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.
D Workshops, Saturday, 2:50-3:50 PM
Denotes a Connections workshop.
D-1 Become a Part of History: A Workshop on Family Legacies
Make history come alive. Collect diaries, written records, photos, etc. from ancestors. (Speaker is assembling a book of family history from her grandparents' diaries.) Gather stories, photos, videos, etc. from relatives still living. Work with your children on the legacy you and they will leave for future generations through diaries, photos, and other artifacts that you create now as you are homeschooling.
D-2 Encouraging Reluctant Writers to Write
Encourage reluctant writers (yourself and/or your children) by realizing that "writing isn't grammar," that it works better to write first and worry about spelling and punctuation later, and that people who enjoy writing are much more likely to do it. Suggestions for stimulating writing by doing family writing activities, recording family history, writing fiction or poetry, and more. All ages welcome.
D-3 Continuing as an Unschooling Family
For established unschooling families with at least one year's experience. (For an introduction to unschooling, see B-4.) 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?"
D-4 Homeschooling Children of Different Ages
How to keep your sanity while keeping up with curriculums, lesson plans, and records for several children of different ages. Why multiple ages should be an asset to teaching and learning in a family. Discuss the many benefits of children helping younger siblings and participating in family chores. Time for questions and discussion. Speaker is an experienced mother of 6.
D-5 Homeschooling Precocious, Sensitive, Intense, Creative (and Otherwise Gifted) Children
This practical workshop builds on the information presented in C-9. Hear examples of how to live with and meet the learning needs of children who are unusually intense, sensitive, and creative. Share what works and what doesn't, ask questions, and learn from each other. Familiarity with presented in C-9 recommended but not required.
D-6 How Teens View Their Homeschooling Experience: A Panel Discussion
Teens share their homeschooling experiences, some of what they've studied and done, and how they feel about it.
D-7 The World is Our Classroom, Literally
Join us for a whirlwind trip and see how one family used the world as their classroom. For four months we lived on a floating university, visited 11 countries, 14 different ports, and circumnavigated the globe. See photos, hear stories, enjoy a virtual adventure, and learn about the Semester at Sea experience.
D-8 How Do Families Homeschool When Both Parents Work? A Presentation Followed by a Discussion
How do the reasons that we work for pay affect the way we combine working, parenting, homeschooling, and the rest of our lives? How do we find time and space for the kids and make sure they get what they need? How do we deal with our feelings of pride, accomplishment, frustration, inadequacy, exhaustion, etc.? How do we get help from and give to our homeschooling community? How can we accept compromises when the ideal situation is simply not available? How do we make changes when circumstances change and previous approaches no longer work?
D-9 Introduction to Wisconsin's Homeschooling Law
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.
D-10 Socialization for Homeschoolers
What assumptions does our society make about socialization? Do these assumptions make sense for us as homeschoolers? How do homeschoolers find friends, participate in their communities, and develop the skills they need to be mature adults, hold a job, handle college, etc.? How can we answer all those questions about socialization?
D-11 Time to Eat: Feeding Our Homeschooling Family
Taking the stress out of the daily task of feeding our family. Discovering ways that cooking and eating can strengthen our homeschool and our family. Practical details like choosing equipment, getting organized, and exploring new ways to save money on food.
D-12 Diplomas and Other Credentials That Will Get You a Job or Into College
How you can develop credentials that will get you where you want to go. Understanding that the most important credentials you have are yourself, your experience, your ability to learn, and your confidence. Ways to demonstrate your strengths and abilities.
D-13 Navigating the Maze of Financial Aid for College
Learn about different types of financial aid and how eligibility is decided. Determine how much a year of college will really cost. Locate possible sources of money. How to fill out forms and applications. Speaker is a grown homeschooler who works in admissions at a selective private college.
D-14
Chess & Checkers Challenge
Bring your game boards and pieces, meet other homeschoolers, and make new friends while playing these old favorites just for fun. Or join the friendly tournament held during the workshop. No presentation or instruction. All ages and skill levels welcome.
D-15
Flat Travelers
Have you always wanted to learn about new places but you can't leave your backyard? Make and send Flat Travelers! Come create your own Flat Traveler, and we'll show you how to expand your knowledge of cultures and geography. Have you already been flat traveling? Come share with your adventures! All ages welcome.
D-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 13-18. Limit 10 youth. Also see C-16.
D-17
Steppin' Out with Ballroom Dancing
Have you dreamed of gracefully moving across the dance floor? Learn basic steps and a simple dance to get you started “on the right foot.” The popularity of ballroom dancing is exploding; join the fun and enjoy a great form of exercise. Limit 20 couples, come as an individual or a couple.
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, 1:30-2:30 PM: C 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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