WELCOME TO THE 2020 CANADIAN ONLINE HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCE!

When Planning Curriculum Ask These Questions First!

Jen Mackinnon / Practical, By Default
Playtime: 30:07

Planning curriculum for your child can be overwhelming, to say the least. Less than 5 minutes searching through Google you are not only drowning in resources but reaching for the nearest hidden chocolate stash!

Let's be honest, “overwhelmed” and “lost” are the last place you want to be. Because I prefer to keep it simple, I use a simple, practical, step-by-step process every single time.

Join me as I walk you through the questions you need to ask before you start your homeschool planning.

Homeschooling Regulations Across Canada: What You Need To Know

Lisa Knight / HSLDA Canada

Did you know that regulations surrounding homeschooling are different in each province/territory in Canada? In these mini sessions, learn some important policies and regulations across the country. If you’re new to the homeschooling scene or simply want peace of mind that you’re on the right track, check out these helpful videos.

Homeschooling: The Early Years

Lisa Marie Fletcher / The Canadian Homeschooler
Playtime: 26:44

When their children turn 3 or 4 years old, parents start to panic about academics. After all, these are the kindergarten years - ones that the school system has designated as an official starting point for education. It leads to a lot of questions - the biggest of which is "How do I homeschool my preschooler?"

Let's talk about the early years and how to get learning in.

Homeschooling in Ontario: How It Works & How To Get Started

Marian Buchanan / OTFP
Playtime: 17:53

Presented by a long-time executive member of the Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents (OFTP), this is a quick overview in two parts: “How it works” covers the legalities of homeschooling in Ontario: what the Education Act says, what the Ministry’s homeschooling policy says, how it normally works, and how it works if there is an attempted investigation. “How to get started” walks you through a step-by-step guide of the educational decisions to be made and the practical steps to be taken when getting started homeschooling in Ontario. As the OFTP motto says, “You CAN educate your child at home!”

Family Centered Learning

Bonnie Landry / Homeschool, Simplified
Playtime: 51:27

That cozy image you had when you considered homeschooling, reading together, cuddled up, the kids interested and asking questions...it's not a dream! You can achieve the homeschool you imagined. This session covers :

• the importance of reading aloud
• essentials for developing a rich learning environment
• the value of hard copy encyclopedia
• suggestions for the use of computer in home education
• using space effectively
• how reading aloud looks for our family
• what age to start family reading
• resources for choosing literature
• we are developing an environment of learning
• how to force kids to learn stuff you think they should know
• developing an outline of study

Keep it cozy, love doing what you do.

Leveraging Digital for Learning

Kelly Rasmussen / GotSmartz
Playtime: 26:50

Could you or your child benefit from the use of assertive technology? Come learn about Read and Write, Mindomo, Google Keep, Tab Resize and how students of all ages are using these tools to help with reading, writing, studying, researching and organization. These simple tools can be used to engage, inspire and help learners reach their true potential.

It's Not About the Skateboard, It's About Learning Skills.

Norah Jackson / Roarockit
Playtime: 21:41

Doing a simple-yet-sophisticated-build to make a wood skateboard from scratch focuses a young mind and leads them to understand many other lessons.

This session involves a program I have developed with my small company that has proven to capture the interest of teachers and students alike. It involves STEM and STEAM subjects using a hands-on approach to learning.

While the end result is a quality ride-able skateboard, the lessons along the way are fun, informative, relevant and meaningful especially to teens. Woodworking, science, construction technology, art and design, marketing and business topics are part of this project.

Community involvement, mentorship and leadership are also integral to the program. How do so many things relate to a skateboard? I hope you will watch this presentation to find out!

ZPD and Homeschooling

Samantha Star / Ms. Star Homeschools
Playtime: 15:53

When I tell people that I teach online and that my students are homeschooled they, of course, have follow-up questions. One popular line of questionning is about socialization. We all know that homeschooling isn’t as alienating as the general population seems to think is. In this presentation, I will discuss the importance of communities of practice (in any education setting) and how they can be powerful tools to help parents and educators with evaluating a learner’s ZPD or Zone of Proximal Development. ZPD refers to what the student can do with guided assistance, and we will discuss why determining this is important to a student's progress. We will also discuss why it is sometimes hard for those closest to the student to accurately determine a student's ZPD and how a community of practice can be used to benefit both the student and the home educator.

How Can I Get My Child To "Know" Their Times Tables?

Laurie Beesting / Bridge The Gap Math
Playtime: 41:50

This video is designed to get us all thinking about how Times Tables knowledge and confidence is a truly vital part of coping better with Intermediate math concepts, whether we are in Grades 4, 5, 6, 7... or Grade 8 or further and already working through high school math. The curriculum skills which students meet over the Intermediate math journey are often a little daunting, as things suddenly start to feel more challenging than in the earlier years... suddenly, concepts which felt ok, begin to feel a little wobbly as we tackle trickier mechanics of multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentages, geometry and more... and it is important to keep one’s head in a positive place to work through these more advanced stages. As a math tutor, whose role it is to ensure that some core fundamentals are firm and to build confidence to cope with up and coming math work, I have found that the most central and crucial aspect to making better progress, has been to find a way to learn and BECOME STRONGER AT TIMES TABLES. I made a list of the Intermediate math concepts which are made easier and more accessible if a student has a grip on Times Tables- and quite frankly, it was quite alarming to see all the math skills listed on there! Knowing one’s Times Tables is SO SO much the key to making faster progress in math!

Learning a Second Language

Julie Laferrière Tremblay / Hook Me on Languages
Playtime: 17:17

In this session, I will talk to you about the following subjects:

1. What is the best way to learn a second language for children.

2. Why the traditional way of learning a second language in school is not the way it should be taught to achieve success.

3. The initial reason that motivated me to create my French curriculum.

I will also show you two short videos. The first one will explain the concept of my learning program and the second one is a demo covering every portion of my curriculum. Be ready to hear how you can bring into your home another language in an easy, interesting and natural way without leaving the comfort of your house or have a private teacher.

University, College, Tech and Art Schools: How to Get In and Stay In

Judy Arnall / Unschooling to University
Playtime 41:10

Learn about the many ways to apply for post-secondary programs and tips for success in navigating the application process and the first year.

How Elementary Students Can Learn Online

Emily Douwes / Virtual Elementary School
Playtime: 15:00

Have you ever wondered how a student who is learning to read can participate in online learning? Or what the role of a parent or guardian is when signing your child up for an online course? In this session, we will talk about how elementary students can learn online using different tools and the strategies that our industry leaders suggest to maximize student success in the online environment.

Homeschooling From a Remote Location

Sarita Harbour / An Off Grid Life
Playtime: 21:45

Are you homeschooling far from the city? Sarita Harbour, a homeschooling mom living off the grid in the Northwest Territories shares how her family deals with the challenges of homeschooling when you live far from everything.

Teaching History

Rowan Atkinson / Headphone History
Playtime: 25:47

In a world of STEM. learn why the study of history is still important. You will be given many practical ideas for teaching history in a way that fits into your busy home school. Examples of free and purchased products to help you along the way will be given.

Gameschooling

Wendy Elizabeth Hart / Freeschoolin'
Playtime: 16:15

Wendy Elizabeth Hart shares her passion for learning through play in this talk about the educational benefits of just playing games. Wendy covers 4 different types of gaming, including LARP (Live Action Roleplay), to provide a glimpse into the vast world of gameschooling and it's unique ability to make learning fun.

Earning an OSSD as a Homeschooler

Richard Vallejo & Cori Dean / Virtual High School
Playtime: 23:10

Homeschooled students often run into barriers when applying to post-secondary programs. Without an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, the application process can be tedious. For many, the step from secondary homeschooling to secular post-secondary education feels more like an obstacle course of paperwork. Earning an OSSD streamlines the application process, saving you time and trouble. In this session we will discuss how homeschooled students can apply to post-secondary programs with an OSSD from the comfort of their learning environment.

Teaching French In Homeschool

Christy Chalmers / La Librairie de LectureA-Z
Playtime: 20:08

Learn about teaching French to elementary students from a retired public school French teacher. What's important to know? What is the best way for kids to learn a second language? Get all the details in this short interview.

Bringing Democracy to Your Classroom

Ruth Matthew / CIVIX
Playtime: 15:15

CIVIX is a non-partisan, national registered charity dedicated to building the skills and habits of active and engaged citizenship among young Canadians. CIVIX provides authentic learning opportunities to help young Canadians practice their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and connect with their democratic institutions. Instead of studying about democracy from a textbook, they experience it first-hand with real issues in real-time. This workshop focuses on the programming offered by CIVIX that can be easily integrated into your class planning.

The workshop will introduce our flagship program is Student Vote. Student Vote enables teachers to bring democracy alive in the classroom and empowers students to experience the voting process firsthand during general elections. Students learn about government and the electoral process, research the leaders, candidates and party platforms, and discuss the election with family friends. In the culminating, students take on the roles of election officials and conduct a vote on the local candidates. The results are shared publicly following the close of the official polls.

We have also started to tackle one of the most urgent issues facing democracies today: the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Being able to determine what is fact or fiction online has become an essential skill of citizenship in the digital age. Students need to think critically about what they see online, develop the habits to verify information, establish a trusted list of sources and gain an appreciation for the role of professional journalism in a democracy. Learn the tips and tricks for fact-checking sources that you can bring back to your classroom. Participants receive access to engaging how-to videos and lesson plans. Finally, this workshop will touch on our financial literacy program Student Budget Consultation program, which provides youth with an opportunity to learn about the government’s revenues and expenditures, discuss important political issues and suggested policies, and offer their insights on the priorities of the upcoming federal budget.

Relationship Matters - The Most Important Part of Homeschooling

Jennifer Gehman / Connections for Learning
Playtime: 20:32

We make a monumental decision when we decide to homeschool our children. We dedicate ourselves to studying curriculum options, looking for the best resources, and buying the products promising us simplicity and results. We also begin doubting and second-guessing our decisions when we find our children struggling to learn the material we have so carefully selected. In the flurry of all these educational choices, we sometimes forget the most important thing about teaching our children. Relationship matters. It matters more than anything else.

Single Parenting Homeschooling: A Guide To Getting It All Done

Sarah Wall / Raising Royalty

Getting it all done when you are doing it all yourself can feel lonely and overwhelming. But if you have the right systems in place, you can get it all done, and still have time for what matters to you. Here are the tools, tricks, systems and shortcuts that this single, homeschooling, work-at-home mom uses to keep on track and get it all done!

Defining Success

Stacey Piercey / Kids2Market
Playtime: 24:21

What is success and how do you define it? Are we setting up our children for success in a future we can't even imagine? This session will help you define what success is for both you personally and your child(ren). Walking through a method used to ensure goals are grounded to a path forward, while keeping the child at the centre of it all. Once the goals are in place, homeschool planning becomes a natural extension with a clear vision of where you and your child are headed but offers freedom from stress and the "spring panic".

Homeschool Mama Mental Self-Care: Keep Learning, Find Time Alone & Find Your Fun

Teresa Wiedrick / Capturing the Charmed Life
Playtime: 36:17

If you've been homeschooling for more than a few weeks, you'll be relishing your homeschool freedoms. But if you've been homeschooling for more than a few weeks, you'll learn that homeschooling takes a lot out of you. Instill self-care practices that facilitate your well-being. Your mental stimulations matters. Keep learning, find time alone, and keep the fun in your life. You get to dabble in your interests, just like your kids get to dabble in theirs. You get to develop you and pursue your passions, just like you encourage your kids to pursue theirs. You get to make yourself a fun life, just like you help your kids to have fun in theirs. In this seminar, you'll get practical ideas how to approach these mental self-care needs. Join me as we chat about the homeschool mama experience.

Keep Your Cool When You're Feeling HOT!

Jenn Dean / Families Matter Most
Playtime: 27:39

You want to reach the hearts of your children, but this is impossible when negative emotions get in the way. This workshop teaches parents how to stay calm in any situation. You'll learn to recognize your own emotions such as anger or guilt and then assertively relate with your children in a way that doesn’t escalate emotions. This one session will change your relationship with your kids, and you'll have more peace in your homeschool day.

How Your Behavioural Style Impacts Your Homeschool

Karen Van Reisen / Incredible Creatures
Playtime: 27:09

Did you know that your behavioural style has a definite impact on the students in your homeschool, as well as on other people around you? In this session you will be introduced to a tool that can contribute to your family's homeschool success and increase harmony in your home. *Please note: This session is faith-based.*

The Myth of Balance

Lisa Marie Fletcher / The Canadian Homeschooler
Playtime 52:12

There is this popular belief that, if you do things properly, it is possible to find a way to balance all the sections and responsibilities in our lives so they each get the time they need and we find success/peace/happiness. We are expected to be able to do everything to the fullest. But the truth is, balance is a myth. Life is more about priorities, flexibility, and simplification than balance.  Let's simplify together.

Expanding Our Homeschool

Michelle Beazer / The Canadian Schoolhouse
Playtime: 29:34

How we helped other families provide an education for their kids through adjusting our homeschool routine to include their kids on a full time or part time basis. In this session I will share how we, as a family, homeschool. Where the idea came from. How I met families in need of this kind of help. What steps we took to make it a success for our family and the families with whom we share our homeschool.

Why Homeschooling a Child with Unique Needs is a Great Choice

Diane Geerlinks / GeerLinks Educational Therapy
Playtime: 22:11

Are you trying to homeschool a child that doesn’t fit the mold? Every child is unique, but some have needs that require more intervention. The labels range from Autism to Down's Syndrome, from ADHD to Vision Impairment to Auditory Processing Disorder. Is it really possible to teach your own child in all of these situations? In this workshop, we will discuss the pros and cons, hear each other’s real-life stories, share available resources and receive some much-needed encouragement for the journey!

Better Late Than Early or Early Than Late?

Diane Geerlinks / GeerLINKS Educational Therapy
Playtime: 20:30

All children learn and grow at their pace...from rolling over as infants to crawling, to talking, to toilet training, to learning the alphabet. Homeschool parents are told over and over again ‘Don’t worry…they’ll catch on eventually’. Although this is somewhat reassuring for a homeschool mom who has tried everything to get their child to read, she wonders, "Is it fact? Do I dare wait?"  In this workshop, Diane, veteran homeschool mom and trained educational therapist, will debunk some myths, discuss some red flags and offer some tips and encouragement for the journey.

8 Mythes Sur L'Éducation A Domicile

Marie Noelle Marineau / Marginale et Heureuse
15:01 minutes

Pour ceux qui débutent, qui sont curieux, qui aimeraient en apprendre plus sur l'éducation à domicile, voici une conférence de type « éducation à domicile 101 », présentée en 8 mythes populaires!

Découvrir les étoiles et les constellations  *ENFANTS*

Julie Bolduc-Duval / À la Découverte de l'Univers
20:27 Minutes

Dans cette vidéo, je te montre comment apprendre les principales étoiles et constellations visibles à l’hiver 2020. Tu apprendras aussi comment utiliser le logiciel-planétarium gratuit Stellarium.

Les Liens Environnementaux  *ENFANTS*

Danielle Barrett / Jardins Botaniques Royaux
17:56 minutes

Ce ne sont pas toutes les personnes qui ont des ressources locales pour soutenir l’apprentissage environnemental. Où que vous soyez, vos étudiants peuvent interagir avec nos éducateurs et nos scientifiques et explorer des thèmes tels que la biodiversité, la conservation, la botanique, l'écologie des plantes et l'environnement. Si vous n’avez jamais participé à une expérience interactive d’enseignement à distance, voici une occasion pour apprendre quoi cela ressemble. Découvrez les Jardins botaniques royaux (JBR), un lieu haut de la biodiversité du Canada, composé de 1,100 hectares de sanctuaires naturels et de jardins situés à la pointe sud-ouest du lac Ontario. Pendant le programme, nous vous présenterons les JBR et vous demanderons de participer à certains de nos programmes interactifs. Nos programmes offrent des expériences d’apprentissage enrichissantes et variées qui mettent les gens en contact avec le monde végétal et cultivé. Un programme populaire pour les élèves de jardin à 3e est Créature ailés et bestioles rampantes où nous découvrons pourquoi les insectes sont-elles importantes pour le monde des plantes. Joignez-nous pour un jeu vrai ou faux afin d'explorer ce qu'est un insecte, puis terminer avec une chanson d'action. Regardez une petite partie de notre programme De la graine à la plante (2e à 6e) mettant en vedette notre éducatrice française, Danielle Barrette. Pour les groupes 6e à 9e, nous offrons un programme sur les Impacts humains sur les écosystèmes. Découvrez comment nous aidons à protéger nos zones humides. Tous nos programmes sont liés au curriculum scolaire de votre province. Nous serons en contact avec les coordonnateurs (parents, tuteurs ou organisations) pour consulter sur l’objectif et le contenu que vous désirez pour nos programmes. Joignez-vous à Karin pour découvrir comment les JBR rejoignent les communautés urbaines, rurales et isolées par vidéoconférence, en impliquant les apprenants du 21ème siècle tout en promouvant l'éducation environnementale.

Learning About Rabbits

Annette Vellenga / A Net In Time
Playtime: 29:19

Introducing people to the care and joy of rabbits. Housing, feeding, and more. * FOR KIDS*

Making Environmental Connections

Karin Davison-Taylor / Royal Botanical Gardens
Playtime: 24:58

Some of us have amazing resources that we can access locally to support our education programs, but not everyone has the same opportunities. No matter where you are, your students can interact with our educators and scientists and explore topics like biodiversity, conservation, botany, plant ecology and the environment. If you’ve never taken part in an interactive distance learning experience, here is your chance to get a taste of what it is like. Discover Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), Canada’s biodiversity hotspot, composed of 1100 hectares of natural sanctuaries and gardens at the southwest tip of Lake Ontario. During the program, we’ll introduce you to RBG and ask you to participate in some of our interactive programs. Our programs offer meaningful and diverse learning experiences that connect people with the wild and cultivated plant world. We’ll start with a critical part of a plant's life, insects; Creatures with Wings and Crawly Things (Kindergarten – Gr 3). Join us for a True and False game to explore what an insect is and then reinforce that with an action song. For those that are looking for French content, we can offer that as well. You’ll see a portion of a Growing Seeds (Gr 2 – 6) featuring our French educator, Danielle Barrette. For Gr 6 – 9, we’ll do a segment from Human Impacts on Ecosystems. Discover how we are mitigating some of the stressors in our wetlands and the results. All of our programs are curriculum linked to the province that they are presented to and we appreciate being able to connect with program coordinators (parents, guardians or organizations) to consult on the focus and content of the programs. Join Karin to discover how RBG is reaching out to urban, rural and remote communities via videoconference, engaging 21st Century learners while promoting environmental education.

Freeschoolin': "Life Is My School!"

Wendy Elizabeth Hart / Freeschoolin'
Playtime: 6:27

Join Wendy Elizabeth Hart for her first read aloud ever of the children's book she wrote and illustrated, "Freeschoolin': Life Is My School!". In this book you will meet her daughter Hope and learn about the joy of a self directed life through Wendy's colourful illustrations and simple, sweet story telling. **FOR KIDS**

Discover the Stars and Constellations

Julie Bolduc-Duval / Discover The Universe
Playtime: 21:16

In this session, I will give you an overview of the main stars and constellations visible in early 2020. You will also learn how to use the free planetarium software Stellarium. *FOR KIDS*

Watercolour Ice Cream Cones Art Lesson

Andrea Mulder-Slater / KinderArt
Playtime 17:49

Join Andrea for a step-by-step art lesson which walks children through the creation of a watercolour painting with ice cream as the theme. *FOR KIDS*

Why Did the British Wear Red Uniforms? 

Lisa Marie Fletcher / The Canadian Homeschooler
Playtime: 9:31

It seems strange that an army would wear bright red uniforms, doesn't it?
Let's look at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham to see if we can figure out why. *FOR KIDS*

Start Your Own Business - How To Come Up With A Business Idea Of Your Own

Stacey Piercey / Kids2Market
Playtime: 19:55

Ever wanted to start your own business? Can't figure out how to get started? This session walks you through how to brainstorm business ideas that are perfectly suited to you; your own special gift to share with the world. Bring paper and something to write with, and let the ideas flow! **FOR YOUTH**

Conquer Your Time - 5 Steps to Creating A Simple Schedule For Teens

Jen Mackinnon / Practical, By Default
Playtime: 12:50

Let me ask you a question, do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the things you have to do? Chores, homeschool, clubs, extra curricular activities, studying for tests, preparing for college, handling a job and trying to find time for friends or hobbies? It's a lot to do! In this short video, I'll show you 5 simple steps to creating a simple schedule you can use to regain control over your time. *FOR YOUTH*