Attending a homeschool convention can be great exposure to both speakers and resources. It's important to look into the philosophy of the sponsoring organization to be sure that it fits with your family and homeschooling perspective. Both the speakers and resources will be representative of the sponsoring organization's outlook. Before attending, read our tips for how to survive a homeschool convention - the sheer amount of resources at a homeschooling convention can be overwhelming for even seasoned homeschooling veterans.
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Homeschool Convention Insider Tips
It's here - one of my favorite events of the entire year! And, yes, I know that makes me a total homeschool nerd...
Homeschool convention time!
Can I get a "Woot woot?!"
OK, so maybe you're not as excited as I am about homeschool conventions, but if you're not, it's probably because you haven't been to one. Workshops on every imaginable homeschooling issue, more curricula than you could possibly think up, experts with fixes for your homeschooling headaches, creative ideas to catapult you out of your homeschooling doldrums, supplies and resources beyond your imagination, camaraderie with thousands of people who do things similarly ...
Homeschool Conferences: Why Attend?
Why should you attend a homeschooling conference or convention this year? Conferences help you adjust your course and recharge your batteries. If you need to refine your homeschooling style, find new curriculum or resources, or re-consider your children's needs, a homeschooling conference can provide the stimulation you need to help you figure out how to tweak and improve your homeschooling life. You'll also have a chance to re-charge your own batteries; hearing informative speakers and being surrounded by other homeschooling families can inspire and refresh you.
Post-Convention Stress Disorder
You may not find it in the DSM-5 list of psychological disorders, but I promise you it exists. You've heard of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Yeah, just call this PCSD.
Post-Convention Stress Disorder.
Have you experienced it? The "Where am I going to put all this stuff" mind racing, the "How can I incorporate these ideas" insomnia, the "What did she say about managing toddlers while you're teaching" memory lapses, and the "There is no way I can do all of this" headaches.
Homeschool Convention Survival Tips
Springtime brings warm weather, beautiful flowers, and….homeschool conventions! There are few better ways to be inspired, encouraged, and invigorated along the journey of homeschooling than attending a homeschool convention. It is an opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded people, attend informative workshops, see lots of new curricula, and receive wisdom and encouragement from experts and veteran home educators.
Homeschool Conventions, Part 1: Goals
Homeschool Conventions: Most states have fairly large to huge book fairs. These "insider tips" will help you to learn how to take advantage of your state book fair in one piece with your sanity and wallet still relatively in place!
Homeschool Conventions, Part 2: Curriculum
Homeschool Conventions: Sometimes we think that we might save money if we buy at a fair, BUT, if you are buying impulsively, you may live to regret that purchase.
Homeschool Conventions, Part 3: Workshops
Homeschool Conventions: At most bookfairs, there are two kinds of seminars: vendor workshops and non-vendor seminars/workshops. Each have their own benefits.
How to Shop for Online Curriculum at Homeschool Conventions
If you’re shopping for a homeschool curriculum program (and even if you’re not!), a great place to see the products in action is at a homeschool convention. Think about it, you have all the vendors in one place and they’ve been preparing to showcase their products for weeks -- all for you and your fellow homeschoolers. You don’t get this type of attention when you’re visiting a website or talking to a person on the phone.
Homeschool Conventions: Best Tips from Homeschool Moms
We recently asked moms on our Facebook page what some of the best tips are that have helped them avoid being overwhelmed at homeschool conventions. With hundreds of vendors and dozens of workshops, large conventions can quickly disarm the best intentions of even experienced homeschool moms. These ideas will help you stick to your budget, give new resources a chance, and get the best bargains at any homeschool convention.
