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Workshop Descriptions

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WORKSHOP A CHOICES (9:15-10:15)

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The Way of the Will – Jessica Becker

We all want an atmosphere of joy and peaceful obedience in our homes, but sometimes our children seem bent to do exactly the opposite of what we desire. Even as adults, we can struggle with establishing and maintaining a new habit or skill. In short, we all struggle with a weak will.

Mason had a lot to say about the will, calling it a “subject of unspeakable importance to every being” (Vol. 1, p. 317). She even goes so far as to say that “character is the result of conduct regulated by will” (p. 319). So what is this abstract thing called “the will?” We will explore this question, along with how the will relates to habits, the conscience, and the spiritual life of the child. We will also look at what having a “strong-willed child” really means, and how we can help train their wills (and our own) to do what is right.

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Using Charlotte Mason's Methods to Educate a Neurodivergent Child – Kelsi Rea

When working with a child who has learning struggles, they tend to break every mold and system of education that we throw at them.  When it seems like nothing is working, it's time to look at Charlotte Mason's method and principles for reaching both the heart and mind of your neurodivergent child.  This workshop will address the issues of homeschooling atypical learners, accommodations that you can try, and how to push your child without pulling them. 

 

Recognizing Beauty – Nicole Williams

Let’s explore some of the simple ways of bringing beauty into your homes and your children’s lives through picture study, nature study, composer study and narration.

 

Solving the Mystery of Living Books – Liz Cottrill

Living books are central to the lessons in a Mason education. Mason said the teacher should never get between the child and his book. But how do we know which books are best, which lists to trust, which books will most nourish our children, inspire them to learn, and provide the most ideas? Liz will attempt to demystify living books, as well as discuss what a mom is to do when the book isn’t catching the child’s interest, when the child doesn’t like to read, and when she wonders whether it is the right book for the subject at hand. 

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WORKSHOP B CHOICES (10:30-11:30)

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Case Studies of the Will – Jessica Becker

It is one thing to study the Will and its workings, but it is quite another to implement will-strengthening in your day-to-day life. How do we “invite the cooperation” of the will in the midst of temper tantrums, diaper changes, “derailed” lessons, and the eternal pile of laundry? It can be tempting to conclude that the training of our child’s will runs counter to our daily living—but what if it can be part of our daily living? What if the most frustrating moments of your day are actually the very grounds upon which the Will can learn to thrive? We will be exploring these questions and more through real-life stories and “case studies” from Mason’s own time in this practical workshop. We will also explore tips and ideas for working through weak-willed moments in your child—and in your own heart, too.

 

 Charlotte Mason in the Younger Years- Kelsi Rea

What DO we do with our younger children anyway? At what age do we need to start "doing school"? And if we follow Charlotte Mason, what does that look like?  We will answer these questions and more as we talk about educating our younger children (from birth to age 6!) in a gentle yet productive way that develops curiosity, instills a love of learning, develops good habits and protects the younger years of development.  You'll walk away with a clear plan for what is realistic and encouragement to see it through! 

Hot Rods and Hope Chests: Boys and Girls and History – Michelle Howard

We men and women cannot stop laughing (or crying!) over the differences between us.  Moms, are you considering these same differences when teaching history to your sons? We gals enjoy relating to people of the past, but guys engage best when seeing God’s historic unveiling of the potent truths which have present power and future impact.  This will transform your odyssey through history, igniting current interest and world-changing vision in both your boys and girls!

 

Teaching Science in Middle and High School – Nicole Williams

Charlotte Mason says, “Books dealing with science as with history, say, should be of a literary character.” (A Philosophy of Education, p.218) but does the thought of assigning you child a living book for science make you fearful that you are not preparing them for life or possible university courses? Let us consider how each aspect of a Charlotte Mason science curriculum fits together so that our children not only learn to wonder and admire but also become scientifically literate citizens.

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Handwriting through Transcription – Emily Kiser

In the history of the ADE Podcast, we have never been more surprised at the feedback we received after the copywork episode. This subject seems so straightforward, yet this simple lesson is foundational in the scope of language arts instruction in the Charlotte Mason method. We will focus on learning to visualize the words we are copying–a skill that plays an important role in so many subjects, and will get the chance to practice The New Handwriting that Miss Mason describes at length in Volume 1

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Hot Rods and Hope Chests: Boys and Girls and History – Michelle Howard

We men and women cannot stop laughing (or crying!) over the differences between us.  Moms, are you considering these same differences when teaching history to your sons? We gals enjoy relating to people of the past, but guys engage best when seeing God’s historic unveiling of the potent truths which have present power and future impact.  This will transform your odyssey through history, igniting current interest and world-changing vision in both your boys and girls!

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 WORKSHOP C CHOICES (1:00 -2:00)

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Habit Training: In Principle and Practice – Kelsi Rea

Charlotte Mason saw no separation between the spiritual and educational life of children, meaning that their ability to read and write is NOT the end goal of homeschooling! Developing good (and consistent!) habits with your children could arguably be the hardest and most ambiguous part of homeschooling, so let's break it down! This workshop will talk about the core principles of habit training, what kind of habits we seek to develop at each stage of a child's life, how to reenforce and develop those habits, working with "strong willed" and "weak willed" children, and long-term habit maintenance not just because "mom said" but because habits produce peace for the child, the parents and the home. 

 

Charlotte Mason History for the 21st Century Student – Emily Kiser

Charlotte Mason said, “History is the pivot upon which our curriculum turns.” In this session we will look closely at how Mason structured the history studies in the PNEU: how much time she covered every year; the multiple streams, or layers, of history studied simultaneously; and the interconnectedness of certain subjects that are linked with history study. Through it all we will be looking at our specific place in time asking ourselves if these principles Mason gave us are still relevant for Americans today–we think you’ll agree that these ideas may even be more relevant for 21st Century students than they were in the PNEU 100 years ago.

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High School: The Grand Finale – Michelle Howard

Would you leave the July 4th fireworks before the Grand Finale?  And, why is the Finale the best part?  Because at the ending, the fireworks come not in a slow, methodical order, but in a burst of multiple zest, power, and impact!  That’s exactly what happens in high school, when all the earlier threads come together in a dazzling, stirring, and memorable display of greatness.  Your earlier work of teaching decimals and prepositions all leads to the Grand Finale when the greatest truths can finally be grasped rapid-fire by your maturing kids, eager to understand the world they are about to inherit.

 

On the Road with Pilgrim – Liz Cottrill

Spend an hour with the literature selection Miss Mason never omitted in form I as we travel with Christian together and experience a lesson in Pilgrim’s Progress. 

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Knitting Demonstration – Stephanie Acker

Handicrafts are lovely because they afford us the opportunity to slowly and carefully learn a craft that can benefit, not just oneself, but others as well. Have you been wanting to learn to knit for yourself, or so you can feel comfortable teaching your children? Bring your favorite beverage, get comfortable, and let’s begin to learn to knit together. We will be discussing ways to incorporate this handicraft into your school year, as well as practical resources for knitting, including book suggestions, tutorials, and where to find patterns. We will all be knitting together during the demo, so be on the lookout for a supply list prior to the conference. 

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WORKSHOP D CHOICES (2:15-3:15)

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Finding Joy in Motherhood – Jessica Becker

Finding joy in motherhood is one of the most-searched-for topics on the internet. With over 12 million search engine results and 400 titles on the topic on Amazon alone, we clearly have a joy problem in our ranks. But how can we enjoy motherhood when it also comes with some very hard, painful, and downright frustrating circumstances day in and day out? Is joy even possible? Or is it just some elusive goal we all strive after yet never seem to be able to reach? This session explores some of the joy-blockers in our lives as moms and practical ways we can reconnect with our children and find joy in the unlikeliest of places.

 

A Short Synopsis of CM’s Philosophy (a.k.a The 20 Principles)- Nicole Williams

In the preface of Charlotte Mason’s books on education, you will find a Short Synopsis” of her philosophy. When speaking of the first point therein, Charlotte Mason said, “‘Children are born persons,’ is the first article of the educational credo in question.” (6/29) A credo or creed is a statement of the beliefs or aims which guide someone’s actions. Many religious traditions have creeds — a statement of their religious beliefs. Knowing the goal or the big picture helps us understand how to live rightly and make the small decisions that carry us through life. Charlotte Mason’s short synopsis is our educational creed, one that clarifies our beliefs and aims and guides our actions.

From toddlerhood to the day of graduation, it provides principles for understanding who the child is, what our role is in raising and teaching him, and what responsibilities we each have. In some cases, it provides direction for where to begin, such as that we must secure the child’s attention, cultivate obedience, and offer a broad feast. In other cases, it presents a boundary, reminding us where we must not tread, such as not overstepping our authority, or allowing a second reading, or wearying the child through questioning, summarizing, and the like. But always, it gives room for personality and individualism.

Join me as we take a closer look at Charlotte Mason’s short synopsis. At the very least, you will learn whether a CM education is right for you and if so, you will understand what it means to adopt her educational credo for your own family.

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Images of Delight: Drawing in Principle and Practice – Emily Kiser

Drawing is an important aspect of the Charlotte Mason curriculum. However, this subject is often relegated to nature journal entries and mothers are uncertain how to cultivate this skill which develops students’ powers of observation and expression. Not surprisingly, Miss Mason had a practical and delightful way of drawing out these powers in children. In this workshop we will be looking at how drawing fits into the curriculum, indeed is interwoven through all the subjects, and helps support and equip the students’ other studies, benefiting the whole person. We will also be exploring practical ways to teach drawing (and brush-drawing) to students of all Forms.

 

Spelling Mason’s Way- Liz Cottrill

This hour with form I and II lessons will give first-hand experience in how the art of spelling was introduced and progressed through forms I and II

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