The Expo has 150 sessions and activities planned. Download
the Expo Schedule now! You can also download the Expo program here.
Friday sessions begin at 9:00 am. After dinner and shopping,
there will be an Ice Cream Social, Jim Weiss storytime, Guitar
Hero Competition, video improv for the teens, Family Games,
and three adult evening sessions, including one that will
discuss the legal challenges of 2008. On Friday, the vendor
hall hours are 11:30-7:00.
Saturday sessions begin at 8:00 am and after dinner and shopping
there will be another Jim Weiss storytime, Guitar Hero Face
Off, the teen dance, and a CHN member meeting. The vendor hall
will be open from 9:00-6:30.
Sunday sessions start at 8:00 am, the used curriculum sale goes
from 9:30-3:00, and the high school graduation is at 2:00. The
Expo ends at 3:00. It will be a fun and enriching three days
from beginning to end. What a great way to start your homeschool
year!
Sessions for Family Expo 2008
Know
someone who moves too much or doesn't seem to pay attention?
This is the workshop for you. Dr. Guffanti will bring you into
the heart and mind of the ADHD child. Learning styles filter
the details people see and their interaction with others. You
will experience the world as a kinesthetic learner does, discover
how IQ and other tests don't effectively test kinesthetic learners,
and why they are often misdiagnosed. You will experience both
laughter and tears, but most of all, you will develop a deep
understanding. Understand your child—and possibly your
spouse—better!
ADHD
vs. Kinesthetic Learner:
Living Happily with Your Child (Part 2)
Transform
your home to more calm, happy and loving with a new way of interacting
with your child. Experience dramatic improvement with these
coping skills, resources, and techniques! Whether you are using
medication or not, find your child's strengths and help your
child compensate for any weaknesses. Dr. Guffanti offers hope
for the future, and solutions for today.
This
session is for those who have been homeschooling their special
needs child for awhile. Stress reduction, organization, time
management, and teaching independence, among other things,
are to be covered. Rejuvenate your homeschooling spirit and
find ways to further your child's education.
Basic airplanes don't provide much of a challenge for you? Are you
looking for something more interesting and customizable? Learn
two more advanced paper airplane patterns, and see how far they
can fly! Some paper folding experience helpful, but not required.
Learn
the basics of backyard composting and how to compost using a
bin indoors or on a patio for those without a yard, and then
go home and teach your children about how to compost successfully!
Learn two basic paper airplane patterns, and
fly them around the room! No experience necessary.
Bonnie will discuss the benefits of learning sign language
including teaching it to infants and using it as a second
language requirement. She will talk about resources for learning
sign and how you can immerse yourself and your family into
the language. The session will conclude with learning some
common signs.
Homeschooling today is no longer what it used to be, with days spent staying out of the public eye for a variety of reasons. Today, there are so many ways to offer MEGATONS of positive socialization opportunities for our children; classes, field trips, park days--and yet the schooling parent is usually present for it all. It's so easy to become over scheduled with many activities taking place out of the house. How does "the primary educator" go about getting the household chores done, bills paid, read a chapter or two of a favorite novel, or get a sewing project advanced without compromising the educational goals of the family, ignoring the children or suffering late payment charges? Melissa will share some tips and tricks to build in time during the day for those "can't wait" duties and even to find that relaxing hour that is so necessary to nurture the home educator teacher in constant demand.
Chess
This isn't a session, but an open invitation to all people
who love to play chess, from kids to grandparents. We've seen
great interest in chess at every Expo, and so we've dedicated
a room for the weekend for you to stop by any time and play
a game, or just watch others play!
An engaging presentation that brings studies in
medieval history, literature and principles of character to life.
Performer and educator Scott Farrell explores the values of
knighthood and the legends of King Arthur with hands-on
demonstrations of knightly armor and equipment as he reveals the
ideals of the code of chivalry, and shows how those knightly virtues
live on in today's world. Lessons are supported by an interactive,
award-winning website and a popular educational podcast.
Meet CHN's trustees, Maria Egbert, Loren Mavromati, Becky
Maxwell, Karin Miller, Karen Taylor, and Ruth Pell during
this informal and friendly meeting. We'll be discussing whatever
is on the minds of the members, along with addressing any
CHN business, and considering outreach opportunities for the
next year. We'll also begin planning for Expo 2009, so bring
your ideas! Even if you are a brand new member, please show
up - we need your input. These meetings are always fun, and
we learn so much from the brainstorming that comes when we
all get together. CHN's bylaws require us to hold meetings
that are open to all members, but it's more than a meeting
- it's an event and a very enjoyable part of the Expo, which
is why we hold it at night! Consider it part of your Saturday
night entertainment! Bring a snack from the Deli, and stay
for the entire meeting, or pop in and out - the door will
be open and the atmosphere welcoming. We're really looking
forward to relaxing and talking - don't miss it! The meeting
will be about an hour, but expect to find us in there after
the meeting, talking much later on whatever subject comes
up. Our meeting room is being held on the same floor as the
dance, so parents are invited to hang out until the dance
ends at 10:00.
Computer Room
Stop by the computer room and learn about Squeak, Blender,
and other free open source software that kids are being taught
at the Hawthorne Center. The computer room will be open for
drop-by visiting.
Sooner or later your homeschooled child will need a high
school transcript. It's something that many homeschoolers
dread, and yet with a few pointers here and there, you'll
be on your way in no time, with this final and very important
paperwork. Getting some help can help make this experience
an easy one!
Discover the resources to enhance your creative output in web design, graphic design, video, t-shirts, advertising, etc. Learn about the various career paths available and how to prepare for them. Find out how today's top creators are changing the way we communicate. See how you can do the same thing in every aspect of your own creativity.
Creative
Minds (a family workshop for children and their accompanied
adult)
Creative Minds is a hands-on, interactive workshop for families.
This workshop is suitable for children from approximately
7 to 12 years old, accompanied by a family member who plays
as their team partner. Participants take part in an exciting
range of games and challenges, suitable for a wide range of
ability levels. This workshop is tremendous fun and gives
parents and their children a chance to really find out what
they can accomplish through teamwork and a willingness to
‘have a go.’
This session for parents shows how educational resources
can be adapted to meet each student’s individual learning
needs, challenging each student to achieve his or her own
best. All participants will receive a selection of resources
to take home and enjoy. This workshop relates well to the
needs of students from pre-school through to junior high school.
Discover the joy of your own creativity by forgetting about the outcome and concentrating on the community. Join in a communal creation that will help parents create like they did before they were told they couldn't, and kids create like themselves. Prepare to let go of preconceptions, judgments, ownership and most of all control. Be part of making magic happen.
Sometimes
life changes faster than we can think. As dads we can have a
different perspective of our special children and their schooling.
Let's take an hour to eat some pizza and slow down a little
to understand more about our kids and where they are headed
academically.
Delayed Academics: Developmentally Appropriate Learning
Today's typical school curriculum flies in the face of everything
known about child development. Delaying academics does not
mean delaying learning. On the contrary, young children are
sponges, sopping up information at warp speed. This learning
can actually be stunted by pushing worksheets and early reading
on a child whose vision, motor and perceptual development
is not ready. Learn how children ages 4-10 can learn without
standard curriculum materials, yet develop strong skills and
strategies to enhance later academic success. Carolyn, a former
school teacher, rejected the state approved timetable for
learning as inappropriate, and instead used this approach
with her two grown daughters, both of whom hold Bachelor's
Degrees. She is also a certified Learning Success Coach.
Discipleship Homeschooling for Christian Parents
Homeschooling offers us the wonderful opportunity to have
our children walk alongside us day by day as we not only teach
them academics, but have the God given responsibility to shape
their character, their choices and their destiny. We firmly
believe that can only happen when parents are the most important
people in their children’s lives and as we walk with
them day by day teaching them to use scripture to make their
own decisions, teaching them self discipline, and how to set
their priorities, praying with them, teaching them to form
their own relationship with the Lord and seeking His guidance
as we homeschool. The reality is that in a few short years
our children will all be on their own and making their own
decisions, our responsibility is to teach them to shape their
lives according to what scripture says and to create their
own relationship with the Lord. Discipleship Homeschooling
is not a method, it’s a way of life for us as we employ
many different methods of homeschooling along the way.
During the 2008 homeschool legal challenge which began in February,
Loren (CHN's Legislative Chair and Media Spokesperson) and Karen
(CHN's Legal Chair) were in close communication with other homeschool
leaders and attorneys. They will discuss what happened, what
the long term implications might be for all homeschoolers in
California, as well as any late breaking news.
Disney Schooling - Getting the Most Out of Your Visits to Disneyland
Are you a fan of Disneyland? Do you feel guilty making day
trips to the park when you "should" be homeschooling? Worry
no more! Study botany while in Tomorrowland, Physics while
on the Matterhorn, and practice focus and decoding skills
while seeking out Hidden Mickey's. Additionally, you'll learn
hints and tips on making all of your visits to Disneyland
economical and special. You really CAN school anywhere and
have fun at the same time!
"How much does it cost to homeschool?" is one of the most common questions from new homeschoolers. The answer is, it could cost you anywhere from $0 to $1,000 per child per year, depending on how much you're willing to do on your own vs. how much you're willing to pay someone else to do for you. DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Homeschooling shows you how easy it is to design your own curriculum, based on your children's learning styles, your teaching style, your family's personal preferences, and of course, your family's budget.
The doctor is in, and he will be diagnosing homeschooling ailments. This fun presentation will have you laughing while you learn.
Our last session is not really a session, but an hour devoted to whatever you still need to know! Stop by for the entire hour or as long as you need to be there. We know that many people arrived at the Expo not knowing what questions to even ask, and you now have three days of great ideas swirling in your head. Is there anything that isn't clear, or that you're worried about? Or maybe you have a unique situation that you want to discuss. How can we help?
Everything is Connected to Everything Else
An integrated science presentation from the widely travelled
and fun to listen to Map Link vendor, who makes learning fun!
Exercise at the Pool! (session limited to hotel guests only)
Moms, dads, and grandparents are invited to try out water
aerobics with our trained instructor. You'll start with warm
up exercises using the side of the pool for balance, and then
spread out and do a routine that fits the needs of the attending
group. Hotel rules stipulate that use of the pool is for registered
hotel guests, and you'll need your room key card to access
the pool area. Treat yourselves to this adults-only session.
Turning day-to-day experiences and routines into an "educational
plan" is easier, and more relevant than you think! A trip
to the grocery offers lessons in economics, math, nutritional
sciences, psychology, financial management, language arts,
and much, much more. Watching cartoons together, playing a
board or role playing game - all, hold a host of lessons for
the picking and choosing. Our day to day lives provide ample
opportunities to learn if we just open our eyes to the possibilities!
Discover the learning opportunities that await you and your
children! Keep your toddlers to teens excited, involved and
invested in living your family's "educational plan" as you
learn and grow in life's daily adventures.
Award-winning recording artist, Jim Weiss will intrigue
families with his fabulous renditions of myths, fables, and
fairytales. Enjoy the magic of best loved fairytales during
this wonderful family session.
It's been a long happy day, so come on down for some snuggly
bedtime stories (pajamas, blankies and teddy bears optional!).
It will be an evening you and your children will long remember!
Would you like to face every homeschooling day with confidence?
Would you like to be strong in the face of criticism? Do you
want to get rid of self-doubt and worry? Learn where fear comes
from and how to overcome it, and become a fearless homeschooler.
Explore and discover what works best in YOUR Family! You'll
learn ways to explore your past and see how it is affecting
your homeschooling, and you'll let go of fears and doubts.
Is homeschooling the best choice for your family? Find your
way in this session.
Strong friendships can develop
during your parenting and homeschooling years, but they aren't
always easy to achieve or keep. In this workshop learn about
what friendships offer at each stage of development, how to
support children's friendship, and how to handle difficult friendship
situations. Children, teen, and adult friendships will be explored.
From Dog Bites to Sword Fights - Finding Shakespeare's
Place in Your Home
Shakespeare may not be your cup of tea, but he can spice
up your life! This session introduces the joy of exploring
the Bard through active, fun methods that validate his place
in history and in our homes. Even if he is not your cup of
tea, he can and should be the ice in your cup or the salt
on your fries!
This
high energy class is sure to get your body groovin' and your
mind movin'! Take these catchy tunes and moves back home and
inspire your children like never before. You never knew math
could be so fun! Perfect for parents with kids in grades 2-7.
Learn
the #1 skill to ensure your child's reading success, a skill
you can start building in very young children. Learn the five
skills every reader must master, and get the tools so your
children have these vital skills. The result? A child who
reads well above grade level, and who loves to read. Have
fun while learning hands-on tips you can begin using today!
Karen takes the three big worries—what about socialization, is it legal, and
how do I find curriculum, along with the top 10 most asked homeschool questions,
and discusses them in a fast moving and fun "how to get started"
session for parents who are just beginning to homeschool (or
who need to be reminded that everything will be ok!). Grandparents
are invited too! Participants in this session will be given handouts with additional information for new homeschoolers.
Gifted Children and The California Future Problem Solving Program
The Future Problem Solving
Program provides an opportunity for students to develop critical,
creative and futuristic thinking skills. This challenging
academic competition engages students grades 4-12 in a process
where they apply their imagination and higher level thinking
skills to solve significant world issues. Students are presented
with a futuristic scenario and work to brainstorm problems,
select an underlying problem, develop solutions, create criteria
to judge their solutions and finally develop an action plan
for implementing their best solution.
Grown Without Schooling (A documentary)
What happens to homeschooled children when they grow up? It's something we all want to know, and we all worry about! Peter Kowalke interviewed 10 grown homeschoolers around the country. They discussed how homeschooling impacted their lives, and how they felt as homeschooled teens. Grown Without Schooling is a powerful, riveting documentary for teen homeschoolers and adults. It will be available for continuous viewing on Saturday only.
Music teacher Jodi Malone will be offering free 15 minute guitar lessons on Sunday. This is offered to anyone who is interested in learning to play the guitar, but has never had lessons. It's a great way to find out if you'd like to learn more! Sign up at Jodi's Musical Mom booth in the vendor hall. Jodi will have a guitar and music, so just bring your enthusiasm and questions and have some fun in this free private lesson! Sign ups will be first come, first served, and Jodi will be offering lessons from 10:00 until 3:00.
Having a car with a full tank of gas gives us a sense of freedom and feeling that we can travel endlessly. Using this as an analogy, come and learn of ways to avoid homeschooling burnout. We can keep our "tanks" full of gas to continue on one of the greatest journeys of our lives - homeschooling!
The Bartlett's are a family of 6, and they love to travel!
They are world travelers, who do it for much less than anyone
would think possible. Dale will share the benefits of traveling,
and how it can be made affordable. www.havekids-willtravel.com
Does your child love all things "Harry Potter"? Come and explore
ways to create magical learning adventures using JK Rowling's
fantastical world of wizards, trolls and flying brooms. Botany
and chemistry become Herbology and Potions; ladybugs are raised
as Magical Creatures; and lessons from professors arrive via
"Owl Post". There's a magical world of learning to explore.
Board the "Hogwarts's Express" and let the learning begin!
To maintain the magical aspect of this session, it is best
attended by parents and educators only. The presenters are not affiliated
with JK Rowling or any official entity. This session is for
fun, educational purposes only.
Bring the project you started this weekend and knit and crochet with us! Or if you have a project at home that you are "stuck" on, bring it and we'll help. Get your questions answered, and maybe learn a few tips to make your crafting easier, or just come and relax and visit with other homeschoolers.
While our goal as homeschoolers is to
raise independent, intelligent, well rounded adults, let’s
not forget that the journey is as important as the destination.
We all need a vision of where we’re going, but each
day is a very important part of that vision. The single best
piece of homeschooling advice I ever received was, “It’s
over so soon, take time to enjoy it.” In this session
we will talk about how to remember to enjoy today while keeping
an eye on tomorrow.
Do you think your child might be gifted, and do you want
to know more? Homeschooling any child can be both joyful and
challenging; however, the issues specific to homeschooling
gifted children can make for a particularly intensive experience
for your entire family. Parents of gifted kids need to be
informed about the asynchronous development of these children
and how it impacts them academically, socially, emotionally
and behaviorally. Parents also need support as they work hard
to raise and educate children who may not always fit well
into society's or their community's expectations. Workshop
participants will learn about resources aimed at gifted homeschoolers
as well as how to ensure that the education they are offering
to their children is tailored to fit their child's unique
needs.
This session is for parents who have attended a gifted session
at the Expo or somewhere else, and who would like to learn
more about how to homeschool their gifted child.
When life becomes overwhelmingly challenging, some parents
think it's time to put the children in school to obtain some
relief. But, the good news is that homeschooling can actually
provide a healing for the family! If you are experiencing
divorce, death, chronic illness, a new baby, caring for an
elder in your home, job loss, a move, or any other crisis
that can hit us when we least expect it, this session will
provide help!
Many parents have found that 4-H helps them homeschool because
of the many projects that are offered. There's more to 4-H
than animals; there are groups that have photography, art,
rocketry, camping, archery, bowling, leadership development,
gardening, computer science and technology and more! Parents
also report that because of 4-H, their children are exposed
to public speaking and presentations, and they also learn
about finances through the money management of their projects.
Interested families are invited to attend and learn about
4-H.
How To Speak In Public Without Dying of Embarrassment (for
teens)
Are you terrified of speaking in public? Of course you are,
so show up for this session and do something about it! Learn
the three ways you'll communicate your messages to others
in real life, because, let's face it, you won't have two weeks
to make note cards and rehearse what you're going to say when
the job interviewer hits you with an unexpected question about
your favorite West African fruit fly. An unexpected bonus
is that the tips you'll learn will help you convince your
parents to give you what you want more often!
Learn what it takes to turn your skills and talents into
a successful at-home business! David will cover how to find
your potential customers and suppliers, uniquely brand your
product or service, determine pricing and profit, track billable
time and inventory, and how to find the right technology tools.
He'll include tips on dealing with clients, avoiding scams
and staying profitable for the long term. He'll talk about
how certification, training, licensing and registration may
affect your business. You'll find out how all three of his
home-based businesses are related and how your business can
benefit from horizontal integration also. Whether you are
considering starting a business to supplement existing income
or to support an entire family, this nuts-and-bolts session
will help you!
Identifying and Avoiding the Trouble Spots in Math
Join Tom Clark, founder of VideoText Interactive, as he offers
an entertaining and educational session designed to help you
discover the reasons behind the difficulty on several of
the traditional trouble spots in math. These are the topics
that seem to indicate that mathematics is just naturally "difficult".
Improv Hour!
Teens, come join us after the G.A.G for a fun filled hour full of Improv Games! A fun time not to be missed! Sit back, relax, and play!
Michelle will address any question from the group, from
dealing with toddler tantrums, learning differences, teens,
or anything that makes your life less than joyful!
Do you feel insecure about teaching and grading writing?
Inspiring junior high and high school students to write well
is one of the most daunting tasks facing home school parents.
In this practical workshop you'll discover a fresh approach
to teaching fundamental composition skills and elements of
style. You'll also learn how to objectively edit and evaluate
writing so you can encourage struggling, reluctant writers
yet challenge those who are more articulate and motivated.
If you have your basic skills learned, you may be ready
to move on to a project that allows your skills to grow. This
session will offer a choice of making a knit cable bag, a
crocheted pansy pin, or a filet lace bookmark. Bring one skein
"Red Heart" type knitting worsted yarn and needles if you
want to work on your knitting skills, or for the crochet projects,
bring crochet cotton thread size 10 and a size 6 or 7 silver
metal hook. By bringing your own supplies, you'll be able
to take your project with you and continue working on it!
Email Collette at epicurus000@msn.com if you have any questions.
Get involved in a history project that will teach history
to your kids in a very unique way. Donna Schrokosch has been
capturing and correlating Western Civilization historical information
for 15 years. Donna is interested in radically lifting the
cultural literacy of the world by getting her collected data
into an open source 3D web environment. Kids will be able
to help do research on this internet project, and they will
be learning history at the same time!
All young children are invited to bring their adult with them to a very fun musical storytime. Miss Kathy from Childlight Music will entertain and delight in this special family session for our younger homeschoolers.
What in the world is lapbooking? Have you ever heard of mini
books? How does a lapbook work? What kind of supplies do I
need to create a lapbook? Come and learn the answers to these
and many more questions as Maggie walks you through a Beginner's
Guide to Lapbooks. She will explore the basics of organizing
the material needed to complete a lapbook along with some
basic folds that are used to create those mini books. Come
ready to listen, learn and ask questions!
Have you ever wanted to make your own lapbook, but didn't
know where to start? Come and learn how to put together a
lapbook, what the basic plan includes and what the "basic
five" are … and how to include all of them in your lapbook!
Come and join Maggie as she shares the joys and trials of
creating your own lapbook from scratch, and shares some don't
miss secrets and short cuts learned the hard way.
Special needs kids need lots of options, and lapbooking
is full of options! Learn the benefits of lapbooking with
special needs kids along with lots of options for adapting
the activities in a lapbook. Maggie will share with you some
"tricks of the trade" while lapbooking with special needs
kids, from both her own experience as a mom of a special needs
kid and from her work as the customer service representative
for Hands Of A Child.
This beginner's class will teach the basics of crocheting
and knitting. Becky will show you how to crochet a dishcloth,
while Collette's beginning knitters will knit a sampler. If
you are knitting, please bring 1 skein of worsted yarn (like
Red Heart) and size 8 knitting needles. If you are going to
be crocheting, bring 1 skein of "Peaches and Cream" type cotton
yarn and a size H aluminum hook. By bringing your own supplies,
you'll be able to take your project with you and continue
working on it! Email Collette at epicurus000@msn.com if you
have any questions.
Learning Naturally: An Insight into Charlotte Mason Education
Inspire your children to learn naturally by introducing them to great classic literature, a love of nature, and an appreciation for music and art. A “how to” workshop based on the teachings of homeschooling pioneer, teacher, and philosopher, Charlotte Mason.
Be prepared to save hundreds if not thousands of dollars over the next 2-10 years by simply understanding the learning styles and personalities of both you and your children. Not only will you save money but your home school will be a smooth running and stress free environment. All aspects of learning styles and attributes will be explored in this session. See how much easier homeschooling can be when you understand learning styles!
Life Skills Books: or What my Child Needs to Know that I Wish my Parents had Taught me
Are you worried about teaching your children everything they need to learn to live on their own? Learn how Maureen uses customized "Life Books" for each of her children so that they have something they can take with them and refer to when they are grown. She'll inspire you to make your own! Have you ever had things you wish someone had explained to you? Make sure this doesn't happen to your children! How do you teach a child to remember how to do their chores? Learn how in this session! When is it better to take the cash back over the lower interest rate when buying a car? There's so much we need to teach our kids! This is for the younger child on a 10 year plan or the older child on a 2 yr plan (everything from how to dust baseboards to how to buy and maintain a house or car with the best financing).
With its ability to build a foundation in English grammar and vocabulary knowledge, an appreciation of Western culture, logical and analytical thinking skills, everyone knows that studying Latin is good for you. But how to make it interesting, fun, and even inspiring? Learn techniques, tips, games, and activities to liven up your Latin study and keep your scholars motivated!
Some days it seems like your kids will never be old enough
to be heading to college, but that day will sneak up on you
sooner than you think! So what do you need to know now to
help you prepare for the cost of college for your children?
A veteran homeschooling parent who has been there and wishes
she would have 'known then what she knows now' will share
her insights gleaned from going through the process with her
now-in-college children.
Homeschoolers have a wealth of opportunities for learning
available to them through technology, from computers and the
Internet to video games to robotic Legos and more. In this
session, Bill will discuss some of the great new technologies
that are available, where to get them (and where to get good
deals), how to evaluate technology for your kids' learning,
and how technology can fit into the big picture of your life
and learning.
Going to college for the first time can be like
being dropped into a foreign country where nobody speaks English!
Units, credits, major, minor, semester, quarter, prerequisites,
fees, and more can leave a teen wondering what to do next. Stop
by for this informal discussion just for teens and get all your
questions answered! Learn the lingo, and then get some tips
about what to do and what not to do.
Math and the Maze of Methods: Putting Math into Different Teaching
Approaches
Charlotte Mason. . . Living Math. . . Teaching the Trivium.
. ..Unschooling. . .Classical Education. . . Unit Studies.
. .Are you confused or curious about these different teaching
styles? We'll examine many different educational approaches
and discuss family-centered math activities to maximize their
effectiveness.
Come learn about Math on the Level, a new homeschool math
curriculum designed to give parents simple instructions for
teaching all the math their children will need from preschool
through pre-algebra. It can also be used as a tutorial program
or for high school review. With Math on the level, math can
be taught using everyday activities or incorporated into unit
studies. Review is individualized so that each child has only
5 problems to solve each day, yet continually reviews every
concept he or she has learned in order to retain them. This
vendor workshop will introduce the new Math on the Level approach
to teaching math.
Join the Riverside Art Museum's Youth Education Curator Pamela
Atkinson and create a Funny and Unusual, Melting Portrait.
We'll learn the geometric structure of a face and draw a basic
portrait. But we won't stop there. Next, we'll add lines,
shapes, and patterns to the faces we've drawn, using a variety
of materials to make our portraits the strangest ever. The
last step is a surprise! Please join us and experience a sample
of the art instruction the Riverside Art Museum offers all
year long. Visit our website at riversideartmuseum.org or
call Pam at (951) 684-7111 ext 313 if you'd like more information.
Whether your homeschool days are behind you now, or you want to plan ahead, participate in this unmoderated session for homeschooling moms who are thinking about their options for the future.
Music teacher Jodi Malone is offering an in-depth session
on the benefits of music gaming! She will explore all the
music games and show how they relate to music theory, eye-hand
coordination and preparation for the transition to a real
musical instrument.
Sherlock Holmes is amidst the greatest literary characters of all time. Sit back and relax as award-winning recording artist and extraordinary storyteller, Jim Weiss captivates his audience with stories about the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his faithful companion, Doctor Watson.
Every night, following the last evening session, anyone
who wants to is welcome to stay and participate in an informal
chat, the subject to be decided by those who are there! It's
a quiet way to end each evening, and the perfect way to get
to know each other better.
Your "loom" is just a piece of cardboard, but no one will guess it once your project is completed! Make a small bag that looks like you worked a lot harder than you really did. Everyone who has tried this craft finds it is so much fun, they don't want to stop. We predict that you'll be carrying your project around with you and working on it during sessions! Supplies will be provided, but if you have leftover yarn at home, please bring it!
Six weeks behind and it's only the third
day of school? Do you know your child's learning style but
are helpless to turn that into lesson plans you'll actually
use? Yearning to do more than just blindly hand your kids
worksheets each day as "proof" of learning? If the
thought of planning the rest of the year, let alone the next
11 or 12, keeps you awake at night, this workshop can help.
Learn the five ways to teach ANYTHING, how to write lesson
plans you will use, and how to plan for the month, year and
entire school experience.
Learn how to make an origami box to give away or keep your own treasures in! Once you learn how to do this, the possibilities are endless! Supplies will be provided.
Also known as Papel Cortado, this is the Mexican art of paper cutting, an
important part of many Mexican holidays. This art was practiced by the
Aztecs, but ancient civilizations around the world practiced a similar art
introduced in China in 105 AD. Grab one of our patterns or draw out your own
and you'll marvel at your own skill.
College
is a worry looming on many homeschoolers’ minds. This
session describes various pathways into good colleges that
homeschoolers have used with success. It provides tips for
preparing for college admissions starting as early as the
middle-school years. Discussed are various admissions rules
of community colleges and universities, homeschool-favorable
trends occurring within the UC system, UCR’s homeschool
admissions policy, and suggestions to maximize the chances
of getting admitted to your college of choice, gleaned from
Amy’s extensive work overseeing college-bound homeschoolers
as a credentialed teacher for a charter school, Frank’s
key roles as a professor on undergraduate admissions committees
for the University of California system and for UCR, and extensive
personal research for their own children.
Preventing "Graduation Blues" by Setting Your Priorities Early!
If you're preparing to graduate a homeschooler soon you're probably looking into SATs, caps and gowns, colleges and financial aid. You're probably getting transcripts in order, planning senior pictures and thinking about graduation ceremonies etc. But, are those the most important things in preparing for your child's graduation? From my experience and from talking with other homeschool moms who have done this, I don't think so! Along with graduation comes a very unexpected mixture of emotions ranging from sadness to feelings of regret, failure and mourning. It is the secret that no one talks about. But we will talk about it in this session on really preparing for your child's graduation. In this session I will share from my heart the truth about the emotions associated with graduating your homeschooler, but more importantly I will share with you ways to prepare so you can end your homeschooling journey with your child with the least amount of regret possible. This session is especially relevant to those with high school students. And if you have a child entering their senior year of high school you won't want to miss this session; it will be especially helpful and important for you! This is not your typical graduation preparation, we won't discuss SATs at all! But we will talk about how to make sure you don't miss out on the important things, and how to identify what those things are, before it's too late!
Do you ever find yourself wondering,
“If I’m homeschooling why do I spend so much time
in my car?” Do you feel like your family is frazzled
and always running off in a million different directions?
Does your child really need all those classes and activities?
Is all this running around really the best for your family
or have you given in to what I call, “fast food homeschooling”?
This session will challenge you to rethink the homeschooling
trends of today and to make home the center of your homeschooling.
Reader's Theater is for kids of any age, who can read (if they are just learning to read, we can give them a simple part and their parent can help them with any words they don't know yet). They'll be given a short script full of one line parts, and will rehearse with their group and then perform a humorous skit. There are no costumes (although they can look through the dress up box if they want to!), there's no need to prepare ahead of time, and they don't need to memorize their lines because they'll each have a script to read their lines. Expect a lot of silliness - this is very casual and lots of fun!
Can it be so simple? Time and again homeschool families have given their children a great education through real life experiences and a love of reading. Find out what works and how you, too, can enjoy this journey. Great seminar for beginning and veteran homeschoolers!
Participants will be making a ribbon embroidery sampler. Supplies will be provided.
CHN is designating one of the third floor rooms for school
and family photos. Kim Nancarrow, of Nancarrow Photography,
will be available by appointment to take the pictures you
want on Friday and Saturday! Appointments will be taken on
a first come first served basis. More details, including pricing
and packages available will be coming soon!
www.nancarrowphotography.com
The biggest secret of homeschooling success is where it comes
from. In this session Tammy will talk about different approaches
on finding just the right combination of books, activities,
and projects to fit your family's personality. Find out where
your homeschooling success can be found.
Where does yarn come from? Watch the fiber transform to yarn in this session. There will be a spinning wheel demonstration, and then all participants will have the opportunity to do their own spinning using a drop spindle. Bring your own drop spindle, or use one we have. If you decide you want to have one to take home, a few will be available for a nominal fee to cover expenses.
A story time in Spanish for children ages 4-9 with a discussion
afterwards for those interested in hearing about how we have
managed to keep our children’s Spanish group successfully
going.
Are you considering or just started homeschooling your child
with special needs? Making the decision to bring your special
needs child home to learn can be a scary one. Instead of facing
this decision with apprehension, attend this session and learn
the basics. Looking at the different homeschooling options,
legally closing out your IEP, resources and services, and
finding curriculum to meet your child's needs are just a few
things that will be discussed.
Jim brings biblical characters to life as he tells stories from The Old Testament. These wonderful stories are classics, and Jim's tellings are thoughtful, reflective, and vibrant.
Master storyteller Jim Weiss presents a seminar on the benefit
and delight of all-in-the-family storytelling. This workshop
will demonstrate how the written word can interface with the
spoken word. Emphasis will be placed on how storytelling interweaves
into all areas of the curriculum and interfaces with reading
and writing, and just pure fun.
This session is for those who know how to chain and single crochet, or for knitting, know how to cast on, knit, and purl, but don't know how to make anything or use a pattern. You'll make a coaster in this class. If you are knitting, bring some worsted yarn like Red Heart and size 8 knitting needles. If you are crocheting, bring 1 skein of Peaches and Cream type cotton yarn and size H aluminum hook. By bringing your own supplies, you'll be able to take your project with you and continue working on it! Email Collette at epicurus000@msn.com if you have any questions.
What's it like to be a counselor or family therapist, like Michelle Barone? What kind of education do you need? Teens who are exploring career options are invited to attend this informal session.
Teaching History with G.A. Henty and Other Great Works: An Adult Workshop
Jim brings the works of G.A. Henty to life as he demonstrates how to best utilize the remarkable Henty historical classics in teaching history and language arts. Jim will share storytelling and critical thinking techniques that parents can immediately employ in making the Henty books and other great historical/literary works a beloved family experience.
Sunday Heppner will introduce different innovative lessons
and strategies to empower parents to motivate and educate
their children. The session will focus on teaching children
fun and stimulating language skills.
While homeschoolers tend to excel in so many areas, writing remains an admitted weakness. This session presents a general overview of writing for K-12, with the goal of encouraging and inspiring the insecure parent. The workshop covers the steps of the writing process; what to teach and when; the importance of editing; content, style, and mechanics; and more. It's a look at the big picture with helpful and applicable tips a parent can use right away.
This will be an interactive workshop for teens who want to perfect their stage presence, public speaking skills and style, voice technique, and overall verbal confidence. Teens are invited to bring a 3-4 minute story to share in the workshop. This can be a self-contained segment from a longer story, description of a personal experience, or a narrative. The format will be cozy and very user-friendly!
Every
year, this is one of the Expo's most talked about sessions!
It's the session for dads and grandfathers, and it's led by
Martin Forte, retired homeschool dad and now a grandfather.
All dads are encouraged to attend this popular session, planned
just for them. Learn how to make the most of your homeschooling
experience, even if you're away at work every day!
There are at least 8 kinds of education, and a great parent
or teacher uses the best of each. Come learn the eight, and
how to make your school a great model of leadership education.
In order to have room for adults and interested teens,
we ask that there be no children or strollers in this session.
Grandparents who attend the Expo are very important, and we
want them to have a chance to get all of their homeschooling
questions answered. Typically, there are grandparents in this
session who have strong doubts about homeschooling, and there
are also ones who are totally on board with it already, but
who attend because they want to talk to other grandparents
and learn more about how they can help. If you are the grandparent
of a homeschooled child, we invite you to attend! Your session
presenter will be Ruth Pell, an experienced homeschooling
mom of four children, two of whom are graduating at the Expo
this year. She is the person who answers CHN's 800# and has
fielded thousands of homeschool questions from parents and
grandparents over the years.
Whatever the educational focus of your home, you will see
it improve by knowing the 4 Phases. Learn what they are, and
how to create the best educational environment for each level
of student. In order to have room for adults and interested teens,
we ask that there be no children or strollers in this session.
See your child blossom by creating an environment that supports
your child's passion. Home schooling offers the unique opportunity
to do just this, an opportunity that seldom exists in a classroom
environment. Laugh as you learn how to work with your child's
passion while avoiding the most common mistakes. You'll be
inspired!
Ever wonder what the real disadvantages of homeschooling are? Socialization, getting into college, and weird kids are the
least of our worries. Come find out what the real cons of
homeschooling are in this provocative and inspiring perspective
on the realities of life without school.
We want our children to become critical thinkers. Learn about
a way of teaching mathematics that emphasizes thinking, not
just memorizing. One reason we teach math is to help the child
learn critical thinking. Hear why the teacher’s role
is to ask questions, encouraging the child toward deeper thinking.
There are 7 keys things that every parent and teacher can
do to promote truly great education. In fact, they are the
secrets of many great teachers today and through history.
Come learn what these are and how to use them in your home.
Are you a "sort of" unschooler? Are you curious about the
ideas of unschooling but you've heard about radical unschooling
and you're not sure about it? Tammy talks about how it's possible
to be an unradical unschooler, by incorporating unschooling
practices into our lives at our own pace.
Take the leap from homeschool to college! Loren will delve
into the pros and cons of application as a freshman admit
and discuss the current policies of some colleges accepting
homeschoolers as freshmen. The advantages of community college
and the latest admission policies will be discussed, along
with concurrent enrollment versus early-admit, placement testing,
AP courses and the difference between college and high school
credit. We will also share some tips on what to expect at
a traditional or community college as a minor student and
go over the "how to's" of transferring.
We are our biggest critics, and we need to learn to bring
love, acceptance and compassion to our selves and our family.
This workshop deals with stress, and self-criticism as well
as criticism from others. Learn about new research on how
we can shift perspective in ways that will be beneficial to
our lives.
What exactly is a Go Getter and what traits do Go Getters posses?
You can give your child a vision of what he’s capable
of by exposing your child to his strengths. Learn how to motivate
your child through goal setting and personal/time management
so that he can become who he is meant to be.
Teens, join Russell and Nick on a hilarious adventure of commercial-making, using props and your imagination! It will be taped and viewed. DVD's can be purchased at a later date for a minimal fee so you can keep the memory of this not-to-be-forgotten event alive for many years to come.
Volcano: A conical mountain with orange stuff spewing out the top. Right?
That's what people usually think, but there are many types of volcanoes.
Come learn all about them, then make your own!
Water Aerobics for Teens (session limited to hotel guests only)
Teens, cool off and get some great exercise a the same time.
Don't miss this water aerobics session just for you! Hotel
rules stipulate that use of the pool is for registered hotel
guests, and you'll need your room key card to access the pool
area.
What is "Critical Thinking", and Can Anyone Do It?
Are your children learning passively, or are they involved
in concept development? Are they figuring things out for themselves,
or are they just learning tricks and shortcuts? Come brainstorm
with Tom Clark, founder of VideoText Interactive, as he humorously
explores with you, the reasons instruction can be difficult.
He'll explain strategies which will help students "think"
critically and analytically.
"A person's a person, no matter how small." Enjoy the classic Dr. Seuss
story, then we will design and develop our very own imaginary worlds using
air dry clay. This is a project for those who like to work on a teeny tiny
scale.
Will the Real Unschooler Please Stand Up?
What is an unschooler? Prepare to be surprised as a panel of experienced homeschoolers who claim to be unschoolers discuss what unschooling means to them. This is a great session for parents who want to learn more about unschooling.
Do you want to work from home and still homeschool your
kids? The good news is that you can! Whether you are a homeschooling
mom who wants to supplement the family income... a working
dad who wants to be closer to his kids... a single parent
who is her family’s sole breadwinner... or any other combination:
if you want to work and homeschool you can do it. Christine
will open your mind to the opportunities of home-based work
and homeschooling whether you’re full-time or part-time, supplementing
the family income or the main breadwinner, risk-taking or
risk-averse. Come and learn how to bless your family by supporting
them financially while homeschooling your precious kids.
Homeschooling seems so obviously good to you, so why are
the grandparents, siblings, neighbors, and friends sometimes
so negative, even hostile? Why is answering their questions
sometimes so hard? This session will help you understand the
reasons for the questions, doubts, and attacks, and explains
what works and what DOESN’T work when answering questions.
It suggests methods of conversing with non-homeschoolers,
including suggested answers (with helpful data and facts)
for typical questions involving socialization, integrating
with the real world, teaching without a credential, and ensuring
kids are making progress. Content is drawn from the presenters’
book “Homeschooling: A Path Rediscovered for Socialization,
Education, and Family,” and from their interactions
with hundreds of people over a decade, as well as with news
reporters, documentary makers, schoolteachers and staff, and
university professors and administrators.
Email The Expo Committee
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