Speaker Slate

*, HCOS Worship Team

HCOS teachers and staff team up to glorify God with their musical talents and help put BC CHEC attendees in a worshipful frame of mind.

BC CHEC Topics:

• Opening WorshipA group of HCOS staff  members pool their musical talents to lead us in a short opening session of worship music.  You will not regret coming a bit early to settle in, quiet your heart and prepare for what the Lord has in store for you!!

*, Vendor

Various vendors offer workshops to explain and promote their particular products.

BC CHEC Topics:

• Teaching children to read and write

  Ann Box of Jollyworks

• VW-Why History Matters.

  WHY HISTORY MATTERS AND WHY CHRISTIAN HISTORY MATTERS IN PARTICULAR
  From an essay by Ted Byfield, General Editor of The Christians: Their First Two Thousand Years, a 12-volume series from Pentecost to the Present.
  Overview:
  Section A:  30 min power point presentation from the material in this essay showing the role that the educator and philosopher John Dewey played in the social and cultural revolution of America in the 20th Century.
  10 minutes for questions and discussion
  Section B:   10 min introduction of  PART 1 of the Christian History Curriculum being developed for home school students using the first 3 volumes of the 12-volume Christian History Series.
  10 min wrap-up
  

• VW-Math: Kindergarten to College

  Teach your child how to think mathematically from pre-school to college. Hear how RightStart™ lays an amazing foundation with the basics, building and applying knowledge, step-by-step. The middle school curriculum shows the student where and how to apply mathematics. Then finish strong with VideoText’s high school algebra and geometry curriculum. Standardized testing and the new Common Core standards will also be discussed.

• Shopping BlockAttendees are encouraged to take time to visit both Exhibition Halls.
• How Your Behaviour Impacts Your LearnersWe are often unaware of how our behavioural style impacts our children in our home school.  We unconsciously direct the learning environment in the way that satisfies us personally.  In this workshop you will learn to identify not only your own style but your children's as well and help you create a learning environment in which your children can thrive.
• VW- Boys Can SO Write!

Bennett, Sarah

Sarah has four children - ages 7 to 17 - and has been homeschooling for thirteen years.  She has been active in the homeschool community in a professional capacity as a Home Learning Consultant for Heritage Christian Online School and as the co-founder of the BC Christian Home Educator's Convention.  She stepped away from her professional pursuits this year in order to spend more time driving here, there, and everywhere and occasionally cook her husband dinner. 

BC CHEC Topics:

• Homeschool 101

  Join Sarah as she helps you make sense of this thing called homeschooling. Find out the difference between registration and enrolment, learn what questions to ask when looking at schools of registration and enrolment, dispel the common myths about homeschooling, get an overview of different approaches to learning at home, and discover how to begin to organize your time and space. 
  

Bitgood, Greg

Greg Bitgood became involved with Christian Education in 1987 as a director of Heritage Christian School and in 1997 was appointed Superintendent. In the same year, Greg and his wife, Christine, founded Heritage Christian Preschool. In 2004, Greg started Heritage Christian Online School, a British Columbia accredited distance learning program for students K to 12. It is now Canada’s largest Christian Online School and is having a world-wide impact. Greg is a director for the Western Canadian division of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Greg continues to serve as the Pastor of Christian Education for Kelowna Christian Center where he has served in ministry since 1986. He has authored papers and articles, and several books. His latest book, “Discipling this Generation for a Digital World” can be purchased at www.ChristianThinker.org. Greg lives in Kelowna, British Columbia with his wife of 25 years. They have four grown children who are all strong in their faith and pursuing God’s plan for their lives.

BC CHEC Topics:

• Discipleship Principles for the Family.

   This is a very close look at our families tools that gave direction to how we disciple our children into the faith and their life callings. We use anecdotal examples directly from all of the Bitgood children as they comment on our Family Charter. The Bitgood Family Charter became the guiding document to both myself and my wife as well as our children through their growth into adulthood. All of our children have a strong faith and the Lord’s clear direction for their Life’s purpose for their families, their vocations and their Christian experience. 
  

Box, Ann

Since the mid-1970’s Ann Box has cared for and taught children from birth to 8 years of age. She is an enthusiastic proponent of the explicit, systematic phonics process to teach children to read and write. Ann’s success with the process is impressive with many of her students representing ESL and special needs challenges.

BC CHEC Topics:

• Phonics: Teaching children to read and write

  A modern phonics program offers a systematic and explicit process to facilitate children learning letter-sounds relationships. It also encourages letter formation, the blending of sounds - for reading and identifying sounds in words - for writing.
  The key to success with this process includes a fast pace of learning and a multi-sensory approach. Ann explores the `how and why' of such programs. She has had particular success with Jolly Phonics and she uses this program's resources to illustrate the process.

Coulombe, Louis

Louis and Nicole, his wife of 16 years, and have been homeschooling their 5 children from the start. Having worked, taught and studied in 5 different countries, he believes in the vital importance of home education. Parents are the first (and most important) educators of their children.

Drawing on over 32 years in business and education, degrees in Psy/Soc and Education, post-graduate work in OD from Maine, and Marriage and Family Studies in Melbourne, his life mission is to help foster effective relationships from the home to the workplace. As Director for ASCEND online he has made a commitment to helping build strong, Christ centered families.

BC CHEC Topics:

• The Role of Dads in Home Education

  The Father's role in family and individual development has been well researched in the last two decades.  This is a quick look at the "Power Principle" fathers contribute to the family, especially those choosing home-learning.  We look at the 3 most common ways we as fathers can fail and the 3 ways we assure our role will produce amazing results that will be honored and blessed by God.

Daley, Joshua

I am excited to be working as a hybrid teacher and consultant with Special Education and Learning Services Grad.  I completed 6 years of education at Trinity Western University, Completing a BA and BSc in History, Biology, Psychology and Human Kinetics.  I upgraded a number of specialized education courses at UBC and completed my PPTEM BEd at Simon Fraser University with a concentration in Special Education.  I have recently worked towards completing a Masters in Counseling Psychology at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, and am completing my coursework through Simon Fraser University at present.  My experience in education, though relatively short, has been extensive and broad.  I have worked with the Surrey School District in creating a program for Intellectually disabled students and students with behavioral issues and criminal pasts.  I also worked for a number of years as a Special Education Assistant with the Vancouver School Board, and my passion – clearly, is “Grey Area Students”, students who do not fit the box.

I feel that my call with HCOS is to support and mentor students and families of children with exceptionalities, and I look forward to working across a broad scope of families through HCOS in helping move their children along God’s scripted path for each of their lives, and to partner in the nurturing and development of each individual’s talents – regardless of their struggles, to become more aware of God’s purpose, voice and blessing in their lives.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions about Graduation options, Post Secondary Opportunities and anything dealing with troubleshooting a student's needs and struggles with the often difficult task of graduating.  I look forward to connecting with you!

BC CHEC Topics:

• LS5-Understanding Psychological Assessment

Davies, Pippa

BC CHEC Topics:

• Research Skills 101

  Pippa Davies will share how to teach your students research skills in the age of Google.  She will share how to create an essential question,  evaluate resources online, create a bibliography, and share your presentation in an aesthetically pleasing manner.  Computers are required.

Dean, Cori

Cori Dean is a wife, a mom, a teacher and the proprietress of Maple Tree Publications.  A degree in math and early Christian origins from the University of Toronto doesn’t compare to the education she has received through living with, raising and learning with her four young princesses.  After spending nearly 20 years teaching math Cori now enjoys writing and speaking to homeschoolers and is the author and editor of several Maple Tree publications including, Working Together: Teamwork Starts at Home Base.  When not doing school work or chores she enjoys reading and writing, gardening, scrapbooking, cycling and geocaching.  Cori and her husband Mark live in Bradford , Ontario and are in full-time ministry with The Shop Vehicle Donation Program, a program of Youth for Christ.

 

BC CHEC Topics:

• Enjoying Math?

  Time and again I hear the lament, “Well, I could teach my children almost anything but not MATH!”  For many homeschooling parents math is a scary subject but it doesn’t need to be.  This workshop will explore many ways to make math enjoyable, fun and meaningful.  We will look at ways to take our math teaching beyond our textbooks and workbooks and look at math in different subjects, in real life, in literature, in games and activities and much more!

• The Practical Road to Contentment.Do you ever wonder what is it that you are searching for, what would make you truly happy?  Living in a homeschooling family is a countercultural lifestyle just as being content is a countercultural value nowadays.  In this seminar, we will search out the secret of the true meaning of contentment and how it is that we can practically work towards this ever elusive paradise in a home that is lived in 24/7 and on a limited income.  Looking at our goals and expectations, our priorities, our stuff, our money, our relationships, we will set out on a journey that will prepare us to not only endure the trials of everyday life as a home educating family but to thrive and to be truly content.
  
• Single Income Living in a Double Income Culture.Choosing to homeschool makes your family countercultural for many reasons.  Living by a different economy is one of those reasons.  As homeschoolers, we have to learn to live more on less.  This seminar looks at how it is that we can not only survive on less but thrive on one income.  We will look at ways to save money in our homeschools and how to invest what we do spend wisely.  Cori will also share about ways that their family has turned their home educating efforts into opportunities to earn money for the kids and for small business income that has helped the family’s bottom line by paying for homeschool costs.
  
• Day by Day and Side by Side. Many of us start this journey of homeschooling by simply creating a school in our homes but we soon come to realize that educating our children is so much more than just schooling them.  Schooling may provide a person with much knowledge but a truly educated person must also know why they have learned and must apply it well.  In other words, true education must include knowing God and developing a strong moral character.  We as parents teach this best by role modeling for our children love of God, love of His people and love of learning.  We must also realize however, that as imperfect people who are also still on a journey of learning that sometimes our children learn best by seeing us fail and watching how we deal with our failings.  Home education is a journey for the whole family as we learn day by day and side by side.
  

Despres, Carrie

Hi, I'm Carrie Despres. My husband, Blaine, and I have been blessed with two wonderful children, Chantal-Aimee (7) and Robin (3), who we homeschool. I have also worked in the public and Christian school systems beginning in 1981. Gardening, walking, and reading are things I enjoy but the best is just "hanging out" with my family.

BC CHEC Topics:

• Understanding the New French

   The BC Ministry of Education is in the process of writing a new curriculum for teaching alternative languages in grades 5-12.  This workshop will review the new program and help parents make informed choices about how to best meet the learning outcomes.
  

Effa, Karen

Karen was introduced to homeschooling by a friend when her first child was still a pre-schooler.  The sampling of kindergarten curriculum she discovered to support constructive play launched her on an annual search for the best educational materials.  Now after fifteen years of homeschooling, she still enthusiastically home schools her youngest child and enjoys opportunities to encourage and support other homeschooling parents. Last year, Karen registered as a part-time student to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Education.  She is thoroughly enjoying being a student again and looks forward to the new doors the Lord will open in the future.

BC CHEC Topics:

• The Short Story

  Are you looking for ways to maximize the learning time with your children? Well, look no further. The short story is a marvelous tool for discovering aspects of sociology, psychology and ethics, to name a few. Regardless of grade, this unique literary form is a concentrated and rich educational vehicle. Some of the topics to be covered are: "what gives the short story such a powerful advantage, possible preparation, how to locate resources and what does it actually look like".

Faris, Paul

 Paul is the President of Home School Legal Defence Association of Canada. For the last ten years he has served homeschooling families across Canada through the work of HSLDA in the Courts, the House of Commons, the Senate, provincial legislatures and ministries of education, in the media, and wherever else necessary. He is also a frequent speaker at conferences across Canada. Paul lives in London, Ontario with his wife, Suzanne and his daughters, Abigail, Isabella and Evangeline. Both Paul and Suzanne were homeschooled and are homeschooling their children.

BC CHEC Topics:

• What Does Research Say?

  The results are in. Statistics have shown homeschooling to be one of the most effective forms of education in the world today. How do they do academically and socially? Do they go on to further their education and join their community? Do they get married, have kids, get jobs and make money? Join Paul Faris as he discusses the results of homeschooling research in Canada. Come prepared for some very encouraging statistics and thought provoking analysis.
  

• The Battle for the Child Canadian parents are in a battle for the souls of their children.  We at HSLDA invite you to join us on the front lines of this battle as we seek to protect the right of Canadian parents to direct the upbringing of their children.  Sometimes the only thing standing between us and the future indoctrination of our children, as foreseen in Brave New World, are a few good men and women who simply refuse to surrender the minds of their children.  In this seminar Paul offers insight into where the battle lines are being drawn and what we can expect in the next several years.
  
• Why home educate through High School?

  These are the questions going through most people’s minds as they contemplate the challenge of homeschooling through high school.  As a homeschool graduate who was homeschooled through high school, Paul discusses the various facets of this question. From socialization and sports, to advanced math and post secondary admissions, this session will involve the many questions being asked on this subject as well as some encouragement for those contemplating the challenge of homeschooling teenagers. 

   

Gullason, Nancy

Nancy, a teacher with HCOS, has homeschooled her own children for 10 years.  Nancy also taught in both the Edmonton Public School District and in the Prince Rupert School District for many years.  She understands the joys and struggles of educating children at home.  Encouraging parents and students in their homeschool journey is a passion of Nancy’s.  Nancy became involved in the Fast ForWord program nearly two years ago and has seen firsthand the joy for both parents and students as children build confidence and become stronger learners.  Nancy lives in Northern BC with her husband and three children and together they enjoy hiking, snowboarding, sailing and spending time together as a family.

Hahn, Marilyn

Marilyn - a grandma to three and mother to two sons and their wives -  has been teaching, not for the paycheck but for the sheer passion of it, since 1993.  You do the math!  She has taught both the kids in the bricks-and-mortar classroom and in the home school environment.  By her estimation, over 1500 children have passed through her classrooms, whether they be Grade 4 and junior high in Christian schools throughout Alberta - or in classes and workshops such as French, Writing, cooking, public speaking, photography, creative and critical thinking, art,  whatever! - for home school kids throughout Alberta and British Columbia.

 

In her "free time," she facilitates teaching workshops for parents, writes for magazines and a blog, creates curriculum, and speaks at conferences from Penticton to Montreal.  She also waxes poetic, when the mood hits her.

 

Recently, she took advanced training to be available as an "Inspiration Coach" to help produce more specific and successful victories with parents when it comes to managing the stresses of homeschooling.

 

Her passion - just because most others are afraid to tread where she delights to dance - is teaching boys to write.  Over 500 boys have been dubbed into the Knights of the Writing Order with her sharpened pencils.  She's not afraid of their spit balls, chicken farts, car chases, glinting swords and oozing eyeballs, dragons, aliens, things that burp, and boys with a reluctant I- take-no-prisoners  attitude.  It's all fun!

 

She approaches life with smiles, laughter, and optimism - a regular rose-coloured glasses kind of gal.  And she's come

- here to be with you all to offer some insights to you,

- to glean your experiences and applications from you, and

- to leave here, all of us better for the task at hand - and that's educating our kids.

 

BC CHEC Topics:

• Learning/Teaching Styles & their relationship to Restlessness, Reluctance & Resistance

  Have you wondered why! why! WHY! - after begging, threatening, bribing, praying, asking, and wringing your hands - why your child just won't cooperate and learn?  Why your child just digs their heels even deeper?  Why you just don't understood what they do and the way they do it? Are there walls?  Impasses?  Misunderstandings?  Join us for a workshop designed to provide you with a ton of insight sand tools to understand what goes below the surface of a teaching/learning relationship, and how to make your homeschooling relationship with your child - and perhaps yourself - a more enjoyable and dignifying one.  This workshop is also a GREAT tool to understand your marriage partner and other people in your life as well! Come with a smile; it'll be a hoot, seriously!

Hildebrandt, Bruce

I was born in Didsbury Alberta, on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. My childhood years were divided between exploring my grandparent's farm and enjoying the freedom of living in a small town. As the son of two teachers, learning was something that happened everywhere and all of the time, not just in a classroom. In my teens, my family moved to Grande Prairie where I became skilled at swatting mosquitoes, pounding nails, and riding snowmobiles. After graduating from the Peace River Bible Institute, I completed my Education degree at the University of Alberta, and recently completed my Masters of Education through Gonzaga University.

 Since 1986, I have taught in a remote northern Metis Settlement (Gift Lake), at Strathcona Christian Academy (Sherwood Park, AB), and Kelowna Christian School (Kelowna, BC). I am currently in my second year with HCOS and I LOVE it!! God has blessed me with a beautiful wife, an amazing family, and wonderful friends. I have learned to love the adventure of a life with Jesus. I have had the privilege of helping to plant a church, lead worship, mentor teachers, write and record music, take teams of teens to Africa for short-term missions, speak into the lives of children, climb volcanoes, complete a Masters degree, and hike to stunningly beautiful places where the hand of God cannot be ignored.

 I look forward to having the opportunity to support home educators, and the blessing of learning from talented people who are passionately committed to the growth of their children.

BC CHEC Topics:

• Great iPad Apps for Early EducationThis workshop will look at a number of iPad apps that can be used to enhance and reinforce early reading and numeracy. Emphasis will be on free apps that are available.

Hirsch, Jeremy

 Jeremy has been involved in Christian education for over 16 years, having just joined Heritage Christian Online School this year as a K-9 Support Teacher.   One of his passions is in the area of technology as it relates to Christian education and parenting.  His goal is to bring teachers and parents to the point where they can be proactive in the way that they address technology in our schools and homes in order to adequately guide our children in the 21^st century.

BC CHEC Topics:

• Technology and our Children

  At what age should technology be introduced?  Should children play video games?  Is there anything good about social media?  Jeremy will provide answers to these questions, and participants will find out what parents and educators need to know about the world of technology that our children are growing up in.
  

Holden, Gord

My name is Gord Holden. I am the Immersive Technology Specialist for Heritage Christian Online School. My mandate is to provide students with virtual learning environments that house curriculum that is engaging, contextually authentic, interactive, and communicative, motivating students to move from passive to active learning. For example, they assume the role of a biologist and the responsibility to equip themselves with the available resources and materials to successfully resolve a real problem in the (virtual) field. Another day they may find themselves roaming a national park as a wolf, learning how to survive, and drilling core samples from an approaching NEO as an astronaut. The role-play in these 3D immersive environments provides both autonomy and immediate feedback, the purposeful narrative keeps them engaged, and they experience the opportunity to achieve mastery of the subject material. It also prepares them to emulate this style of presentation for projects and for demonstrating their own learning. Many of our students are now building the virtual environments that others will be learning in. If you share my desire to see education move towards learning that is more experiential rather than simply being text-based, you may well be excited and encouraged by what I have to show you.

 

BC CHEC Topics:

• Knowledge Quest

  Is your grade 4-7 student feeling unchallenged, bored, or disinterested with their schooling? This workshop will introduce you to an educational program where students virtually fly from one authentic challenge to another. What is their goal? To master the 7 social commitments undergirding the Atlantis Remixed virtual learning environment. This values-based approach is consistent with scripture and provides an alternative way in which to address learning outcomes that will have them abandoning their computer games. A Christian world view can be easily integrated into assignments and student feedback can be immediate. The training students receive here leads to incredible project-based learning as well. This is 21st century technology being used as it should be for educational purposes. Come and be amazed.
  

Hunter, Bev

Bev is a gifted healer who has spent the last 30 years working with families, clients, friends and co-workers in the field of Specialized Kinesiology, Masgutova Neruo-sensory-motor Reflex Integration (MNRI) and energy work.  She travels internationally learning, teaching and presenting Educational Kinesiology (Brain Gym courses and information), Touch for Health, Reflex Integration, MNRI and Balance Board work.   For the last 10 years Bev has been a part of the MNRI International Team who work worldwide with challenged individuals and their families. (Challenges include all learning challenges such as; ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Sensory Integration Disorder, etc  as well as medical conditions such as; CP, MS, Autism, Brain Injury, car accidents, birth deficiencies and many others.) Bev’s ability to overcome her personal health challenges has given her great insight to the needs of others and has earned her the respect of her colleagues; Occupational Therapists, Physio-Therapists,  Cranial Sacral Therapists, Physiologists, Psychologists, Specialized Kinesiologists, Immunologists, Massage Therapists  and Health Care workers worldwide.

BC CHEC Topics:

• LS1-Masgutova MethodWhat is this Masgutova Method everyone has been talking about??
  Is your child experiencing “Melt Downs”, Does he or she have “Over or under Reactions to a stimuli”.  It could very well be out of their control.  We have natural survival reflexes that over ride our thinking process when we are challenged, overwhelmed and perceive our surroundings as threatening.  Dr. Svetlana Masgutova, a Russian Developmental and Educational psychologist and the founder of MNRI, Masgutova Neuro-sensory-motor Reflex Integration has found that many of these individual who have difficulty  processing information easily, whether it be sensory, mentally or physically are often held back from Infant and Childhood Reflexes that have not gone through their natural process of integration.  In this short 45 minute talk Beverly Hunter, a Core Specialist of MNRI will explain how the Masgutova Method, can help your child feel Safe in their body and begin learning in an easier and natural way.
  
  

Lauman, Andrew

Andrew is the Managing Director of Gateways Learning where his team offers consulting and learning solutions to a diverse group of schools. Andrew graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelors of Science and had hoped to be a naturopathic doctor. This was a good option, but coming from a family of engineers and innovators, he decided on a career in education and engineering.His previous and notable work has included industrial engineering, ESL teaching, coaching, and tech work.

Andrew has over nine years of business-to-business experience and has developed working relationships with more than twenty international companies. Our learning centre; www.gatewaysinternational.ca, educates more than over 300 to 400 students in any one semester and continues to add new courses to its repertoire. Additionally, Andrew has over ten years of teaching experience, a background that informs and empowers his daily activities.

Andrew has lived in Canada, Korea, and the United States and has traveled and worked internationally throughout Canada, Korea, the United States, Mexico, Thailand, Bermuda, and Japan. Andrew has a beautiful wife and three boys under the age of 5 that he has been blessed with. Andrew has come into contact with many people of diverse nationalities and uses this experience to pioneer the direction of this business. Both he and the staff consultants of GIS draw on their corporate wealth of intercultural experience as they build towards a prosperous future in business.

Specialties:B2B consulting experience with multinationals , recruiting and liasioning with professional in ASIA, educational management and development, excellent sales person, developing curriculum for a variety of schools, fantastic technical knowledge in many arenas, business development and pioneer

BC CHEC Topics:

• How to evangelise and teach on God's justice through technology.

  In the ever increasing world of technology and media, youth and young children are being drawn to video games, violent movies and social media. As parents, educators and church leaders, how do we reach the youth of our nation? This workshop will address the importance of technology, where technology is headed and how we can harness the power of technology to reach these impressionable and influential minds.

   

Levison, Catherine

Catherine Levison, mother of five, began home schooling in the late eighties. Home education had only recently been legalized in her area and she found herself in need both of materials and a philosophy in a relatively new field. Catherine thoroughly researched various educational methods looking for the best possible choice for her five children. Concerned for the quality of education for her family she also needed a method that could keep her interest as she anticipated over twenty years of home schooling before her. English educationalist Charlotte Mason proved to be the answer—her family flourished due to creative and effective techniques such as using poetry, masterpiece artwork, nature sketching combined with consistent attention to the academics.
Catherine committed her life to the Lord in 1982 and her ministries have included leading several women’s Bible studies and prayer groups, serving as an AWANA leader, and as a trainer in evangelism. She also participated in Precept upon Precept Bible studies for eleven years.
Catherine’s family enjoyed home education immensely and soon she answered the need to help others to learn how to happily home educate. Her goal has been to give practical advice while encouraging parents to think for themselves and develop a style that personally suited them.
Catherine currently resides in Seattle , Washington , she was educated in Vancouver , British Columbia and New York City . Catherine’s book titles include, A Charlotte Mason Education—A Home Schooling How-To Manual and More Charlotte Mason Education—A Home Schooling How-To Manual, and, A Literary Education—An Annotated Book List. Her newest book, No One Ever Asked Me That; Conversations on the Afterlife is now available on Amazon.

BC CHEC Topics:

• How Do You Want to be Remembered?

  Someday you WILL be looking back at the years you spent homeschooling and so will your children. How do you want your children to remember these years? How do you want to be remembered? The keynote presentation will focus on how to stay positive, not perfect. Catherine’s thirty-four years of parenting experience will help you to learn how to rely on the Lord’s grace, keep a sense of humor and find new avenues for the support you need. Let’s help your children be glad you homeschool!

• History And Science in the C M Method

  Retention is everything! Stop wasting your time and money—replace those boring workbooks with real life. Learn how to improve your children’s power of observation in an effective, thorough, yet loving way. Find out how to combine well chosen literary books, direct contact, and sketching for the desired result . . . lasting knowledge. Nature notebooks and a homemade book of the centuries will be covered.
   
  

• Language Arts for (Almost) Free

  So many language arts, so little money. As with most things, there is a boring way to teach children, and there is a more interesting way. Charlotte Mason’s techniques bring an end to the tears and complaints for both parent and child while drastically reducing the cost! This workshop covers foreign language, composition, handwriting, literature, poetry, spelling, and dictation.

• To Structure or Not to Structure

  Only YOU know if you need to loosen up or tighten up your home school efforts. Achieve the long, sought after balance between un-schooling and planned academics by implementing Charlotte Mason’s “short lessons.” Replace dawdling with good habits so that everybody has more free time to enjoy life.

   

• An Overview of the C M MethodWant happy children who are thoroughly educated? Tap in to how children naturally learn while you avoid burn out. Go beyond the boring basics and enrich your lives with the humanities. Learn how to use narration—a powerful, effective, and free technique. With this method you can improve your children’s level of observation and knowledge by replacing expensive curriculums with the finest literature, poetry, art, and music. To gain the most benefit from Catherine's workshops we suggest registering for all of them for the whole day!
  
  
• Home Schooling Teens with Confidence.

    Educating older children includes many considerations; college preparation, graduation, and marketable labor skills. Reduce the fear of teaching the higher grade levels through realistic goals. Effective methods combined with a working knowledge of “what to teach” are the keys. Receive the practical advice and encouragement you need to succeed with your junior and senior high students.

   

McLeod, April

Many years ago, I began a journey with my daughters into the world of home-schooling. There are several things in my life I have done that I would not trade anything for the richness of the experience. One of them is the time I had with my daughters while home-schooling them for many years. When that the time came to a close, I realized my passion in life was to continue to teach, so I went back to university. Now, 5 years later, I have the amazing privilege to come back into the world that was home to me for many years. I feel so truly blessed to be able to support home-schooling families to reach their goals. I made a comment to a family in my first few weeks as an HCOS teacher, that while I was a newbie, I felt like an oldie in more ways than one. I am starting a new career in the 2nd half of my life, but I am where I have felt more at home than at any other time in my journey. I am so excited to be a part of students' and families' lives, to bring encouragement, and to celebrate the joy of learning.

BC CHEC Topics:

• LS2- Experiencing Atlantis RemixedThis past year, HCOS Special Education Department engaged in a pilot project using a virtual world called “Atlantis Remixed (ARX).” The goal was to engage and  support students who can find learning challenging due to their particular academic and social challenges.  It has been an amazing journey of highs and lows that is culminating with exciting success stories.  Come and hear how it has impacted other students and see if it might just be a great opportunity for your child to excel in ways they’ve previously experienced struggle and frustration.
  

Miles, Allison

A wife, a mum to two beautiful children, a special education teacher, a homeschool mum and an autism advocator, Allison Miles leads a busy life on Vancouver Island.  Just 1 short year ago, Allison and her husband received the news that their eldest child was officially diagnosed with autism along with a myriad of other labels.  Knowing her son learned differently from other students, she committed to staying home to provide him with both support and challenges to meet his needs. She is now blessed to help other parents and families navigate the murky waters from noticing the initial challenges, to assessments to diagnosis and thereafter!

BC CHEC Topics:

• LS6-Special Education Q & ADo you have a child who has difficulty learning? Has your child recently been diagnosed with a learning disability or been given a label such as ADHD, ASD, SPD etc. Have you ever wondered how the special education program can help support your child?
  Navigating the waters of ongoing learning challenges or a new diagnosis for your child can be both daunting and overwhelming as a parent; especially a homeschool parent.
  The Special Education Q&A workshop is a good starting place for parents who have questions about supporting their child with learning difficulties.  In this session, a facilitator will be leading an interview in a question and answer format, addressing your questions regarding special education.  The panel will include a parent of a special needs child, a learning services teacher, a special education teacher and a special education administrator.  
  Please send the questions you would like addressed by the panel by April 15th to Allison at amiles@onlineschool.ca and we will try our best to answer as many as we can.  There will also be time set aside to answer questions in an open format to the floor on the day of the workshop.

Morgan, Nola

I am a homeschooling Mom from Vancouver Island who loves staying active with my kids! After minoring in PE while doing my Education degree, I have had the privilege of sharing my passion for fitness, sports, teamwork, and healthy living with other homeschooling families organizing Gym Classes, Track Meets, and Boot camps, and outdoor adventures.

BC CHEC Topics:

• Physical Education in the Home SchoolIn this workshop we will explore a little bit of why and how to make Physical Education (PE)  and Daily Physical Activity (DPA) a priority in your homeschooling day, as well as the role of physical fitness in our discipleship of our children.  You will walk away with some new ideas for keeping your kids fit and active, and you’ll have some fun in the process!

Rainbow, Janet

Janet Rainbow has worked supporting homeschoolers for over 20 years.  She oversees the “Equivalency Certificate” option for registered homeschoolers.  This option is for parents who want some accountability and validation for their program but do not want to follow the BC learning outcomes.  She also works closely with Sue Savard in helping support flexible choices for any student in the grad program.

 

BC CHEC Topics:

• The Ins and Outs of Graduating in BC.

  If you have a student about to enter grade 10 or already in the grad program this is the workshop for you. You will discover that there are many options for your student and it is possible to give your student an excellent education at home right through to grade 12. 
  

Rigg, Kristi

An  International Educational Leader with a career spanning over 20 years in the education field, Kristi has been involved in a variety of start-up projects including Christian International Schools  in Asia and Brazil.  Kristi attend Bristol University in the UK where she completed her Maters in Educational Leadership. She currently resides in White Rock, BC with her daughter and husband.  She works as a Consultant specializing in Administration, Human Resources, Non-profit Organizations and is trained as a Private Provider for Fast ForWord. Additionally she works with HCOS as a Fast ForWord  Administrator and Coach.  

BC CHEC Topics:

• LS3 -An Introduction to Fast Forward

  Since 1996 Fast ForWord  has been an instrumental tool for increasing literacy levels in children and adolescents across Canada and the United States.  Based on over 30 years of research, Neuroscience has proven that difficulties with language processing and auditory processing can have adverse repercussions on cognitive skills and academic performance. This web-based software actively helps children improve their quality of life by strengthening and enhancing their auditory and language processing. Students can average a one to two grade level reading gain in 8 to 12 weeks. When the brain’s processing skills become more efficient, substantial and quick gains in reading comprehension skills are often the outcome.
  This hands-on workshop will introduce you to and help you better understand the Neuroscience behind the program while giving you the tools to determine if the program is a good fit for your child. Additionally, you will have a chance to try out the software in a small group setting and hear testimonials from past participants.

  Who should attend this workshop?

  Parents, educators and administrators who are seeking general knowledge and an introduction to the program and products.
  Parents whose children have problems:
  Understanding what you say.
  Give slow or delayed responses.
  Mispronounce typical word sounds.
  Get confused in noisy situations.
  Have an attention problem.
  Have difficulty with reading or leaning to read.
  Parents of at-risk students, ELL students, and special education students.

   

Savard, Sue

Sue Savard is actively involved with Heritage Christian Online school as teacher, course writer, Guidance Counselor and collaborative colleague.  Working primarily with high school students, she loves helping teens and parents create a plan that best meets their goals for the Grad Program years.  She currently lives in Alberta with her husband, Mike,  (to be closer to her two beloved granddaughters) but regularly visits the Vancouver area for work and to visit her younger daughters who live there.

BC CHEC Topic:
"The Ins and Outs of Graduating in B.C."

Sing, Natalie

Natalie Sing

Natalie and her husband Ron have been homeschooling their children for the past 15 years. They have graduated 3 of their children while homeschooling and have one child in Grade 8. Natalie has been very active in the homeschool community throughout BC and for the past 2+ years has been working with HCOS in her role as Curriculum Consultant. Natalie has a blog to support Canadian homeschoolers - True North: Our Canadian Homeschool. She also curates two Scoop it! sites one on 21st Century Homeschooling and one on 21st Century Homeschooling Apps. Natalie is passionate about reading, Canadian History, technology and all things homeschooling! She is looking forward to her opportunities during the CHEC Conference to support homeschoolers in their quest to bring glory to God through educating at home. Natalie and her family live on Vancouver Island.

BC CHEC Topics:

• Lap Booking & Educational ScrapBooking

  Are you wanting to learn more about this fun and creative way to inspire your children to“show what they know”. If so, come and learn about these three great methods for extending learning. Lap booking, Note booking and Educational Scrap booking can be used for narration as children choose what they feel is most important in their readings and then express it through one of these methods. This works well for the struggling student or the seasoned writer.
  For lap booking we will look at some basic lap book folds and an overall usage of many different lap book pieces. For note booking, we will look at making your own note booking pages and how to find note booking pages of others. For Educational scrap booking we will get our creative juices flowing of how we could use this in our homeschools. We will have lots of samples to look at and lots to explore. After 15 years of using these methods Natalie looks forward to sharing them with you.
  

• Canadian History through Living Books

  Come and enjoy a discussion about using living books as you study Canadian History. Natalie will give an overview of Canadian History through living books that she has experienced with her four homeschooled children. Hear about the great read alouds that their family has enjoyed. Hear about options for each time frame in Canadian History that your student can read and learn about our great nation. Get inspired to teach Canadian History through the lens of those who have a passion for it!
  It is a challenge to find good quality Canadian living books, however, Natalie looks forward to exploring these books with you so that you can share them with your family!
  

Stewart, Teresa

BC CHEC Topics:

• LS4-Why get your child assessed?"Is This Normal? or I think I need Help, no really..."
  understanding where the "normal" leaves off and the need to seek help for our children starts is tricky, and often parents are left confused and uncertain, questioning their parenting and homeschooling abilities in the face of  unanswered questions.  Come and discuss with Teresa Stewart, parent of special ed kids and Director of a Special Education Homeschool Support Group who has helped dozens of families learn when, where and how to seek the answers they need and what to do with them once they get them...
  
  

VanWoudenberg, Deanna

Deanna has been happily married to Gerald for 22 years.  They have three children aged 14, 12,  and 10.  Before becoming a “mostly stay at home” home schooling mom,  Deanna taught elementary school.  She is a warm and engaging speaker who speaks with humour and honesty. She loves family time, art of almost any kind, and going on dates. Three random facts about Deanna include that her favourite college job was being a 7ft tall Easter bunny, that she lives on a hobby farm with her family and 13 four-legged friends, and that she loves organizing stuff, especially if she is stressed out and should be doing something much more important.   

BC CHEC Topics:

• Home Management for moms.

  How do you get it all done? When you homeschool your children, you are all at home, and before long your house can look quite "lived in".  With so much to accomplish each day, how do you decide what to focus your limited time and energy on?  Deanna will share practical strategies and tips for organizing yourself and your home as you home school.  She'll also share practical strategies for streamlining daily tasks like meal planning and prep, laundry, and cleaning and home maintenance.  She'll also talk about strategies for dealing with all the mail and other paper that comes into the house, making transitions smoother, and helping kids organize themselves.   An outline as well as a generous and detailed hand out will be provided via e-mail to all those who attend.
  

• Finding Balance and Taking care of youThis workshop is about Replenishment.  How can we continue to do all of the things that God has called us to do including the privilege of home schooling our children and at the same time replenish our energy and recharge our batteries?  God created us to find the balance between work and rest and to replenish ourselves so we can continue to be effective in all He would have us to do.  Deanna will encourage you to think differently as she encourages you in this area of your life.  She does not have it "all together"  in this area, but is moving forward with Jesus as she juggles multiple roles, and she would like to  share Scriptural and practical tools for replenishing your spirit, soul, and body with other home schooling moms.  
  
• Time Management for Homeschoolers

  Part 2: Effective Time Management is about so much more than  just about becoming more efficient!  When you home school, it seems there is even more to get done and competing priorities.  Deanna will offer an opportunity to discover how God has naturally "wired" you to use your time and she'll  give you specific tips on how to work with how you "naturally" use time.  Tips on how to use your time well and to make time for those  important things that can't be planned for or scheduled will also be offered.  Topics covered will be the two types of time and how to manage them well and  how to organize your time a yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily  basis, and yet remain flexible.   A helpful handout will be provided via e-mail for all those interested who attend. 
  

Wiebe, Shandra

I began my homeschooling journey years ago when our daughter begged to be removed from school in grade 7. She was struggling with dyslexia and a rowdy class so another option had to be found. While on this journey we tried many different curricula and methods including distance education and integrated programs; eventually we found what worked for her. During this time I became very committed to homeschooling our young sons. The joy of learning alongside my children has been an incredible privilege. We enrolled with HCOS in its first year of operation. In 2007, I started working part-time as the HCOS Librarian. Today, the school has grown considerably and so has the library! We are now part of the Heritage Christian Schools Learning Commons - an integrated library for both the campus and online schools. The library's purpose is to meet the needs of both homeschooling and campus families by offering quality resources from a Christian perspective. I love to share the joy of homeschooling with other families and I really love books, so working in the library is a special privilege. I enjoy serving the moms and dads who e-mail, call or drop in looking for information and helping them find the books and kits that will inspire them and their children. Be sure to "drop-in" and browse in person or browse the library catalog on-line!<br>

BC CHEC Topics:

• Learning Commons - Library

  Come and join us in the Heritage Learning Commons (library) to learn about the resources available:
  Books, unit study kits, DVDs/CDs and more.  Learn how to log in and place reserves for the whole year.  We will also explore the Learning Commons website; Overdrive, (our E-Library), and the use of E-readers.  We have so much to offer you and your students!  Save money and time using these free resources.