Hear about a family whose passion is serving those in need. By knitting and sewing a variety of items to sell, four homeschooled sisters raised money to donate to various causes, including a village in India. When they felt called to see firsthand the fruits of their labor, they created another business to earn money to help cover the costs of a family trip to India in February 2011. In January 2013 they returned to India, so their journey continues. Also see F-6.

For established unschooling families with at least one year’s experience. (For an introduction to unschooling, see “Exploring the Basic Ideas of Unschooling.”) How do parental guidance and direction continue to show themselves and allow for a peaceful coexistence with our kids? How might we as parents react when our children pursue topics we feel negatively about or did not expect? What can parents do to maintain a balance between the fear of external academic goals and the internal joy of unschooling? What about all that time the kids spend doing “nothing?”

Making crafting with kids more relaxed and satisfying for everyone. Balancing kids’ activity with opportunities for parents to be creative. How-to information and resources for (1) easy, relaxed, and creative ways to sew clothes, bags, etc. from cloth, felted wool, and recycled clothes; (2) needle felting little animals, balls, patches, etc.; (3) finger painting; and (4) bookmaking. Presenters are mother-daughter homeschoolers. NOT a hands-on workshop.

See description above.

Ways to get out and stay out of ruts, get “unstuck” when faced with seemingly intractable problems, turn criticism and conflict into a stimulus for positive growth, liven up your homeschooling through preemptive creativity, and nurture the creative problem solving your children will need as adults. Drawing from other approaches (unschoolers learning from families who use a purchased curriculum and vice versa) and using cross-fertilization among subject areas (what works for memorizing multiplication table may help in writing that college essay). Share something unusual that worked for your family and learn from others in the group. Homeschoolers of all experience levels and approaches are welcome.

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.

What the law requires and how to comply. Other Wisconsin laws (such as truancy laws) which also affect homeschoolers. How to protect the homeschooling law from change. How to avoid legal difficulty. Questions from the audience.

Listening to kids and communicating effectively. Solving problems. Understanding what kids need and balancing the needs of kids and parents so daily life goes more smoothly. The importance of eye contact and focused attention. Finding joy in parenting.

Challenge your ideas about how much stuff you need. Ask: “How is stuff useful?” Discover the freedom that comes from not having to spend as much time and energy taking care of possessions and the possibilities for doing more of what you love. Learn how to declutter. But beware of the pitfalls of going too far as a minimalist. Presenter lived happily in a 650 square foot house with her husband, 3 children, and family pets.

Evaluating the value of a college degree today, especially in light of rising costs and the burden of debt. Ways to earn credits (and a degree) less expensively. Two year degrees and certificates. Delaying or skipping college. Considering internships, travel, volunteer work, starting your own business.

Come and learn about birds of prey, their anatomy and behaviors and their role in our environment. Meet one or two live representatives of the bird species.

Exercise your imagination and express your creativity by making postcards, collages, sculptures . . . anything that can be sent through the mail. Use the materials provided to get started, then create more Mail Art at home. Opportunity will be provided for participants who are interested to exchange addresses so they can send each other mail art after the conference. A great activity for the whole family. Limit 35 youth.

Join a group of homeschoolers ages 7 and over to learn and play a variety of easy-to-learn, fun-to-play movement and thinking games.

See B-14.

Experiment with LEDs and batteries. Then build simple circuits that will flash or beep. For kids and parents who want to learn about electronics through hands-on experience. Suggested for ages 10 and up. Please bring $3 for materials. Limit 20 youth.

Practice and improve your soccer skills in dribbling, passing, and shooting with what you learn at this session. Then put them into action immediately by playing a game for fun. For ages 12 and up. Limit 25 youth.