Ready for the World: Philippine Homeschool Conference 2015

By Mommy Donna and Kib - October 07, 2015

I have been homeschooling Kib for the past six years (two years independent, four years with a homeschool provider). People may already already call me as a veteran homeschooler, but hey, I have still lots of things to learn about homeschooling. I feel so proud to tell other people that we are into homeschooling because they find Kib to be personable and can talk with adults with confidence and substance.

I have already attended several homeschool conferences in the past and I would say that it really helped me and my son with our homeschooling journey. I learned about different ways on how to improve our homeschooling methods at home. I was able to improve as a teacher-parent to my son. I was able to connect with different homeschool materials sellers and providers and other homeschooling families sharing their own stories in homeschooling. This is indeed the most-awaited event for homeschooling families all across the Philippines.

This year, Homeschool Association of the Philippine Islands (HAPI), Manila Workshops and The Learning Basket bring you the largest homeschooling conference, "The Philippine Homeschool Conference 2015: Ready for the World!" This will be held on October 17, 2015 at SM Aura (Samsung Hall and SMX Convention Center).

As a precursor to the Global Home Education Conference (GHEC) to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in March 2016, two well-respected homeschool advocates and speakers from the United States will be gracing the event as keynote speakers: Michael Donelly, Director for Global Outreach of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and Secretary of GHEC 2016, and Rachael Carman, mother of seven and best-selling author and publisher of the popular science curriculum Apologia. Rachael's husband, Davis, the President of Apologia, will be speaking during the Philippine Homeschool Conference as well.

Sought-after speaker and homeschooling advocate Edric Mendoza, host of "On the Money" on ANC and homeschooling dad of five will also be speaking together with his wife, Joy. Chinky Tan, motivational speaker and wealth coach, will also be talking about stretching finances in homeschooling.

Homeschoolers and those exploring this educational option will be inspired, informed and empowered in this biggest homeschooling event of the year. For sure, this will be bigger than the past years' homeschool conferences. This event is open to those who are currently homeschooling and for those who are considering homeschooling as an option to educate their children.

EVENT DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

An All Access Day Pass (access to go in and out of all three venues including the exposition venue) is at Php1000 per person until October 4th. Starting October 5th, All Access Day Pass will be sold at Php1200 per person.

Aside from the inspiring talks, there will be a huge expo of the various learning providers, educational books, toys, books, etc. that will help current and aspiring homeschooling families in their homeschooling journey. This expo will be open to the public for a minimal amount of Php50 per head. Those who paid for the All Access Day Pass need not to pay additional to be able to gain access to the expo area.

The program flow for the event can be seen below:

7:30AM-9:00AM REGISTRATION (Main Lobby)

8:55AM-9:00AM National Anthem

9:00AM-9:05AM Opening Prayer

9:00AM-9:15AM Welcome Remarks

9:15AM-10:00AM KEYNOTE SPEECH 1 (Michael Donelly)

10:30AM-11:15AM MINI-TALKS 1

a. Parenting Basics: Getting your Children to Listen and Learn

(Edric and Joy Mendoza)

b. Getting your Children Ready for the World through

Independent Homeschooling (Teacher Ched Arzadon)

11:15AM-1:00PM Open time to go around the expo area

11:30AM-12:15PM Homeschooling 101

1:00PM-1:45PM MINI-TALKS 2

a. Give Me One Good Reason to Homeschool (Davis Carman)

b. Singled Out (Michael Donelly)

2:15PM-3:00PM MINI-TALKS 3

a. Stretching Your P100 Budget in Homeschooling (Chinky

Tan)

b. DepEd Forum / K-12 curriculum

3:30PM-4:15PM KEYNOTE SPEECH 2 (Rachael Carman)

Apart from the talks and plenary sessions, there will be arts and crafts activities provided for children at the expo area. However, since the talks, plenary sessions, and expo area are on different venues, it is advised that there should be someone who will look after the children during the arts and crafts activity. Each arts and crafts activity is at Php500 each (materials included). The arts and crafts activity will be conducted by DMC and Ms. Marj Liwag (basic calligraphy).

Following are the arts and crafts activities that you can choose from:

String Art (9AM-11AM) -- Kids will hammer away to create different colorful figures, abstract or representational, using just wood, nails and various threads. For ages 13 and up.

Mandala Art (9AM-11AM) -- Learn how to create beautiful hanging ornaments by mixing patterns and colors with just your thread. For ages 13 and up.

Basic Calligraphy (first session, 10AM-12NN) -- Let your kids learn to write basic calligraphy in this workshop. For ages 13 and up.

Cross Stitch (12:30PM-2:30PM) -- Remember the cross-stitch craze way back in mid-1990s? Introduce your child to this addicting hobby that can produce beautiful home wall decors with clean and precise X's. For ages 9 and up.

Dream Catcher (12:30PM-2:30PM) -- Native Americans believe that dreams can be caught. Kids will love making their own dream catchers with a hoop, threads, and eye-catching decors arranged in a web for a good night's sleep. For ages 13 and up.

Basic Calligraphy (second session, 2:45PM-4:45PM)

To register for the event, you may visit Manila Workshops' website at http://manilaworkshops.com/events/homeschool-conference-2015. You may also inquire with Ms. Alyssa Chua (landline 234-0432, mobile 0917-8491409, email alyssa@tmahomeschool.org) or Ms. Michelle Padrelanan (michelle@manilaworkshops.com) should you have any questions about the event.

This is one learning event that you shouldn't miss. Inviting everybody to attend this event as this will really help you in your homeschooling journey. If you are still deciding whether homeschooling is for your family, this event will help you in your decision-making. Hope to see you there!

About HAPI/Manila Workshops/The Learning Basket

Homeschool Association of the Philippine Islands (HAPI), a non-stock, non-profit advocacy of Filipino homeschoolers, together with Manila Workshops, a company dedicated to continuing eduction for professionals and personal goals, and The Learning Basket, an advocacy that inspires parents to be their children's first and best teacher, offers and event jampacked with information and inspiration about homeschooling that will help parents get their kids ready for the world.