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What to Expect from Seminars

For many Christian Home Educators, the annual state-wide seminar of their support group is the highlight of the year. Others feel that they can take it or leave it. Some come with high hopes, only some of which are realised: others find that they have gained much more than they could ever have hoped for.

In order to come home the richer for your day at a seminar, you will need to balance your many needs and make progress toward your goals. This is most easily done if you actually know what your needs are. Surprisingly, many of us put up with a vague feeling of dissatisfaction without ever squarely facing the frustration, deciding what is needed, and setting about solving the problem. The next step would be working out where the need could best be met - at a support group meeting, gradually over time, by asking an experienced Christian, at a seminar, or only from God Himself.

So, which of our needs can reasonably be expected to be met at an annual conference? And what of our other needs - how can they be satisfied?

Speakers

The most obvious part of the seminar is the speakers and their topics. Usually a range of subjects will be addressed, with some being suited to new home-educating families, others to veterans; some for parents of older students, others for parents with young children. Often it will be quite difficult to choose between electives.

You may think that the most useful type of seminar session is a highly practical one - that is, something you could immediately take home and teach your children. It might be some learning that you yourself somehow missed out on at school, like grammar rules, phonics training, or mathematical skills, or it may be some ideas for enhancing the children's studies, like science experiments, craft skills, sports ideas, maths games, or internet sites to check. These sessions are always popular and often helpful, and so comprise an important part of many seminars.

However, think about this. What if the particular science experiments demonstrated are ones you've already done? Or the art ideas are just not the sort you could see yourself pursuing? What if the explanation of the grammar rules was too fast for you too follow, or so slow you found it tedious? Practical sessions may be limited in potential, according to unforeseeable differences in the listeners' previous experiences and/or the presenter's approach. Also, how hard would it have been for you to find the exact information YOU wanted at a library, from a friend, or on the internet? Probably a lot less time than it took the speaker to prepare their demonstration. Because we all have different needs in practical areas, the benefit of such sessions tends to be short-term.

Of lasting value, though, are FOUNDATIONAL talks. These are sessions where we are challenged to re-direct our gaze from the nitty-gritty close at hand to the true reason for our labours. We are inspired to see the value of the various sub-tasks of family life in terms of the overall task. We catch sight of our goals again, and in their light see that this or that exercise may be unimportant, while a particular little frustration actually represents the gist of what we're trying to achieve and needs more serious attention. We see that some of what we've been pushing was motivated by pride. We learn again what it means, today in our small corner, to build on sure foundations. In short, despite vast differences between listeners in overt things, all can replenish themselves to pursue goals with greater purpose after these sessions that some might call "less practical."

This of course assumes that the speaker is of like mind spiritually with you. If your ultimate goal is Godly offspring, will you be helped toward that goal by a speaker who thinks man is the measure of all things, or that there is no after-life, or that human achievement is the ultimate, yet man is no different tothe animals? If you want to be led forwards, don't allow yourself to be pushed along by the crowd coming towards you. Only those glorifying the Lord will help you find firm footing on His path.

A related principle when analyzing possible sessions, is distinguishing subjects (knowledge) from methods (skills). Usually knowledge is easy to find, or already known, but methods of teaching and learning need to be taught. Principles like using short lessons, watching the child's eyes for the dawn of understanding, (or rebellion, or fatigue, or confusion), alternating difficult academic tasks with physical tasks (but not leisure activities until all tasks are done), never doing for the child what he can do for himself, rewarding good attitudes, not just good behaviour, and so many more - these are things we need to hear again and again. We need to be taught how to teach and be firm yet kind, how to be filled with the fruit of the Spirit whilst guiding our little ones.

Some topics are very important to beginners, but quickly become familiar, and later possibly even irrelevant. These include the legal aspects of starting, phonics, socialization, and descriptions of popular core curriculum. If there is a seminar session especially for beginners, and you've never been to one, you will probably benefit from attending. However, when you have been home educating for a while, you would probably find it boring. Many support groups run regular Introduction to Home Education nights to answer these questions for each family when required, so that other meetings are free to serve the needs of all present, new and experienced. If this was your goal in coming to the seminar, try to get answers to these questions before the seminar. Most can be answered over the phone in about an hour, so chat to someone local. You will benefit more from a seminar if you have pursued these answers previously. Failing that, ask individuals at the seminar, rather than taking up question time in the sessions. They are good and important questions, but would be better handled one-to-one, since they will require detailed application to your own circumstances.

Even better than checking out the offerings and choosing sessions by the principles outlined above, is preparing your own questions. Spend some time when you first hear about the seminar to work out your own Three Toughest Questions. What do you need to know in order to make your life a dream? You could even send them to the speakers beforehand as "Questions With Notice." Ask all the speakers and stall holders your questions and get as many responses and ideas to weigh up and try as you can. Attend sessions related to the themes of your questions. Most good questions have excellent answers (actually, I haven't found one yet that didn't) but sometimes the solutions are so much simpler than we expected that we fail to recognize the gems that they are at first. As you see, the first step toward getting great answers at seminars is to work out the questions - to know your needs.

Curriculum Show

What would be the use of hearing about wonderful ways to teach if you couldn't get materials that used such methods? An important part of a good seminar is the presence of relevant curricular materials. The show should be large enough to give you choices, small enough to avoid overwhelming you, and clear enough so that you can differentiate between the "flavours" of the various approaches.

We have written at length elsewhere about how to get the most from curriculum shows, so we won't repeat all that here, except to say, get and read all the catalogues before the seminar. Then you will have questions ready and your perusal time will be well-directed. You will be able to see what you read about in catalogues, and to meet, and establish a relationship with, the suppliers. Through both talking and viewing, you will gain new ideas for your teaching. You will often learn important things about curriculum choices, for example, that not all great aids look impressive on the outside. There will also be the opportunity to listen to other people's questions and the answers they get (another great way to learn).

Often there will be a second-hand stall where you can pick up a bargain if you know what to look for. Beware, though, of incomplete sets that have gone out of print. If it needs workbooks, check whether they can be obtained before you buy. This is easy at a seminar, as the major suppliers will usually be there. (It's harder, but not impossible, when you buy through a newsletter or at a support meeting.) Incidentally, you can avoid giving someone else that problem in the future by using exercise books, so that you keep sets intact.

As mentioned above, it is our opinion that curriculum shows should not be exhaustive. In many State home education seminars in America now, the shows are so huge that buyers are completely overwhelmed, choose hastily by price or looks alone, and end up disillusioned. Not all shows have Codes of Ethics, so buyers can be bombarded by pushy salesmen. Again we have written at length elsewhere about how to buy encyclopedias and similar "essential" aids. (In brief, visit your library with 2-3 questions and seek answers in all their encyclopedia sets. You will soon work out which suit you best. Then scan op shops and classifieds for secondhand ones. Get more than one set if you can.) Never buy expensive items the first time you see them, as you are unlikely to see enough to choose wisely. Tell the salesman that that is your policy and ignore his special offers. Just collect information and sleep on it.

Rather than including a host of "educational" gadgetry (especially if it is widely available elsewhere), we prefer to see seminars that display specifically relevant (eg Christian) materials. This will include curriculum that is academically and spiritually sound, financially accessible, and self explanatory. It may also include non-curriculum items, for example those addressing all of family life, or even all our Christian walk. It is not possible to teach about home education without addressing home and spiritual issues as well. Although a vast array of such books may be available at Christian bookshops all over Australia, it is hard to know which are best without a recommendation, so we consider these an appropriate part of Christian home education shows. However, computers and software (except Christian software) are best bought from a local computer shop that gives good service, and educational toys from catalogues after weighing up the cost versus usefulness. If it can be bought in your home town, better buy it at leisure, and save seminar space for things not so readily available.

Again you will notice that your personal preparation and forethought will be the difference between a useful time and frustration. Seminar organisers will help as much as they can by limiting who they invite to shows, but there is no substitute for applying yourself wisely and intelligently.

Fellowship

The third important aspect of a good seminar is fellowship with like-minded people from near and far. New starters are of course eager to meet others pursuing similar goals, to see they are not alone and to let their children see they are not alone. Even established home educators enjoy meeting other families at seminars, though. Often ongoing networks are begun and built up. Sometimes the core of a support group or regular sports (etc) group is established, and sometimes lasting friendships are built (for both parents and students).

If you have been feeling particularly isolated, try to make links with others at conference. You might find another family with similar aged children, or maybe one with similar interests. Up to a point, do not worry too much about geographical distance. Better a good friend by phone or mail than a near one that you have little in common with. Join any group or special event that you hear about to increase your chances of meeting like-minded families. If there aren't enough organized, offer to run one yourself. Who knows, you may even meet a future daughter- or son-in-law, or a kindred spirit for yourself. Seminars are just one place to find contacts, but one you can plan into your year and really benefit from.

In order to maximize your fellowship time, bring your lunch from home (rather than needing to rush out to buy some during lunchtime) and join with another family to share it with. Get to know the other family over your meal and arrange to meet again some time. Deeper level heart-to-heart sharing is not always easy at a seminar - for that you need uninterrupted time. Try to establish friendships, get contact details, and follow up later.

Many people ask whether they should bring their children along to seminars. As a general rule, it is very difficult to allow parents in-depth learning time whilst the children also have quality organised activities, as approved by the parents. It is usually better to separate the two. If the particular seminar you have in mind does not advertise a children's program (and this is often because the majority of home educators feel that "herding" children is undesireable), the answer will depend on what your family is used to. Children who are accustomed to attending meetings and either listening or quietly amusing themselves are most welcome. Keep them near you and let them participate whenever possible. However, if you feel that it is unreasonable to expect them to sit still for so long, it would be better to seek alternatives. You will concentrate better, and they will enjoy a normal active day with family or friends. Your choice will reflect your overall philosophy of education and life.

This leads to another major benefit of conferences. You get to see the fruits of other people's labours! Quite often there will be whole families present and you will see how they interact, how the young people are turning out, how other families handle difficulties. One of the most convincing arguments for home education has often been seeing pleasant, friendly "teenagers" such as you thought didn't exist any more. Seeing young people caring about their younger siblings and their parents is so refreshing! And it's not so unusual when those young people have been home educated for a few years. Peer dependancy just isn't an issue any more, and they are free to be themselves.

With so many benefits to hope for from a seminar, your day is going to be frantic unless you set some realistic goals. We do hope that this article helps you to do just that, and to come home satisfied yet challenged.

May The Lord bless you as you seek after godliness in all you do!

Magazines

And, if you feel you'd like more challenge, and also more fellowship, and practical ideas, inspiration, discussion, everything, - a magazine subscription or two may be your best investment yet. The following annotated list may not be exhaustive, but should get anyone started! Details correct to the best of our knowledge, but do check with the publishers. Sorry that we have not yet had a chance to check all the magzines ourselves and sometimes don't even know subscription details.

Most of these publishers are happy to send out a free sample; however don't presume on their generosity. Where subscriptions are free, a contribution towards expenses would be polite. If you can't find exactly what you want from within Australia, try some of the international ones. The easiest and cheapest way to buy from overseas is by credit card. (Even if you don't have one yourself, a relative may agree to let you use theirs. The alternative is to buy an overseas draft from a bank or Australia Post.) Not all magazines with an Australian address are published in Australia.

The Teaching Home

This international magazine for Christian home educators has been going for about 21 years, having started as a local support group broadsheet. It is now a large and very professional publication with a huge readership. Each issue has a major feature theme, containing scores of articles by respected veteran writers as well as by ordinary parents who felt they had something to say on the topic. Also, there are regular columns for fathers, for senior students, from legal defence, from educational research, from readers, about teaching tips, about computers, about church, about support groups, about new products and services, and more. There is always a feature family with cover photo and personal story. One of the great thinge TTH does is to offer a free subscription to support groups who send their newsletter to TTH, with the understanding that TTH can quote it free. That way you can get a great basic library for your support group very simply.

Subs $US30 per year (approx $A60 or more, credit cards accepted) for 6 issues, each about 64 pp, to The Teaching Home, P O Box 20219, Portland OR 97294-9965, USA.

Keystone Magazine

Another international magazine for Christian home educators but this time with a New Zealand flavour. Different regular columns - book reviews, Bible studies, learning diabilities, home schoolers did it, bits of books, creation, tough questions -- and some the same - feature family, letters, research, teaching tips and news of various sorts. Local insert also available.

Subs $28 per year, (6 issues, each 28 pp) to Home Education Foundation, P O Box 9064, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Homeschool Digest

You know what Readers' Digest is like. It prints a precis of a variety of articles, some from famous writers, some on pertinent topics, and altogether makes an interesting (if too brief) read. Home School Digest similarly collects articles of relevance to home educators. Some are by famous authors from different sectors of the Christian community. Others are great topics but lesser known writers. The difference is that entire articles are presented, not just a precis (summary). This is a great way to get, not only regular challenges and new things to think about, but also a chance to sample the writings of a wider variety of authors than you are currently familiar with. A journal for serious continuing home educators, with few illustrations and no gimmicks. Even advertisements are separated off in their own section, not sprinkled throughout.

Subs $35 per year (4 issues, each 100 pp) to G & B McCallum, P O Box 131, Orroroo SA 5431.

FHC News

Families Honouring Christ is a Melbourne-based support group offering information, encouragement and fellowship to Christian parents training their children at home. FHC News is basically the newsletter of that local support group, but with readers and contributors from all around Australia. As well as local events and small groups, features include a major article each time on a pertinent topic, letters, news from related organizations, legal news and what the newspapers are saying, family fun, and a classified advertisement section for buying and selling second-hand curriculum. All is from an unapologetically Christian and home-based viewpoint.

Subs $12 per year for 8 - 10 issues, each 8 - 16 pp to FHC, P O Box 310 Mt Waverley, Vic, 3149.

Light of Life

The subscription-free magazine of Light Educational Ministries, which is a faith ministry working to spread the vision and and concepts of Christian education. Light of Life gives news of curriculum developments and training programs, explores the meaning of Christan education, promotes healthy living, and has a variety of articles on various aspects of education.

Subs free but donations encouraged for 4 issues per year, approx 24 pp from Light Educational Ministries, P O Box 3284 Belconnen MDC, ACT 2617

Stepping Stones For Home Educators ("SSHED")

Newsletter dedicated to exploring concepts and practices that increase the wellbeing of individuals, communities and the planet. Not Christian and really does explore all sorts of possibilities.

Subs $24 per year for 4 issues each 36 pp to Editor, P O Box 581, Atherton, Qld 4883.

Creation (Ex Nihilo)

Full colour glossy professional magazine for the education of all ages. Many school subjects are covered - biology, geography, history, general science, astronomy, biography and much more. All articles are well researched and carefully explained so that they form a coherent argument - for believing in Genesis and the whole Bible. Very readable and interesting. You will learn so much about nature, but mainly you will learn to reconcile the academic and the spiritual sides of your brain so that it is no longer a case of science versus religion, but of good science versus bad science. Children love this magazine too and learn lots of good science voluntarily. Older ones learn logic and refuting poor arguments without realizing it. They also see examples of well-written essays properly argued and footnoted. The best thing we like about Creation magazine is that we are constantly seeing again that God's Word can be relied upon.

Subs $25 per year for 4 issues, each 56 pp to Answers In Genesis, P O Box 6302 Acacia Ridge DC, Qld 4110.

Patriarch

Bimonthly US magazine which aims to equip men to be Godly leaders in family, Church and society. It operates in the USA as a faith ministry, but by subscriptions elsewhere. Strong emphasis on home, with significant meaty articles on Godly Manhood, Rebuilding the Family, Biblical View of Life, Church (house-church oriented, but focusing on restoring strong eldership to the Church generally), home business and political engagement. The web site at www.patriarch.com has more details and sample materials. Written from a "Covenantal Patriarchy" perspective (eg. one issue includes a sample Covenant of Betrothal). You may not agree with the editor but you will certainly think about what he's written!

Subs $A50 per annum to Patriarch Magazine c/- Above Rubies, P O Box 971 Slacks Creek, Qld 4127.

Above Rubies

A delightful international colour magazine for strengthening families across the world, written with particular emphasis on honouring Godly womanhood (Prov 31). Articles on practical and spiritual issues, testimonies, letters, and lots of encouragement to do what matters most in the long run (eternity). The testimonies help you see how others do it and the practical suggestions give you things to try immediately, but mainly you will be encouraged and inspired to enjoy the blessings of family.

Subs FREE to Above Rubies, P O Box 971 Slacks Creek, Qld 4127.

Although subscription is free, we suggest you send a donation each year, and maybe a short testimony or article as well. Often the editress has another issue ready to print as soon as money comes in. Your donation may be just what is needed.

Encouraging Word

A magazine for women on homemaking and a home-based lifestyle including home education, home birthing, home businesses, hospitality and discipleship, and all the do-it-yourself skills now referred to as homesteading, like growing fruit and vegetables, keeping hens, making bread, weaving, knitting, sewing, preserving food and all the rest.

Subs $30 per year (4 issues, each 50 pp) to G & B McCallum, P O Box 131, Orroroo SA 5431.

A Word in Season

A monthly letter of encouragement for wives and mothers.

Subs $10 per year for 12 (?) issues, to Mrs Hope Brock, M/S 23, Rosevale vie Rosewood, Qld 4640.

Endeavour Forum

This is a specialist group, ably led by Mrs Babette Francis and her QC husband Bill, with a national network and international affiliations. Originally called "Women Who Want to be Women" it focuses on tackling the feminist agenda (the anti-family, anti-men, anti-life and pro-choice brigade sometimes known as the "feminazis"). They operate at a very public level, working with politicians and the media, attending meetings of UN bodies, promoting public activities, inviting prominent pro-family and pro-life speakers to Australia. The quarterly newsletter publishes well-researched articles, book reviews and reports, plus analyses of feminist and international efforts which aim to undermine the family. Some of its leadership is Catholic-based but if you believe God is leading you into similar advocacy ministry, you can check their web site at www.endeavourforum.org.au and subscribe for $A10 per annum to Endeavour Forum Inc., 79 Church Street, Beaumaris, Vic 3193.

Keepers at Home

Christian magazine to encourage women in their high calling as wives, mothers and home-makers.. Written by editress and subscribers and includes articles, letters, poems, scriptures, and testimonies, usually on a theme per issue, eg childbirth, loving husbands, nurturing children, modesty, home education.

Subs unknown. Enquiries Mrs D McAlister, PO Box 2207, Griffith NSW 2680

New Beginnings

A family produced magazine to encourage families in their high calling. Written for and to all members of the family, and relying heavily on reader contributions. Heaps of good articles and studies - quite jam-packed.

Subs $20 per year for 6 issues each 70 pp! to New Beginnings, c/- Mortensens, M/S 299, South Bucca Rd, Bundaberg, Qld 4670.

Salt Shakers

A small evangelical/Protestant Christian ethics journal for those who not only wish to stay informed, but also want to do something to make a difference. Be aware of what's happening in Parliament, on the media (newspapers, TV etc), in schools and libraries, and in courts, both within Australia and overseas, and join with others to help. Be warned- if you read it, you will be changed!

Subs $30 per year for 10 issues of 20pp each to Salt Shakers, Peter and Jenny Stokes, P O Box 489, Blackburn, Vic 3130.

Focus on The Family

Pro-family magazine and mail order resource list (good books and aids, good prices) to promote family life in Australia, though not necessarily home education. They have just launched a website at http://www.fofa.com.au or write to PO Box 5210, Clayton Vic 3168.

Little Arrows

A reader-written newsletter produced by and for home educated children of all ages. Usually includes a combination of puzzles, recipes, garden notes, essays, stories, book reviews, artwork, letters, etc.

Subs $7 per year for four issues each 8 - 12 pp, to Little Arrows, Gemma Freeman, 5 Summer Place Mooroolbark 3138.

Sisters

A homeproduced magazine for homeschooled girls, to encourage them to pursue what is good, honourable, lovely etc. Articles include book reviews, craft, recipes, gardening, jokes, Little Sisters' column, and longer articles on various deeper topics. This magazine is reader-written, that is, original contributions come from the editress and her family, readers and their mothers and grandmothers.

Subs = 8 X 49c stamps per year for four issues each 16 pp. Send stamps and contributions to Sisters, c/o Miss A Peffer, "Vale Head," Molong NSW 2866.

Encouragers

A home produced Christian magazine written to help teenage girls towards becoming keepers at home, that is, home-based wives and mothers who are beacons of stregth and courage in the home for their husbands, children and the community. Articles reflect this goal.

Subs was $15 per year, but is now free. Request from Hannah Bath, Box Hill, Dingers Lane, Duramana, NSW 2795.

Whatsoever

A home-produced magazine for older girls still at home with their parents , to encourage them to pursue what is good, honourable, lovely etc. Major pieces are by the editress and readers are not pressured to contribute, though letters and items are welcome. Articles include book reviews, edifying epistles, music, craft, recipes, family anecdotes, Bible studies, and longer articles on various deeper topics.

Subs $12 per year for 4 issues each approx 24 pages, to Whatsoever Magazine, The Old Schoolhouse, 4183 New England Hwy, Whittingham, NSW 2330.

Christian homeschool resourses online

On our Links page you will find a range of web sites to get you going, but you can search for more in search engines such as Alta Vista, Google, Anzwers, Web Wombat and so on. Search engines work best with specific terms eg "Charlotte Mason" rather than say "unit study." Also use your search engines to email lists on yahoogroups.com (at least three Australian and many more international or US-based) and at homeschool@list.to you will find another Australian one.

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