A-1 I Was a Tortoise, Not a Hare A lighthearted retrospective on homeschooling from someone who has finished the race. Julie Sessions, certificated teacher, homeschooled four, and teacher of WCC’s homeschool qualifying course.
A-2 Preschool Through Primary Develop a plan for your lifestyle of learning, and cover the basics that apply to preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary: “readiness” issues, establishing habits and routines, the three R’s for the early grades. Chris Day, degrees in early childhood education, 20 years teaching experience, homeschooled seven.
A-3 Using Arithmetic to Prepare for Algebra A long-time algebra instructor would like to balance the teaching of math facts, mental math, and calculator skills as preparation for the study of algebra. Folks who have hit a math wall, either in their own learning or in working with their kids may find a different way to think about math that precedes algebra. Molly Crocker, tutoring homeschoolers since 1994, teaches pre-calculus mathematics at the community college since 1997.
A-4 Making Art With Kids Discuss the development of drawing in children and ways to support their creative growth. By the end of the session you will have many ideas and a list of resources to explore art in your own home. Julie Goebel has a B.F.A. in painting and a M.A. in art education. She has enjoyed making art with 1st-12th graders in private and public schools, as well as with her own children.
A-5 Study Skills for High School and College Students Learn some good study strategies to share with your high school and college bound students, including techniques for time management, note-taking, and textbook reading. Will also discuss what expectations college instructors will have of your students.
Beth McGuire is a community college counselor, study skills instructor, and homeschool mother.
A-6 Evidence for God’s Existence Dr. Fernandes will present philosophical and scientific evidence for the existence of God by sharing his cumulative case for God. This argument has been used in debates with leading atheists on college campuses throughout America. Phil Fernandes holds a Ph.D. in philosophy of religion and a Doctor of Theological Studies. He is pastor of Trinity Bible Fellowship, President of the Institute of Biblical Defense, and he teaches Bible and philosophy at Crosspoint Academy in Bremerton. Dr. Fernandes has authored numerous books defending the faith and has debated leading atheists on college campuses throughout the country.
B-1 Changing the World One Child at a Time Life-changing motherhood is hard work but it is essential! Jill offers Christian encouragement to mothers who may need to expand and fortify their vision as they tackle the sometimes tedious job of raising eternal souls. Jill Farris, popular writer and speaker with a B.S. in Education/English, homeschool mother of eight.
B-2 Exposing the Wizard of Oz— A Christian's Guide to Teaching History The essential history crash course for every Christian homeschool parent. Discover insights from Diana’s research behind the events of history. Share her wisdom for teaching history. Diana will equip you, regardless of your curriculum, to find your way through the challenge of knowing whom to trust and what to read to understand real history. She will also lead you to a path you can follow in discovering treasures of history with your family. Diana Waring, popular author and speaker. www.dianawaring.com
B-3 The Joy of Nature Study Enjoying the great outdoors with your children while they learn close observation, description, drawing, and a love of the natural world. Autumn Forsberg, homeschool mom, literature lover, teaches a Shakespeare class for homeschoolers and leads a monthly nature ramble.
B-4 The Early Years Successfully experience preschool and early elementary at home; including learning to read, and suggestions for handling the attention needs of younger children along with homeschooling older children. Tara Jolly, homeschool mother of ten ages 20-1.
B-5 Preparing for College If you have questions about diplomas, transcripts, applying for college, timelines for the application process and the alphabet soup of PSAT, SAT, SATII and FAFSA--then this is the workshop for you. Steve Banham has been homeschooling for 22 years, the father of 6 boys and 6 girls between the ages 6-26, four of which have graduated from four-year universities, and two more are currently working toward undergraduate degrees at University of Washington.
B-6 The Christian Philosophy of Education Discussing the Christian philosophy of education, and contrasting it with the views of Plato, Karl Marx, and the current American government-run school model. Phil Fernandes (see A-6 for his biographical information).
C-1 Learning: A Breath-Taking Adventure In this refreshing, reviving, and re-invigorating workshop you will discover the best brain practices in learning, the environment that encourages learning, and the many non-traditional ways students can practice what they are learning. Take a new look at practical, proven, and possible ways to make your homeschool journey a wondrous adventure.
Diana Waring, popular author and speaker. www.dianawaring.com
C-2 History Through Literature The whole family can enjoy studying history together without tedious texts or rote memory of dates. Learn how to integrate several subjects into historical unit studies through “Living Books.” Chris Day, degrees in early childhood education, 20 years teaching experience, homeschooled seven.
C-3 Getting Started, the Minimalist-Meets-Curriculum Approach Want to use curriculum but not be ruled by teacher’s manuals? Not up to reinventing the educational wheel, but need a little structure? Johannah will describe a lean approach to selecting curriculum for your homeschool – figure out what you need, extract it, toss the rest, and don’t look back. Johannah Banham is the mother of children ages 6-26 and has been homeschooling for 22 years. Her first seven graduates have gone on to 
four-year universities.
C-4 The Role of Number Sense in Building Fluency with Basic Facts We will consider “number sense” and how can it help us develop meaningful and lasting fluency with the basic facts. This workshop will first define number sense and its components, and then connect number sense to learning basic facts.
Janet Mock, WWU Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education, former school teacher.
C-5 High School Options Homeschooling throughout the teen years, part time schooling, and return to public school after homeschooling will be discussed, including looking ahead to post-high school.
Julie Sessions, certificated teacher, homeschooled four, and teacher of WCC’s homeschool qualifying course.
C-6 Refuting Brown & Pagels, Attacks on the Historical Jesus Dr. Fernandes refutes the false views about Jesus proposed by Dan Brown (author of the DaVinci Code), as well as Elaine Pagels’ rejection of the New Testament Canon. Phil Fernandes (see A-6 for his biographical information).
D-1 More Superfood for Your Child’s Brain Piggy-backing on previous year’s workshop with more tips and strategies to “build” smarter children, enhance family bonding, and create security in your child. The Neurodevelopmental approach is expained. Jill Farris, popular writer and speaker with a B.S. in Education/English, homeschool mother of eight.
D-2 Living Books for Living Kids Let the delights of a literary education enrich your homeschool with living books for every subject. Replace textbooks with great literature and bring your homeschool to life! Autumn Forsberg, homeschool mom, literature lover, teaches a Shakespeare class for homeschoolers and leads a monthly nature ramble.
D-3 Basic Foundation for Expository Writing at Any Age Whether a short paragraph, essay, or report project, your children can learn an easy, basic technique to succeed in all forms and levels of writing. Also included in the session will be other Language Arts tips, handouts. Linda Kink, WA certified teacher, K-12; 35+ years teaching public and private, all ages including ZLO M.S. & H.S. English instructor; homeschooled own children.
D-4 Turning Play Into Science Children are born scientists! Come discover how to encourage your child’s scientific discoveries and unleash their inner-scientist. From tots to teens – you are never too young, too old, or too afraid to start loving science. Kimberly Mallory, homeschool mom and science enthusiast.
D-5 Debate is More than Arguing Begun less than three years ago, the EPIC Christian Homeschool Debate Club has become one of the top teams in the nation. Hear from the students themselves how this activity has transformed their lives and has shaped their future like no other academic activity. Can your students think critically, listen attentively, take detailed notes, research and write, analyze arguments and speak confidently in front of any size audience? Come and see for yourself how your students can increase these skills exponentially. Jennifer Sefzik, homeschool mom, with members of the EPIC debate club.
E-1 Balancing Home and Schooling in Homeschooling How to set up a FLEXIBLE schedule to keep yourself, your children, and your home from going to pieces. Rosette Harlan, homeschooling mom of 5 children, ranging in age from four to eleven, for 7 years.
E-2 Getting Started, the Natural Learning Approach Academic learning happens naturally when young people are encouragaed to pursue their individual interests in an environment rich in resources, and parents lead in character development. Examples of what it looks like day to day? Natural Learning works equally well in a disciplined or relaxed lifestyle. Gary McGill, homeschool dad of 6, ages 34-16.
E-3 Learning Resources from Your Library Learn about some excellent non-fiction books and receive a guided tour of the Whatcom County Library System’s online learning tools. Catherine Sarette, Children’s Services Coordinator for the Whatcom County Library System.
E-4 Natural Science, Backyard Journey Learn to find your own “secret place” in nature and to track the hidden wilderness around your home, including bird calls, animal tracking, and activities to increase sensory awarness and mobility in nature. Chris Chisholm, Wolf Camp and the Wolf College, offering classes and camps for all ages.
E-5 Speak Up with Confidence! The number one phobia is fear of public speaking. Would you like to change that fear into confidence for your children? Listen and watch students present from three of the ten categories of speech: dramatic interpretations from literature or original work, limited preparation (impromptu, extemporaneous, apologetics), and platform (persuasive, biographical narrative, illustrated oratory). Jill Farris, homeschool mom.
E-6 Refuting Ehrman & Price, Attacks on the Historical Jesus Dr. Fernandes refutes Bart Ehrman’s attacks on the reliability of the New Testament text, and Robert Price’s theory that Jesus never existed. Phil Fernandes (see A-6 for his biographical information).
