May 1–2, 2009
Gruenhagen Conference Center
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
This information is from WPA's previous conference. Our 27th Annual Home Education Conference will be held on May 7-8, 2010, at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Workshops:
Connections Workshops

(Connections) Denotes a Connections workshop.

(Connections) F-12 Apples to Apples: A Game of Crazy Comparisons

Dawn Petersen and Family

Are you a fan of this fantastic family card game? Join us in playing this "Mensa Select" "Party Game Of The Year." It takes only a minute to learn and is recommended for ages 9 and up. Limit 40 participants.

(Connections) F-13 Handmade Pots for Starting Seeds

Tonya Laurent and Family

Have fun making pots out of newspaper that can be planted directly in the ground and that save money, too. Learn how to fill them with seed starting mix and plant seeds in them. All ages welcome.

(Connections) F-14 Hands-On Physics: Focus on Forces

Barb Sauer

Learn about forces through an interactive game. Watch paper being made by hand. Explore forces used in paper-making and the connection between forces, work, and machines. Understand how hands-on activities with simple machines have real life applications. Aimed at 12-14 year olds, but all ages welcome. Presenter is from the Paper Discovery Center in Appleton. Limit 50 youth.

A-1 Science is a Verb: Hands On Activities

Lori Fares

Interested in making science fun and engaging? Come and see how to experience science as a verb and learn how to build models that move, inspiring the natural creativity and curiosity inside everyone. Part presentation, part activity, so bring the kids and have fun designing, building, testing and innovating together.

(Connections) A-15 Amazing Red Blood Cells

Tracy Moraine

The red cells in our blood are wonderful things. Learn about your red cells and find out some of the awesome things they do. Find out how clinical lab scientists type red blood cells for transfusions and some things that can go wrong with our red cells. Suggested for ages 8 and up. Limit 30 participants.

(Connections) A-16 Fun and Games

Faith York

Join a group of homeschoolers ages 6 and up to learn and play a variety of easy-to-learn, fun-to-play movement and thinking games.

(Connections) A-17 Letterboxing

Dawn Petersen

Meet the Frog-A-Nobies and learn about a family-friendly treasure hunt that flexes your brain and meshes art with nature. Bring a small notebook or index cards, an ink pad or washable markers, and a stamp or your thumb. Letterboxes will be hidden around the conference and nearby parks. Pick up your clue sheet and meet other Letterboxers for stamp exchanges. Note: Children must be supervised at all times during the conference. This is a family activity.

(Connections) A-18 Making Pen Pals

Glenny Whitcomb and Maya Franzen

Turn a pen into a companionable pal using embroidery floss, glue, and beads. Suggested for ages 8 and up. Limit 15 youth.

(Connections) B-15 Create Action with Cartoon Books

Tonya Laurent and Family

Make your own moving cartoon. See how easy it is to draw some simple cartoons that show movement and staple them together. Then you can flip them to make it look like the cartoon is moving. Share your book with others, if you want, and see what other people create. All ages welcome.

(Connections) B-16 Dance Fusion-Ages 11-18

Ciara Burgi

Enjoy a high-energy dance class that introduces you to various dance styles. No dance experience required. Presenter is a grown homeschooler and a member of a pre-professional dance company. Limit 35 youth.

(Connections) B-17 Hey, Kids! Find Answers to Questions at the Library

Laurie Magee

Learn from a librarian how to use the resources available at your local public library to answer all sorts of questions like: Why do skunks stink? Why is the sky blue? How were Legos invented? Use books, DVDs, the internet, and other resources to discover all sorts of important (and perhaps trivial, too) answers. Subject matter aimed at 12 and under, but all ages welcome.

(Connections) B-18 Let's Fly Paper Airplanes

Jennifer L.W. Fink

Learn to make and fly several different styles of paper airplanes. Experiment with changes in design and check on how each one affects the airplane's flight. Have fun flying your planes along with those of other young aviators. Limit 40 youth.

(Connections) B-19 Rocks Rock

Amber Krueger

Want to know more about those rocks you pick up and carry around in your pockets? Learn easy ways to identify rocks and minerals and other fascinating facts about them. Presenter is from the Weis Earth Science Museum in Menasha.

(Connections) C-15 Family Game Time

Rodger and Tracy Menchaca

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.

(Connections) C-16 How Does an Engine Work?

Bill Rodencal

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.

(Connections) C-17 Rhythm in Motion-Dance for Ages 6-10

Ciara Burgi

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.

(Connections) C-18 Sensational Soccer Basics

Ariana Flood and Amirah AbuLughod

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.

(Connections) C-19 Story Telling and Story Games

Karen Rittle and Family

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.

(Connections) C-20 Stretching and Relaxing Through Yoga

Cindi Buenzli

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.

(Connections) D-14 Chess & Checkers Challenge

Faith York

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.

(Connections) D-15 Flat Travelers

Dawn Petersen and Family

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.

(Connections) D-16 How Does an Engine Work?

Bill Rodencal

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.

(Connections) D-17 Steppin' Out with Ballroom Dancing

Ciara Burgi

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

Saturday, 2:50-3:50 PM: D Workshops

More Workshops by Category