Conference Topics & Schedule 2002: Dean & Karen Andreola

Dean and Karen are regular Keynote and Session speakers at homeschool conventions across the U.S. Check back soon for an update on their upcoming speaking schedule. Listed below are overviews of some of their popular presentations.

Motivation & Enthusiasm....Keeping the Love of Learning Alive in our Homeschool.
Dean Andreola

Description overview: Weaving together humorous stories from our childhood school days, Dean illustrates practical ways to motivate our children toward a love of learning while avoiding some common mistakes. Borrowing ideas from a method that has sparked new life into thousands of households nationwide, Dean shows us how to educate and challenge our children for a life of learning and good living, long after “school” has ended. (This talk is fun and encouraging for the whole family.)

Description overview: Mother Culture During her years of research Karen revived Mother Culture, an obscure term from the past, a term she has coined for today's busy hardworking homeschooling mom. When a mother takes part in Mother Culture she safeguards her enthusiasm, so she will be better able to cope with her responsibilities. To partake in Mother Culture is to feed herself with the Word of God, with ideas from books, nature, art, music, to find time for a little recreation, or a practical craft, thus taking care to keep growing. If there such is a thing as the joy of childhood, there is also such a thing as the joy of motherhood, and Karen admonishes mothers to recognize and live within such a blessing. The joys and advantages of Mother Culture overflow into the family circle. Mother Culture is also a chapter in Karen’s book, A Charlotte Mason Companion.

Description overview: The daily tasks of a homeschool mother necessitate the wearing of many hats. During her talk Karen reaches into a suitcase full of hats. Each hat she wears is a symbol of one aspect of what she calls "the gentle art of learning." Karen speaks from 15 years of personal experience when she admits that homeschool is work and that it takes dedication. But she also provides specific examples and practical "how tos" of the joys of the "educational life." She inspires her fellow homeschoolers on to high ideals while she simplifies. Karen's own philosophy and method of education is based on her unique interpretation of the life and work of the Victorian Christian, Miss Charlotte Mason. (Dads will also be encouraged by this talk!)

Description overview: Many Dads have a difficult time relating to and speaking with their children about important, personal, and everyday matters. Because of the pressures of making a living, dads often feel like mere money machines, although they secretly desire to become a vital and welcome member of their families. Gleaning from the teaching methods of Jesus, literature, and from the family trees of members of the audience, Dean shares how stories can bring us closer to our children and our children closer to life's truths. This talk encourages participation.