Luckymama Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Look what just came in my email: [T]his is first announcement of a Royal Fireworks Press Homeschool Curriculum Conference June 28 and 29, 2013 at Valley Forge, featuring: • Michael Clay Thompson on Language Arts • Dr Shelagh Gallagher on Problem Based Learning in the homeschool • Dr Frances Spielhagen on teaching Latin • Laurel Doge on nature study • William Stepien on American history • Dr Thomas Milton Kemnitz on teaching ancient Greek and Roman history (time and space permitting) A more complete announcement will be made next week. :party: :party: :party: I am sooooooooooo there!! Attending the mini conference two summers ago at which both MCT and SWB spoke was amazing----plus I met some fabulous women there ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt_Uhura Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 YEAH!!!! I'm sure it will be another fabulous conference! What I love most is being able to sit and interact with so many wonderful HSers from this forum!!! Spread the word! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I will be there with bells on--not only because I have workshops to present, but because last time it was a wonderful experience! This conference has an academic focus. It is small and great for hanging out and talking with other homeschool moms. Last time we had a wonderful dinner out together, a curriculum view/swap/sale, and time to get together and swap tips and get support. Be aware that Dr. Kemnitz has arranged new and greatly improved accommodations for us! I am looking forward to seeing many of you there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I was so excited to get that email today! Unless something major happens, I'm in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UrbanSue Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I've been kind of longing to check out MCT in person because every time I wonder what to do about grammar for my ds I run into it as the "perfect" thing for him. And it might be. But it's way too expensive for me just buy. So this looks exciting. But I'd need more reason to go than just to check out a curriculum. What else can you say about the conference? I assume it's more than just one long infomercial for RFWP? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt_Uhura Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 The wonderful part was being able to sit and have lunch w/ MCT! He's wonderful to chat with in person. And yes, Dr. K. promises that accommodations are MUCH MUCH MUCH GREATLY improved over last year! It's not an infomercial for RFWP at all. Last year, SWB was able to attend and as you know, both produce Language arts curricula. Dr. K is about helping us help our kids! All the WTMers that attended descended upon a restaurant and had a wonderful dinner together. (I wasn't there as I was helping to set up). We had lunch times and break times where we were able to sit and chat w/ MCT, SWB, and Dr. K. You do get to sit and look at all of the RFWP materials. We're hoping to grow this into a much larger conference that focuses on academics w/out all the other drama of the other conferences, which shall remain nameless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I will preface this by saying that my book is for sale by RFP Press. While RFW has a lovely counter where you can browse and buy their books to your heart's content, there is no sales push during the presentations. I don't think I actually mentioned my book in my workshop! MCT is a transformational, heartwarming, eloquent speaker. He loves the written word and loves sharing that love. His poetics presentation blew my mind! He did no hard selling at all during the workshop, just taught us about grammar and poetics. Neither did Sheila Gallagher. Everyone I've met at RFW Press is primarily interested in education and knowledge. I believe they even lost money on the last conference, yet they are hosting another in the interest of people who have asked for an academics-only conference. At a conference this size, you should be able to have your questions answered directly by the speakers and perhaps eat lunch with them to find out more. I know I will be available both during the workshops and at other times to help with people's nature study needs. I am excited about the attendance of two more science-oriented presenters as well. Even though SWB won't be there this year (sob!), it should be an invigorating experience. My workshops this year will be hands-on and (I think) a whole lot of fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UrbanSue Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I notice that RFWP is geared towards gifted kids--is this the focus at the conference? (I don't call my kids gifted . . . maybe I should. I don't know. I have personal issues with the term which is not to bash anyone here who might use it.) I haven't been to conferences in years but I'm really feeling like I could use a couple this year. Plus I don't have an infant for the first time in ages so it's actually possible! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I notice that RFWP is geared towards gifted kids--is this the focus at the conference? (I don't call my kids gifted . . . maybe I should. I don't know. I have personal issues with the term which is not to bash anyone here who might use it.) I haven't been to conferences in years but I'm really feeling like I could use a couple this year. Plus I don't have an infant for the first time in ages so it's actually possible! I don't consider most of my kids gifted, but we adore RFWP materials. Many of the materials would be considered "above grade level", but that's more of a societal/school expectation than an issue of ability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UrbanSue Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 I don't consider most of my kids gifted, but we adore RFWP materials. Many of the materials would be considered "above grade level", but that's more of a societal/school expectation than an issue of ability. Okay, sounds good. I've only just discovered that RFWP does quite a bit beyond MCT LA so this is definitely on my calendar. Anyone know yet how much registration will be? My sister lives next to Valley Forge so I don't need a room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Urban Sue, I think the material RFW Presents is applicable to every student, but just beginning at different times in their academic career. Some kids might use MCT's grammar/poetics/vocab programing beginning in 3rd grade, others may find it a good fit to begin in 5th, just like SWB's WWS seems to be usable by kids from 5th-9th grade. Mainly because we are slow at getting things done, we are still using Caesar's English II in 7th grade. It can be used by kids in 4th. Don't let the gifted label put you off. -Laurel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junepep Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 YAY!! :hurray: I was literally just looking to see whether they'd be doing this again yesterday and feeling quite sad when it looked like they wouldn't. The conference two years ago was fantastic. I'm sure that this one will be great as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicholas_mom Posted March 2, 2013 Share Posted March 2, 2013 I think I want to go. I really like MCT Island and everyone says he is a great speaker. I think I want to hear him for inspiration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof3littles Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 Bumpity bump. Anyone recall what the price was in 2011? I realize it may be different this year. I'm just trying to get a rough estimate of the cost. Was there a lower priced option for those who don't need a room last time, or is it all rolled into one fee? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof3littles Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 Awesome. Those prices are very encouraging :) I know someone said they lost money last time, so maybe prices will be a bit higher, but that's still totally reasonable. And it will be so nice to attend a conference with speakers I am actually interested in hearing ;) My 9 yo is actually jealous and mad at me because he wants to meet MCT in person ;) He's a HS celebrity ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 I am not a homeschooling celebrity, but I am planning to offer hands-on workshops on the following Nature Study topics at the conference: Pond Ecology Forest Ecology Insects Nature Journals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forgiven Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 I want to go to this. Even if the cost doubles, I should be able to go. How do I get an invite? ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted March 11, 2013 Author Share Posted March 11, 2013 I want to go to this. Even if the cost doubles, I should be able to go. How do I get an invite? ;) They should be sending an email to their mailing list soon. I promise someone will have the information up shortly after that :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted March 11, 2013 Author Share Posted March 11, 2013 I am not a homeschooling celebrity, but I am planning to offer hands-on workshops on the following Nature Study topics at the conference: Pond Ecology Forest Ecology Insects Nature Journals What age range? We've spent a lot of time on forest ecology this year (7th grade but using high school and college resources, plus things from grad school). She wants more :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof3littles Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 I am not a homeschooling celebrity, but I am planning to offer hands-on workshops on the following Nature Study topics at the conference: Pond Ecology Forest Ecology Insects Nature Journals That's right up our alley as well, and I am excited for your workshops! The only RFWP materials we've used so far have been MCT's, so DS1 has only encountered Mr. MCT thus far. I just thought it was funny that he's somewhat ticked and envious that I get to see him speak ;) He asked me to bring a poem he wrote along, which is awesome, because this is my bright but reluctant writer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 He asked me to bring a poem he wrote along, which is awesome, because this is my bright but reluctant writer. That is so cute of your son! MCT will be honored. I'll be directing my workshops at the moms/dads. With content being emphasized over methods. The objective being that the moms will then be able to go into the field and distill the information to the level appropriate for their kids. I am also hoping (weather depending) to lead an informal nature walk at the small park that is adjacent to the campus, possibly Friday evening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBJones Posted March 11, 2013 Share Posted March 11, 2013 Oh, that sounds so interesting! The Midwest, unfortunately, never seems to have any of those type of homeschooling conferences or curricula fairs.They only come as close as Ohio. I'm so envious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rachel_rfwp Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 Hi Everyone, you can now sign up for the conference here: http://www.rfwp.com/pages/royal-fireworks-press-2nd-homeschool-curriculum-conference/ The schedule is in the process of being drawn up, but it will start Thursday evening, 27th June, with Friday and Saturday full days of workshops and presentations. Free evenings to socialize. Rachel Royal Fireworks Press Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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