WORKSHOPS FOR PARENTS

:
* These are the workshops which have been requested the most over the years.
* Individual counseling or other topics are available by request.

What We Offer

Beginning Home Education

People come to home education for many reasons, and they develop individual methods which work for their families. However, there are certain elements which are essential regardless of the approach that is chosen. This workshop covers legal requirements, choosing curriculum, essential records, and various teaching styles. Handouts suggest resources, list details, and give examples.

Developing Your Own Unit Studies

In earlier times education was presented in coherent units in which each subject reinforced the others – puzzle pieces completing a complete picture. As public schools became more segregated by age, ability, and subject areas, the different areas lost this coherence. Several approaches of home education have returned to this idea. However, it is not necessary to purchase an expensive curriculum; the parent-teacher can develop a unit study by following some simple steps. This workshop will offer advice as well as list of resources and sample plans.

Principle Approach to a Godly World View

The Foundation for American Education has identified seven basic Biblical principles which helped build the foundation for the Founders of America. They can help guide us today as we are confronted with secular world views and anti-Biblical arguments. They can provide assurance of what is Truth and help us stand for Godly standards rather than following blindly all the “politically correct” pressures of the modern world. This workshop will introduce these seven basic principles.

Principle Approach to a Godly World View

The Foundation for American Education has identified seven basic Biblical principles which helped build the foundation for the Founders of America. They can help guide us today as we are confronted with secular world views and anti-Biblical arguments. They can provide assurance of what is Truth and help us stand for Godly standards rather than following blindly all the “politically correct” pressures of the modern world. This workshop will introduce these seven basic principles.

Teaching a Work of Literature

Studying a work of literature is different from merely reading a book. It involves researching the author to discover the philosophy behind his world-view. The theme will always carry the bias of the author and will have the potential to influence us in our view of God’s providential intervention into the lives of men. Next, we look at the setting and background information which will clarify the plot and behavior of the characters. Often the setting plays a critical role in the plot – under other circumstances the out come may have been very different. A concentrated examination of the character qualities of the personalities provides an opportunity to examine the fruit of Godly or unGodly behavior and ideas. The style of writing in great literature gives us a good role model for our speech patterns and allows us the opportunity to experien

Using Time Lines to Teach Facts

For visual learners, using a time line will reinforce reading assignments and lectures. Children often assume that Daniel Boone could just cross the mountains and visit with Noah. Seeing the distance on the time lines can establish a clear understanding of each person and event in God’s Plan. Samples and blank patterns will be provided along with suggestions such as making a time line of the child’s family and his own life.

College Entrance

One threat against home educators is that their students will have difficulty gaining college acceptance. However, most colleges today are familiar with home schooling and will welcome students – some have even offered a special scholarship just because the student is home educated. Parents must learn to understand the terms and jargon of admissions offices, and they must prepare records which can be readily understood by these officials. This workshop will provide vocabulary and examples of records and transcripts

Making Any Curriculum Biblical

It is possible to use any texts (even secular texts) by examining the information in light of the Word of God. Students can learn to stand against secular world-views which they will face when these views can be identified and countered by applying Scripture. Parent-teachers can equip themselves with sources such as The Principle Approach and Ruth Haycock’s Bible Truth for School Subjects.

ACT Prep

Standardized Testing

Teaching Grammar

Although few people really enjoy studying grammar, God’s Word instructs us to “write the message and make it clear (Hab. 2:2). In order to accomplish this students must understand how to apply the rules of grammar. This will enable them to write coherent documents and to identify weaknesses. No matter what future plans the student has, there will be some time when it is necessary to communicate with others. A few simple instructions can provide parent/teachers security to lead students in this important area. The workshop includes handouts of rules and examples of grading techniques.

Record Keeping

Long before students are ready to consider college, parent-teachers must develop a method of recording and reporting progress. Although this can be approached many different ways, there are certain important factors to understand in order to communicate to others. This workshop will provide examples and suggestions which may be adapted to each family’s approach.

Leading Your Child Through a Research Paper

It is essential that students learn to write effective research papers so they can succeed in college. This has been an intimidating process for many parents. I have prepared a manual, Step-by-Step, which will direct you and the student from selecting a topic through locating sources, taking notes, and the many technical requirements for bibliography and citations

Personality Types

We need to learn to enjoy the diversity not only of nature but of people. We were created by the Father as individuals with variety, but sometimes the differences become a source of irritation. Understanding how the different personality types manifest can help us accept ourselves and then you can allow others freedom to be who God created them to be. God does have a plan for each person: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee” (Jeremiah 1: 5). This is “fun” seminar! We will take a test to determine our own personalities and then learn about the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Personality Types

We need to learn to enjoy the diversity not only of nature but of people. We were created by the Father as individuals with variety, but sometimes the differences become a source of irritation. Understanding how the different personality types manifest can help us accept ourselves and then you can allow others freedom to be who God created them to be. God does have a plan for each person: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee” (Jeremiah 1: 5). This is “fun” seminar! We will take a test to determine our own personalities and then learn about the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Teaching Oklahoma History

State standards require studying Oklahoma history once in elementary (public schools chose 4th grade) and once in high school for ½ credit toward graduation (public schools chose 9th grade). I have taught from several different books, but I found that the secular books contained some objectionable world-view and the Christian texts often were weak on the details. I have written a high school text in which I attempted to remedy these problems: According to Plan: Oklahoma history told from a providential view by Jo Anne Bennett. It is available on-line or from me. This is an enjoyable class because we are living in our lab!

Let’s Learn Together!

Academic Advantages is intended to be an source of assistance for home educating families. Here they can find classes for students, workshops for parents, and selected resources. Jo Anne Bennett has been serving the home-school community for many years, and she has a heart to help parents and students achieve a successful and fulfilling experience.

918-381-5111

info@academicadvantages.com