Christian Home Education Association of Central Texas
Home Schooling for the Glory of God

Academic Fair Information

Sponsored By
Standards of Excellence

A Special Thank You
to our Sponors

who helped put on this event

"We want people to succeed in homeschooling.  We spend a lot of time selecting the keynote speakers, the vendors, and seminars.  One of our main objectives is to get dads involved.  That's why we also offer the Saturday Men's and Women's Breakfast," says Adams.

This year, CHEACT laid out a tasty buffet of workshops geared toward fathers. Keynote speaker, Scott Somerville (Lampstand Press) presented a class designed to equip dads for leadership called, "Principles for Principals."  Other sessions appealing to men included, "Evolution: The Enemy of Truth and Science," by Dr. Jay Wile
(Apologia Education Ministries), and "Sustainable Agriculture: A Vocational Training Workshop," with Kim Alexander of Alexander Farms.

Studies show that over two million children were homeschooled in 2003, and that number has jumped by 10 percent every year since then.  Home-educated students score significantly higher than their private or public school counterparts in every subject and at every grade level.  One reason may be that today, parents can find more resources and support for teaching their children at home. They can choose between textbooks and technology, Co-ops and Academy's, sports teams and theatre groups.

"Middle school and high school are the toughest years," claims Chairman Brett Adams, a tenyear veteran of the movement and father of nine.  "Even though many CHEACT members have elementary students, we want to help them as they move toward the end of their journey.  At the conference we like to showcase the graduates, and let them share their experiences."

Thomas Umstattd, Jr., a 21-year-old homeschool graduate, led a workshop called "The Dangers of Computer and Video Gaming."  Umstattd, a self-confessed gaming addict from ages 5 to 18, now passionately shares the pitfalls and dangers of gaming with others.

"Digital gaming is wildly popular," he said, "But it's far more dangerous than most parents think." 

Recent research reveals that intoxicating chemicals--adrenaline, dopamine and endorphins-- are released into the body during gaming.  In fact, the American Medical Association is debating whether or not to label "online gaming addiction" as an official medical problem.

"In games, you're trying to save the world!  The entire galaxy hangs in the balance!  Homework as opposed to 'saving the world'--which would you choose?" Umstattd asked the overflow crowd. "Refocus their energy and passion away from gaming.  Allow your children to say 'no' to false substitutes by offering them the dangerous adventure of following Christ." 

Additionally, Thank
You to our Speakers

Scott & Marcia Somerville
Dr. Jay Wile
Greg Sabouri

Besides the marvelously informative workshops upstairs, there were demonstrations downstairs for those looking for a more interactive approach.  Bryana Childers (Common Sense Press) turned the tables on parents with her "Teaching Science with Confidence," presentation.

"Take the struggle out of science and put the fun back into it!" Childers exclaimed with the glee of a kindergarten teacher while passing out glue and scissors.

Sitting at a table with about a dozen other moms, I learned how to make hamburger folds and pocket books.  Here was my chance to cut, paste, and experiment with blue water and paper plates--who could ask for more?  Several curious kids stopped by, and I proudly displayed my work for each one to see. 

I was reminded of what Dr. J. Wile told the standing-room-only crowd at his workshop, "Teaching Jr. High and High School Science at Home." 

"Homeschooling," he said, "is an upside-down world--over time, the student becomes the teacher.  Can you help your child to learn?  Yes!  But encourage your student to learn on his own. Independent learning is by far the most productive form of learning." 

With that in mind, I went home Friday feeling encouraged, uplifted, and more excited about home education than ever before.  Saturday, I decided to come back.  With plenty of time scheduled between seminars, I had freedom to graze on an amazing supply of workbooks, children's fiction, educational games, and curriculum.  The vendors were very helpful, and not at all pushy.

Becky Keck, a volunteer with Usborne Books at Home, told me, "Educational conferences are my favorite place to be, and this one has exceeded my expectations!"

Among the more unique offerings were Driver's Ed in a Box, Texas Bowlers, and Gospel for Asia.  For families who enjoy the arts, there were booths featuring children's choirs, symphonies, and theatre productions. Sports-crazy kids could sign up with a number of sports organizations featured at the conference.

More than twenty parents carpooled from San Antonio to attend the 20th annual CHEACT Home Educators Conference and Bookfair.  Among them was Merechel, who has been homeschooling for eight years.  This is her second time to attend the event.

 "The facilities are so nice!  The rooms are soundproofed, and the speaker can be heard in the back of the room.  We like the relaxed pace.  It's a great family outing!"  Her friend, Amanda, a mother of three, agreed.  "It's a very 'kid friendly' event." 

CHEACT Chairman, Brett Adams, says, "Homeschooling goes deeper than academics. We encourage families to disciple their children to God's glory."

The CHEACT Board and Committee are already hard at work on the 21st annual CHEACT Home Educator's Conference and Book Fair. Jeff Baldwin (WorldView Academy) will be the Keynote Speaker.

"He is all about defining a Christian worldview, and applying it to everyday life.  This is something both youth and parents need," says Adams.

Although I didn't leave the symposium with bulging bags of books, by the end of the day, my mind was filled with fresh ideas and new direction. 

"This conference gives everyone an opportunity to be encouraged, challenged, and motivated," affirms CHEACT Board member, Dale Amason.

For me, it was inspiring.  I was renewed by being in the company of my fellow home educators.  I was inspired by the wisdom of articulate, informative speakers.   Like Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz," I was ready to go home…ready to begin a new school year.

Home | About Homeschooling | About CHEACT | Join | News and Events | Contact Us |

Copyright © 2000 - 2009 Christian Home Education Association of Central Texas