Bakersfield Home Education Conference

2011 Feedback Survey

2011-07-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

We hope that all of you enjoyed this year's conference. We were pleased that so many of you could attend. We'd like to create an even better conference experience next year, and that is where you come in. If you attended the conference, please take the time to fill out this short (10-question) survey. Your (completely confidential) answers are our first step toward building an improved conference for next year.

Please note: if you need us to contact you concerning your answers, please include your contact information in your answer to the last question.

Breakout Sessions

2011-07-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

**UPDATE: Online registration is now closed.**

Besides the morning and afternoon plenary sessions, you will have the opportunity to choose from six breakout sessions: three in the morning and three in the afternoon. You may want to attend different sessions than the person you came with, then meet later to share your notes.

Here are the three morning breakout session summaries:

The Education Spectrum
Mike Owens

There are many education options out there, each with its pros and cons. Where are you on the education spectrum? Knowing where you are helps you get where you want to go. More importantly, we have an amazing privilege to live in a country and state that lets us choose how to educate our children. This session will encourage you to evaluate where you are in regard to that choice and to live out your freedom.

Better than “Captain Underpants”: Choosing Classic Literature for Preschoolers and Beyond
Susan Lemons

Does it matter what we read to our children, or what they read by themselves? Yes! We can do better than Barney or Captain Underpants. We need to set our sights higher! When our children are young, we are developing their attitudes and appetites toward books. We want them to hunger after the best—so only the best, most uplifting and educational books will do. This seminar will teach you what a “classic” or “living” book is—and what it is not. Learn to discern the good from the bad: which books to avoid and which ones to search out.

Setting the “Records” Straight
Dawn Cole

Record-keeping can be a daunting task for homeschooling parents, but it doesn’t have to be. Often the hardest part is simply knowing which records are required. In this session, you will not only learn this, but also what records every homeschooling family should consider keeping. Dawn will share her successful record-keeping system, personal examples and detailed handouts as she outlines three important types of records.

And here are the afternoon breakout sessions:

The Nature of a Child: How History and Belief Affect Practice
Brandy Vencel

We all have our reasons for opting out of the public school system. But how did schools get to where they are today? What went wrong, and who led the ruin of this institution? More importantly, how can we avoid their mistakes in our homeschools? Join this session for a brief history of educational philosophy and a conversation on recovering true education based on the nature of a child.

Creating a Peaceful Home: Character Training for Children
Stephanie Haymond

Every busy homeschooling mom desires a peaceful home, where hearts are happy and love is abundant. But is that even possible? Yes—if children’s characters are properly trained. Learn how to create a peaceful home by nurturing your marital and parental relationships, by using words that build up instead of tear down, and by remaining consistent. A peaceful home is attainable—come learn how.

How to Homeschool through High School
Susan Lemons and Kim Bell

As homeschooled children get older, the pressure on parents increases as academic subjects become more challenging to teach. For a variety of reasons, you may feel tempted to stop homeschooling when the kids enter high school. But don’t give up yet! Join this question-and-answer panel to learn how two homeschooling moms with different teaching styles successfully educated their children through high school while equipping them for college. If you need some encouragement or advice for the years ahead, come prepared to ask questions of the panelists.

Don't forget: Today is the last day to register online for $25 per couple. Registering online will allow you to get into the conference quickly and enable us to have an accurate head count. If you haven't already, please register today!

Schedule Change

2011-07-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

Due to an expected death in the family, John and Hannah Ploegstra will not be able to attend the conference in person this weekend. Please pray for their comfort as they grieve their loss.

John was scheduled to give a breakout session on teaching science to young students. We are going to miss hearing what he had to say. However, by "popular demand," we have planned a substitute session: How to Homeschool through High School with Susan Lemons and Kim Bell.

We appreciate the willingness of these two seasoned homeschooling moms to share their experience in educating their children though the high school years. Many homeschooling families find it challenging to teach through these higher grades, but it can be done. Come learn how!

The How to Homeschool through High School session will be a question-and-answer panel with these two moms. If you plan to attend, please bring your hardest questions, and be ready to participate in this interactive session. We hope those of you whose children are entering the upper grades will find this session to be helpful and encouraging.

The conference is only days away, but it's not too late to register. Online registration is available for $25 per couple until Thursday, July 7th. Registering online will allow you to get into the conference quickly and enable us to have an accurate head count. If you haven't already, please register today!

Vendor Spotlight: Craig Whitmore

2011-06-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

Today's featured vendor is local homeschooling dad Craig Whitmore, who has written a number of curriculum supplements:

Four books will be available that homeschooling parents can use to supplement their current curriculum. 7th Grade Labs and Activities is a collection of 52 classroom-tested labs and activities for life science based on the California state standards. Computer Programming for Kids with Scratch contains a step-by-step method of teaching students the basics of computer programming using Scratch, a free programming application. Leading Youth Worship: A Practical Guide covers many of the nuts and bolts of … leading youth worship. Mythology for Students is a collection of Greek, Egyptian and Norse mythologies written with the average middle-school student in mind. It includes a storybook, student workbook and teacher edition of the student workbook. Free example pages will be available from each book. Whitmore's books are also available to purchase online.

Click here for a sampling of our vendors so that you'll know who to visit at the conference. By the way, it's not too late to register! The cost is just $25 per couple via online registration.

Last Day to Pre-Register!

2011-06-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

That’s right, today is the final day to pre-register for the Bakersfield Home Education Conference. Pre-registering today offers you two great benefits: (1) you pay only $15 per couple instead of $25 and (2) you are entered into the prize drawing.

If you have been procrastinating on pre-registering (or you know a friend who has), don’t miss the opportunity to save some cash. After today, the registration cost goes up to $25. Why pay more than you have to? Just click here to pay by credit card or PayPal.

Not only will pre-registering save you money, but you will be entered into a prize drawing featuring several homeschooling resources, books and CDs worth more than $120! Only pre-registrants will have the chance to win one of these great prizes, which will be awarded at the conference.

So take the plunge and commit to attending the Bakersfield Home Education Conference on July 9 – a local conference for local families … like yours. Pre-registration ends today (Friday, June 24) at midnight.

If you (or a friend) cannot pre-register by today, you can still pay in advance via this website. But the cost will be $25 until the day of the conference. We look forward to seeing you in two weeks!

**Update 6/25/2011: Online registration is now available for $25 per couple. Click here to access the registration page.**

Vendor Spotlight: EPHS/A

2011-06-20T14:54:00.000-07:00

Today we'd like to familiarize you with Eternity Preparatory High School and Academy, one of our local umbrella schools:

Eternity Preparatory High School and Academy (EPHS/A) is a non-traditional, Christian private school, located in Bakersfield, California. Our school consists of committed Christian families who are like-minded and come together to find direction, guidance, and assistance as they strive to educate their children to the highest standard. EPHS offers 3 family meetings a year, has a curriculum lending library, monthly ASB Activities, National Beta Club, a monthly newsletter and much more...Please visit our table for applications and informational flyers.

More vendor spotlights are on their way, so keep checking back here. (If you are interested in being a vendor and have not yet contacted us, please see our vendors page.) If you have not pre-registered yet, now is the time! You have until Friday to pre-register for just $15 per couple! After that, the price goes up to $25.

One Week Left to Pre-Register

2011-06-17T14:46:00.000-07:00

That's right. You only have one more week to pre-register for just $15! If you pre-register by June 24, you will not only be included in the prize drawing, but you will not have to pay $25. And who doesn't like saving money?

The conference website and Facebook page have lots of followers and friends. But there are still many of you who have not pre-registered. Now is the time to do it! You only have until next Friday, June 24.

Please encourage others to register, even if you invite them after the 24th. (Click here for ways you can help spread the word right now.) They will be able to register online until the day of the conference, but must pay the full conference price. This will help us to be prepared for those who attend the conference.

A great conference has been planned for you ... please don't miss it.

Vendor Spotlight: Stockdale Christian School's PSP

2011-06-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

Today we are featuring Stockdale Christian School's Private School Satellite Program (PSP), which is an independent study program:

The PSP at Stockdale Christian School has been designed to support and encourage Christian home educators in the pursuit of excellence in the training and education of their children. Come by the booth and pick up an information packet. Someone will be available to answer any questions you might have.

Keep checking back to learn about the vendors you will see at the conference on July 9. (If you are interested in being a vendor and have not yet contacted us, please see our vendors page.) If you have not pre-registered yet, now is the time! You only have two weeks left to pre-register for just $15 per couple!

Vendor Spotlight: Thinking About Homeschooling

2011-06-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

The next featured vendor is conference speaker Susan Lemons, who runs Thinking About Homeschooling.

Thinking About Homeschooling is a Christian ministry that provides information and support to families that are thinking about homeschooling or are new to homeschooling. Meetings run from May to September and cover topics such as making the decision, legalities and record keeping, choosing and using curriculum, and more. Mentoring is available year round. For information about our next meeting, post a comment on Susan's blog.

We will continue to bring you information about other conference vendors during the new few weeks. If you are interested in being a vendor and have not yet contacted us, please see our vendors page. And remember, now is the time to pre-register for just $15 per couple! The pre-registration deadline is June 24.

Vendor Spotlight: Adoration Christian Teaching Supply

2011-06-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

Today's featured vendor is Rebecca Sampson, who runs a business called Adoration Christian Teaching Supply. Here is what she says about it:

I started Adoration Christian Teaching Supply in 2006 as a home-based business selling homeschool curriculum. There are future plans to grow the business into an educational supply store specializing in Christian and homeschooling products.

We hope to bring you more information about other conference vendors in the near future. If you are interested in being a vendor and have not yet contacted us, please see our vendors page. And remember, now is the time to pre-register for just $15! The pre-registration deadline is June 24.

Vendor Spotlight: The Disciple Curriculum

2011-06-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

The vendors we'd like to introduce you to today are John and Hannah Ploegstra. In addition to speaking and leading worship at the conference, they will also be offering a unique product called The Disciple Curriculum:

The Disciple Curriculum is a memory-based, complete gospel Bible study for all ages. Our philosophy is that memorization makes deep, meaningful Bible study EASIER for children, so the key passages to be studied are all memorized--over 300 verses a year in context. We also know that music makes memorization fun and increases retention, so all the passages are learned to music. The passages learned each year flow together to form a scaffold for the gospel story from Genesis to Revelation. Come page through our teacher Lesson Book, story books designed to teach biblical concepts, and listen to the memorization CDs!

We will bring you more vendor spotlights in the coming weeks, so check back regularly. Until then, please don't forget to pre-register by June 24. (And invite a friend!)

Vendor Spotlight: The Writer's Compass

2011-05-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

As the conference draws near, we thought it would be helpful to familiarize you with the vendors you'll see that day. This way, you can plan to visit the vendors that most interest you.

First up is Nancy Dodd, who will be offering her new book, The Writer's Compass:

The Writer’s Compass: From Story Map to Finished Draft in 7 Stages, on teaching the creative writing process, will be available along with tips for homeschoolers. Author Nancy Ellen Dodd, formerly from Bakersfield and a CSUB and USC graduate with two Master’s degrees in writing, will be at the booth to discuss teaching creative writing. Dodd teaches screenwriting at Pepperdine University, where she is also an academic editor. The Writer’s Compass, released June 2011 from Writer’s Digest, shares Biblical examples along with Dodd’s faith perspective.

We will bring you more vendor spotlights in the near future, so check back regularly. Until then, please don't forget to pre-register as soon as possible!

Drawing Prize #5

2011-05-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

Here we have it, our final drawing prize! This one is a book, Culture Makers: A Worldview Approach to Re-engaging the World, written by conference speaker Josiah Vencel:

God did not call Christians to sit on the sidelines of society. But that is precisely what has happened for nearly a century as believers have forgotten about their divinely appointed role in the world. Yet history testifies to the remarkable salt-and-light influence of Bible-believing saints who have applied their faith in all areas of life, not just within the walls of a church. Christ came to transform you into an agent of reconciliation ... not just to save souls, but to redeem entire cultures for his glory.

If you've ever wondered how to apply your faith consistently, to think about life christianly or to engage the world for Christ, Culture Makers will not let you down.

Culture Makers will answer questions such as:
Is there a biblical way to see all of life?
What is Christianity's role in society?
How do my personal beliefs shape culture?
How do I respond to unbiblical points of view? How can the biblical worldview revitalize my faith?
And so much more.
Discover your place in the world. Fulfill your calling. Become a culture maker.

Remember, you must pre-register for the conference by June 24 to be entered into the drawing. Prizes will be distributed at the conference on July 9. Pre-register today and tell a friend!

Drawing Prize #4

2011-05-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed a trend on the Bakersfield Home Education Conference website: one prize giveaway after another. We hope the prospect of winning provides the nudge you need to get pre-registered today. (In case you were wondering, there are more prizes to come!)

Here is another reason to pre-register for the conference on Saturday, July 9:

The folks at Bob Books were kind enough to donate a total of four prizes We talked about the first two prizes already. Today we will feature two more sets of Bob Books:

Bob Books Set 1 captures the hearts of kids just starting to read. They are fun and build confidence right away.

Using only the letters M, A, T and S, kids can read their first book. New letters are added gradually, until zip, zap, zam, by book 12, kids have read books with all letters of the alphabet (except Q).

Kids love the stories and funny pictures, and can't wait to read them to everybody they know.

And also:

The twelve books in Bob Books Set 2 continues to build reading skills. Use of three-letter words and consistent vowel sounds in slightly longer stories build confidence. Children love the hilarious (and sometimes mischievous) stories and pictures. These twelve books, filled with fun, drama, and surprise keep interest high for even the youngest readers.

There are a total of two of these prizes containing one Set 1 box and one Set 2 box, meaning that there will be two lucky pre-registrants who get to enjoy these Bob Books with their children.

Pre-register today! And stay tuned to learn about other prizes you might win.

Drawing Prize #3

2011-05-03T23:15:00.000-07:00

The conference is just two months away, and we hope you are getting excited! We thought we'd provide yet another reason for you to pre-register. Speakers John and Hannah Ploegstra were kind enough to donate a set of The Creator CDs to one (providentially) lucky winner:

The Creator CDs 1 and 2 are the core component of The Disciple Curriculum, a memory-intensive, gospel-centered Bible curriculum for all ages. In The Creator, students learn about the God who creates light out of darkness, life out of dust and death, and glory out of sin and desperation. At the heart of The Creator are the 36 memory passages which are memorized using these music CDs. The music brings to life all the passion, wrath, beauty, grace, and power of the One who created and owns all things.

Pre-register today and receive an entry into the drawing!

Flyers, Flyers Everywhere!

2011-04-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

The Bakersfield Home Education Conference is getting the word out by distributing conference flyers to local churches. You may even see one in the children’s area of your church this Sunday.

If you don’t see a conference flyer at your church, let us know so we can contact the ministry staff to get one posted. Send us the name and phone number of your church using the Contact Form.

Everyone is invited to the July 9 conference, so please help us spread the news. And be sure to pre-register by June 24 to be entered into the drawing...and save some money!

Drawing Prize #2

2011-04-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

Not that you need yet another reason to pre-register, but we thought we'd give you one anyhow. (Remember: pre-registering automatically enters you in the drawing. Prizes will be awarded at the conference.)

The folks at Bob Books were kind enough to donate a total of four prizes. Today we will feature two sets of Bob Books:

Kindergarten Sight Words
Bob Books Kindergarten Sight Words
Sight words are common words that appear again and again in your children’s reading material. Knowing these words “by sight” is essential for reading fluency. Children learn to easily recognize these words in Bob Books Sight Words.

Consistent short vowels and simple stories mean children sound out (decode) the story, and must memorize only three sight words per book. With plenty of repetition and context clues, your young reader will quickly master early sight words.

Inside the box you’ll find:
10 easy-to-read, hilarious small books, 12 pages each.
All stories told in three and four letter words, plus sight words.
Consistent short vowels mean easy decoding in the rest of the story.
Three new sight words introduced in each book.
Context clues and illustrations give sight word hints.
30 two-sided, sight words flash cards.

And also:

First Grade Sight Words
Bob Books First Grade Sight Words
Sight words, or high frequency words, are words that appear frequently in your children’s reading material. Knowing these words “by sight” is essential for reading fluency and comprehension. Your child will continue to build confidence and sight word fluency, with Bob Books Sight Words: First Grade.

These ten books provide 30 more sight words, in slightly longer stories, to build confidence and success in the progressing reader.

Inside the box you’ll find:
10 easy-to-read, hilarious small books, 12 pages each.
Slightly longer and more complex stories.
All stories told in three, four and five letter words, plus sight words.
Consistent short vowels mean easy decoding in the rest of the story.
Three new sight words introduced in each book.
Context clues and illustrations give sight word hints.
30 two-sided, sight words flash cards.

There are a total of two prizes containing one Kindergarten box and one First Grade box, meaning that there will be two lucky pre-registrants who get to enjoy these Bob Books Sight Words books with their children.

Pre-register today! And stay tuned to learn about other prizes you could win!

Drawing Prize #1

2011-04-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

You've read about the conference. You've talked about it. You might have even marked July 9 on your calendar. Now it's time to take the next step and pre-register!

Don't forget that everyone who pre-registers by June 24 will be entered into a drawing to win one of several great educational prizes. Over the coming weeks, these prizes will be featured on the conference website to whet your appetite and motivate you to pre-register.

The first of the featured prizes is the Apologetics Study Bible for Students. Here is a description of the product:

Like the acclaimed Apologetics Study Bible that has sold 115,000+ copies, the Apologetics Study Bible for Students will anchor younger Christians in the truths of Scripture by equipping them with thoughtful and practical responses for whenever the core issues of their faith and life are challenged.

Multiple research studies have shown that spiritual focus often weakens among teenagers as they head into the attention-diverting realm of young adulthood. Up to 66% of them leave church altogether. The Apologetics Study Bible for Students works against that trend by helping them better grasp and articulate their Christian beliefs.

This bible is a great resource for you and your children ... and yet another reason to pre-register today!

Want to be a Conference Vendor?

2011-03-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

If you participate in a local homeschool group, club, cooperative, private school program, etc., we would love to have you as a vendor at the Bakersfield Home Education Conference.

Throughout the conference, vendors will have a designated area to display their promotional materials, educational handouts and sign-up sheets. This is an ideal venue for you to attract new members to your group and/or sell your home education products!

The conference hopes to give attendees a taste of local homeschooling options, which makes you an integral part of the conference’s success. If you are interested in becoming a conference vendor, please follow these steps:

Read the vendor guidelines.
Request the Vendor Guidelines Policy via the Contact Us page.
Complete and return the signed agreement.

We look forward to seeing your display at the Bakersfield Home Education Conference!

Help Spread the Word

2011-03-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Now that the conference website is up and running, we would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word. Here are 5 easy things you can do:

Pre-register. Not only will you be entered in the prize giveaway drawing (read more here), you’ll save some money.
Share a post from the conference website to your Facebook and Twitter pages.
Link from your blog to the conference website.
"Like" us on Facebook and/or become a "follower" of the website. Our Facebook page is here and will continue to develop over the coming months. Or you can click “Follow” on the conference website to get our latest news.
Sport our button on your blog. See the conference logo button at the right? Just copy the code underneath it, and paste it in your own sidebar.

We hope you can join us at the July 9 conference! Bring your spouse. Come with friends. And let’s make some great memories together.

Introducing the Bakersfield Home Education Conference

2011-03-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Bakersfield has long depended on distant locales to provide amenities that our humble little city does not: the finest dining, the trendiest shopping, the best entertainment, etc.

The same is true for homeschooling conferences, which tend to be big, costly and a long drive. But that’s about to change.

Introducing the Bakersfield Home Education Conference, a local conference for local homeschooling families. This first-of-its-kind conference in Bakersfield will bring together the experience and insight of local speakers to address a variety of timely and practical topics.

The Bakersfield Home Education Conference will be held on Saturday, July 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Calvary Bible Church. The cost to attend is $15 per couple if you pre-register by June 24.

Whether you are new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran, the Bakersfield Home Education Conference is designed with you in mind. Bring your questions, and find the answers you need from local parents who have walked in your shoes.

Please pre-register by June 24. This will enter you into a drawing to win one of many great homeschooling resources, valued at more than $120.

After pre-registering, be sure to tell your friends about this exciting local opportunity to renew your vision and enrich your homeschool. We hope to see you on July 9!