Conference-goers say:
- I expected a lot, but the workshops surpassed my greatest hopes.
- I have never been in a workshop that hasn't helped me in some way. I've attended for 11 years.
- I always get reassurance and support along with information.
C Workshops, Saturday, 1:30-2:30 PM
Denotes a Connections workshop.
C-1 History Travelers
How two homeschooling moms learn history with their children (ages 4-15) the fun way! Hear how they bring history to life by spending a day with friends "visiting" famous people and places from the past. Ways they develop a sense of chronology, sample new foods and have fun with games, storyboards, maps, timelines, travel notebooks, crafts, and more.
C-2 Math Without Tears
Secrets to helping kids of any age learn math calmly, with a minimum of frustration. Understanding general principles of how numbers work. Avoiding or overcoming fear or strong dislike of math. Choosing resources that work for each child. Using games and math manipulatives.
C-3 Music for Homeschoolers
Listening to, singing, playing, and creating different kinds of music. Advantages to different ways of learning, including Suzuki and improvisation. Ways parents can learn to sing and play. Finding time for practice and practicing so it is worth the time. Making music as a family and finding or creating larger groups.
C-4 A Homeschooler's Best Resource: The Local Public Library
Books, films, music, magazines, references-in addition to providing materials to check out, your library offers at no charge other valuable resources, including real live librarians, special collections, access to books in other libraries through interlibrary loans, and more. Learn to communicate and work effectively with the staff and use services you never knew existed.
C-5 Deciding How to Homeschool
Understanding the variety of approaches to homeschooling (purchased curriculum, classical homeschooling, unschooling, and others). Strengths and drawbacks of each. Kinds of families that might choose each approach. How to know what's right for your family. How to change when kids grow or needs change. For beginning homeschoolers and anyone who is considering changing their approach.
C-6 How Parents Learn to Unschool
Ways parents can overcome their own conventional education and the pressures of mainstream culture so they can trust their children and provide the encouragement and environment that allows children to pursue their interests and strengths. How parents deal with their own doubts and criticisms from others.
C-7 Mind Mapping
Simple, easy-to-learn, non-linear diagrams that help people of any age connect ideas, learn, solve problems, and remember. A brief explanation of the radiant thinking process, an introduction to the technique of Mind Mapping, samples of Mind Maps, and information on free software for Mind Mapping. Especially helpful for non-traditional learners who think in unconventional ways.
C-8 Record Keeping Made Manageable and Meaningful
An overview of the purpose and benefits of documenting your homeschooling experiences and activities. Finding a method that suits you and meets your needs. Ideas for simple records that save time yet are meaningful and retrievable for portfolios, credentials, college applications, etc.
C-9 The Precocious, Sensitive, Intense, Creative (and Otherwise Gifted) Child
Some children seem to be or feel "too much": too sensitive, too intense, too divergent, "too smart for their own good." This workshop helps parents understand giftedness and explores how to recognize and accept “too much” traits as strengths rather than liabilities. Learn to understand perfectionism, asynchronous or uneven development, and intensity. For more, see D-5.
C-10 Learning to Relax and Trust Our Children: A Discussion About Unschooling and Relaxed Homeschooling
What do you especially like about unschooling or relaxed homeschooling? What problems haven't you solved yet? Can parents really trust that their children will learn to read, do long division, etc. and stop worrying about courses of study, grade levels, etc.?
C-11 The Legislature and Private Education
A conservative Christian perspective on legislative bills and DPI efforts that may affect private schools in Wisconsin. Included will be bills that have passed and movements that are underway to change education in Wisconsin.
C-12 College Admissions for Homeschoolers
Why homeschoolers who want to go to college can be assured that they can get admitted. Helpful tips on the application process, timeline, ways to research colleges, and, most importantly, finding that perfect college match. Speaker is a grown homeschooler who works in admissions at a selective private college.
C-13 Earn College Credit (and a Degree) Your Way and Inexpensively
During high school and after, learn on your own and earn college credit (and a degree) for what you know by taking CLEP and other exams and completing distance learning courses. Resources to prepare for tests. Test taking strategies. Speaker earned 140 credits and a degree this way.
C-14 Teens, How Do You Answer All Those Questions About Homeschooling? A Discussion for Teens
How can we respond to the (sometimes annoying) questions we are often asked, such as "Why did your parents decide to homeschool you?" "Do you have any friends?" "Does your mom or dad teach you?" "Do you go to school in your pajamas?" "Don't you feel like you're missing out?" "Will you be able to go to college?"
C-15
Family Game Time
Experience a fun hour playing card games and board games. Learn some of the Menchaca family's favorites. Rules are simple, games are short. Bring your favorite game to share. Who says you can't have fun while developing complex thinking skills? All ages. Limit 10 families.
C-16
How Does an Engine Work?
Hear an explanation of 4 stroke operation. Then help disassemble an engine and learn about its component parts and how they work together. For ages 8-12. Limit 10 youth. Also see D-16.
C-17
Rhythm in Motion-Dance for Ages 6-10
This workshop takes kids through a warm-up and into a fantastic dancing adventure. Kids of any skill level will enjoy this lively workshop. Presenter is a grown homeschooler and a member of a pre-professional dance company. Limit 35 youth.
C-18
Sensational Soccer Basics
Learn basic ball-handling skills in a “feet-on” workshop led by enthusiastic homeschooling teens. Bring a soccer ball if possible. Weather permitting, will be outside, so dress for the weather. Recommended for ages 6-14. Limit 25 youth.
C-19
Story Telling and Story Games
Bring your smiles and sense of excitement and join us for adventures in our imaginations and active games that help us all win! Do you know who Milly-Molly-Mandy is? Listen to a story about her adventures and play the game named after her. Find out how to play Broken Spoke, Birthday Cake, and Bibbidy, Bibbidy, Bop. All ages welcome.
C-20
Stretching and Relaxing Through Yoga
Learn and practice postures and movements that increase strength and flexibility, improve balance, and promote relaxation. Suggested for ages 8 and up; no yoga experience necessary. Wear comfortable clothes for stretching and please bring a pillow and blanket. Presenter is a certified yoga instructor.
C-21 Visit Connections and/or the Curriculum Fair
See F-15.
More Workshops by Time Slot
Friday, 7:15-8:30 PM: F Workshops
Saturday, 8:30-9:30 AM: A Workshops
Saturday, 9:50-10:50 AM: B Workshops
Saturday, 2:50-3:50 PM: D Workshops
More Workshops by Category
- Save $300 to $2,000 per child per year by not purchasing a curriculum
- Save $10,000 to $150,000 on college
- Save $100 to $3,000 a year on food
- Save $100 to $5,000 a year by using the public library
- Save $100 to $5,000 a year on entertainment
- Curriculum
- Basic Subjects
- May Be of Particular Interest to Mothers
- Workshops Fathers May Want to Attend
- Beginning Homeschoolers May Find These Workshops Particularly Helpful
- Workshops for Parents and Teens About High School and the Teen Years
- Workshops Especially for Teens
- People Interested in Unschooling Often Choose Workshops Like These
- Connections Workshops
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