New Braunfels Education Sessions
Admission is $5 per day for adults and free for children. The exhibit hall and all education sessions are included with admission. Tickets must be purchased online, and will not be available for purchase at the door.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
11:00 a.m.
Outdoor Classrooms - Barefoot Kids - Endless Possibilities
Join Barefoot University for a hands-on forest school session to learn the benefits of risk play and learning outdoors. During this interactive session get practical, hands-on ideas for you and your children to get outside and into nature!
This session is designed for parent and/or student participation.
Amber and Madeleine founded Barefoot University in 2019. Both are homeschooling moms who are passionate about getting children into nature!
Bridging Cultures Through Responsible Worldschooling
Worldschooling is a popular form of alternative education that relies on experiential learning and immersive activities that arise from traveling.
Discover the key aspects of worldschooling, dispel rumors, and address the impact worldschoolers have on the communities in which they travel through responsible travel practices, cultural awareness, and a holistic approach.
The Camarillo family operates Worldschooling Junction, an organization dedicated to connecting families with locally-run educational and service opportunities all over the world.
12:00 p.m.
Raising Global Learners: The Transformative Power of Acquiring a Second Language
Learn about the profound benefits of second language education for children. Explore the cognitive, cultural, and lifelong advantages of bilingualism and gain insights into how language learning enhances cognitive skills, fosters global awareness, and opens doors to diverse opportunities.
Develop a deeper understanding of the transformative impact that can be made on a child's future by embracing and supporting learners' journey towards becoming global learners by acquiring a second language.
Saida is an experience bilingual teacher and librarian who has worked with students from PK through high school.
Experience the Classical Method Through Science!
In this interactive session, learners will model and practice the classical methods of learning. Participants will conduct a science experiment about nerves, allowing them to experience the most natural way of learning about the world around them.
This session is designed for active student participation!
Alexis has homeschooled her four children for over a decade, and spent the last 5 years guiding other families in the classical method.
1:00 p.m.
Homeschooling the Neurodiverse
Can you homeschool a child that might qualify for Special Education services, on your own? YES!
Maybe your child does not qualify for special education services in the school system, but mainstream is just not a good fit. Are you tired of fighting the school system for services? Don't think you can do it without a specialist? YOU CAN!
Come hear from a mom who taught in the public sector, in private schools, and is now nearly a decade deep into the wonderful world of homeschooling!
Add Light to Your Art
Learners are invited to explore how electrical currents work. Participants will create a small piece of art with a light feature, then make the art glow by creating a simple paper circuit.
This session is designed for active student participation!
Robin and Melanie are professional educators, and this session is a part of the monthly STEAM program at the Briscoe Western Art Museum.
2:00 p.m.
How to Start Homeschooling
If you are interested in homeschooling but not sure where to start, this is the session for you!
Learn about how home education in Texas works, and get the tools you need to start homeschooling.
Shaun Taylor is an Amazon best-selling author of inspirational homeschooling books, a homeschool consultant, entrepreneur, and a homeschooling mom.
Musical Story Time
It's story time with a musical twist! Participants will read books, sing, play, and discover diverse and inspiring musicians while using resources from the Music Library subscription box for kids.
This session is designed for active student participation!
Shanan has taught voice, musical theater, and piano in both public and private settings. The award-winning choir director curates musical subscription boxes to spread the love of music.
3:00 p.m.
Is Your Child Ready for College?
Many home educators worry about making sure their learners are prepared for college and have the education and skills needed to be accepted to their university of choice. Learn more about getting ready for college, including the colleges your child will fit into, get into, and get paid to attend.
Benjamin is a former public school educator who has worked with college and high school students for the past 10 years. Students who worked with Benjamin in the 2023 academic year earned a cumulative $2.7 million in external, merit-based scholarships!
Learning is All Around You
This hands-on exploration for learners uses resources from Teaching in Blue Jeans to bring education to life. While participants take part in activities, home educators will receive tips and ideas on how to use everyday life to facilitate learning activities for their learners.
This session is designed for active student participation!
Amy is a former public school educator, an entrepreneur, and recently graduated her own homeschooler.
Admission is $5 per day for adults and free for children. All education sessions are included with admission. Tickets must be purchased online, and will not be available for purchase at the door.
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
11:00 a.m.
Avoiding the Texas Homeschool Trap
In a state with no homeschool oversight, it can be easy for Texas home educators to get off track. Learn more about managing your time and ensuring your learners are getting the education you intended.
Shanna is an experienced, homeschooling mom of 2 who shares advice and resources regularly via YouTube and social media.
Get Your Learner Published!
Does your child want to write a book? Does your artist want to illustrate? Work together as a family to self-publish your books, while learning writing, advertising, creating a website, working with Amazon, and so much more!
Jane Sharpe, a published author and homeschool mom of five, teaches this multi-discipline unit study that walks you through the entire process.
12:00 p.m.
Supporting Independent Learners From the Inside Out
What do independent learners need to be successful? How can our understanding of child development help us build a stronger support structure for student learning?
Students who choose home learning are faced with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. By leveraging our knowledge of motivation, autonomy, developmental needs, and other aspects of education and human growth, we can help students and families take charge of an exceptional learning experience.
Angela is an experienced homeschool parent and the registrar for Oak Meadow School.
Natural Ways of Learning - The Classical Method
Experience the classical method of education in action! We will discuss, model and practice the natural way of learning through classical methods. This interactive session will demonstrate how learning progresses through a student’s life.
Myra has homeschooled her five children and mentored other homeschooling families in the classical method of education for the last decade.
1:00 p.m.
Overcoming Homeschool Burnout
Does it sometimes feel like you've given up everything for homeschooling? Have you done everything you could and you still have a messy house, you're exhausted, and you don't remember why you started educating your children in the first place? Reclaim your joy for homeschooling with encouragement, tips, and practical methods to stop burnout.
Yes. You. Can. Homeschool
Homeschool educators bring a wide variety of experiences to the proverbial table, but the art of education can be challenging to even the most experienced instructor. Learn about what the homeschool advantage is, how to become the best educator possible, and how to make the best decisions for your learners when it comes to curriculum selection, homeschool style, and much more.
Daneric Johnson is a homeschool dad of over a decade, with 15 years of public education experience and an Educational Specialist degree in curriculum & instruction.
2:00 p.m.
Balancing Acts: Homeschooling Multiple Children Across Different Grade Levels
Homeschooling multiple children, each at different grade levels, can be akin to juggling several balls at once. Delve into effective strategies and practical tips for navigating the unique challenges of homeschooling diverse age groups simultaneously.
Whether you're a seasoned homeschooling parent or just starting out, you'll discover valuable insights on how to create a harmonious learning environment that caters to the individual needs of each child while maintaining your sanity. From time management techniques to curriculum customization and fostering independent learning, we'll explore various approaches to help you strike the right balance and ensure academic success for all your children.
Shanna is an experienced, homeschooling mom of 2 who shares advice and resources regularly via YouTube and social media.
Crafting Educational Fine Motor Activities
Get an overview of the progression of gross to fine motor skills, and learn how to integrate a broader scope of motor skills into your everyday academic lessons and activities. Doing so can increase learning retention, refine dexterity and increase creative confidence in your learners.
Jennifer is an educator of 10 years (pre-school through college) and experienced homeschooler, with a Master of Fine Arts.
3:00 p.m.
Maximize Your Family's Time with Cross-Curricular Learning
Explore the concept of cross-curricular learning. What is it, and more importantly, how do you do it?
The cross-curricular approach is a wonderful way to teach, especially if you are homeschooling kids of different ages at the same time. We will break things down into a simple to follow formula, then work through examples together to see just how easy and fun it can be to use cross-curricular learning as part of your homeschooling.
Amy is a former public school educator, an entrepreneur, and recently graduated her own homeschooler.
The 5 Great Things That Happen When We Visit Local Farms
Home education goes beyond the walls of your house. This session will discuss why we visit farms and how it helps our children, our families, and our society when we do. Drawing from a combination of world-class research and local experience, we'll discuss trends in agritourism, how to find local farm adventures, and how to make the most of them for fun and learning.
Kristin is the founder of Texas agritourism service Delve Experiences, and she works with local farms to connect families to fun and educational experiences. She's also a former journalist and corporate educator and enjoys applying skills from her past to her passion project of growing social good through agritourism.