Workshop Schedule

Keynote #1:  In this keynote we will trace the development of the humanist worldview in Western history, and note the way it has shaped education. We will observe the idolatry that shapes all of culture including the educational enterprise.

Keynote #2:  In this keynote we will trace the Biblical story centred in Jesus Christ, and ask what it means to view education within this overarching story.

Keynote #3: How should home-educators live at the crossroads between the biblical and Western humanist stories? We are necessarily shaped by our cultural story and yet are called as Christians to not be conformed to the idolatry of that story. How can we be faithful to the gospel in our educational endeavours?

Join us for a hands-on and hearty discussion on what might be going on when they sit there, arms folded, lip out, feet flat on or flying off the floor, erasers fling and tears falling, and you KNOW nothun's going to be learned that day.  Often, hidden dynamics play the hugest role in how people learn with each other, how they communicate, how they face their fears, how they process new things, and more.  Teaching is NOT as simple as choosing the best workbook or school board.  It is NOT as simple as providing healthy food and lots of stickers.  Discover how you CAN make it simpler just by understanding how personality differences and similarities impact teaching and learning, and how we can respect each other - parent and child - when it comes to just that.  This course can also be invaluable in helping you interact with others outside your teaching/learning world.

Without a class full of same-age children to compare to, homeschool parents sometimes aren’t sure what is just a normal part of development, and what deserves some special attention.  What are some of the red flags you should be aware of?  How can you know if that nagging feeling that ‘something isn’t quite right’ is a real problem, or if it’s just your own insecurities peeking through?  Carmen will help guide you into determining whether you should consider learning supports for your child.

How we study and teach history when we view it through the lens of the gospel.

With an ever-expanding choice of curriculum, how can a person possibly find the ‘right one?’  Brenda’s wealth of experience and reassuring message will calm your spirit, as she leads you through the choices and helps you narrow down what might and might not work for you.

Anything you take in this workshop can be applied to your marriage as well! So you get a double-whammy!  Ladies, moms, your boys and menfolk need you to know why they spit, hog the remote, wiggle and jiggle about, clam up, forget the first three things on any given list, think sports are God's gift to the universe as we know it, and why they think you can't drive - well.  Why?  Why!  Why do they act like this?! you bemoan.  It's quite simple, once we go back to Health class!  So bring a sharp pencil, a giggle, your anecdotes, your "I wonder why's," AND your husband or older sons (to back me up!), and let's talk about how you can better teach and interact with your sons (and menfolk) so that you get the results you need, the connection you crave, and the dignity they deserve.

In this workshop we will consider various idols that shape our culture and the younger generation—idols such as consumerism, narcissism, entitlement, pseudo-tolerance, image.

Do you want to have your child's work available where ever you go?  Do you want to collaborate with other homeschoolers on projects without leaving your house?  Do you want to be able to submit your portfolios with a click of your mouse?   Do you want a back up for your children's work and your records?  Cloud computing is one answer.  This workshop will focus on using Google Docs to enhance your homeschool experience.  Create a google documents account.  Learn how to create word processing and spreadsheet documents.  Share a document.  Edit a document simultaneously with numerous other users.  And so much more!  And the best part is that "the dog ate my homework" excuse will never fly again!  :-)

Questioning comes natural to children. I wonder why the sky is blue? I notice magnets only stick to certain things.  Questions are pivotal to inquiry-based science education and it is usually these questions that drive investigation.  Come learn about some easy investigations that encourage observation and create a curious mindset for all members of the family. Children start to discover details about everyday phenomena and begin to formulate questions that can later build the basis for further scientific investigations where the family can foster a sense of inquiry, observation, and curiosity.

There is more than one way to approach high school.  Sue and Janet will explore the options that are open to homeschoolers in British Columbia.

While this workshop is open to all parents, it is especially intended for parents who have children enrolled in the BC CHEC children's grades 1-6 program this year.  Judi will be spending most of the convention with your children, teaching them about manners and Godly character.  The best way for your children to get the most out of her program is for you, the parents, to continue using her ideas at home.  Come and find out what your children have been learning!!

The benediction for the BC CHEC weekend rests in Marnie’s hands.  Who could possibly be in a better position to offer this blessing, than someone who has not only survived to tell about her experience, but has successfully passed on the baton to the next generation?  Come and be encouraged and inspired to carry on the call to faithfully home educate in your own home!