NCHE Conference Workshops

G The need for Christian leaders is desperate, yet up to 80% of young people raised in Christian homes end up rejecting their faith. Drawing on his twenty years of research and writing, Dr. Myers explains why kids walk away from their faith and what you can do–no matter the age of your children–to help your kids hunger for truth and righteousness.

G Uncover the meaning of authentic biblical character training. Home education is an efficient tool of the Lord to train not only your children's character but your own as well! Sharing homeschool experiences and lessons from Deuteronomy, Shelley will explore how God can use any situation to create characters of true worth–based on the seven aspects in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Discover practical ways that you can incorporate this process in your daily lives and cultivate true biblical character in your children, and in the process, yourself!

T,P Would you, teens, like to be able to accomplish your daily academics in less time? Would you, parents, like to see more consistent quality in the work your teen produces? Would you both like to experience less conflict and more sense of teamwork in your homeschooling high school? This workshop will present practical principles and their application to increase both productivity and cooperation in study skills for homeschooled teens.

G As far back as Alexander the Great, fatherly kings have secured learned tutors to educate their princely sons. Too often tutors only educated the minds of their pupils. Mentoring, a combination of tutoring and discipleship, educated both mind and heart. Jessica believes homeschoolers have the rare opportunity to employ the form of education once reserved for princes and nobility, the expanded form of tutoring called mentoring to raise up the next generation of princes and nobility to serve the one true King.

G,T This interactive workshop will focus on the American judicial system, with a special emphasis on North Carolina. In addition to giving an overview of our courts and the selection procedure, we'll discuss the decision-making process. We'll take the facts of particular cases and let you decide the outcomes.

B The decision to homeschool involves commitment, sacrifice and dedication. As with anything worthwhile, there is a cost involved. Using statistics and personal experience, Nancy will identify the advantages of home education for your children, for your family and for society.

P The thought of teaching high school can be intimidating for many homeschoolers, causing them to question their competence. Debbie will show you how you can accomplish this challenging task. She will cover topics such as what to do before high school starts, what courses your student needs and where to get them, what the law says and how to deal with co-ops and testing. She will touch on what to do along the way to prepare for college.

G Most homeschoolers feel uneasy when planning math courses for their children. We learned our math a long time ago, or we learned it a different way, or maybe we learned it not at all! How can we know if the methods we are using will achieve the desired results in our students? In this seminar, Steve Clark exposes ten deadly myths about teaching math to our students, and counters those myths with solid, practical help for parents. You will also leave with a checklist of items that you can use to determine the best math course for your students. Don't be surprised if Steve challenges some of our normal ways of thinking about math. For example, you might just find out the "Practice Makes Perfect!" doesn't apply to math!

G In this seminar, we revisit how to live as we make the Cross central to our homeschooling life. What does it mean to start in grace, continue in grace and finish in grace so that God alone receives the glory for the fruit of our lives? Here is a practical framework for homeschooling with eternity always in view. Be liberated once again from self-sufficiency, self-righteousness and condemnation through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

G As your child approaches his maiden voyage onto the sea of life, you want to make certain he is sea worthy. Shelley will help you navigate through three lessons we parents can learn from H.M.S. Titanic and help you to chart a course for your children. By learning from the mistakes of the Titanic, you will discover how to teach your kids ways to avoid icebergs, to acquire lifeboats, and to open and maintain the lines of communication. While we can never forecast smooth sailing, our goal is to keep their boat afloat as they embark on their life's voyage!

T,G Discover the four areas of life that all successful leaders carefully cultivate. Learn practical strategies to help identify and unleash your leadership gifts so you can make a difference in the world for Christ.

G This workshop examines thirty years of homeschooling and offers new directions for the future. Our genesis emerged in a rejection of Enlightenment values, but in this new century the movement has come of age. We are quickly approaching status quo. What does this mean for the future of homeschooling?

G Do you have dreams of raising a knight in God's service but wonder how you'll ever teach him to sit still, or tie his shoes, or take showers? Do you think your friends who have boys are just not disciplining them enough? Do you wonder how you'll keep from screaming when he taps his foot, hums a tune to a different beat, stares off into space, then tells you, "I'm doing my math"? Our culture has ill-prepared us to turn boys into men. Come hear a mother of six boys share how you can raise godly warriors and enjoy doing it!

B Charles will cover getting started in homeschooling, as well as the NC homeschool law. Charles provides the details along with sharing personal experiences from more than twenty years of homeschooling. He provides information for dads as well as encouragement for moms.

P Does the thought of getting your student into college frighten you? One of the first questions beginning homeschoolers ask is "Can homeschooled students get into college?" The answer is yes. Homeschooled students can and do go to college. However, it does take planning and preparation to accomplish this task. Come to this workshop and learn how to prepare for college.

G Charlie has conducted over one hundred hands-on workshops for various kinds of school groups, including a weekly lab for grammar students. He will demonstrate many activities he uses (with mostly simple materials) to reinforce complex scientific principles. He will discuss DNA, dating methods, and irreducible complexity. Students have much greater understanding of science taught with a hands-on approach.

G A love for learning is a blessing God has for His children–one that is meant to enrich our lives, give us purpose and draw us into a quest to know the Creator. This workshop will give you a biblical foundation for safeguarding a child's natural curiosity and joy of discovery; it will also suggest ways to approach homeschooling that keeps this important element alive and growing in your home.

G In this workshop based on the life of Ehud the Benjamite, Mark will unveil the unique strategy that God and his parents used to prepare him to become a skilled and strategic warrior, confident leader and a skillful entrepreneur. In this seminar, we will look at the assessment of a child's natural abilities and the instructive insights that are necessary to prepare each child, teen and adult for God's ultimate purpose and calling. This seminar promises to be an eye-opener for all ages–in more ways than you expect, but in a way you will never forget!

T,P College entrance exams, scholarship applications, college applications–they all require essays these days. There are specific objectives for the twenty-five minute, five-paragraph essay, and specific skills needed to meet those objectives. This workshop will explain the grading criteria for entrance exam essays, and provide a simple plan of attack for writing confident essays, impromptu, whenever required. Stop agonizing, and start achieving!

G Jessica gives a stirring rendition of men in history who stayed the course and impacted history. But how could just an average homeschooling mom impact history–especially a tired mom who is wondering, if she should continue homeschooling? Jessica shares numerous experiences and stories from her own life where the benefits and rewards of homeschoolers prompted her to stay her course. Jessica will not only help you see how immensely important your job really is, but she will inspire you to "stay the course!

G What are learning styles? We all have one! Do you know your child's preferred learning modality? If you do, you can incorporate activities that teach to that mode of learning. Teaching to a child's learning style, especially when presenting new information, can aid greatly in the learning process. Teaching across the learning modalities can help struggling students. Come learn about the various learning styles, educational activities that go with each learning style and how to determine what methods and curriculum correspond to each learning style.

B Are you wondering why so many people are turning to home education? Are you confused by the homeschool lingo you hear–terms like Charlotte Mason and delight-directed? In this session, we will explain why so many people are turning to home education and give an overview of the various popular approaches so that you can discover what is best for you and your family.

G This workshop will help you understand educational alternatives and how they relate to homeschooling. Once there were three educational options–public, private or homeschools. In recent years, though, the number of alternatives has exploded. Virtual high schools, online academies, Early College, and other programs are now available in North Carolina, and they are actively recruiting homeschoolers, whether or not they can meet their needs. Is one of these right for your family, or would it prove a costly mistake? This session by an educational policy journalist takes an honest, objective look at these new educational alternatives.

G Music, theatre, visual art, dance, film, poetry–these oft-neglected areas of education are essential. Hear a homeschool grad with a B.A. in theater provide a Christian perspective on this topic. Discover how to incorporate these elusive, yet critical, disciplines into your everyday homeschool life.

G You can't be a humble and honest parent without dealing with some regret. Why do we all end up doing and saying things as parents that we never intended? What will keep me being part of what God is doing in the life of my children and not in the way of it? Learn where good parenting really starts.

G In the Old Testament, we see story after story of bad "baton passes"–people with great power, knowledge, influence and wealth followed by generations of spoiled, cruel and godless offspring. Jesus, on the other hand, chose twelve ordinary men, charged them to change the world–and they did it. Dr. Myers will reveal seven things Jesus did differently and demonstrate how we can apply these principles to equip our children to be culture-shaping leaders.

G My enduring interest in how children learn has led this retired homeschool mom to pursue a terminal degree in educational psychology. This seminar sifts through what we now know to be true about how God has hard-wired kids to learn. This seminar will review briefly the steps of cognitive development for kids K-6 or 6-12 and give you practical strategies for using this information in your homeschool program.

G You will never properly understand parenting until you have understood God's design for the family. Learn the profound role in the life of an individual that God has designed for the family.

M We all know that the 3 Rs are needed for any balanced curriculum; however, did you also know that homeschool moms need to have the 3 Rs in their lives to have a complete and balanced life? With a three part plan, Shelley will give an Rx to the weary homeschool mom who needs to be revived and revved up: 1) Revitalize Your First Love–Practical suggestions to energize your relationship with God. 2) Refresh Your Spirit–Ideas on how you can take care of yourself, body, mind and spirit! 3) Rekindle Your Love Life–Husbands are often times the first one to be neglected!

T,G For many homeschooling families, answering the question of whether or not to attend traditional college is a difficult task. Oftentimes either the cost, time required or negative college environment is too great an obstacle. Now there is an answer to this difficult dilemma: Accelerated Distance Learning. In this session, attendees will discover a new cost-effective and time-saving way to earn a college degree. The major benefits of Accelerated Distance Learning will be explained, as well as the five methods for earning college credit from home. Come learn the latest strategies for completing a college degree from home faster, for less and for sure!

T,P One of the biggest concerns parents have when they send their teenager to college is that their teen will have the strength and resources to keep the faith while under pressure. And homeschoolers may be concerned whether their teen is prepared academically to succeed. In the workshop, Debbie will share with parents what they can do to help their teens stay strong when they leave home. Mereda will give personal testimony about how to do well academically and stay strong in the faith while in college.

B Does the homeschool curricula explosion have you in tears over the increasingly difficult decision of what to buy each year? This workshop will guide you step by step through a process which will help you dry your eyes and move on with your schooling. It will show you how to apply what you already know about yourself and your children to weed out many of the options and zero in on what is important to you and your homeschool.

G Whether you're stuck in a rut or just want to add a little fun to your homeschooling days, sparkle is what you need. In this workshop, you'll receive a treasure chest of practical, easy-to-implement ideas that will bring delight to your children's faces and turn ordinary homeschooling days into extraordinary adventures. Your children will thank you for attending!

G Sometimes it's the sub-plots, minor characters and hidden stories that really bring history to life. Most people today know Herod the Great only as the evil villain of the Nativity story, whose massacre of the infants sent Mary, Joseph and Jesus into temporary exile in Egypt. But did you know that this man rubbed shoulders with Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Marc Anthony and Caesar Augustus? Did you know he was responsible for enormous building projects from Syria and Turkey to Greece and Italy? Did you know he was possibly the most savvy politician of his day? This workshop demonstrates that an excursion off the beaten path of history may be just what's needed to bring history to life!

G,T Jim contributes sparkle and inspiration to the nonfiction genre. He brings historical figures to life in his stories about the lives and times of history's most interesting people such as: Abraham Lincoln, Archimedes, Queen Elizabeth, Sir Francis Drake and Galileo. This program is guaranteed to lead the audience straight to the nonfiction bookshelves!

G Every part of your life has been given over to homeschooling! There are student books stacked in your kitchen and living room, and you are constantly worrying about your children's education. You ask yourself, "Am I teaching the right subjects, and am I teaching them the right way? Are the kids really learning enough? Why am I doing this?" And then you remember the answer. More than anything else, you want to develop godly character in your children as you watch them grow into young adults. Thinking about that responsibility makes you worry even more! Join Steve Clark in this seminar, where you will learn the "3 Cs" of Christian homeschooling, and find out how to develop a master plan of developing a well-rounded student. Oh, and by the way, we will find out the prescription for elimination all of the worrying!

P,T It's normal to focus on the transcript when preparing your student for college. After all, acceptance is the first step in acquiring a college education. But after years of teaching at the college level and working with college-bound, homeschooled high-schoolers, we've learned that many students with great transcripts aren't really prepared for what's expected of them at the university. Amy shares the most ignored skills needed for college and what you can do now to prepare your college-bound student.

G In this seminar, Rachel presents research, interview data from homeschoolers across North America and personal experience to demonstrate conclusively that socialization is a benefit of homeschooling. By re-examining our culture's assumptions about what homeschooling is, what socialization is and even what childhood is, Rachel uncovers and brings to light the true nature of homeschoolers' socialization and the many social benefits it offers to children. You will leave this seminar feeling reassured, confident and informed about the valuable and positive socialization experience you are making available to your children.

G,T Writing is an art that can be learned and used by anyone to make a difference in the culture. Mark has written a weekly religion column for The Daily Times-News in Burlington for four years in which he uses story, humor and biblical truth to encourage believers and challenge unbelievers. His column has won three consecutive awards from the Amy Foundation for excellence in communicating biblical truth to a secular audience. He has also taught a homeschool teens writing class in Burlington for twelve years. Come and learn some simple truths about good writing that will help you or your child wield the pen that really is mightier than the sword!

Y Developmental specialists believe that fifty-percent of an adult's capacity for learning is created in the first five years of life. Jan, a veteran homeschooler and careful observer of homeschool children, young and old, will provide ideas, suggestions, true life stories and counsel to parents of young children to help them to create an environment where the maximum capacity can be built.

G Charlotte Mason believed we need to feed the child's mind with the food of intellectual life–excellent literature. Exposing students (even young children) to classic literature not only introduces them to the "great conversation" but also teaches their minds to think. Literature uses figures of speech that require the mind to perform mental gymnastics to discover meaning. Poetical devices and imagery in literature communicate truth by touching the heart. God chose to communicate much of scripture through the language of poetry. Why? Because the beauty of language paints mental images that touch the core of our being in a way that mere fact cannot. This workshop includes a discussion on how to teach classic literature even to young children, as well as a study of the literary aspects of Scripture, hymns, Shakespeare, poetry, classics, Living Books and recitation.

L When a homeschooled child seems to flounder for no easily identifiable reason, concerned parents often exhaust themselves in their search for answers. While that search unfolds, it is not uncommon for the teacher-student relationship to deteriorate. Parents may wonder if there might be a learning disability at the root of the struggling student's difficulties. This workshop is designed to help parents discern the difference between a possible learning disability and other explanations for a student's struggles. Additionally, information will be given on how to have your homeschooler professionally assessed for learning disabilities.

G Homeschooling wasn't meant to be done in isolation. Well-designed group activities will stimulate and challenge students, plus give you the chance to network with other homeschoolers and spread the teaching load around. This seminar will offer tips for organizing and surviving a homeschool co-op and many other group activities.

G Parenting is more than exercising constraint and control over the behavior of your children. God calls us to be part of a deeper, more exciting agenda. Parenting is about being an instrument in God's hands for heart change. Learn where the rubber meets the road in everyday parenting.

T,G Jeff has been working with young adults for a long time and has helped thousands navigate the treacherous teenage years in a way that prepares them for what Proverbs calls "good success." Topics we'll focus on are: the differences between God's design for men and women, how to maintain purity in a culture that is trying to take you down, how to have healthy relationships with family and friends and how to prepare for an awesome, God-focused marriage.

Y You've made the decision–your child will be homeschooled from Day One. Good for you! But should you start at a young age? Is it wise to even try? How do you know when to get started and what to do first? Melanie Young has raised precocious readers and late bloomers, but every one of them has benefited from being homeschooled from the beginning. This session can give you a new perspective on how to introduce your little ones to the joy of learning in a gentle and realistic way–and without undermining your older students.

G Leaders need to be challenged and inspired to stay the course. In this motivational session, Rachael vividly describes how faithful leaders: lead, love, listen, learn and laugh. The listener will leave with a whole new sense of purpose and passion as a homeschool leader.

B,Y In our society, there is a growing trend to place children into government or privately run institutions as early as age three in order to foster their "intellectual development." Are parents as capable of educating their child as a trained professional? How necessary are parents to the educational process? Come explore some of the modern educational myths that have arisen in our society and find out your role in your child's academic future

G Do you wish someone would come alongside and lead you step-by-step through the process of teaching your child to write? This workshop offers the nuts and bolts of writing instruction and shows you how to create a confident writer while having some fun along the way. You may enter the workshop flabbergasted, but you'll leave with the tools and inspiration needed to teach your child to write.

G Have you wondered what biblical figures were alive during famous historical events of the Ancient world? Many of the cultural references in the Bible can be best understood in the context of historical events. The New Testament is built upon the Old Testament. The US democracy traces its roots back to the Greeks. Understanding the past is important for explaining events that follow. Timelines, notebooks and simple hands-on projects help children and adults alike enjoy and retain history.

G Does home educating your children stretch your marriage to the limit? While there is no single success formula for all marriages, there are principles that can be applied to strengthen your relationship. Shelley will divulge the secrets to being a happy homeschool couple. The Noonan's marriage not only survived but thrived through thirteen years of home educating their children.

G Your child was created by God to live for something bigger than his own life. Every child shrinks his world down to the size of his own wants, needs and feelings. No human being was ever designed to live that way. Learn what every child was meant to live for and how focusing on that changes the way you think about parenting.

G,T The twentieth century saw the birth of the abstract and absurd in theatre, music, art, poetry, literature and more. Come take a tour inside the peculiar minds of Pablo Picasso, Samuel Becket, John Cage, T.S. Eliot and others. Discover why what they produced matters in your home, and simple tools for discerning the truth from the lies in our culture.

G Here is an opportunity to explore the ubiquitous homeschooling question of peer contact. This workshop will address all of the usual questions about peer contact. "Do homeschoolers have enough friends?" "How can homeschoolers get adequate peer contact without going to a classroom each day?" It will also dig deeper to ask additional questions. "Is peer contact in school truly social?" "Is all peer contact equal?" "How much peer contact is actually healthy?" It will address the differences between healthy peer contact and unhealthy peer dependence, and between positive and negative socialization. During the workshop we will draw on participants' own personal experiences with friendships and peers, as well as other sources, to discover new perspectives on what it means to have a healthy peer socialization experience.

G Does your child love the clank of swords against shields? How about beautiful damsels trapped within fabulous, besieged cities? Perhaps sabotaged wedding celebrations? Or maybe current events, mysterious disappearing treasures and international intrigue? The continuing story of the Trojan War has all this and more. Often children lose interest in history because they approach it from just one viewpoint: primary sources, dates, historical fiction, etc. But history is the story of people's lives and using a broad variety of disciplines is more likely to catch your child's interest, and perhaps even ignite a passion. Using the legend of the Trojan War as an example, Amy Barr demonstrates how using mythology, ancient literature, classical art, archaeology and even current events, can awaken your child's love of ancient history.

Y,O There are five components that comprise a solid foundation for reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, fluency and vocabulary. This session will review each of these components and offer many proven methods for building strong reading skills in your child.

G Fear of death and the fear of speaking in public are the two greatest fears in all of life! So we are told. For the Christian, neither should be the case. Are your children ready to give a defense for the hope they have within them? Teaching them the Scriptures is the first step. Teaching them the fine art of public speaking is next. In this session, we will explore teaching our children to be communicators for Christ. Whether the situation calls for apologetics, impromptu public speaking, persuasive speaking or oral interpretation of literature from a biblical worldview, our children must be equipped to face a rapidly decaying culture that laughs in the face of Christianity. Come and hear of the many opportunities available today for homeschool students to learn and participate in speech and debate.

G,T Many of our students are not particularly adept at taking notes, either from a text or a speaker. This valuable listening/study skill needs to be cultivated for academic success at the high school and college level. Born out of an expressed need at the local level, this unique workshop is designed as a joint parent-student experience. Emphasizing a practical, hands-on approach, this workshop is most beneficial to those in the fourth grade and beyond.

M By sharing her own brand of practical wisdom, Shelley Noonan will encourage and motivate you to make the most of the TIME you spend mentoring your daughter. Discover four key components in making the most of time with her. Learn how to capture the moments and make them special. Glean information on resources and various ways to mentor.

B Where do I start? What books should I read? What do I teach when? What curriculum should I buy? Here are the ABC's of homeschooling–the sequential steps to follow to set up a program you and your kids will love.

T,G The pop culture is bent on turning us into fools. Yet Scripture promises life, honor and good success to those who will seek wisdom. In this workshop, Dr. Myers shows you a step-by-step process of seeking mentors and coaches who can help you pursue authentic success and keep the world's mindlessness at bay.

G This workshop will demonstrate how the strong family relationships that homeschooling encourages serve children far better than the separate lives that family members experience when children attend school. It will show how strong family bonds actually promote independence, and what you can do to encourage such bonds and independence. And finally, it will offer compelling answers to questions or concerns others may have about stifling, smothering or otherwise disserving your child by keeping him close.

G Study after study has proven the incredible value of hands-on teaching. Yet, even though we know something is true, that does not always make it easy to implement. Jessica has spent her life teaching hands-on. In fact, it is her gift, and she finds it difficult to teach any other way. Let Jessica share how she thinks and teaches hands-on naturally and easily, without fanfare. You will be amazed at the increase in retention and unleashing of creativity hands-on teaching will bring to your children.

Y Are you looking for a different way to homeschool than textbooks and workbooks? There's nothing wrong at all with using textbooks and workbooks, but if you are ready to try a more integrated approach to learning and are somewhat hesitant to jump in and do it, come find out how to make the transition easy and simple. Using real books to do school is a great way for the whole family to learn together! This particular workshop is geared toward those with children in kindergarten through fourth grade.

G After twenty-five years of homeschooling, what does this homeschool veteran see as the most important advice to pass along to those still in the trenches of parenting and homeschooling? Debbie will share her top concerns about homeschooling.

G Mentors, classics and narratives are the building blocks of our Founding Fathers' education. With the age-segregated systems of today's schools where children are placed on a "conveyor belt," and academics, education, and life integration are components of manufactured students, individuals like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Quincy Adams would not stand a chance. Learn about the underground movement instigated by secular humanists during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century and their application of Darwinian principles to modern schooling which created the public school system we know today. In this session, you will learn how to avoid the many pitfalls inherent with the Darwinian approach and regain the time-tested leadership model of education that is fully-integrated with Christian homeschooling, both in purpose and application.

G Do you ever lose sight of the reasons home educating sounded like a good idea in the beginning? Never forget the grand scope of God's plan in this particular means of grace in our lives! Hear how this lifestyle has shown itself to be richly rewarding for Christian families and how God is using those from this base. Learn a few keys to making sure we do not miss the big picture and lose heart.

M What are little boys made of? Some of us homeschool mothers are still wondering! You will learn the six building blocks that your son will need to learn in order to be a godly man. In this workshop, you will laugh, be challenged and be encouraged as Shelley coaches the homeschool mom on various ways to make the sometimes bumpy road of raising a little boy into a godly man easier by using time proven methods.

P Where do you look in God's Word to understand the struggles of a teenager? The word "teenager" is a fairly recent cultural invention, yet the Bible has much to say about this period of time. Learn about the typical struggles of a teenager and how they set your agenda as a parent.

T,G The ability to communicate gracefully without fear is a key to a young adult's success in life. Communication is the foundation of leadership, and in this session, we'll examine the communication style of six world-changing leaders to see how they conquered fear, organized their message, reached their audiences and kept them interested and moved people to action.

G Getting back to basics sometimes means more work, but it also means we get more out of it. This seminar will help you focus on the direction God intends for your homeschool. You will set Goals so you can see the recipe God has already set for you. Learn to Relax and wait so your bread will rise. Learn where to find the Answers when things don't always work out. Develop the hard work needed to Instruct the will of a child. And come to understand the importance of the Nourishment your children are receiving from you.

D,B Homeschooling is a task that demands dedication, discipline, self-sacrifice and time. According to several research studies, though, homeschooling parents and their students are finding significant happiness and satisfaction in the experience. What gives? Find out in this unusual session.

Y,O Often too much dependency on curriculum in the early years fills our children with knowledge that is most often forgotten later. Giving you an understanding how the brain functions, and how to build a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning is the goal of this workshop.

M How does she do it all? I'm disorganized and can't get it done. My school day will never look like that. Could we, should we, dare to compare? As homeschool moms, our report card is based on how are kids are doing, and acting. Isn't it? With humor and transparency, Jen will look into mirrors that reflect lies women believe, and then shatter those with Christ's truth of the perfect homeschool mom.

G Our students' fascination with dinosaurs leads them to ask questions like: When did they live? Why are they extinct? Why were they so big? Charlie will answer these questions and many more with this exciting presentation using many models and fossils to illustrate these marvelous creatures. This material in this program can be used to teach audiences ranging from adults to children as young as five years old.

G,T Jim tells some of the most humorous stories and poems that were ever written in this delightful family program. These classic stories portray a wide array of ethics and values that are ever pertinent to life yesterday, today and tomorrow. Stories will include: The Emperor's New Clothes, Jabberwocky and Anansi amongst others.

G Having worked with parents and teachers over the past twenty-eight years, Mark will present what he believes is the most helpful and inspirational information of our day concerning the education character development of a child. Mark will present a "radical reversal" of our traditional approach to a biblical education. Principles of parenting based on gentleness, mentoring, joy and patience will be among just a few of the highlights of this seminar. Through simple but forgotten common sense ideas, parents and teachers will gain an understanding that unlocks the heart and opens the mind: "When the level of fear decreases, the level of reasoning increases." When parents understand why the Apostle Paul touches on parents who provoke twice in the NT, they will not soon forget their mission as God's representatives of His gentle and merciful character.

T The world steps aside for an individual who is passionately living out a significant life purpose and mission. Focusing on God's definition of true success, this functional session will assist students in gaining a vision and purpose for their life. It will cover some of the issues vital to understanding God's will and then help the student break their vision into manageable pieces so they can begin living out their God-given dreams with drive and enthusiasm.

B What inside tips would a teacher of thirty years and a homeschooling mom/teacher of twenty-four years share with moms just beginning to homeschool? Come hear Jessica Hulcy share her wealth of practical advice and information. In her hilarious Jessica-style, she recommends what young moms should do and not do when they begin homeschooling. Be enlightened and encouraged and entertained, all at the same time!

D Are Dads called by God to lead and provide for their families in these four ways? And, if He calls us to do it, does He also equip us? What are the practical ways Dads can be the head of his household, as Scripture plainly teaches? This workshop is for men and young men of all ages and will be taught by a man who is still learning how to do these things himself. Mark has been married to Cindy for twenty-five years; they have raised six adults so far (who are twelve or older), with one more to go. Come and be encouraged by what God has called you to do and be in your home.

G Do you ever think about quitting? Are you tired, frustrated and stressed out? Have you seriously contemplated chasing down the yellow bus? You are not the only one! In our twenty plus years of homeschooling, we have been stressed and just plain worn out. It happens to almost everyone sooner or later. Come in for encouragement along with practical ideas for identifying and managing stress (and bring Dad with you so he can understand what you are talking about).

G Classical education is often defined by what was taught to children long ago. Should we not rather ask the question: What did classical tutors intend students to know once they were educated? Five key questions help us interpret what these tutors would teach our children today if they were in our homes, in our culture, with our language and with twenty-first century knowledge.

G How does you know if you have a mathematics curriculum that really enhances problem solving skills? Richard Rusczyk will point out common deficiencies in most mathematics curriculums and what to look for in a program that really trains advanced problem solving techniques. For interested or gifted math students, local, regional and national level mathematics competitions provide an excellent route towards enhancing problem solving skills. Richard will let the audience know all that is available to parents in these areas.

G Teaching in the home would be easy if all you had to do is download academic facts to your child

G Teddy Roosevelt said, "To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." Based on his twenty years of working with thousands of young adults, Dr. Myers shares the character qualities that are essential for success in life, and offers specific, practical ways to develop them in your home. Topics include: honor, servanthood, courage, discernment and wisdom.

G Ups and downs are par for the course in homeschooling, but don't let burn-out make you a drop out. Here's how to benefit from your failures, discern underlying problems and most of all appropriate the grace of God to finish the course. This workshop is spiritually motivating and practical.

P,T Enrich your teen's high school experience by tying their ministry into your homeschool. Learn how to help your teens follow their passion, serve the Lord and earn high school credits as well! Hear from a homeschool and college grad who successfully followed his ministry dreams in high school (and beyond!).

Y,O If you teach your child to read, you have accomplished something. If you teach him to love to read, you have made his life richer and your own job easier! Learn ways to begin to create this love of reading and writing at an early age and to foster it as your child grows older.

P C.S. Lewis, perhaps the greatest apologist of the twentieth century, was not a theologian–he was a classicist, a student of literature. Dr. Stobaugh will specifically address the urgency of learning how to analyze literature both in light of college preparation needs as well as a basis for apologetics. It is his firm belief and fervent prayer, that God is calling forth a new C.S. Lewis in this generation and that this person will probably emerge from a community that understands, analyzes and appreciates its literature.

YG Whether you are considering homeschooling or are a veteran, whether you are a single parent in legal act or a single parent in practice only, there is hope, encouragement and strategies for success in your situation. With one in college and over a decade of experience homeschooling without a spouse, Delnora will draw from the book of Joshua and her own experiences–insights, pitfalls, methods and joys to help you in this journey. You are not alone! There will be time for questions at the end.