Settlers of DuPage County Pic of T1 and me from his session
This past weekend Thing 1, Jeff and I went to the InHome Conference at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL. It was pretty cool and I’m glad we went–even with the fire alarm evacuation one day and a power outtage the next.
The sessions I enjoyed most:
(Fri) Classical Education in the Early Years with Dr. Andrew Campbell — This is the session in which the fire alarm was activated by some kid trying to use the emergency exit. Kids. We evacuated to the lawn and continued our discussion outdoors, and I find myself intrigued by the Classical Ed. concept. I think the boys would really enjoy it, so I bought Drew’s book, The Latin-Centered Curriculum, and plan to delve into it further. We’re not far off, so incorporating more wouldn’t be a stretch.
(Fri) The Power and Art of the Homeschooler’s Blog with Andrea Rennick — I snuck in a half hour early for quiet time, which was *also* one of my favorite sessions. Andrea (can I call you Andrea?) was hysterical (funny way vs. crazy woman needs meds way)… This helped immensely because Pheasant Run sucks big with the amenities, and we had a horrible time actually doing the “Blog” portion of the scheduled entertainment. A mysterious guy in the audience, with a black hat and a walkie-talkie, saved the day. Andrea was a total rock star, however the technical crap shook out, and inspired me to do my own blog. This very blog. Bask in its awesomeness. She was pretty awesome too, so sign up and blog about her like I am. I am adding a category, “Sucking Up,” in honor of this entry.
(Sat) Great Books and Socratic Method Resources with Pattie Kelley-Huff — I enjoyed her Last Child in the Woods session last year, and thought this new topic sounded promising. I’m thinking about starting a book discussion group with the younger local kids, and now I feel like I could probably swing it without looking like a complete ass. I aim high in everything, so anything short of “complete ass” spells victory to me. Pattie Kelley-Huff was interesting to listen to and had a great handout, so I can pretty much fake it ’til I make it. If I can’t hold my own with a pack of kids, then maybe I shouldn’t be homeschooling, yes?
(Sat) Homeschooling Gifted Students with Cindi Link — Cindi could rule the world if she chose to do so. I belong to her HSGS group in Evanston and credit it with talking me back from the ledge, so to speak, on many occasions. Raising gifted kids isn’t always a cakewalk. Homeschooling them? OMG Life is never dull, and often quite fascinating. Anyway, if you’re in the Chicagoland area and h’schooling a gifted child, then e-mail Cindi for more information about the group: cindi@marketinganalytics.com
(Sat) Homeschooling the Gifted Student: A Panel Discussion with Cindi Link — This was probably the best session of the whole conference, mainly because I was on the panel! Lives were changed.
THE TALENT SHOW! After the last session, I met up with my peeps for the talent show. Jeff and I sat off to the side while T1 sat with the kids up front (T2 was at home with the grandparents). There was, indeed, serious talent represented from a bunch of the kids. Then there was the stand-up comic. Holy cow, I couldn’t stop laughing, but for the wrong reason. This boy very bravely stood up and told one inappropriate joke after another. While Jeff and I giggled, I glanced around the crowd and noted more than a few horrified parents. 99.9 percent of the kids had no idea what the heck he was talking about… Though this was a nonsectarian deal, there were boatloads of religious families, who, I’m sure, were not finding the comedic stylings to be wholesome family fun. The kid was totally jazzed when he finished his last joke, a gem about a drunk Irish guy threatening a fly that was drinking his beer. Then our comic jumped off the front of the stage and ran off, without a whole lot of applause I might add. Go big or go home I suppose, and he went big. That’s where we exited as well–a perfect ending to our conference experience.
Not exactly Great Books, or Harvard Classics–though there are those as well.