1. Catherine Baier
Homeschool Conference and Workshop Topics
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Speaker Bio: Catherine Baier and her husband, Kevin, are blessed
with six children and have home educated them since 2003. Before
children, Cathie developed curricula and taught classes for adults
around the world on a variety of topics in the computer industry at
the corporate and post-secondary level. She loves to develop
curricula, teach homeschool co-op classes and organize book clubs for
her kids.
Homeschool Conference Topics
The following topics are approximately 45-60 minutes in length.
Learning Disabilities or Learning Differences?
If you have a struggling learner, you may be asking yourself, “Is this a learning
disability?” Many children go undiagnosed and some may just learn differently.
Learn how to tell the difference and some suggestions on how to teach your child
that learns differently. The speaker has ADD and Dyslexia as well as several
children she’s homeschooled with learning differences. Learn ways to help your
kids understand their learning differences and what that will mean for them as
college students and adults.
The Visual-Spatial Learner: Underdog of the Education World
Do you know a child that is smart, maybe even brilliant, but wonder why they can’t
read, write, or spell well, or why they aren’t better listeners? Like Albert Einstein
and Thomas Edison, they may be a Visual-Spatial Learner (VSL). We will identify
characteristics of VSLs along with how special “exceptions” make these children a
little more exciting to teach. We will talk about teaching and parenting techniques
for this Upside-Down Brilliant* child. *This talk is based on the book Upside-Down
Brilliance: The Visual-Spatial Learner by Linda Kreger Silverman, Ph. D. as well as
Cathie’s experience growing up as a VSL and teaching six VSLs at home.
Socrates Meets Homeschool Mom
If Socrates could teach you one thing, it would be to use the Socratic Method for
literary analysis. This presentation addresses the fundamentals of literary
interpretation from within the accessible world of children’s literature, so even
young students can easily identify the language of literary analysis. As they mature
they will readily spot these fundamentals in more difficult works, enriching both
their understanding of the literature and their appreciation for the author’s
handiwork. Learn the aspects of literary analysis and how to help kids appreciate
and find the meaning in all the great books they read. Participants will also learn

2. Catherine Baier
Homeschool Conference and Workshop Topics
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about other resources designed to help them develop the questions for their
Socratic discussions.
How to Get Your Kids to See the Light (or Feel it or Hear it)
Feel like you aren't getting through to your child? Perhaps they learn differently
than you teach. Learning and teaching different modalities requires different tactics.
Learn how to determine which modality your child uses and find ways to present
material so that it sticks the first time, especially if it is different than your own
learning modality. Participants will receive a handout that outlines various
modalities and best methods for reaching and teaching each one.
This Old Schoolhouse
The school marms and school masters of yesteryear taught several children at
different levels and formed many of our favorite American heroes. What was the
secret to their success? Take a trip back in time to learn how those school marms
ran their one room schools and get some tips on making your school days more
successful. Examples will be provided from actual pre-1930's one room school
records, teaching manuals and student textbooks. Participants will learn about
schedules, curriculum, discipline, independence, character development and
motivation for the one room school in your home.
Beginning Homeschooling - Beyond the Basics
Are you new to homeschooling? Where do you start? How do you ensure an
excellent (not just adequate) homeschooling experience, especially in that
important first year? This practical how-to session will help you determine the
appropriate first steps on your homeschooling adventure. We'll talk about picking a
curriculum, scheduling and strategies for developing an independent child as well as
strengthening your family and social relationships.
The Motivation Myth
What do sticker charts, time-outs and spelling bees have in common? They are
examples of “Carrots and Sticks.” Over the last 40 years, study after study has
shown that "Carrots and Sticks" don't work for long term motivation, especially
when thought is required in the process. How are you motivating and inspiring your
kids to study, do chores and reach goals? Learn about what truly motivates kids,
how to mentor them and help them become successful in their endeavors. Come
see the myths dispelled, and the truths revealed about human motivation and
mindset. And here’s a hint. It’s you, not them.

3. Catherine Baier
Homeschool Conference and Workshop Topics
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The 10 Habits of Happy Homeschool Mothers
As moms, we're called to a deeper purpose. However, many moms undervalue
themselves, fall prey to competition and fail to take time with God. They aren't
happy and live in fear of not being "good enough." Meg Meeker, Catholic writer and
pediatrician provides ways to become a happier mom in her book The 10 Habits of
Happy Mothers. Dr. Meeker wrote the book for all moms. Looking at data collected
from interviews with happy homeschool moms, those habits will be addressed with
the homeschooling mother in mind. Tips to make this habits stick will be included.
Reading the book is not a prerequisite.
iPads, Kindles and Laptops! Oh My!!
Does technology scare you or fascinate you? Do you own a device but are not quite
sure how to best utilize it in the homeschool? Are you considering buying a device,
but are unsure what to get? Should you buy used or new? Learn more about mobile
devices, their best applications and how to use them - AND keep your kids safe
while doing it! Several devices will be demonstrated, including good parenting
techniques for safe computing. Many apps will be demonstrated and participants
will go home with a technology checklist that shows which devices are ideal for
different homeschool topics, subjects and activities.
Got Game? Bet Your Kids Wish You Did Using EASY, Almost No-Fuss Games
to Help Keep Learning Fun
Kids love games and so much is gained by playing them: learning to taking turns,
good sportsmanship, patience and development of relationships. By using games,
we can tailor to the needs of the child - not just academically, but socially, too.
Come join in the fun yourself and learn how easy it is to put together games for
your children—and you don't have to be creative to do it, either! Besides learning
how, you will walk away with instructions, tips and resources to make your own
games at home.
The Temperament God Gave You
Doesn’t it drive you crazy when people don’t act the way you think they should?
More like you? Using the book The Temperament God Gave You by Art and Laraine
Bennett, Cathie will talk you through how the temperament God gave you colors
your world and the way you interact with it. See how it affects your marriage,
parenting, participation at church, and other social interactions. Unlock the secret
of your personality and learn how to be a better spouse, parent, friend, and
Christian!

4. Catherine Baier
Homeschool Conference and Workshop Topics
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Homeschool Workshop Topics
The following topics are 2-4 hour Workshops:
Socrates Meets Homeschool Mom - Workshop Edition
If Socrates could teach you one thing, it would be to use his method (the Socratic
Method) for literary analysis. This presentation addresses the fundamentals of
literary interpretation from within the accessible world of children’s literature, so
even young students can easily identify the language of literary analysis. As they
mature they will readily spot these fundamentals in more difficult works, enriching
both their understanding of the literature and their appreciation for the author’s
handiwork. Learn the aspects of literary analysis and how to help kids appreciate
and find the meaning in all the great books they read. Participants will also learn
about other resources designed to help them develop the questions for their
Socratic discussions. One children's book will be used as an example and a simple
poem analyzed to demonstrate how parents can easily bring literature alive for their
children. Participants will receive a workbook to take home with resources,
questions and plans for implementing this process in their homeschool.
The 10 Habits of Happy Homeschool Mothers - Workshop Edition
As moms, we're called to a deeper purpose. However, many moms undervalue
themselves, fall prey to competition and fail to take time with God. They aren't
happy and live in fear of not being "good enough." Meg Meeker, Catholic writer and
pediatrician provides ways to become a happier mom in her book The 10 Habits of
Happy Mothers. Dr. Meeker wrote the book for all moms. Looking at data collected
from interviews with happy homeschool moms, those habits will be addressed with
the homeschooling mother in mind. Tips to make this habits stick will be included.
Reading the book is not a prerequisite! After discussing each habit, participants will
work on their Happiness Toolkit, a workbook designed to make those habits stick.
There is a $3 per participant charge for the workbook.