Pilgrim Institute - Annual Conference Workshops 2008

*All workshop topics are subject to change. The final schedule of workshops will be provided to participants at Conference registration.
§ For individuals not involved in education, alternate workshops may be selected.

Workshop Descriptions

1. Why America's Christian History and Government - Mrs. Ruth Smith

As individuals are introduced to the ideas of America's Christian history, government, and education, many questions arise–How can it be said that America has a Christian history when there are so many evidences of non-Christian ideas in the nation? Does America's Christian history exalt America above other nations or deify the founding fathers? Why does every American Christian need to study America's Christian history? What connection is there between one's view of history and government to one's view of education? What responsibility does each individual have for the nation? These questions and many others will be addressed to provide the first-time participant an understanding of who he is as an American Christian.
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2. The Providential View of History - Mrs. Ruth Smith

History for many has been the study of dull facts and dates because the cause–God's hand–has been ignored. If we study history from a Biblical view of man and government, we will recognize the impact which the Word of God in the hands of the individual has upon civil government.
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3. Seven Principles of America's Christian History and Government - Mr. James Rose

If American Christians are to succeed against the anti-Christian forces attempting to overtake their nation, they must restore their capacity to "think governmentally" and to Biblically address all the issues challenging the existence of their Christian homes, churches and local governments. This presentation will present the story behind the discovery and purpose of the seven minimal principles of America's Christian history and government, and explain why these truths constitute a Biblical blueprint for individual liberty and government. The key to understanding the spirit and letter of these principles will be identified and reasons will be given to take possession of these seven practical truths. Top of Page

4. The Principle Approach–How to Develop a Course using the 4-R's - Mr. David Holmes

"The Principle Approach begins by restoring the 4-R's to teaching and learning," stated Miss Rosalie Slater. This seminar will explain the why behind 4-Ring and then demonstrate a step by step process on how to 4-R any subject in the curriculum, at any grade level. Top of Page

5. Developing and Teaching a Literary Classic - Mrs. Jeanette Whittaker

The American Christian literature course is designed to build a love and appreciation for reading complete works of literature, cause the students to deepen their reasoning skills, encourage imagination, and cultivate good writing skills. These goals are accomplished by effectively presenting the background of the book and the author and emphasizing the literary elements–setting, characterization, plot, theme, and style. Specific direction will be given for class notes and daily work from a variety of classics, for various grade levels, including a Marguerite Henry favorite, Benjamin West and His Cat, Grimalkin. Top of Page

6. Teaching Elementary History – The Mighty Works of God - Mrs. Lynn Meier

How important is the History program in establishing a student's philosophy of history and government? How can the teacher direct young students in identifying God's Providence in their history lessons? Can young children understand history in the light of Biblical principles?
This workshop will address the answers to these questions. Using the Chain of Christianity as the foundation of the Elementary History program, the teacher can assist the students in mastering a knowledge of America's Christian history. Direction will be given for preparing solid history lessons which teach ideas and principles, rather than just facts and dates. Specific examples of student work which promotes reasoning from principles and ideas will be shown. Top of Page

7. Presenting Leading Ideas in Daily Lessons - Mrs. Ruth Smith

Are the daily lesson plans of your classroom governed by easy-to-be-forgotten facts and information, or by the more enduring ideas and principles of the subject? American Christian educators must choose to avoid the pitfalls of an educational philosophy which leads to dependence and uniformity by consciously striving to inculcate upon the hearts and minds of the student that which produces the independent, self-governing character to support liberty in a republic. Information-gathering questions must be replaced with class work which promotes observation, reasoning, and consequently, the appropriate conclusions, thus understanding the "why" of the subject. This superior approach to teaching prepares young people for future leadership in their homes, churches, and communities. Top of Page

8. American Leadership in the 18th Century - Mr. Darold Booton, Jr.

The crowning point of the 18th century was the introduction of the Constitution of the United States of America. Our constitution was prepared out of a 150 year experience in Christian Self- and Civil Government. Three leaders of our nation played an important role in the writing and propagating of the U.S. Constitution: George Washington, Father of the Constitution; James Madison, Architect of the Constitution; and Alexander Hamilton, Educator of the Constitution. Top of Page

9. American Leadership in the 19th Century - Miss Jill White

It has been noted that the worldview of a society is reflected in the leaders which that society either chooses or tolerates. In the life of our American Christian Republic, the 19th century proves the veracity of this statement; and as we enter the 21st century, it behooves us to examine carefully the mindset and attitudes of our forefathers. By doing this, we can more clearly see what marks they have left upon our society and what forms of liberty and government they shaped for the 20th and 21st centuries. This will enable us to face squarely the battles which lie ahead. In this session, we will first briefly examine the previous centuries of our nation. After laying a general understanding of our past, we will take a fuller look at the mindset and worldview of the average 19th century American and his leaders and what this means to us in our century. Top of Page

10. American Leadership in the 20th Century - Mrs. Lynn Meier

The twentieth century was a time of great inventions, experiments, and progress in technology. It was also a time of great conflict between opposing governmental ideas. In 1928, Herber Hoover wrote, "Five or six great social philosophies are at struggle in the world for ascendancy... The partisans of some of these other brands of social schemes challenge us to camparison...They insist that our social foundations are exhausted, that like feudalism and autocracy America's plan has served its purpose–that it must be abandoned." Top of Page

11. Writing: Both Process and Skill - Dr. Cynthia Bower

Writing is a basic skill needed for getting through life successfully, yet many adults are terrified of the process. English teachers alone should not bear the burden for imparting a skill that is so basic to every area of life. When writing becomes a component of how all sujects are taught, students discover that writing is primarily an exercise in logic and words are just tools designed to do a specific job. Top of Page

12. Self Government in the Home - Mr. Josh Bullard

This workshop will deal with education in the home–not homeschooling. The workshop will convey practical ideas regarding how to train children in the home to become adult citizens who know, love, and live to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Top of Page

13. Principles of Leadership as seen in the Life of Booker T. Washington - Mr. Ralph Bullard

Booker T. Washington was a significant educator and became one of the most influential Americans of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This seminar will be focused upon his autobiography, Up from Slavery. Emphasis will be placed upon 1) his Christian history, 2) Christians who influenced his life, 3) his Christian character, and most important, 4) the principles which gave guidance to his successful ministry in education. Top of Page

14. Turning the Hearts of the Fathers to Their Children - Mr. Ralph Bullard

To be effective in the ministry of Christian education, the school must work in good harmony with the home. How can fathers more actively assume their rightful roles of authority in their homes? How can fathers work together with other fathers to better shelter and protect their sons and daughters? How can you gain the fathers' support to help uphold the rules, standards, and policies of your school? This workshop will present several practical ideas which can be utilized to properly and effectively answer these questions.
In the school or homeschool student relationship, the contact person is more likely to be the mother rather than the father. In by-passing the father, the school or the homeschool may miss the key to successful relationships. Top of Page

15. Effective Classroom Government at Home or School: Enhancing Productive Teaching - Mr. Ralph Bullard

The ultimate goal for classroom government should be the development of individual Christian self-government in the life of each child. This workshop will focus on 1) how a child develops internal Christian self-government, 2) the proper position of the teacher before the students, and 3) problems to be considered as to why a teacher may not be able to develop good government at home or in the classroom. Top of Page

16. Training Young Men and Women to be Salt and Light in Society - Mr. Aaron Ferguson

The statistics are alarming! The vast majority of our Christian young people are walking away from the Church and/or abandoning their faith after leaving home to go to college; and, very few of them ever come back. We've got to do something to combat these numbers or the American Church will disappear in one generation. Christian Heritage Academy has doubled its efforts by developing a student leadership ministry called "Salt & Light." Patterned after the Student Leadership Institute at Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, Texas, the "Salt & Light" Program challenges students to exemplify servant leaderhip, to embrace the Church, to engage the culture, and to evangelize the lost. In this session, the practical application of these core values will be spelled out, so that your school will be better equipped to raise up agents of change or to implement a similar program at your school.
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17. The Local Self Governing Church - Pastor Carl Henry

While man takes ownership in the local church, he sometimes neglects to remember who the boss really is. This session is to remind us of God's perfect design for the local church and how it is to be self governed. We also will discover God's purpose in this design. Finally, we will see several Biblical illustrations of man's failure to obey this design, and the effects on the body of believers. Top of Page

18. Lessons in Leadership from the Life of Christ (2 Sessions) - Pastor Carl Henry

The development of leaders can be seen throughout the Scriptures, but none other is as impacting as Jesus with the twelve men He chose. This study is to show Christ's definitive strategy of choosing, developing and maturing of these men who were entrusted with the most important message ever known to man.
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19. Beautiful from the Inside Out vs. Not so Beautiful from the Inside Out - Mrs. Lori Henry

We live in a world obsessed with beauty, fitness and sex appeal. It is thrust upon us everywhere we are! This type of preoccupation originated with Eve, the first woman, when in the Bible it tells us that she SAW that the tree was good for food, and that it was PLEASANT TO THE EYES. We, as Christian women, can fall into the same trap by placing undue emphasis on external beauty, which will fade. This workshop is designed to call us back to placing value on our internal beauty, the "hidden man of the heart," which is not corruptible, and to teach the downfalls and blessings of both sides. Due to the topic emphasis, this workshop is limited to ladies only.
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20. Finding the Principles and Christian History of a Course and Setting Course Goals - Mr. David Holmes

This seminar will demonstrate how to develop these vital aspects of any American Christian/Principle Approach curriculum: Principles of the subject, Christian history and course goals.
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21. "Study to show thyself approved" – Teaching and Learning God's Word - Mrs. Lynn Meier

God's Word commands the Christian to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15) Each of us is challenged by the need for personal study of the Scriptures, and many have the privilege of preparing and teaching Sunday School lessons, Bible studies, or Bible classes for home education or the school classroom. Often the Bible student or teacher finds himself faced with a curriculum filled with lessons that are trivial or a series of lessons which have no overall plan or relation to one another.
The themes of the History of Redemption provide a framework for an organized study of the Scripture. These themes will be introduced as well as study methods which will be of benefit for individual study or teaching. Examples of specific lesson plans will be presented, with suggestions for preparing lessons at various grade levels. Top of Page

22. Sneezles and Wheezles, Heffalumps and Pooh: Teaching the Writings of A.A. Milne - Mrs. Lynn Meier

Since 1924, children have delighted in the poetry and stories written by A.A. Milne. Milne was first an editor and author for adults, but after his son, Christopher Robin, was born, Milne turned his writing abilities to new fields. His first book of poems, When We Were Very Young, thrilled readers of all ages. For Christmas of 1925, Milne wrote a new story for the Evening News. With that publication, A New Story for Children, Winnie the Pooh, about Christopher Robin and his Teddy Bear, the story of Winnie the Pooh was born. Additional stories and poems were written and published through the years, each greeted eagerly by the readers.
This workshop will overview the life and literary work of A.A. Milne, including selections from his poetry and the Winnie the Pooh stories. Suggestions will be made for teaching primary students to identify literary elements in the stories, including plot, charaterization, setting, theme, and style. Top of Page

23. Mother's Role in Raising the Next Generation of Christian Statesmen - Mrs. Barbara Rose

The Christian Home lays the foundation of character, forms the citizen, and determines the nations' "prosperity or adversity." This presentation will offer Biblical and American examples of women who trained their children to love God and country. Using practical suggestions, the Bible and other resources, the instructor will discuss why and how mothers can cultivate Chrsitian statesmen.
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24. The Christian Method of Correcting Wrong - Mr. James Rose

This presentation explains the Biblical presuppositions for considering and correcting political wrongs in a Constitutional Federal Republic. It illustrates the Christian method for correcting political folly, offers historical and practical examples of how the Founding Fathers corrected wrongs prior to the American Revolution, and identifies four historic methods of American policical action which can help to set matters right. Top of Page

25. Illustrators: Literature's Illuminators - Mrs. Dixie Thompson

Since the days of the Romans, books and manuscripts have been decorated with pictures, portraits, and drawings. These illustrations are intended to brighten, explain, and bring richness to the written word. Children delight in and can often learn as much from an illustrator's contribution to a book as they do from the author's words. Teaching and learning about books is enriched by an appreciation of the illustrators who add illumination or light to the story. In this session, we will consider the effects of liberty on the development of illustration as well as examine the lives of Tasha Tudor and Marguerite DeAngeli as examples of illustrators who have touched generations with their artistic talent and their portrayal of family life. You will be inspired to search out additional information about the illuminators of literature.
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26. What's On Your Bookshelf? Building a Home Library as a Legacy of Liberty - Mrs. Dixie Thompson

Is your bookshelf empty or overflowing? Do you randomly and impulsively purchase books or do you have a goal in mind? Whether you are addicted to books, never passing a book store without making a "find," or you view books as clutter and dust catchers, you should stop to consider what makes a home library valuable–not only for yourself but for your family. What constitutes an excellent, strong home library? How do you begin building one–and how do you end? You can leave this session armed with abundant resources, a reading list, and practical "know how to do it" tips. Following the inspirational lead of those who have been influenced by a home library, you can likewise influence your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. American Christians make a difference in the world.
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27. The Significance of the American Christian Educator - Mrs. Jeanette Whittaker

    First-time and long-time educators, classroom teachers and homeschooling parents, find clarity of vision as they carefully evaluate their education goals, philosophy and practice. In the midst of daily teaching, how do we keep our philosophy and vision in mind?
    The life and teaching of John Witherspoon provide a marvelous example of American Christian education in the significant days of colonial America. One man, serving faithfully in his providentially-ordained sphere of influence, imparted to his students precisely what the Principle Approach to American Christian education seeks to do today.
    Dr. Witherspoon's instruction and his life contributed greatly to the advancement of liberty in our nation. During his tenure at the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), 86 of the graduates became active in civil government, including one U.S. president, one U.S. vice-president, ten cabinet officers, etc. Witherspoon, along with a significant number of his former students signed the Declaration of Independence and served on the Constitutional Convention.
    This workshop will highlight Witherspoon's contribution as an American Christian educator and consider his direct influence upon the thinking of the American people. As we take this example to heart, we pray that God will use our lives and teaching to be an influence in our nation today.
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28. Employing Questions to Articulate Reasoning - Mrs. Jeanette Whittaker

Effective teaching attempts to cultivate the student's ability to draw conclusions, grasp ideas, and master principles. This requires conscious effort on the part of the educator to lead the student in the reasoning process. The art of asking questions enables the teacher to assess the student's current level of understanding and then lead him to further understanding. Suggestions and examples will be presented for a variety of academic subjects.
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29. Studying the Bible as Literature - Mrs. Jeanette Whittaker

    The Scriptures provide for us the revelation of God, our way of salvation, the principles of faith and practice and the foundation for every academic discipline.
    The Scriptures may also be viewed as a literary treasure. A study of The Word from a literary standpoint reveals the Greatest Author, the greatest themes, and a host of individual literary styles. Students of all ages may analyze this treasure and find in the pages of the Bible their inspiration for value of the written word.
    This workshop will present very practical guidelines and examples of studying the Bible as literature, applicable to the primary, elementary and secondary levels.
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30. Developing and Teaching a Key Classic: Hans Brinker - Miss Jill White

In Philippians 4:8, Paul instructs us to keep our minds fastened on things which are pure, lovely, and of good report. In keeping with this scripture, Mary Mapes Dodge wrote Hans Brinker, a story which encourages a love of God and a love for home and family. In this session, particular emphasis will be given to teaching the background and elements of Hans Brinker while emphasizing character in the life of the reader.
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31. The Character of a Leader: Samuel Adams - Mrs. Barbara Rose

Samuel Adams was an American Christian leader in uniting the colonists in the cause of liberty. He initiated and advanced the Committees of Correspondence–one of the chief instruments of education in the principles of local self-government and national union. This presentation will discuss God's providential preparation of Samuel Adams, his Christian character and contribution as a "Patriarch of Liberty."
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32. The Keys to a Successful Homeschool and a Happy Well-Ordered Home - Mrs. Linda Koenig

The demands of maintaining a home and homechooling can be quite challenging. It is easy to feel overwhelmed, unorganized, inefficient or unproductive. Linda Koenig, the mother of ten children ages 10 to 17, shares how she resolved these many challenges and brought efficiency and order to her home and school day. You will be inspired and challenged as you hear her story. Mrs. Koenig presents the keys to home management in a unique practical manner that will give clear direction in solving the many challenges of homeschooling while maintaining a joyful and efficient home.
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33. God's Sovereignty Over the Earth - Mrs. Tami Low

Genesis 1:10a says, "And God called the dry land Earth." Since God created the earth, he has the right to name it as well as govern it. In a world filled with pagan and even atheistic views of the creation of the earth, the Christian needs to be firm in his conviction that God truly did actively create the earth and He daily superintends it. This workshop will examine the "land" part of the earth, called the lithosphere, and Biblical principles that teach of God's continuing sovereignty over it.
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34. Techniques in Literary Analysis - Mrs. Jeanette Whittaker

    Rosalie Slater inspired American Christian educators to impart to children and youth an appreciation for high ideals through the study of classic literature.
    Literature studies provide a forum for reaching the heart of the student, softening and molding the character to Biblical standards. How can educators keep variety in the study of literature? How can students be led to achieve excellence in discerning truths and recording them–both internally and externally?
    Using examples from both elementary and secondary literature, this session will demonstrate practical ways to analyze books, draw out the literary elements in a variety of way, incorporate writing, and lead students to grasp the lessons of literature in an enjoyable fashion.
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35. Mathematics from the Principle Approach - Mr. Darold Booton, Jr.

Principle approach education is rooted in teaching each subject from its elements, constituents or rudiments and seeing the subject within the framework of America's Christian history. Mathematics has four basic principles. These will be explained and applied in this session and the subject; how to construct a "principle approach" mathematics lesson will be explained; and "How Mathematics has Promoted the Westward Movement of Christianity" will be considered. Top of Page

36. God's Providential Preparation of George Washington Carver as a Leader in Education - Mr. John Kinzer

This workshop discusses God's Providential preparation of George Washington Carver as a leader in education. We will see how God tested and spoke to Dr. Carver in regular manner enabling him to make innovative decisions in the laboratory and classroom. We will see how the agriculture of the South was revitalized owing to the ideas and innovations of this dedicated servant of God. Few individuals have had such impact on so many in our nation's history. Top of Page

37. Timeless Truths in the Iliad - Mrs. Marcie Kinzer

Homer's ancient epic still speaks across the centuries. Explore how to use this key classic as a window into the Greek worldview and understand how they attempted to wrestle with such universal ideas as the nature of heroism, the burden of mortality, and the conflict between the one and the many. Top of Page

38. Luther Burbank: The Genius Who Trained Plants to Work for Man - Mrs. Lynn Meier

"Gardener to the World," "Plant Magician," and the "Plant Wizard," Luther Burbank believed that plants could be improved and strengthened to provide men with enormous food sources which were previously not available. This session will examine the character of a man who was not willing to give up on an idea, but followed his dreams to produce larger potatoes, seedless plums, spineless cactus, and hundreds of other varieties of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Some of his methods of developing plant varieties will be introduced, along with observations from a young writer who worked with Burbank in the preparation of books to describe his plant experiments.
Suggestions will be provided for teaching the life of Luther Burbank. These ideas may also be applied to teaching the lives of other great scientists. Top of Page

39. Astronomy through the Ages - Dr. Jerry Simmons

This presentation will focus on teaching the "Queen of the Sciences" (astronomy) from a Biblical perspective and a much more complete picture than is presented in secular classes. Since the Ancients were very much concerned with the happenings in the heavens, it is imperative that a serious study includes the Bible as well as other valid sources of ancient science to really comprehend the greatness of God and His handiwork and workings in the heavens–past, present and future. A flow chart map will help participants to visualize the scope of the presentation/workshop. Scope of the flow chart is from Ancient astronomy (pre deluvian) to the findings of the Hubble Telescope (HST). Suggestions and sources will be given to help each participant to further their knowledge of the topic and its implementation into their instruction whether at home or in a college class. Top of Page

40. Teaching Biblical Ideas and Reasoning - Mrs. Ruth Smith

America's historic method of Biblical reasoning seeks to restore independent learning, mastery of academic principles, and the ability to apply the teaching of Scripture to every aspect of learning and living. How may students of any age be trained in the capacity for Biblical reasoning? How is Scripture related to what we teach? How will this teaching influence the heart and life of the student? His home? His calling in life? His community? His nation? This workshop will inspire and equip the teacher with illustrations from a variety of academic subjects. Top of Page

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