Mrs. Sue Pruett:  Homeschool Conference Speaker and Workshop Leader Details

• Homeschooling: Charlotte Mason

1)     An Introduction to the Methods of Miss Charlotte Mason – Sue Pruett

Whether you are new to homeschooling, or a veteran of many years, the methods of Miss Charlotte Mason are worth checking into!  In this seminar, Sue Pruett will introduce you to the gentle, natural, successful methods developed over a century ago by a woman dedicated to seeing that every child receive an excellent education.  Sue will hit the highlights of a CM education in this introductory session. 

2)     Nature Studies – the Natural Way – Sue Pruett

Nature Studies sound so wonderful – and intimidating, don’t they?  We are blessed to have a wonderful guide for us in Miss Charlotte Mason!  She advocated getting children into the out of doors every day, in all kinds of weather, and in all kinds of spaces.  Whether you have no yard of your own at all, or you have acres of land right outside your door, it IS possible to give your children an excellent education about God’s creation.  Join us at this session to discover how!

3)     Living Books to Language Arts – Sue Pruett

You know "Living Books” are vital to an excellent Charlotte Mason education for your children.   You may wonder, however, what IS a ‘living book’?  Is any book at my local library a living book?  How can I tell?  In this hour, Sue Pruett will define what a living book is, share examples of living books, and give you a guide on how to evaluate a book to determine if it is genuinely a living book.  Sue will also share with you exactly how to use a living book in your child’s education, and show you just how EASY it is to use living books.  You will be amazed at just how much can be accomplished with a few simple exercises – like copywork, for example.  Join us this hour to learn how to cover all these subjects, and more without driving you or your children mad! 

4)     The Extra’s that aren’t Extra  - Sue Pruett  

Music, Composer Study, Artist Study, Handcrafts, Folk Songs, Hymns, Foreign Language, Free reading, and Poetry.  Do these sound like the always-just-out-of-reach icing on the cake?  Do you feel you have too much else to do, and you just can’t fit in all these ‘fun’ studies?  Are these just special treats reserved for the super-organized mom sitting next to you at home school group?  Well, Sue Pruett would like to encourage you that you CAN do these, and give your children the excellent education you desire for them!  These subjects are just as vital as history, math, and science to your curriculum!  Come, learn how you can have that icing on the cake – and give it to your children, as well – even first thing in the morning!  (Now who’s mother ever told them to have dessert first?!)

5)     Scream and Shout! – Sue Pruett

Do you ever find yourself in the midst of an angry tirade, and think to yourself, “How did I get HERE?!”  We don’t regularly share our struggles with anger as a prayer request – it’s taboo in most circles.  Sue has been there, done that, and bought the T-Shirt!  Now, she wants to share the life-giving truth with you that you CAN overcome your emotions.  The truth is that you love your children – and other moms struggle with anger just as much as you!  Come find hope, healing, humor, and honesty in dealing with this taboo issue.

6)         Side by Side Business

Do you need to earn some extra money to meet your family’s needs? Do you dream of bringing Dad home? Larry Pruett was able to come home in 2013. He and Sue will discuss the joys and challenges of running a family-based business.

7)         Juggling Act

We wear a lot of hats as homeschool parents! Sue and Larry Pruett have learned how to juggle life’s responsibilities and curve balls with humor and patience (mostly!). They will share their secret to achieving balance – and how to handle it when balance doesn’t come so easily.

8)         One Flesh

Do you find yourself wondering what happened to that knight in shining armor that you married? Do you wonder what happened to that care-free young maiden you married? Do the responsibilities of homeschooling and life wear on your marriage?

Come hear how you can keep a strong and vibrant marriage going in the midst of life’s challenges.  Homeschooling can be hard on a marriage. It can also be a tool to strengthen your bond with each other.

9)         Your Child’s Spiritual Education

“Nothing should do more to strengthen the bonds of family life than that the children should learn religion at the lips of their parents.” – Charlotte Mason Miss Mason had much to say about how to present scriptures and our faith to our children in a way that will point them to the Lord. Sue Pruett will teach you how to manage your own children’s spiritual education – the most important aspect of all!

• Married for 28+ years
• Mother of 5
• Homeschooling mother since 1999.
• Co-owner: Ancient Paths Christian Bookstore (part of Stepping Stones Company)

Sue Pruett, also known as ‘The Charlotte Mason Girl’, is married to her best friend Larry. Together they have five children who range in age from eleven to 22, and have been on the homeschool journey for over 17 years, using the methods of Charlotte Mason in her children's education the whole time. Sue's heart is to pass on the blessing she received from veteran homeschoolers who supported her through the rough early days of homeschooling. For over twelve years, Sue has encouraged homeschooling families through speaking, writing, blogging and just plain old visiting on the phone and praying for them.  In addition to her blogs, Sue and her husband operate an online bookstore called Ancient Paths Christian Bookstore that specializes in living books and other materials helpful to a Charlotte Mason education, and many other excellent items. Sue and her family look forward to meeting you at the convention.