Choosing A Homeschool Style That Works for Your Family

(Laura Flynn Endres, Lynn Hocraffer, Andrea Rice)

Whether you are new to homeschooling or just looking for something new, this session will explore three different styles of homeschooling: unschooling, Thomas Jefferson education, and the Charlotte Mason philosophy. Members of the panel will tell you about their particular style of home education, how it works, and why it works for their families.

Science Beyond the Textbook

(Susan Ryan, Deborah Niemann-Boehle, Katherine Boehle)

Does science education scare you? Find motivation and encouragement with several models to support ways of exploring science. We’ll promote more engaging ways of teaching and learning; including use of observation skills and hands-on techniques. Does that still sound boring? Don’t worry. Looking out your back door, you can discover, track, count, scratch, sniff, identify and categorize all sorts of interesting science phenomena. We will show you fun ways to enjoy the time together with kids and science beyond the textbook.

Homeschooling High School

(Rebecca Jaxon, Vada Repta, and Liz Cameron)

A panel of three parents, all who have homeschooled their teens through high school, will briefly describe their experiences educating their teens and then answer your questions and address your concerns. They are prepared to answer questions on topics such as covering the subjects required for high school, preparing transcripts, preparing your children for college, how colleges view homeschool graduates, and what to expect when applying to colleges and for scholarships. Alternative paths after high school may be addressed as well. Resource samples for viewing at the workshop and a list of references to take home will be available.

Seven Reasons to Study the Classics

(Andrea Rice)

An indepth study of the Classics once was an integral part of a proper education. As the Classics have fallen by the wayside in mainstream modern education, what effect does this have on our society? What is a Classic anyway? Why should we study the Classics, and how do we begin?

Distance Service Learning

(Dr. Maria Schmeekle, ISU)

Do you want your child to get involved in a service-learning project, but there is nothing in your area that would be appropriate for your child? Would you like your child to learn about a different culture, but you don't have the time or money to travel? Distance service learning may be the answer. Discover how students at Illinois State University are helping the street children and orphans of the world without leaving Illinois, and learn how your children can get involved. Or get ideas for developing your own service learning project at a distance.

Unschooling -- Yes, You Can!

(Laura Flynn Endres)

Find it hard to believe your children can learn without a curriculum? Attracted to unschooling but wonder, "What about math?" Tired of battling over lessons but afraid to make the leap? And whatever will you tell the grandparents?!? Unschooling is more than an educational philosophy - it's a recipe for a harmonious, peaceful lifestyle. We'll explore the principles of natural learning, address common concerns, and examine why unschooling can be right for your family.

Join one of our speakers to discuss a topic in more depth over lunch! Choose from ratatouille-stuffed portabella, chicken parmesan, and beef stroganoff for your entree.

Rights and Responsibilities as an Illinois Homeschooler

(Rebecca Jaxon, Susan Ryan)

Knowing your rights and responsibilities is crucial. Fortunately, here in Illinois, we have a great deal of independence from the public school system, and the laws which do apply to us are few and easy to follow. Come to this session to learn what those laws are, what you can legally expect from the state, and how to respond if you are questioned by others. The second session will cover in depth legislative activity which could affect homeschoolers, and what you can do to help preserve our freedoms.

Illinois Literary Field Trips

(Dr. Sally Parry, ISU)

Field trips for studying literature? Discover how field trips can enrich your literature curriculum. One way to encourage interest in authors is to visit their homes and speak with the docents. Illinois, which has a number of major authors, is a great place to try this. You'll hear about the homes of Carl Sandburg in Galesburg, Vachel Lindsay in Springfield, and Edgar Lee Masters in Petersburg, along with activities that can be incorporated into the trips. You'll also learn how to make arrangements with the historic homes in order to get the most benefit out of these visits.

Homeschoolers and the Community College (Early Entry)

(Margaret Boehle, moderator)

Did you know that your homeschooled teen can attend your local community college? College representatives will discuss entry requirements for their schools, while a homeschooler explores the practical aspects of attending a community college as a younger student. Bring all your questions about academics, extra-curriculars, and the social aspects of college for teens.

Becoming a Homeschooling Advocate

(Rebecca Jaxon, Susan Ryan)

This session will include discussion of current and ongoing legislative activity at all levels: federal, state, and local. Some of these bills would affect homeschooling directly, while others would affect all parents. Examples of past legal and legislative activity which attempted to increase the state's control of homeschooling will be given along with how grassroots efforts in the homeschooling community succeeded in defeating those bills. You will learn ways that you can stay on top of these issues yourself and inform legislators of your views.

What Everyone Needs to Know to Succeed in College

(Mike Boehle, Deborah Niemann-Boehle)

One of the questions commonly asked of homeschoolers is how your children will ever go to college if they are homeschooled. Do you wonder if your child will have the information and skills that are necessary to succeed in today's college environment? We'll discuss academic skills that college freshmen are expected to have, as well as skills needed to master a variety of disciplines from architecture to zoology.

Changing Gears

(Lynn Hocraffer)

You have an older student, and both of you hate the program you've been using. You have a teen, and wonder how to plan the high school years. You have suddenly decided to pull your teen out of public (or private) school, and need to know how to begin. Textbooks and workbooks bore you silly! You want MORE. Even better, a Charlotte Mason plan is the EASY way to homeschool the older student! Come find out how the Charlotte Mason Philosophy of Education can enrich your lives and give your child MORE than a basic education!