Mods
Workshop Descriptions
Before Conference Begins:
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. New this year: 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. Ideally, parents and teens should attend together; both will benefit from this day.
Registration for this workshop is now closed.
You must register for the Conference in order to attend the workshop; the fee for the High School workshop is in addition to the Conference registration fee.
3 p.m. - Support Group Leaders Meeting (NOTE NEW TIME!)
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. (Leonard Center Fieldhouse, Hall of Fame Room)
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.)
4:30 Bloggers Chat
Bloggers, blogger fans, and wannabe bloggers are invited to this session. Meet your online friends in person! (Leonard Center Fieldhouse, Hall of Fame Room)
4:30 p.m. Vendor Presentations
Abacus-Based Mathematics (RightStart Math) by Joan Cotter
Can you use the time-honored abacus to teach math? Absolutely! See how the AL Abacus fosters quantity recognition and develops addition strategies. Investigate place value in a crystal clear format. Discover the simplicity of multiplication. The AL Abacus is a perfect supplement or is the focal point of RightStart Mathematics!
Joan A. Cotter has a PhD in mathematics education and bachelor's degree in engineering, and is the author of RightStart Mathematics.
Accreditation - What and Why? by Ardis Skoglund
This presentation will include the definition of accreditation, its purpose and the benefits it offers home educating families. The official transcript, diploma, and high school guidance offered to families will also be discussed.
Ardis is a HBEAA coordinator, home educator of sons through high school, K-6 Minnesota licensed teacher, and adult/high school Bible teacher.
Experience Excellence in Writing by Jan Miller
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.
Jan Miller is a veteran home educator residing in the Twin Cities with her husband, Britton, and those of their eight children who are not yet graduated. Jan has been blessed with almost two decades of experience instructing those children in their home, during which she tried virtually every writing program on the market.
PUREly YOU! by Sue Lewis and Gretchen Thibault
Even good, faithful Catholic parents can find it difficult to teach their children about puberty and issues surrounding maturation and sexuality. Using a 6 lesson format which strives to preserves their innocence while fostering open parent-child dialogue, PUREly YOU! lays the foundation for education in chastity for children.
Besides having 14 children ages 23–3 yrs between them, this dynamic sister duo's credentials include OB/GYN Nurse, BA in Psychology, Director of the Twin Cities FertilityCare Center and 12 years of active parent-child based chastity education.
Teach Science Without Being a Rocket Scientist by Diane Drabek
Whether science is your favorite subject or the one you most fear teaching, Diane Drabek will inspire you to think beyond the view of science as a difficult subject that is taught only through textbooks and test tubes. You'll get a wealth of ideas for creative and fun ways to help your students lay a strong foundation in science. Discover how teachable moments can be found outside of "science time" to help students learn and remember more about science. Learn how asking the right questions will result in getting the best answers. Have more fun teaching the concepts of chemistry, biology and physics at pre-K through 8th grade levels.
Diane has 20 years of experience as a homeschool teacher, including homeschooling her own 7 children.
Teaching Values through a Hero's Journey by Lois Duffy
Zilla's Gift is a historical chapter book set in the ancient Persian desert. Author Lois Duffy presents her story with lessons covering historic culture, vocabulary and messages of faith as a "hero's journey" of adventure, overcoming obstacles to reach goals. Includes handicraft project.
Lois Duffy completed MFA in creative writing at Hamline and earned a MPA from Harvard. She's a former journalist and was a press secretary to Senator Dave Durenberger.
5:30 Special Needs Discussion
Meet 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.
5:30 p.m. Vendor Presentations
Brain Balance by Dr. David Stussy
Is your child struggling with social, academic, or behavioral issues? Brain balance has over 10 years of proven success! There is hope ... there is help! The Brain Balance Program has successfully "re-connected" thousands of children, freeing them from the effects of conditions like ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorders and more.
Breathing Life Into Language Arts by Kris Cournoyer
Language Arts is a critical part of any student's education and yet working through spelling, vocabulary, grammar, writing, reading comprehension, critical thinking and character development can consume mountains of time and energy. In this workshop, Kris will discuss how these subjects can be combined and brought to life through the study of great literature, developing students who can think, reason and communicate with a biblical world view. Grades 3-12
Kris Cournoyer is a Total Language Plus Area Representative.
Daughters Forever, Sons Forever by Linda Kracht
Parenting teens can be hard. Talking about personal issues including sexuality can be harder. The challenge is to raise godly teens amidst today's cultural wars against spirituality. We can help you in these matters; our curriculum will help you form the whole of your teen.
Linda holds a B.S. degree in chemical engineering and an MBA. She is the mother of seven children, has NFP teacher for 30 years, is Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Couple to Couple League, and is the author of four books.
Family Formation 101 by Matthew Brounstein and Deb Lindahl
Have you hard the buzz about Family Formation? It's transforming families and parishes across the country! Come hear how to make it happen in your home. 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 parish program.
You'll leave with a new vision, zeal, and hope for the future!
Matthew Brounstein is the Director of Children's Ministries at the Church of Saint Paul in Ham Lake, Minn. Deb Lindahl is the liaison for Family Formation to parishes across the country and Canada, supporting them as they implement this new model of catechesis.
Lapbooking ™ with a Catholic Twist by Lindy Meyer
The process of lapbooking ™ has become a popular educational tool. This workshop will outline the basic techniques to lapbooking ™, especially how they can be used to teach the Catholic faith. You will also be able to create a mini-lapbook in this workshop.
Lindy Meyer is the creator of Faith folders for Catholics and is actively involved in her parish and diocese on various levels.
MnKnows: Online Resources for Minnesotans by Minitex
Did you know you can access five information tools, created specifically for Minnesota residents, at one easy place, online at http://www.mnknows.org? In this session, a Minitex Reference Librarian will take you through the amazing resources you can access though the MnKnows portal. This includes a place to search and get Minnesota library materials via the MnLINK Gateway. The resources in ELM (Electronic Library for Minnesota) 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.
6:30 Homeschoolers in College Discussion
How do homeschoolers do in college? Are they prepared? Michael Cogan, Ph.D., director of institutional research and analysis at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, will share his research concerning home school students entering the University of St. Thomas.
6:30 p.m. Vendor Presentations
Catholic Clubs for All Ages - Fun, Flexible, and Faithful! by Joan Stromberg
Our Behold Children, Behold Christ Clubs are perfect for all ages! Beginning with Little Flowers and Blue Knight for the younger set and finishing strong with the Little Women Hospitality Program and Our Lady's Honor Guard for the teens.
Joan is publisher of Little Flowers Girls' Club, Blue Knights Boys' Club, Little Women Hospitality Program, and Our Lady's Honor Guard programs.
Dyslexia - Signs and Solutions by Lori Langerud
Have you ever wondered why some really bright children struggle with reading, writing, and spelling? Dyslexia, the most common reading disability, affects 20% of our population. Here, we'll give you warning signs to look for in your preschoolers, elementary and high school students and solutions to help them succeed. We debunk the myths, highlight their strengths and discuss coexisting conditions.
Lori is a certified dyslexia coach and founder of Reading Resources, St. Cloud, LLC.
The Logic of English by Denise Eide
In this workshop we will explore The Logic of English, learn a few of the 70 phonograms and 26 Spelling Rules which explain 99% of English words, including 5 reasons for a silent final E. Many teachers find this workshop amazing, and discover tools that would have helped them as students.
Denise is an endorsed trainer for Spell to Write and Read and homeschool mom of 4 children.
"No Tears Math" by Linda Fugleberg
Learn about a multi-sensory, award-winning complete K-12 curriculum that has delighted parents and students alike all over the world. It has successfully produced confident problem solvers who enjoy the study of math. This enjoyable workshop will provide you with an overview from place value to algebra, demonstrating our unique philosophy in teaching math.
Linda is a veteran homeschooler for 22 years and has been an authorized Math-U-See representative for 12 years.
Unlocking Your Child's Potential by Jennifer Beyst
We'll explore the cognitive workings of the brain and recent research on neural plasticity as it relates to learning, reading, math, memory and attention, then discuss how the brain's weaker cognitive skills can be trained for optimal performance. Some home training techniques and a cognitive skills evaluation tool will be included.
Jennifer Beyst is president of SJ Brain Training, Inc. and Director of LearningRx in Rochester. She earned a B.S. in Secondary English from Winona State University and holds a current Minnesota teaching license. She completed Basic and Advanced Orton-Gillingham training through The Reading Center/Dyslexia Institute of Minnesota, where she worked as an educational therapist, master teacher and development director until 2007. As a home-educating mother of three dyslexic children, she has devoted her life's work to finding solutions for her children's learning issues and bringing those solutions to her children and the community. She has presented to, taught, and trained individuals of all ages.
The Works Trilogy: Equipping Students with Language Survival Skills (The Works People) by Jay W. Patterson
This K-12 curriculum hits a home run every time it's tried. It's arguably the most effective language arts program out there, and it's all under one umbrella. It is handwriting, phonics, spelling analysis and spelling rules. Nonreaders read. Struggling readers improve. It is vocabulary, intensive grammar, composition, and higher lever thinking skills. Only one set of teacher materials is needed for any number of children. This multiple year, multiple child emphasis is the most cost effective and academically sound curriculum you will find. Come and find out why.
Jay is the published author of The Works Trilogy, teacher trainer/reading instructor, and has a master's degree in Elementary Reading.
7:30 p.m.
Evening Address by Dr. Ray Guarendi
Saturday
8:30 a.m. Vendor Presentations
Abacus-Based Mathematics (RightStart Math) by Joan Cotter
Can you use the time-honored abacus to teach math? Absolutely! See how the AL Abacus fosters quantity recognition and develops addition strategies. Investigate place value in a crystal clear format. Discover the simplicity of multiplication. The AL Abacus is a perfect supplement or is the focal point of RightStart Mathematics!
Joan A. Cotter has a PhD in mathematics education and bachelor's degree in engineering, and is the author of RightStart Mathematics.
Experience Excellence in Writing by Jan Miller
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.
Jan Miller is a veteran home educator residing in the Twin Cities with her husband, Britton, and those of heir eight children who are not yet graduated. Jan has been blessed with almost two decades of experience instructing those children in their home, during which she tried virtually every writing program on the market.
Meal Management in an Age of Fast Food by Nancy Bjorkman
Explore the reasons and how-to's of once-a-month cooking and several other methods of meal planning. Save time, money and energy while enjoying quick, healthy meals. Once you've tried it, you'll wonder why you waited. This workshop will explore many ideas for managing the daily chore of feeding your family. The talk will include the benefits and methods for once-a-month cooking. I will teach about the savings seen in time, energy, money, stress levels and nutrition, as well as the increased enjoyment in sharing hospitality with others. We will then look at the how-to's for getting it done and some of the resources available to get people on their way.
Nancy began as the ultimate homeschool skeptic, but now, after 18 years teaching her own four children she has become the resource and information lady for many and a champion of the cause. She is a certified teacher and has spoken at homeschool conferences in eight states. She loves practical topics such as meal management, avoiding burnout, homeschooling through high school, and using games to make learning meaningful. Though she stays busy as a support group leader and now a bookstore owner, her favorite times are spent talking and laughing with her family at the dinner table. She is excited to have graduated three of her daughters and has found it exciting to have graduated herself from being mentored to being a mentor for other homeschool families. She and her husband own a homeschool resource store and catalog business in Elk River, Minn., where they delight in ministering to the unique needs of homeschool families year round.
Teaching Struggling Readers and Spellers by Denise Eide
In this workshop we will explore learning styles, how to teach auditory and kinesthetic learners reading, logical/literal learners and how to help "engineering" minds love English, preventing and correcting reversals, dyslexia and more. This class is for anyone with struggling students and parents who want to prevent struggles in young students.
Denise is an endorsed trainer for Spell to Write and Read and homeschool mom of 4 children.
The Veritas Conspiracy: Classical Socratic Seminars for High Schoolers, Home Schoolers, and Unschoolers by John Neimann
Learn more about the vital importance of Socratic seminars in a truly classical education. The rhetoric years come alive as students address the Great Books in rigorous discussions that draw heavily upon their classical training. Socratic seminars are the culmination of classical training, and key to a life well lived.
John earned a B.A. from The Evergreen State College (1995); M.A., St. John's College (1995); Juris Doctor, William Mitchell College of Law (2009). He has taught at Trinity School (1995-1999) and Eagle Ridge Academy (2005-2009). He served on the Council for Basic Education Independent Study Scholar (1995) and National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute Fellowship (1996). He's also a homeschooling dad.
MN DNR Firewise in the Classroom by Ken Pekarek
Firewise in the Classroom introduces students to Geographic Information Systems to help protect their homes and community from the threat of wildfire. It is a standards-based curriculum that teaches students spatial analysis concepts, critical thinking, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and mapping skills. The program is an authentic learning experience and community service project that is free.
KenPekarek is technical advisor to the MN DNR Firewise in the classroom program.
9:30 a.m. Saturday
KEYNOTE: Staying Strong by Dr. Ray Guarendi
Parents today are having their confidence, peace of mind, and authority undercut by a number of widespread myths that have been pushed upon them by the experts, the media and almost everybody else. Victimized by these false notions, many are plagued by groundless worry, guilt and frustration. This presentation will identify several of the most pervasive of these myths and will help you to be the best parent you can be.
11:00 a.m. • Workshop Session I
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.
For the Love of Literature by Maureen Wittmann
Literature isn't just for reading! You can teach math, science, language arts, and more using living books.
Keep your Eyes on Your Own Work: On Guarding your Heart and Not Losing Hope by Margaret Berns
Homeschooling conferences can be a time of great encouragement. The resources and ideas presented can be overwhelming, though, especially for the parent who wants to do it all. Guess what? We don't have to. The focus of this talk will be on being happy with the choices that you're making in life—as a homeschooler and a person. It's hard! That wish list can be so long.
Keeping Your Kids Catholic by David Rinaldi — NEW 5/27/10
It's no enough for our kids to know about God…if they're going to be holly, they need to know God! This presentation offers time-tested tips on how to raise your kids to know God and live their (whole) lives as vibrant members of the Catholic Church. The presentation includes the importance of parents speaking with one voice, tips on family prayer and conversations, the need for a spiritual vision for your children, and developing a vision for service within your children.
12:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. • Workshop Session II
The Risk of Education: Fr. Giussani and the Ideals of Catholic Home Education by Ana Braga-Henebry
At the funeral Mass for Father Giussani, Pope Benedict XVI, then Cardinal Ratzinger, said in his homily: "Fr. Giussani grew up in a home—as he himself said-poor as far as bread was concerned, but rich with music, and thus from the start he was touched, or better, wounded, by the desire for beauty. … and thus he found Christ, in Christ true beauty, the path of life, the true joy."
Doesn't this sound like the goal of the ideal Catholic homeschool?
Fr. Giussani wrote many books, and the one entitled The Risk of Education is both an intriguing and a challenging read. In this talk, Ana Braga-Henebry, M.A., will present the ideas in Fr. Giussani's book as they are relevant to Catholic home educators. This is not a scholarly presentation, but one where his complex and profound ideas on the risk of education—i.e., the risk we take when we educate the youth with their hearts centered in Christ—will be brought up in a easy-to-digest version. Call it "The Risk of Education for Dummies" if you will!
The Thrifty Homeschooler by Maureen Wittmann
Homeschooling is hard enough without the heavy burden of debt hanging over your head. This talk discusses strategies to save money in your home and homeschool.
If Mom's Not Healthy, Ain't Nobody Healthy (Taking Care of Yourself) by Dr. Mary Paquette
Too often mothers neglect their own health issues because they focus on keeping their family healthy and happy. But if Mom doesn't take good care of herself, eventually the family suffers. As a family practice doctor, Dr. Mary Paquette counsels mothers about how to avoid burnout in their demanding vocation. As a homeschooling mom of four young children, she's challenged to follow her own advice. Her workshop will give you practical tips about maintaining a healthy lifestyle from someone who knows how difficult it is to "walk the talk."
Get Your Game On! Using EASY, Almost No-Fuss Games to Help Keep Learning Fun by Cathie Baier
What child wouldn't rather play a game than do a worksheet? It's not that the information contained on the worksheet is any different than that available through a game, it's the method of delivery used to convey the information that makes the difference. Kids love games and so much is gained by playing games. Things like taking turns, good sportsmanship, patience and development of relationships all happen when you play games with your kids (or they play with each other). By using tools such as 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 instructions, tips and resources to make your own games at home.
3:00 p.m. • Workshop Session III
Grace for the Baking: A Humorous Look at How to Turn those Daily To-Dos into Teaching Moments by Margaret Berns
One of the dangers of homeschooling (at least for this perfectionist mom) is trying to make our school too formal. This talk will focus on using those many little chores and moments to grow in holiness and teach your children. The Science of Scrubbing the Toilet and the Chemistry of Cakes & Cookies? Why not!
High School Panel
Experienced home educators (Ana Braga-Henebry, Ginny Seuffert, Ed VanPelt, and Maureen Wittmann) share their thoughts and experiences about homeschooling through high school.
Talking to Your Kids about Sex by David Rinaldi — NEW 5/27/10
Our children live in a sex-saturated culture and danger looms around every corner…and right in your face. This presentation offers tips for discussing the beautiful gift of sex with your children and equipping them with tools to make good choices and protect themselves from the ways of the world.
How to Get Your Kids to See the Light (or Feel it or Hear it)! by Cathie Baier
Teaching different learning modalities requires different tactics. Learn how to determine which modality your child uses and find ways to present material so that it sticks the first time, especially if it is different than your own learning modality