JENNIFER MILLER GEHMAN
Jennifer Miller Gehman (BA, BEd) is a veteran homeschooling mother of five children - one has completed her post-secondary education, three are currently attending university, and the youngest is still learning in the living room. She is co-founder of Wildwood Curriculum, past-president and online liaison for the Manitoba Association for Schooling at Home, and a certified facilitator and course supporter at the Neufeld Institute. She is passionate about developmental attachment, creating healthy communities and a bunch of other playful things including books, sewing, historical reenactment, and home renovations. http://connectionsforlearning.
2023 CONFERENCE SESSION
PAST CONFERENCE SESSIONS
SESSION: FINDING YOUR TRIBE: HOW TO CREATE A HOMESCHOOL SUPPORT GROUP
“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” A support group can make the homeschooling journey easier providing support, encouragement and activities. But how do you find your tribe? This overview will give both newer and veteran homeschoolers some ideas and practical steps on how to find, start and maintain a homeschooling support group.
SESSION: THE SCIENCE OF PLAY & THE ART OF RELATIONSHIP
As adults, we often focus on looking for the best curriculum or the most innovative learning technology, but is it possible that true learning comes from a very different place? Developmental science is giving us clues to what is truly needed to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world. Evidence is on the rise that play in the context of a safe and nurturing relationship is a child’s best bet for learning. Jennifer will look at the pivotal and sometimes surprising roles of relationship and play in the learning equation including how we as adults can help create the conditions for our children to grow and thrive.
SESSION: RELATIONSHIP MATTERS - THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF HOMESCHOOLING
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.
SESSION: TRUE SELF-CARE
Parenting is tough. Homeschooling is tough. We must also figure out how to juggle partnerships, go to our paid jobs, care for extended family and friends, participate in community commitments, and keep on top of mounting heaps of dishes and laundry.
And somewhere in all that, we need to find a way to care for ourselves. But what does it mean to truly care for ourselves? What do we really need to fulfill our own potential?
Come and learn what self-care that leads to personal growth and development looks like.