Susan speaks at conferences, group meetings, and retreats. Contact her at susan@practicalinspirations.com to book a speaking engagement.
Why Am I Doing This? Philosophy of Education in Seven Steps
You know that you should have a written philosophy of education because it is the foundation of your home school. If you didn’t stay awake during Philosophy 101, you may wonder just how you write something so lofty. In this hands-on workshop, Susan will take you through seven steps to writing your philosophy of education. When finished you will have the backbone your written educational beliefs. Come prepared to work. (Companion workshop “Developing a Standard with No Compromise”)
“Excellent foundation of education. I should have done this at the start of my homeschooling.”
Why Am I Doing This? Philosophy of Education in Seven Steps online class
Developing a Standard with No Compromise*
Homeschooling can be like the Israelites wandering in the desert: you need a banner to follow or you may wander for forty years. Learn how to develop a Biblical standard for your homeschool that fits the needs of your family and will keep you on course when the desert gets hot and the manna is old. (Companion workshop “Why Am I Doing This? Philosophy of Education in Seven Easy Steps”)
“Love her honesty, humor, and truthfulness.”
“I feel like I have the groundwork to prepare my heart for this exciting new adventure of teaching my girls at home.”
Science in the Kitchen
Is it possible to provide a complete science experience without leaving the comforts of home? Yes! The lab is in the kitchen and the chemicals are probably already on your shelves. Susan has taught high school biology, chemistry, and physics that included lab projects at home. She shares her secrets along with some helpful hints from high school science teachers. Based on her book Science in the Kitchen: Fearless Science for All Age (Companion workshop “Does Color Have Friction?”)
Does Color Have Friction? Everyday Science
This session on teaching science at home goes beyond what to teach to how to teach science. The author of Science in the Kitchen: Fearless Science for All Age presents how to incorporate lab sciences into everyday life, how to include all ages in science experiences, and how to get the necessary materials without outfitting a full laboratory. Susan illustrates her workshop with examples from her children and grandchildren. (Companion workshop “Science in the Kitchen”)
Wake Up and Smell the Crayons
The need for preschool is a hot topic. Do you need to send your child to preschool? Do you need to start teaching at the age of 2? Will your child fall behind? Susan answers these questions and more in this very practical session.
“Very good, practical ideas that addressed specific ages; very informative.”
Preschool: At What Cost?
Research and studies done in the last 10 years show that children NEED early formal academics. Or, does it? Pressure has been mounted on parents to have some type of formal preschool program to prepare their children for learning. Susan presents the findings of studies and reports that haven’t made the headlines. She will present information to put your mind at ease about preschool academics.
“This was the best! Presented with conviction and love. This confirmed my feels and encouraged me to be courageous. I will go home and enjoy my boys!”
“Very engaging. I recommend her session and will share the CD with others. I love her passion for the subject matter.”
Read the book Preschool: At What Cost?
A Learning Way of Life
It wasn’t long after beginning to homeschool, that Susan found that more learning was taking place outside the books. Her family began to use life as the foundation for their curriculum. This session will cover how to have a lifestyle of learning, and how to ease into this learning method without feeling like you are missing important topics.
Paving the Way to College
As more homeschooled students reach college-age, more colleges are accepting and even seeking these students. Susan will discuss how to prepare your children for college, including a recommended course of study, how to prepare records, how to apply, and looking for scholarships. She will also present studies concerning homeschooled students in college and helpful hints from college admission officers.
“Gave me confidence in starting this process. Thank you.”
“Thank for very practical help.”
The Fractured Home School
Do you feel like you misunderstood God’s call for homeschooling? This intimate and personal session discuss what appears to our human eyes to be failures. Susan presents a personal testimony about God’s victories in the Fractured Home School.
“Honest, vulnerable, encouraging. <It’s> hard to look at failure BUT a must. You hit on unchanging truths and reminded me of God’s word accordingly and that I must be abandoned to Him.”
“It’s reminded me of God’s promises.”
The Frugal Homeschooler
Is the cost of curriculum and materials getting you down? Do you have a garage full of unused books and supplies? With more 20 years experience, Susan gives methods of saving money and making wise choices in acquiring your school materials.