ProgramThis year's speaker line-up includes: Ren Allen, James H. Coburn IV, Beth Fuller, Eli Gerzon, Cameron Lovejoy, Ronnie Maier, Brenna McBroom, Scott Noelle and Anne Ohman. We will be adding topics to this page as we receive them from the conference speakers.
A Journey into Whole Life Unschooling - James Coburn
I will be talking about how my family discovered Unschooling and how we have been able to incorporate it into every facet of our lives. I will describe some of the events that brought both Robyn and me to the discovery of unschooling and its understanding. We took different paths, yet they were leading in the same direction and ultimately the same goal: to share and build and support each person in this family's wide and different passions. I will share some of the trials and tribulations that our journey has brought. I'll talk about how the path of unschooling is more of a lifestyle choice than simply an educational choice; how everybody has to be on board or it doesn't work; how Unschooling has enabled Jayn to grow and develop at her own pace and not one dictated by teachers, schools, states, or standards; how we don't need rules, or restrictions to have a joyful experience; in fact, how those very restrictions inhibit growth and passion.
The Creative Pleasure Principle ~ Scott Noelle
Unschooling is often called "interest-driven learning" as children's attention naturally and willingly goes to activities and subjects they find interesting. However, "pleasure-driven" is a more apt label because the expectation of pleasure, or satisfaction of desires, is what drives interest. In this presentation, I will describe how a "creative pleasure principle" permeates all of nature, including humanity, and I will debunk the myth that pleasure-oriented living would be avaricious and unsustainable. On the contrary, most of modern society's ills and unsustainable practices are rooted in the suppression of pleasure. Expect to leave this session with a clear understanding of how you can allow pleasure not only to drive your children's learning but also to guide and enhance every aspect of your life.
Enjoying Teenagers - Ronnie Maier
Come and hear how one mom went from "Teen Terror" to "Teen Joy" in one short decade. I'll share the things that contributed to my fear of teenagers and talk about the steps and stages of my transformation to teen lover. Let some real life stories about teen unschooling and why it works so very well set you up for really enjoying your teenagers. Maybe you won't need a decade to get there.
Finding Your Voice - Brenna McBroom
Join me, grown unschooler Brenna McBroom, as I discuss my unschooling journey. I will be talking about taking the first steps on the unschooling journey, some common struggles that unschoolers face, unschooling during the teen years, socialization and the prom, and transitioning from unschooling at home to unschooling during college/work/travel, etc.From Dull and Boring To Bright and Passionate - Cameron's Past 8 years - Cameron Lovejoy
Cameron' life has changed dramatically since he left school after 6th grade. He would be a Junior in college now- if he'd chosen that direction. He's chosen different paths all his life, while in school and as life learner. His life from then until now has many stories, revelations, experiences, and journeys full of wonder, learning and growth. The past 8 years of his life will be broken down and explained from his perspective as a school-minded adolescent to an adult autodidact.
Get Out of Your Head and Into The Moment!! ~ Anne Ohman
Unschooling is in the living, and there's no need to look any further than *this* very moment in life for all the glory that unschooling is! Anne will share her core beliefs and ideas about unschooling, especially those that have allowed her to let go of the voices of yesterday and the worry about tomorrow and choose to be Fully Present with her children in this moment. Wonderful things are waiting to happen!
There will be a roundtable discussion, "Unschooling IS Living an Awakened Life ~ Further Thoughts on Living in the Present Moment" with Anne Ohman in the same room immediately following this presentation.
I Am What I Am ~ Anne and Jake Ohman
It was Jake (now almost 18) who introduced his family to unschooling, and his parents had the courage and insight to listen to him, believe him, trust him and follow him...thereby expanding their own worlds exponentially as well. Join Anne and Jake as they talk a little about their journey, but mostly share with you some of the important things they think you should know about this glorious unschooling life.
Mindful connections - Ren Allen
We hear the term "unparenting" flung about when we talk about giving your children more freedom. Some people seem to equate hands-off or neglect with unschooling philosophy. What does a mindful, connected parent act like? How are conflicts and challenges handled in a mindful home? Some of us came from a traditional background and moved into a peaceful, mindful reality. We had to replace our tools of punishment and rewards with something different and better......mindfulness!
We'll explore just what mindfulness means and how parents can begin replacing their traditional tools with more useful, connected methods. It's not just about "education", unschooling changes how we connect and respond to our children in every way!Peaceful Partnerships ~ Beth Fuller
Radical unschooling improved my relationship with my daughter, but no matter how much I grew as a parent, true peace and joy eluded me. What hindered me was the way I was treating my husband, Kevin. I struggled to show him the same kindness and courtesy that I so willingly showered upon my child. Once I dedicated myself to altering my negative actions within my marriage, I began to shift my perspective on our entire relationship. I will share the amazing transformation our family has been through since discovering the importance of treating every member of our family with patience, respect and compassion.
Photos and Stories from Around the World - Eli Gerzon
Get a taste of at least half a dozen countries: Japan, Korea, Thailand, Laos, Mexico and Guatemala. See photos of people, temples, mountains, pretty flowers, cute kids, and food (you wouldn't believe what some people will eat!). Just a couple dozen beautiful and interesting photos per country along with stories and cultural observations. You can tell a lot about a country from its money and I'll also share currency I've collected. This is a presentation people of all ages can enjoy!Unschooling the Wrong Way - Ronnie Maier
Is there a wrong way to unschool your kids? Do you have moments (days?
months?) of feeling like an unschooling failure? Let's do a little pondering about right and wrong and take a look at what unschooling looks like in difficult times. I'll also offer suggestions for coping with and *using* your fears to expand and add joy to your unschooling. I hope you'll join me in celebrating the resilience of our unschooling, our children, and our selves.What is Worldschooling? - Eli Gerzon
Worldschooling is when the whole world is your school instead of school being your whole world. It's a new term coined by Eli Gerzon that started as a more descriptive and positive word for unschooling but has developed into its own branch of the wonderful unschooling philosophy. Worldschooling is about fully experiencing life: going outside of your comfort zone and facing exciting, real, not artificially created, challenges in the world. Come to hear about and discuss worldschooling!