Shay Seaborne

Last chance to register for VHEA Day, a mini-conference with seminars on
a variety of homeschooling topics. Deadline August 21! (Monday) It's
affordable, too; only $10 for a day of interesting seminars, camaraderie
and fun--all in a lovely camp setting.


VHEA Day
Mini Conference
Saturday, September 2, 2000
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Camp Hanover, VA

The Virginia Home Education Association is pleased to present David H.
Albert as the featured speaker on VHEA Family Day. Mr. Albert's recent
book, "And the Skylark Sings with Me: adventures in homeschooling and
community-based education," was reviewed in the VHEA Newsletter. To
learn more about VHEA Family Day and register to join us, visit:
http://vheafamilyday.homestead.com/VHEAday.html

VHEA Day
Seminars for New and Experienced Homeschoolers

Featuring: "Conversations with My Violin; Learning about Learning"
by Author David H. Albert
"Contrasts the rather strange principles that lie a the heart of public
education with the actual learning process itself."

Other Topics:

Avoiding Burnout (roundtable)--Jen Jablunovsky
Are you headed for burnout? This session will discuss the signs and
symptoms of potential burnout, as well as suggestions by experienced
homeschoolers on ways to combat it. Topics of discussion include support
groups, changing homeschooling styles/approaches, parents taking time for
themselves, and simplifying your schedule.

Starting a Writing Group -- Parrish Mort
A writing group provides a safe environment for sharing creative writing
and exploring new styles of writing. Even the most reluctant writers
learn to love the experience! Learn how to organize a group, the basic
rules, and some tried and true ideas for activities.

Teaching with Community College Resources -- Linda Doby
Feel like you can't teach high school level subjects? Then offer college
level courses! Many of us feel intimidated by the prospect of presenting
higher-level subjects to our older kids. This session offers information
on a practical alternative to sending older homeschooled kids to high
school.

The Beginner Homeschooler--Peg Watson
This session is for the new or nearly new homeschooler who would like to
have general information about homeschooling in Virginia. Legal
concerns, practical considerations, networking strategies and coping
techniques will be shared by the presenter, who has been homeschooling
for several years, but not so long that she's forgotten what it's like to
be a beginner.

Unschooling as a Way of Life -- Shay Seaborne
Unschooling is often misunderstood ["They just goof off all day"] and
sometimes seems frightening ["How do children learn if you don't teach
them?"]. Find out what unschooling is --and what it isn't, how it works,
and why more homeschoolers are leaning toward this enjoyable way of life.


Hands-on Science -- Castle O'Neil
This session will provide some creative ideas for approaching science as
a dynamic subject -- one that is constantly evolving, where so much is
still unknown. Kids will come to realize that they can be scientists too!
Discussion will include examples from teaching topics such as states of
matter and evolution, among others.

Homeschooling Older Children -- Margaret Shaw
Find out what you need to know about homeschooling older children, from
academics and activities to jobs, including paid work, volunteer
activities, and church work. Topics range from study skills and
testing/SATs to lessons and classes, the fine arts, computer literacy,
and etiquette -- crucial! -- as well as documentation for all of the
above.

Starting a Co-Op Group (roundtable)--Jill Friestad
Many homeschoolers enjoy the benefits of cooperative clubs and classes.
Find out how to form and plan the successful year-long co-op you
envision-- through setting goals, sharing a philosophy and working with
compatible personalities.

Using Portfolios as Evaluation Tools -- Connie LaPallo
Why choose a portfolio evaluation instead of testing? This session will
explore the reasons you might choose a portfolio, what a portfolio
contains, and how a portfolio is evaluated. Find out about minimum
requirements, suggestions for dividing a portfolio into sections, ideas
for organizing information throughout the year, and samples of
portfolios.

Opportunity to Network
A chance to schmooze with other homeschoolers: new, familiar and those
on-line folks you've always wanted to meet in real life.


FOLC homeschool support group: http://expage.com/page/folcfolks
"Va. Eclectic Homeschool" discussion list:
[email protected]
Va. Home Education Association:
http://www.people.virginia.edu/~pm6f/vhea.html
National Home Education Network: http://www.nhen.org