5 Tips for Surviving and Thriving at a Homeschool Convention

It's that time of year for a homeschooling mom.  The time of year when we are already planning the next year, even before we've finished this year.  Maybe it's because we've started spring cleaning and are downsizing our book shelves or maybe it's because we are ready to be done with this year and move on.  And part of moving on is looking forward to what is to come, right?

It may also be because we are beginning to run on empty.  In Northern Indiana, a long winter and slow to get going Spring only adds to that feeling.  We are trying to finish strong . . . or just finish!  Enter  - the homeschool convention.

Each state usually hosts their own homeschool convention. In Indiana, the IAHE (Indiana Assoc. of Home Educators) hosts their convention in Indianapolis.  This convention funds most of it's work here in our state.  Besides the state homeschool convention, there are secular and religious conventions, unschooling and any other sort of educational theory conventions.

This year I chose to attend the Great Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati.  I had heard about this convention from other homeschool moms, all with positive reviews, and made my plans to go.

Why go?  This is a great opportunity to get some encouragement, look at all sorts of curriculum, hear a variety of speakers on subjects such as parenting, homeschool laws, worldview, specific homeschool needs, homeschool methods, etc.  And there is something to be said for being surrounded by people who are like-minded and have made the decision to educate their children at home and share many of the same joys and struggles.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of it:

1.  Go with someone!  This can be a sister, a homeschooling friend or two, or, even better, your spouse.  You will be presented with a LOT of information.  It is not only great to have someone to hang out with, but someone with whom you can discuss and process all the information you hear.  You can also split up some of the topics/speakers you want to hear and compare notes.  This is also a great time to just be YOU (not mom or teacher) - whether with a friend or spouse, getting out of your normal routine is always rejuvenating.

My sister and fellow homeschooling mom - can you tell she's happy to be here?!

2.  Make a list! Do you already know what writing program you want? Are you trying to decide if you want to use Math-U-See or Saxon?  Are you in need of a planner?  Writing down a specific list will help you keep focused when you walk in the vendor hall.  There are a lot of resources out there . . . some are for you and some are not.  When you have a list of needs, curriculum to look at (nothing like actually holding it in your hand and looking through it) and items you could use, it will help you stay focused.

3.  Pick a variety of speakers and topics!  These conventions offer a vast array of topics and speakers for about every viewpoint, need or want as a parent and homeschooler.  The best advice I got was to choose some encouraging speakers (So You Want to Quit Homeschooling?) along with ones that may meet a direct need (The Struggling Reader).  Looking through the speakers and topics ahead of time will help you weed out what you don't need and focus on what you do.  And don't be afraid to slip out (tip 3b . . always sit on the end of the aisle in case you want/need to leave) if the talk is not what you thought it was going to be.

Just a few of the speakers - Jason Beardsley, Steve Demme, Ann Voskamp

4.  If you like a speaker - show it! Go to more of their talks, go talk the them afterwards, buy their book, sign-up for their email lists.  I found out I was enthralled by how the brains of boys and girls work differently (Michael Gurian), so I looked up his next talk and went to that.  Most of the speakers are there at a vendor booths also and love to interact, answer questions and talk about the information they've given you.  This is a great chance for you, yourself, to learn more - take it!  Take notes, photos of their slides, etc.

I'll be checking these books out soon!

5.  Purchase the curriculum you know you need!  I went in knowing I needed some consumables (workbooks for math, writing books).  I could pick these up and save some money by not paying shipping.  Even if the vendor didn't have a copy on hand, some offer free shipping if the order is placed at the conventions (Math-U-See and Rainbow Resources were two suppliers I ordered from and could choose this option).  You can always look for wants later, but get the stuff you need now. (tip 5b . . . bring a rolling cart or suitcase. This saves your back and arms when lugging that curriculum around!)

That's it!  Not only is a homeschool convention a great place to go to expand your own learning and help you as an at-home teacher, but it is a great place to browse and purchase curriculum and get some much need encouragement on this journey of educating your children.

Happy Homeschooling!

Rita