WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

Karen offers a variety of workshops that are presented at various times throughout the year. Please visit our Contact page to sign up for our newsletter for announcements about current offerings.

Questions Most Frequently Asked...
Feeling overwhelmed?  Have lots of questions about curriculum and reading? What about spelling and writing?  What is a portfolio assessment and why would I want one?  Join us for a fun and interactive workshop on beginning reading and the reluctant reader, selecting curriculum, and how to integrate writing and spelling more effectively.  Bring a notebook and your questions!

The Reluctant Reader
This workshop will focus on the reluctant reader, the difference between a phonics and a whole language approach, how to decide the right curriculum for your child, and children with reading disabilities.  Join us for a lively discussion and bring a notebook!

Spelling - The Developmental Stages: How to Assess What to Teach Next
Here we will explain how to figure out what specific confusions your child is having and what to "teach next." General principles of effective spelling instruction will be discussed and supplemental materials will be suggested. Bring a notebook and your questions!

Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing!
When God calls us to homeschool we are frequently overwhelmed with all the choices and decisions we have to make.  Questions addressed will include:

• How do I balance between the spiritual and the academic?
• How much time every day should we do school?
• What if we don't get science (or something else) done?

Dr. Holinga will help you clarify how to determine your current goals while staying within the confines of The Ohio State Regulations and help you look toward the future.

Learning to Read (How to make it easy, fun AND inexpensive!)
This workshop will discuss different methods of reading instruction for the new and beginning reader.  Discussion topics will include various materials and programs you can use, transitioning from oral language to book language, the role of memory, and the importance of writing (methods and materials). 

Bringing  Kids Home...
If you are new to homeschooling, or just thinking about doing it, this is the workshop for you!  We will talk about the "stages" parents and children go through when they first come home, and then what to expect years two and three. Dr. Holinga will help clarify how to determine your current goals while staying within the confines of the Ohio State Regulations and will help you look toward the future.

Especially for MOPS! (Mothers of Preschoolers)
Feeling nervous and excited about your child's first day of school? Wondering if you're doing enough to get them ready? Join us for an animated discussion about readiness activities, the importance (and proper pencil grip) of letter formation and writing, the importance of nursery rhymes and reading aloud, and how to recognize potential problems before they occur. This workshop is free and can be scheduled at your regular meeting time. Please call for details! Dr. Karen actually taught Kindergarten and in addition to her Ph.D. has special certification in Early Childhood Development.