TOP PRIORITY: Keeping Christ Central
Math worksheets. Spelling tests. Science experiments. Where is God in your home school schedule? Is Biblical world view buried under piles of books and lesson plans? Does character training get misplaced with loud sentiments like, "JUST DO YOUR SCHOOL WORK WITHOUT PESTERING YOUR SISTER!"? Relax. God is still in control; but it is important that you give Him control by making sure He stays central in your homeschooling plan! Join Amy as she shares simple tips that have helped her family annually refocus on Him, balancing between the academic part of school and the faith part of life! Finding wisdom and understanding through a fear of the Lord and knowing the Holy Spirit (Prov. 9:10). By keeping academic goals in check with God's goals through prayer, see how your family could grow academically and spiritually at the same time.
School AND Service: Making Service a Natural Part of Your School Plan
Which is more important, a daily math assignment or helping others? Of course, both are necessary in a balanced education, but how many times does a daily assignment overtake a service opportunity? From raking leaves for an elderly neighbor, to preparing a meal for a family in need, discover how your family can easily and enjoyably blend school and service together. By making this a habit while your children are young it will be something they (and you) won't want to miss as they grow older! In this workshop, Amy will introduce many simple and even natural ways to incorporate service into your school schedule. From baking for others to becoming foster parents, there are endless opportunities for your family to reach out and shine for HIM! Learn how to make serving others a "core" part of your family's education.
Help!! It's 5:00 and We're Still Doing School
After 5 years of homeschooling 5 children, Amy Quakkelaar became very frustrated when day after day, Dad got home from work at 5 pm and the Quakkelaar kids were STILL DOING SCHOOL! (Dad felt the same way as dinner was rarely on the table!) Through evaluating what was most important plus some simple planning ahead Amy learned school didn’t have to take all day. Let this busy mother and foster mother inspire you to discover simplicity and balance in your school day, which many times may be finished by lunchtime! Amy will discuss creative ways that family members can work together to get things done: having “student” teachers, big buddies, and books on CD for times on the go! Plus she’ll offer time saving tips and different schedule options. At 5:00 in your house, are your kids still doing school?
Keys for a Successful Co-op
The number one key is hearing God's voice and following His direction. This workshop will talk about doing school with just one other family (co-teaching) and things to look for in a larger group that will enrich your schooling.
Hands-On Kindergarten and First Grade
Whether starting anew, or adding another learner to the group, the thought of teaching early elementary education can be overwhelming. But veteran homeschooler, Amy Quakkelaar, assures mothers that with the right approach, the word “overwhelmed” can quickly be changed to “overjoyed.” Amy will explain the My Father’s World method of incorporating phonics, reading, writing, art, Bible, hands-on science, math, history, and more, into simple, yet effective daily plans. Include pre-schoolers and older kids in many of the interesting activities as well. You will be shown easy tools that will ensure “school” becomes daily FUN.
Occupying Preschoolers While Teaching Older Children
Our children are precious gifts from the Lord but sometimes they can interfere with our human plans. These little ones seem to seek attention at the wrong time. What can we do at these times to creatively involve them in the learning process? My Father’s World shares many suggestions on how to educate and occupy little ones.
Combining Classical Education, Charlotte Mason, & Unit Studies with a Christian Perspective
The myriad of homeschool choices can be overwhelming like interstates, highways, back roads & scenic routes. There are so many ways & opinions, how can one navigate through it all & still homeschool effectively? Why not blend the best of each method? Join My Father’s World as we show how to instill Christian values while integrating great literature, chronological history, geography, hands-on activities, notebooks & timelines, narration, study of Greek & Latin roots, nature studies, & more. Enjoy short, well-planned lessons in the morning with time to pursue individual interests in the afternoon. Make enjoyment a regular part of your home school!
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AMY QUAKKELAAR, along with her husband Steve, have been homeschooling their five children for ten years. The Quakkelaars felt called to bring their oldest child home for just one year, so they could instruct academics with a Biblical foundation, combined with strong character building and family bonding. Finding the "right" curriculum after the fifth year of homeschooling made teaching "enjoyable!" Once a mom who said she "would never homeschool," Amy helped facilitate a co-op in 2005 which grew to 35 families. In 2007, the Quakkelaar family followed God's calling and moved from Michigan to Missouri to join My Father's World as full-time staff. Amy has a degree in early childhood development and serves as a homeschool consultant and speaker. She is also very active in her local homeschooling community, coordinating mom's nights out, homeschool events and classes, and mentoring new homeschooling mothers. Amy uses her experiences as a mother, a foster mother, and at times, a homeschool teacher for additional children, to encourage parents to keep their eyes on God and to build His kingdom.
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