We have 32 exhibitors confirmed for 2010 and we are rolling right along in our planning.  Set aside the dates, June 18 & 19, 2010 now for what will prove to be the biggest and best convention ever.  We will be celebrating our 25th anniversary and have some extra special events being planned.  Now this is something to celebrate!!!  Plan to spend the whole weekend, there are plenty of hotels in the area and you can also get an rv spot at the fairgrounds.

Check out the exhibitor list for 2010.  http://www.washhomeschool.org/convention/elist.html

We had a fabulous 2009 Convention.  Lots of great feedback and record attendance.  Our Family Area was a big hit and we had fantastic speakers and exhibitors.  Believe it or not our 2010 plans are already underway.  The dates are June 18th & 19th.  We have confirmed 2 speakers already,  John Taylor Gatto and Catherine Levison.  There will be many more to come.  We are already taking exhibitor registrations for returning exhibitors, no sooner than we wrap up 2009, we are looking ahead to 2010.  Keep checking our website www.WashHomeschool.org and our blog for updates.

I hope you all enjoyed yourself at the convention.

If you still have questions about What you need to KNOW, What you need to DO, and Where to START, then let Celiane Limes help put you at ease with their valuable introduction to homeschooling, including our state homeschooling law, things to consider before beginning, learning and teaching styles, choosing curriculum, scheduling and record keeping, the “what about socialization?” question, and more. Celiane and Ron Limes has been homeschooling their three growing boys for five years and love to encourage other parents to embrace homeschool as a lifestyle.

There will be and Intro to Homeschooling workshop on Friday from 11:00 – 12:00 in Room #1 and on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 in Room #1.  Check out the complete schedule here.

We are all busy preparing to head to the Puyallup Fairgrounds for the 2009 WHO Convention.  It is always exciting to see all of our hard work come together.  We hope that you will be able to join us June 19th & 20th.

Get a sneak preview of the Convention Program.  It  is now available online at:

http://www.washhomeschool.org/pdf/2009ConventionProgram.pdf

See you there!

Catherine Levison, mother of five, began homeschooling in the 1980’s at a time when this option had only recently been legalized in her state. She recognized the need for both materials and a philosophy in a relatively new field. Catherine thoroughly researched various educational methods looking for the best possible choice for her family. Concerned for the quality of education for her children 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’s titles are, A Charlotte Mason Education—A Home Schooling How-To Manual and More Charlotte Mason Education—A Home Schooling How To Manual. Her latest book is, A Literary Education—An Annotated Book List. She is also a contributing author to Homeschooling Methods; Seasoned Advice on Learning Styles published by Broadman & Holman, 2006. In addition Catherine has a regular column in the Link Homeschooling Newspaper.

Catherine will be speaking on Friday, 3:30 – 4:30, on the Overview of the Charlotte Mason Method.  Catherine will also be speaking four times at the WHO convention in 2010.

See the complete schedule here.

We have a couple of great workshops geared toward parents who want to homeschool through the high school years.  It can be done!!

On Friday, 9:30-10:30,  we have local speakers Jeri Wise and Tambra Birkebak presenting a workshop titled Homeschooling High School.  Come hear the basics of homeschooling high school from two experienced homeschool moms, including course planning, defining credits, giving grades, making transcripts, and more. Speakers’ experiences include accessing classes at public high schools, participating in public school sports, earning AP credits, utilizing Running Start, and encouraging students to take ownership of their high school education. Between the two of them, Jeri Wiser and Tambra Birkebak have two current high schoolers, two current college students, and two college graduates.

On Saturday, 11:00 – 12:00, we are pleased to have Lee Binz from The Homescholar presenting Grades & Credits.  As a “veteran” homeschool consultant, Lee will explain how to determine high school grades, even if you don’t “give grades” to your students. She will discuss ways to evaluate your children and their learning, as well as how to translate that learning into a language that colleges will understand.
She will also cover assigning credit values to a variety of studies.

When Dale Bartlett wrote Have Kids – Will Travel, he never thought he would become a nationally known author. His book however is now in its fifth printing and has been sold throughout the US as well as internationally. Officially, he has been a Systems Integrator for the traffic industry, husband and father of four. Have Kids – Will Travel was written using 6 years of research and experience traveling the world with their children and coming up with new and unique ways to do it both inexpensively and free. The Bartlett’s have traveled extensively throughout the United States spending as little as $700.00 for the entire family to visit destinations like New England and New York for two and a half weeks. That included airfare, hotels, car, food and more. They have spent a week in Hawaii for just over $200.oo per person including air and hotel. They have also visited many other countries including, England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Italy, Honduras, Belize and Mexico with free airfare, free places to stay, literally paying for just food and fun. Of how this will change family travel Bartlett says: “I believe that with the proper planning and knowing the right travel secrets, any family could travel anywhere in the world for less than it cost to go camping, defiantly much less than going to Disneyland.” This kind of travel can also be used as you incorporate your travels with homeschooling. It is amazing how the history comes to life as you walk in the footsteps of those great men and women in history. To actually see what they saw, to feel the sites first hand, will provide a greater love of their lives and the great history they left us than you ever thought possible.  Come join his discussion and learn how your family can travel the world.
The Bartlett’s make their home in the Northern Mountains of Utah with their four children.

Dale will have 2 workshops, Incorporating Travel into Your Homeschooling Without Breaking the Bank on Friday and Saturday

The Bartlett’s can be reached through their website at:
http://www.havekids-willtravel.com

Tom Hoyle has a PhD in Christian Apologetics from California Graduate School of Theology, and is a full colonel in the United States Air Force Reserves.  Dr. Hoyle is the founder of the Bible and Science Ministries which is headquartered in Tacoma, WA, and has been actively involved in creation science missions for over 20 years.

You won’t want to miss Dr. Hoyle’s workshops.

Friday – 9:30-10:30 – Room #2 -Fearfully & Wonderfully Made

Saturday – 11:00 – 12:00 – Room #2 – Under the Sea and in the Air!

He  also has an exhibitor  booth, Bible & Science Ministries, Booth #305

For a complete list of workshops see our website, http://www.washhomeschool.org/convention/Grid%20&%20Descriptions.pdf

Our one low entry price is all that is needed to attend!  No extra fees to see Big Name Speakers or no need to worry about an exhibit hall only price.  What others charge just to take a look around is what our total package is.  WHO members get 1 Day Free, plus an express check in table for CURRENT members during the first 2 hours on both Friday and Sat.  An entire family can get into the exhibit hall, workshops, free arts & crafts sessions for the kids, chess games, remote control boats, model train display, LEGO display for as low as $25!!

See how low our prices are by going to our website at:

http://www.washhomeschool.org/convention/admissionprices.html

No pre-registration required.  A family is considered those residing in the same household.

Steve Demme

Steve Demme is author of Math-U-See, a former pastor and youth director, and a homeschool dad of four boys (including one with special needs).  He will be presenting four workshops over the 2 day convention.  Come and hear his inspirational workshops.  Titles are as follows:

Friday – Session D, 2:00-3:00 – Room 3

Why We Do What We Do and How to Keep at It –This workshop will help
clarify our vision for home educating our children, and will include group discussion to glean the collective wisdom of our attendees.

Saturday – Session A, 9:30-10:30 – Room 3

The Family that Stays Together, Stays Together – In this encouraging workshop, Steve Demme relates the positive experiences that he and his wife have shared raising their four sons (one with special needs). Using plenty of humorous illustrations, Steve shares practical ideas that have enhanced his family life. With God’s help, he is convinced there is hope for the family in the 21st century.

Saturday – Session C, 12:30-1:30 – Room 3

Slaying Lions and Honoring Parents – In examining the life of Isaac and David, Steve Demme shares
helpful insights into the battles facing young people today. This workshop will clarify the issues and encourage our
youth to stand strong in their faith. All Scripture is inspired and profitable for Christians of all ages, and in all ages.

Steve will also be offering an exhibitor workshop on his math program, Math-U-See on Friday, Session B, 11:00-12:00 – Room 6.  You can also find Steve at the Math-U-See Booth #105/205.

Check out the complete Workshop Schedule here.