Attendee Welcome Page ~ Anchorage ~ Fairbanks ~ Juneau ~ Soldotna
Click on the links above for workshop schedule at each location.
Key for workshop location: A=Anchorage ~ F=Fairbanks ~ J=Juneau ~ S=Soldotna

The 4 C’s of LEGO Learning - Maureen WmsCornelius

At LEGO Education we are convinced that children learn best by making. LEGO Educational products are developed within a framework based on a simple learning process that we call the 4 C’s: Connect, Construct, Contemplate, Continue. Constructionism allows students to learn through building. A child’s most serious work is play, which allows them to imitate others and to discover “what happens when I…”. Products available through LEGO Education encourage hands-on learning. The workshop, designed for parents, will discuss the 4 C’s and show specific examples of applying them with age-appropriate educational sets developed by the LEGO Education. Science kits and activity packs developed by LEGO to teach simple machines, energy, structures, and robotics are presented. Sets involve problem solving activities, easy to use worksheets, and detailed teacher notes. Products are available for all age divisions, from early learning through high school. Product Workshop, LEGO Education (A)

Algebra Alcatraz! A Workshop for Teens and their Wardens…(Oops! I mean Parents!) – Steve Clark

Does the thought of starting high school math make you think that you’ve just been sentenced to four years of Math Prison? Mom and Dad say that you should keep taking Math courses all through high school, but it just doesn’t seem to make sense. You’re spending hours every day on subjects like Algebra and Geometry, and many times Mom and Dad don’t even understand it themselves! If you’re not going to be an engineer, or work in some highly technical field, then how much math do you really need, anyway? Why not just break out of Algebra prison and study some practical subjects? If you’ve ever felt this way, you owe it to yourself to invest just 50 minutes to find out whether this Algebra stuff is right for you. (Oh, by the way, bring Mom or Dad with you to this seminar! They need answers, too!) Learning Workshop (A,F)

Are You Struggling With Teaching How To Solve Equations? Let’s Learn the Right Way! – Steve Clark

As your student leaves arithmetic and moves toward the world of “Pre-Algebra,” you will notice a dramatic increase in the focus on solving equations. Your student may say “I can just figure the answers in my head,” but if they don’t practice the correct techniques with the simplest equations, they will not be able to use those techniques to solve later equations! Make sure that you attend this seminar with Steve Clark, where you will learn all of the basic techniques for solving an equation correctly, and then see how valuable these techniques will be throughout the rest of Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. Learning Workshop (F)

Are You Struggling With Teaching Word Problems? Let’s Make it Simple! – Steve Clark

What happens when you begin to read, “A plane leaves New York at 10 AM moving at 550 mph. A second plane leaves Los Angeles ….” ? You know what’s coming next, right? That knot in your stomach begins to form as you realize you’re going to be asked to solve another one of those math “story problems.” In this entertaining and instructional workshop with Steve Clark, you will develop, and learn how to use, the five analysis questions that must be asked in order to solve story problems, whether in simple arithmetic or in Algebra. The correct answers to these questions are guaranteed to lead students to the equation they must solve in order to find the answer to the problem. You will be amazed when you find out that “Word Problems Just Don’t Have to be That Hard!” Learning Workshop (A,F,S)

Benefits, Rewards, and Advantages to Independent and Distance Learning – Russell Bryant, Barbara Meidinger, Alicia Bixby, Charlotte Seewald

Participants at this workshop will discover the many benefits and rewards of independent and distance learning available to the high school student. Representatives from Brigham Young University, the North Dakota Center for Distance Education, the University of Missouri, and the University of Nebraska will provide workshop participants helpful information as they research and investigate various options. Workshop participants will learn about the many similar and unique aspects of these four high school programs as well as the many course offerings, costs, delivery methods, and other opportunities of independent and distance learning. In addition to discussing various aspects of high school distance learning, panelists will also be prepared to discuss elementary, middle school, and university courses offered by these institutions. Product Workshop, variety of vendors (J,A,F,S)

Can A Person With YOUR Personality Really Be A Good Homeschooler? – Steve Clark

For some strange reason, you’ve decided to homeschool your children. At the beginning you thought, “This will be great!” Now reality is settling in. You’ve lost your temper twice this week, one of the kids told you they want to go back to public school, and you can’t find the test papers that need grading. You’re thinking, “Maybe I just don’t have the right personality to homeschool my kids. The OTHER homeschoolers I know seem to do it so much better! What’s wrong with me?” Join Steve Clark in this fun seminar where you will discover your own personality type, and then examine how it determines your strengths and weaknesses as a homeschooler. This is a great seminar for both veteran and new homeschoolers! Learning Workshop (A)

Concrete Algebra for an Abstract World – Dan Sinclair

Teaching Algebra is easy when you understand Algebra is “Math in Base-X.” Come and see Dan present Algebra in a fun and visual way through the use of manipulatives. Starting with basic addition, he will work through solving for an unknown and factoring polynomials. Algebra may look totally different to you after this workshop! Learning Workshop (A)

Corrective Reading: intense direct instruction reading intervention – Sherri Bauer

Corrective Reading provides intensive direct instruction-based reading intervention for students in Grades 3-Adult who are reading below grade level. This Direct Instruction reading intervention program delivers tightly sequenced, carefully planned lessons that give struggling students the structure and practice necessary to become skilled, fluent readers and better learners. Four levels for decoding plus four for comprehension address the varied reading deficits and skill levels found among older students. Product Workshop, SRA/McGraw-Hill (A)

A Creative Visual Art Workshop for Students (Ages 5-8) – Marcia Osterink

Meet Marcia Osterink, author and creator of the Atelier Homeschool Art program, as she leads you in an art project. Have fun while exploring color, shape, pattern and line to create imaginative creatures. Learning Workshop (J,A,F,S)

A Creative Visual Art Workshop for Students (Ages 9-15) – Marcia Osterink

Meet Marcia Osterink, author and creator of the Atelier Homeschool Art program, as she leads you in an art project. Have fun while exploring color, shape, pattern and line to create imaginative creatures. Learn techniques to add 3-dimensional effects to your creature. Learning Workshop (J,A,F,S)

Determining Your Child's Learning Style – Debra Bell, Keynote Speaker

Save time, money and frustration. Before you buy anything, determine your child's learning style and then choose curriculum to match it. Does your son need to do to learn? Is your daughter motivated better in a group? Does your child need structure and routine or flexibility and independence? Four types of learners explained with sample programs for each. Learning Workshop (A,F,S)

Developing Creative and Critical Thinking Skills – Debra Bell, Keynote Speaker

What are thinking skills and why all the fuss? This seminar challenges traditional teaching methods head on by outlining the best way to teach so your child can remember and use what he has learned-- even when he is an adult. Analysis, synthesis and evaluation explained. Samples of creative and critical thinking. And lots of suggested resources and activities that are uncomplicated, time-saving, inexpensive and effective. Learning Workshop (A,F,S)

Development of Right-Brain Creativity: What the Atelier Art Program Can Do for Your Child – Larry Osterink

This presentation will review the important role that visual art plays in developing right-brain skills (such as creativity, synthesis, spatial awareness, intuition, imagination, visualization, etc.) and in enabling children to develop their full potential as students and as human beings. The essentials of a successful program will be discussed; and examples of lessons and student results from the Atelier program will be shown. Product Workshop, Atelier by Arts Attack (J,A,F,S)

Evaluating Student Writing – Brian Wasko

Spelling, creativity, coherence, diction, grammar, punctuation, content, tone, structure, voice…How does a writing instructor take into consideration the varied subjective and objective criteria by which a paper might be judged? Is it possible to fairly assess a creative work? This workshop looks at a handful of options, landing on my favorite: scoring rubrics. Learning Workshop (A)

Experience Education! How to turn any outing into a learning adventure – Jen Barnett

Want to inspire life-long learning in your student? Want to create lessons applicable to real life that will solidify retention? This workshop will assist you in designing experiential learning adventures to inspire your student by turning every moment into a teachable moment. Make that post office errand or the family vacation a part of your lessons! Learning Workshop (A,F)

Fun Science with Things That Fly – Myrna Martin

Join Myrna Martin in a fun workshop with things that fly through the air! Myrna will have lots of fun hands-on activities at this workshop for all ages. You will have fun making different types of paper airplanes, miniature helicopters and a rocket. Learning Workshop (A,F,S)

Getting Started Homeschooling – Debra Bell, Keynote Speaker

Where do I start? What books should I read? What do I teach when? What curriculum should I buy? Here are the ABC's of homeschooling--the sequential steps to follow to set up a program you and your kids will love. Learning Workshop (A)

Homeschooling Math without a Plan: Are You Serious? – Steve Clark

Let’s think back about how you made this decision to homeschool your kids. The kids were young, and you wanted to keep them close and teach them the right things. You said to yourself, “With a little help, I can do this!” The subjects were fairly easy to teach since you already knew how to read, write, add, and subtract, and it was somewhat easy to persuade the kids to go along with the idea. Now, the kids are getting close to high school. They say you will have to teach Algebra, Geometry, and Trig. They might as well have told you to teach Greek! Maybe you did take Algebra in high school, but that was a long time ago, and now you don’t know the difference between a polynomial and a slide rule. On top of that, the kids aren’t exactly excited about learning these subjects from a teacher who lacks confidence. So is it time to give up? Are you at the end of the road with this grand project that God laid on your heart? Join Steve Clark as he humorously explores the reasons that instruction can be difficult and then gets serious about WHY your students need math. If you or your students have ever asked, “When are we ever going to use this stuff?” then this seminar is for you! Learning Workshop (A)

Homeschooling Teens – Debra Bell, Keynote Speaker

From the perspective of the mother of teens, long time high school level teacher and evaluator of numerous high school homeschool programs. The high school years are your child's resume for the future. Here's how to maximize his time, prepare him for a changing job market, get doors to open, and facilitate non-traditional learning experiences. Learning Workshop (J,A,F)

How Children Learn – Debra Bell, Keynote Speaker

This session gives parents an overview of what research has consistently concluded about the stages of cognitive development. The good news is home-based learning has all the advantages a child needs to grow up secure and confident. Find out how to leverage all that home can provide, and how to be the best teacher for your particular child! Learning Workshop (F)

How Teens Learn – Debra Bell, Keynote Speaker

Part Two of “How Children Learn.” This delves into the biological changes affecting adolescence and takes a look at the powerful cognitive growth they can now draw upon to expand the depth and breadth of their learning with the help of understanding and confident parents. Learning Workshop (F)

If I Tell You One More Time . . . - Traci Heaton

Learn to impose consequences, firmly and compassionately, without physical contact or losing emotional control. Discover five key ingredients that help children develop the emotional awareness necessary to develop self-control, empathy, and respect for others. Gain concrete tools to break negative cycles and encourage positive behaviors. Yes, there is an avenue available for children to experience real world consequences in a safe environment that is respectful, yet effective. Learning Workshop (A,F)

It’s Good to Know Stuff – Brian Wasko

Have your students ever asked, “Why do I have to know this?” This workshop will provide them (and you) with a definitive answer. Brian examines the problems with a purely pragmatic approach to education and offers suggestions to stimulate a love for learning in our children. Learning Workshop (A,F)

It’s Good to Know Stuff (A Workshop for Teens) – Brian Wasko

This workshop is designed to inspire students to pursue a lifetime love of learning. Rooted in traditional principles and plain common sense, Brian helps students confront skewed cultural notions about education and face facts about their own attitudes toward learning. “It’s good to know stuff,” is Brian’s educational motto and the simple idea has helped many students over the years. Learning Workshop (J,A,F.S)

Learning French and Spanish at Home - Barbara Peterson

This presentation will introduce Alaska home-schoolers to Breaking the Barrier's excellent materials for learning French and Spanish. These books and related materials lend themselves beautifully to use in a home-schooling situation where the parent/teacher has limited or even no knowledge of the language. This is due to the clear and concise grammar explanations presented in a user-friendly, conversational tone. The presenter will demonstrate audio and cultural materials and suggest ways to structure learning at home. Product Workshop, Breaking the Barrier (A,F)

Learning Styles Approach to Education - Rebecca Wolthers

Learning Styles assessment is an important opportunity to understand your child’s unique ways of learning. You will learn methods and tips for implementing and personalizing your child’s education. If you want to find out more about how to use the learning styles assessment to gain clarity and confidence about how to handle daily scheduling, organization, best teaching methods and potential conflicts and challenges, this a workshop you will want to take advantage of. Product Workshop, Laurel Springs School (A)

Look Forward to Teaching Writing and Language Arts – Judith Darling

Learn how to set up a writing/language arts program that: (1) is easy to teach, (2) children look forward to and feel empowered, (3) gets results, and (4) can be centered on the student’s interests. Learning Workshop (A,F)

Math Card Games Thrills vs. Math Drills – Nancy Hameloth

Games are to math as books are to reading. Learning math facts with drill is like learning to read with flash cards. Learn some math card games that teach facts, skills, and understanding. Players of various abilities can play together. Join us in this session for some thrills as we play addition, multiplication, and fraction games. Learning Workshop (J,A,S)

Math-U-See: Where Seeing is Understanding – Dan Sinclair

This workshop will demonstrate from place value to algebra using the Math-U-See System. This is an informative workshop designed to provide you with helpful hints, no matter what math curriculum you are currently using. This is an amazing, fast-paced 9-year overview of math! Product Workshop, Math-U-See (A,F)

The Most Fascinating Discussion of Grammar in the History of the World (Or Your Money Back) – Brian Wasko

See the Amazing Abstract Noun! The Terrifying Transitive Verb! Watch the Mystifying Misplaced Modifier and the Death-Defying Dangling Participle! The Secrets of the Split Infinitive Revealed Before Your Eyes! This thrilling workshop will clarify forever all the mysteries of grammar and usage. Attend this seminar and the presenter guarantees that your children will never again make a grammar error in their writing! Learning Workshop (J,A,F,S)

Motivating the Reluctant Learner – Debra Bell, Keynote Speaker

Ten proven strategies that kindle a love for learning in a child and help him master areas of difficulty; at the same time, reduce conflict and frustration for mom and kid. Learning Workshop (J,A,F)

Motivating Your Child to Write – Judith Darling

Take the stress out of teaching writing and you will take the stress out of learning to write for your child. Learn to allow your child the joy of writing without being too critical. Incorporate art into writing and learn how to encourage your child to become an independent writer. Product Workshop, Razzle Dazzle Learning Company (A,F,S)

Mystery Shopping for Homeschoolers: The Field Trip That PAYS! – Steve Clark

You may have heard something about “mystery shopping,” but you probably don’t know what a perfect opportunity it is for homeschoolers. Not only can you eat and shop and travel for free; sometimes you even get paid to do it! Also, conducting the mystery shop is a great way to teach your children about good business practices, and filling out the shop report is great practice for your students in grammar, punctuation, and written composition. Don’t miss this eye-opening seminar where Steve Clark shares his personal experience and expertise about this unique way to get paid for having fun. Learning Workshop (F)

One Minute Reader – Improve Reading Achievement at Home – Steve Byers

Reading is important for kids’ success. Students who read well do better in school. Adults who read well do better on the job. When you can read, a world of information is open to you – in books, in magazines and newspapers, and on the internet. Developing readers need extra help. One Minute Reader is a fun and effective home reading program that can help kids read better. It motivates kids to improve their fluency, a key factor in becoming readers. In this session learn about One Minute Readers and how they can improve fluency, comprehension and reading levels in the home. Product Workshop, Read Naturally (J)

Paying for College – Andrea Van Ravenswaay

If you’re interested in financial aid for college or a career school, come to this workshop. We will help you understand what financial aid is and how to apply for it. We will begin with the FAFSA and will discuss federal and state financial aid programs, scholarships, grants, work-study, loans, and other ways to help fund your education. Learning Workshop (A,S)

Raising Accountable Kids One Step At a Time – Traci Heaton

Discover ways to develop accountability, responsibility, respect, and confidence in your children by understanding how to apply essential parenting principles. This is an interactive workshop that provides hands-on tools to teach children life lessons in a manner that will bring your family closer together. With simple and comical stories, learn to help your children become contributing members of the family in a fun, interactive way. Learning Workshop (J)

Report Writing – Janet Beckett

One of the best ways to document what your students have been learning is to have them write a report. Varying from one paragraph to several pages, reports both encourage necessary research and display your student’s expanding knowledge. This workshop will provide you with the incremental steps necessary to teach you students how to approach report writing from the beginning and provide you with a model that reaps success every time. Learning Workshop (A)

The Scaredy Cat Reading System – Dan Sinclair

Teaching a child to read is so important. This program employs a phonics approach for reading and spelling mastery. A simplified teaching style with hands-on instruction enables those of all learning styles to reap the joys of reading and spelling! So come see for yourself why vowels can be brave or scared! Product Workshop, Teach4Mastery (A,F)

Seeing How Multiplication Affects the Understanding of Fractions – Dan Sinclair

“Five out of four people do not understand fractions!” By using manipulatives, Dan demonstrates the multiplication process, clearly showing how the understanding of multiplication is crucial for comprehending division and fractions. This fun workshop will explain more of the mysteries of mathematics! Learning Workshop (A,F)

Spelling Through Morphographs – Sherri Bauer

Give older students the tools they need to achieve with Spelling Through Morphographs Grades 4 and up). This program teaches: a variety of morphographs and small set of rules for combining morphographs. Because the morphograph is a unit of meaning, the morphographic analysis taught in Spelling Through Morphographs provides a natural point of departure for teaching skills related to word meaning and structure. Product Workshop, SRA/McGraw-Hill (A)

Starting a Homeschool Business – Dan Sinclair

In this workshop, Dan talks about the possibilities challenges, problems, and rewards of having a business in the home. Having started and/or owned five different companies, Dan has a special perspective on the different aspects of running a retail, wholesale, or manufacturing operation. This information-filled session will provide you with information you can use to start your own in-home business. Learning Workshop (A)

Take the Groan Out of Writing – Debbie Rathbun

When you assign a simple writing assignment do you get groans and whines of "I just can't, Mom! I don't know what to write!" Come and discover a checklist method of teaching writing that provides the student with a clear model of what the finished product should contain and gives you an objective method of evaluating their work. Finding that you can use this program with any grade student, you will come away from this workshop saying, "Yes, I can teach writing!" Learning Workshop (F)

Teaching Alaska Studies – Geography, History, Natural History – Jan O’Meara

In this workshop you will learn how to help your children fulfill their Alaska Studies requirements in fun, interactive, and relevant ways. We will talk about how kids learn and how you can help them learn more easily, through multiple approaches to their studies and enriched lessons that involve different aspects of their brains. We will review some of the materials available, useful supplements, helpful web sites, and a few suggestions for activities that will engage students in their own learning. Some handouts will be provided. Learning Workshop (A,S)

Teaching Life Skills: Are You Worried That Your Kids Won’t Be “Ready”? – Steve Clark

As homeschoolers, we worry about doing everything we can to make sure our kids are prepared for the future, both morally and scholastically! Are you always worried about choosing the “right mix” of subjects and lessons? Have you sometimes asked yourself, “Is there really a good reason to teach this subject?” or “Am I really able to teach this subject?” In this workshop, we will share some ways to determine which subjects to choose, and then we will discuss how your choices can fit into a master plan of developing a well-rounded student. Also, many times we forget about something called “Life Skills.” Will your students know how to make a resume, balance their budget, shop for a car, rent an apartment, buy a home, develop credit, file taxes, and more? Join Steve Clark in this eye-opening seminar where you will develop a checklist of “What Everyone Expects You to Know, But No One Ever Teaches You!” We’ll also look at the root cause for our worrying, and develop a prescription for eliminating it! Learning Workshop (J,A,F)

Teaching Reading for Understanding – Dan Sinclair

Teaching reading is a wonderful and fun time of exploration and adventure! Sometimes that adventure gets challenging when phonics rules just don’t make sense. Come and gain a unique yet simple understanding of phonics and the reading process, as Dan walks you through the different steps necessary for reading success. Learning Workshop (A)

Ten Deadly Myths About Homeschooling Math – Steve Clark

Most homeschoolers feel uneasy when planning math courses for their children. We learned our math a long time ago, or we learned it a different way, or maybe we learned it not at all! How can we know if the methods we are using will achieve the desired results in our students? In this seminar, Steve Clark exposes ten deadly myths about teaching math to our students, and counters those myths with solid, practical help for parents. You will also leave with a checklist of items that you can use to determine the best math course for your students. Don’t be surprised if Steve challenges some of our normal ways of thinking about math. For example, you might just find out that “Practice Makes Perfect!” doesn’t apply to math! Learning Workshop (J,A)

Why Johnny Can’t . . . - Traci Heaton

Have you ever wondered what chores are age appropriate? Learn why it seems some children lack initiative and others struggle with time management. This workshop discusses the various stages of children’s development, illustrated by comical stories. You learn to distinguish age related attributes and focus on age appropriate values and behaviors that are developmentally appropriate for children. This is a fun, interactive workshop that helps you understand stages of development, build confidence in your children, teach life skills, and bring the entire family together as a team. Learning Workshop (A,F)

The Wonderful World of Words – Brian Wasko

Would a choice between writing and root canal pose a dilemma for your student? This workshop is guaranteed to make English more fun than trampolines and roller coasters. Okay, not really. We’ll take a look at several ways to sprinkle some spice into your English curriculum. It’s not just about fun and games either--students who discover the pleasure of puns and the allure of alliteration tend to do much better on SATs and standardized tests. Learning Workshop (J,A,F)

World Book Online: The New Features - Darrell Thompson

Training will be provided to learn the new features for the World Book Kids and the World Book Advanced to help your students excel. Included will be the new home page design, younger reference sources for early learners, advanced research skills for higher grades, state alignments using World Book Online and aids for parents in assisting their students. Learning Workshop (A)

The Writing Process – Brian Wasko

Writing is hard. A key to helping students cope with competing brain-halves, writer’s block, and mental exhaustion is attacking writing one step at a time. This workshop walks parents and students through the five steps in the writing process: pre-writing, drafting, revising, proofreading, and publishing. Learning Workshop (A)

Writing the Essay – Janet Beckett

The new SAT test requires a clear, logical essay written within 25 minutes. Is your student ready? Since writing essays is a life skill that will not only get your student into college but prepare him to write for life, it is imperative that students have a usable plan for writing. This workshop will provide you with a teaching plan to prepare your students for any essay assignment. Learning Workshop (A,S)