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

Denotes a CONNECTIONS workshop.

D-1 Encouraging Reluctant Writers to Write — Richard Krupnow — 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-2 Environmental Science for Kids Ages 6-12-Debbie Gerenscer — Tune into the wonder of nature, learn about current environmental issues, explore outdoors. Easy, inexpensive ways parents (including those with little background in science) can help their children learn basic principles of science. Discovering science in our daily lives.

D-3 Charlotte Mason Round Circle Discussion — Lori Guilliams, Moderator — Explore ways of putting the ideas of Charlotte Mason (a 19th century educator) into practice in your homeschool. Share good living books, ideas about narration, copy work, experience with nature study, and more. Workshop will begin with a brief introduction to Charlotte Mason, so people new to these ideas are welcome.

D-4 Find What You Need to Know on the Internet — Pete Gilbert — What's the largest city in the world? How do scientists find new planets? What languages are spoken in Finland? Learn to use search engines and reference websites to find what you need to know.

D-5 Homeschooling Precocious, Sensitive, Intense, Creative (and Otherwise Gifted) Children — Lisa Rivero — This practical workshop builds on the information presented in C-7 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-7 recommended but not required.

D-6 Thematic Teaching — Connie Hendricks — Add to the curriculum you're using or develop one especially for your family by using themes. How to organize, develop, and teach your thematic study, including writing behavioral objective, creating initiating activities, incorporating numerous subjects, and evaluating your kids' efforts.

D-7 A Thomas Jefferson Education — David and Felice McKnight — Explore one way to homeschool. A Thomas Jefferson Education prepares children to become leaders in government and business. Examples of people who learned in this way include Lincoln, Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr, Einstein, and Churchill. Parents and children study the classics together, with parents as mentors.

D-8 Watch Your Child, Not the Clock: A Discussion about Unschooling and Relaxed Homeschooling — Margie Flood — What do you especially like about unschooling or relaxed homeschooling? What problems haven't you solved yet? Can parents really trust that their children will learn to read, do long division, etc. and stop worrying about courses of study, grade levels, etc.?

D-9 Introduction to Wisconsin's Homeschooling Law — Joe King — 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 Keeping Our Freedom to Buy Vitamins, Herbs, and Supplements — Dan DeForest — Learn how Codex Alimentarius, international guidelines drawn up under the United Nations, could give big drug cartels power over vitamins, herbs, and supplements. This could mean that we need to get prescriptions to purchase them, increase prices dramatically, and prohibit small producers from selling them to us. What you can do now to maintain freedom in health care. Presentation followed by a 29-minute documentary.

D-11 Life After Kids Are 18-Melanie Burgi — What parents do after their homeschooled kids are grown. Continuing family relationships homeschooling has encouraged. Providing support for adult children and recognizing the work this involves. Knowing when to stop asking questions and when to send cookies. Finding new interests and activities.

D-12 Time With Dad: A Discussion for Fathers — Brian Bubenzer, Moderator — How do you find time to spend with your children? What do you enjoy doing with them? How do you prepare (to increase the likelihood that things will go smoothly)? What do you find most challenging? How do you share responsibility for homeschooling with your spouse?

D-13 Homeschooling for High School: Having the Time of Our Lives — Susan Kaseman — Why homeschooling for high school works so well. Options for learning academics. Balancing academics and real life. Strengthening communication between teens and parents.

D-14 Navigating the Maze of Financial Aid for College — Katie McCarney — Determining how much a year of college will really cost. Locating possible sources of money. Filling out forms and applications. Increasing your chances of winning awards. Speaker is a grown homeschooler who works in admissions at a selective private college.

D-15 Fleece Pet Toys: A Service Project Workshop — Polly, Hannah & Elly Craig — Braid and knot colorful fleece scraps to create toys that will be donated to cats and dogs at no-kill humane shelters and foster homes. Bring fleece scraps to share if you have some. All ages are welcome.

D-16 Science Court: Physics for Ages 5-10-Mark Lattery — See C-20

D-17 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.

D-18 Singing and Playing Together: Folk Songs and Instruments — UW-O Music Education Students — Presenters share their love of music during this hands-on workshop where they demonstrate the rote learning process and encourage excellent singing practice using often neglected folk songs with instruments everyone can play. For ages 5 and up.

D-19 Spelling Bee with a Twist — Join a bee for kids K-12 that uses playful words and groups kids according to spelling ability, not age. Not part of the national spelling bee. Pre-register or sign up at the conference.

D-20 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.

D-21 Visit CONNECTIONS and/or the Curriculum Fair — See F-15

More Workshops

Friday, 7:15-8:30 PM: Friday Evening Workshops

Saturday, 8:30-9:30 AM: A Workshops

Saturday, 9:50 AM-10:50 PM B Workshops

Saturday, 1:30-2:30 PM: C Workshops