Contact Susan at susan@practicalinspirations.com to book a speaking engagement

Why Am I Doing This? Philosophy of Education in Seven Steps

You know that you should have a written philosophy of education because it is the foundation of your home school. If you didn’t stay awake during Philosophy 101, you may wonder just how you write something so lofty. In this hands-on workshop, Susan will take you through seven steps to writing your philosophy of education. When finished you will have the backbone your written educational beliefs. Come prepared to work.

“Excellent foundation of education. I should have done this at the start of my homeschooling.”

Science in the Kitchen

Is it possible for the home educator to provide a complete science experience without leaving the comforts of home? Yes! The lab is in the kitchen and the chemicals are probably already on the shelves. Susan shares her secrets along with some helpful hints from high school science teachers.

The Fractured Home School

Do you feel like you misunderstood God’s call for homeschooling? This intimate and personal session discuss what appears to our human eyes to be failures. Susan presents a personal testimony about God’s victories in the Fractured Home School.

“Honest, vulnerable, encouraging. <It’s> hard to look at failure by a must. You hit on unchanging truths and reminded me of God’s word accordingly and that I must be abandoned to Him.”

Standards with No Compromise

Learn how to develop a Biblical standard for your home that fits the needs of your family and will keep you on course when the desert gets hot and the manna is old.
Suitable for keynote

“Love her honesty, humor, and truthfulness.”

“I feel like I have the ground work to prepare my heart for this exciting new adventure of teaching my girls at home.”

The Frugal Homeschooler

Is the cost of curriculum and materials getting you down? Do you have a garage full of unused books and supplies? With more 20 years experience, Susan gives methods of saving money and making wise choices in acquiring your school materials.

Wake Up and Smell the Crayons

The need for preschool is a hot topic. Do you need to send your child to preschool? Do you need to start teaching at the age of 2? Will you child fall behind? Susan answers these questions and more in this very practical session.

“Very good, practical ideas that adressed specific ages; very informative.”

Preschool: At What Cost?

Research and studies done in the last 10 years show that children NEED early formal academics. Or, does it? Pressure has been mounted on parents to have some type of formal preschool program to prepare their children for learning. Susan presents the findings of studies and reports that haven’t made the headlines. She will present information to put your mind at ease about preschool academics.

“This was the best! Presented with conviction and love. This confirmed my feels and encouraged me to be courageous. I will go home and enjoy my boys!”

A Learning Way of Life

It wasn’t long after beginning to home school, that Susan found that more learning was taking place outside the books. Her family began to use life as the foundation for their curriculum. This session will cover how to have a lifestyle of learning, and how to ease into this learning method without feeling like you are missing important topics.

The Internet at Home

YouTube, Facebook, and Blogs. Oh, My! 

Don’t be intimidated by the Information Age or confused by techno-babble. Susan uses her 20+ years experience to help you use computers in your education program. These presentations are designed with the non-technical person in mind.

“Well balanced. So nice to hear positive attitude and uses for computers.”

“Well balanced presentation, timely subject, very helpful.”

Paving the Way to College

As more homeschooled students reach college-age, more colleges are accepting and even seeking these students. Susan will discuss how to prepare your children for college, including a recommended course of study, how to prepare records, how to apply, and looking for scholarships. She will also present studies concerning homeschooled students in college and helpful hints from college admission officers.

“Gave me confidence in starting this process. Thank you.”

“Thank for very practical help.”