views from inside the mind of a lost child. You'll learn the best thing you can do for this child and for yourself. Come and find an understanding heart that hurts and rejoices along with your own.


Room 108

Wow Booking
     Maggie Hogan

Dozens of book making/journal building/folder-booking ideas! You have to see these cool book/projects to believe them! Motivating and exciting, you'll go home with tons of ideas after watching the colorful projects flash across the overhead. From miniature "tag" books to accordion books to giant "I Can Read books", schooling won't be the same once you've incorporated "Wow Booking" into your curriculum!


Room 204

Teaching Preschool at Home
     Micheline Ghioroso

A practical workshop to help define the most important skills to teach your preschooler. Some of the topics covered are developing our children's self-control, identifying learning styles, acquiring necessary motor skills and curriculum choices. While this workshop is designed for parents of 2-5 year olds, those with even younger babies are encouraged to attend.

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Afternoon Keynote 4:30-6:00 (June 7)

Sanctuary

Don't Miss the Gift in this Child
     Carol Barnier

Have you ever heard someone say "All children are gifts from God," only to roll your eyes and think... "Ha! They don't know what goes on in my house!" If you don't look for God's gifts, you may be missing some of His best. Come laugh and be encouraged to see just what God had in mind when He designed your child. Learn how to see your child through God's spectacles and how to stay focused on God's vision of your child...not the world's.

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