Conference Talk Summaries
“The Circumstances of Our Time,” wrote the Council Fathers of Vatican II in their document on education, “have made it easier and at once more urgent to educate young people.” In the forty years following the publication of that document, the popularity of Catholic homeschooling in the United States has increased dramatically. Why have the circumstances of this period been so conducive to homeschooling? This talk identifies and explains the significance of historical developments that have contributed to the rise of Catholic home education in America and examines the government-homeschool relationship, which is crucial to this history. Presente by Dr. Kevin Shmiesing
“Controlling and Eliminating Stress in Home Schooling” presented by Dr. Katie Moran. There are many factors that cause unnecessary stress in home schooling. Some stress can be avoided, others minimized by pre-planning and making arrangements beforehand, while others require simple planning on a day- to-day basis. Excellent talk on this important subject for home schooling families.
“The Desperate Need for Homeschooling Today” - In this talk Fr. Robert Levis outlines the many reasons why Catholic parents should consider the option to homeschool today especially given trends in education, particularly in public schools. In the battle for the very souls of our children, home education may be key to raising the Saints of tomorrow.
“Life Guard-Lifeguard, Protecting Life at All Stages and Ages” presented by Scott Gruber. This talk is about the opportunity and need for today’s youth to be involved in the pro-life movement. The Lifeguard program for has been seen by over 500 students in the Dayton area. He has been able to reach students of all different ages with this important pro-life message!
“Hello, I’m An Atheist” Presented by Gary Michuta, this is a challenging and fun talk for youth and young s. Makes kids who usually don’t participate get off their chairs and rise to the occasion.
“How to Wolf Proof Your Kids” Presented by Gary Michuta provides practical steps to help parents prevent their children from falling prey to Anti-Catholic groups.
Our Lady of Sorrows – Refuge for the Overworked and under- appreciated Home Schooling Mom. The core of this presentation is the 7 sorrows of Our Lady and how they apply to home schooling families, especially the mother. It is in her sorrows that we draw the strength we need to home school our children in this world today. The seven sorrows are presented as a guide for home schooling mothers. The many points presented make excellent material to meditate and think upon. Mrs. Moran’s material is taken from the writings of the saints and also from the writings of the late Bishop Fulton J. Sheen.
“The State of Homeschooling” -State of Ohio Representative Diana Fessler Diana began home educating her six children in 1982. Her experience as a homeschooler prompted her to serve as a member of the State Board of Education’s Advisory Committee which developed the Ohio home educator’s regulations. A keen observer of issues related to homeschooling in Ohio and throughout the US, State Representative Fessler addresses our current political climate and the comments on trends home educators need to be aware of in the years ahead.
“Maintaining an Open Spirit” -Dr. vonErden will discuss four of the most common roadblocks to effective communication between parents and their teens. Positive strategies to strengthen the parent-teen relationship and thus avoid these roadblocks, will be discussed. These strategies include: Nurturing a united front between mom and dad; Valuing process over content in the parent-teen dialogs; Learning to identify salient “deposits” and “withdrawals” in the parent-teen emotional bank account; and Facilitating confidence and competence in one’s teen
