Homeschool conventions are usually hosted by a statewide homeschool advocacy organization. For many homeschool parents, the state convention is the most anticipated homeschooling event of the year. Well-known homeschool leaders speak about home education and other parenting issues. Informative workshops are offered on a variety of topics. There may be special sessions for new homeschoolers and teenage students. A multitude of curricula and other products are displayed by lots of different vendors.
I can still vividly recall the first homeschool convention that my husband and I went to nearly twenty years ago. It was held in a church basement that was crowded and hot; not the huge air-conditioned civic center where it is located nowadays. The quantity of homeschool resources that are available have multiplied exponentially since then, although even at that time there was much to see and learn. My husband and I continue to attend the home education convention every year.
Despite the prevalence of web-based resources and online booksellers, conventions and curriculum fairs remain popular for a variety of reasons. The personal aspect of attending a live conference is certainly part of the appeal. They provide a great opportunity to speak with publishers and vendors face to face, ask questions, handle products, and look at books in an environment that is supportive and encouraging.
It’s an awesome experience to be in the midst of so many homeschoolers from all walks of life gathered together in one place, to realize you are not alone in this endeavor. My husband and I always leave with a renewed confidence and enthusiasm about home education after listening to the inspirational, informative speakers. In addition, my favorite place for looking at homeschool materials is at the curriculum fair.
The vast array of books, curriculum, and other materials in the exhibit hall can be overwhelming, especially for new homeschoolers. It helps to have an idea in mind of what you want to look for when you go there. We like to purchase next year's Saxon text first before they're sold out. We also stop by the software booth to check out their great deals. Then my husband prefers to leisurely browse around all of the exhibitors and see if there are any new
products that catch his eye. Meanwhile, I get out my long list and methodically go from one bookseller to another on a serious search for particular titles.
Homeschool conventions are exhilarating but tiring at the same time. In order to make the best of it, just try to relax and enjoy yourself. This is one special time each year that you as a homeschool parent can be truly encouraged and exhorted to the high call of home education. It’s an event not to be missed if you are homeschooling or even thinking about it. I highly recommend that you attend!
● One of the biggest advantages of attending a convention that can't be replaced by online resources, printed catalogs, web forums, e-mail lists, etc. is the face-to-face interaction with other people who have similar philosophies and beliefs – this includes other homeschoolers, speakers, and vendors.
● The convention gives you a great opportunity to interact with homeschool leaders from across the nation, and to benefit from their wisdom and experience. Speakers can broaden your horizons as they expose you to new ideas, thoughtful discussions, and creative approaches as well as remind you of the basics. Another benefit is the opportunity to meet the speakers in person and perhaps ask them questions at their booth. You may even have a chance to get some personal advice regarding your particular situation.
● There is no substitute for seeing and evaluating a curriculum first-hand. At a convention, large numbers of homeschool vendors are represented and the opportunity to actually see their products is a great advantage over merely reading about them. You can examine, compare, and purchase a great variety of the latest and best hard to find books and educational materials from hundreds of selections all in one convenient location.
● The opportunities brought together in this once-a-year event can renew and expand your vision for teaching and training your children. Be encouraged, rejuvenated, inspired, motivated, and better equipped to home school. Conventions can renew your spirit and strengthen your commitment to home education.
● Conventions are a great place to find kindred spirits! Homeschoolers can be an independent lot, but the convention provides an atmosphere of camaraderie by sharing with large numbers of families the strong conviction to provide for our children’s education. It is revitalizing when we realize we are not in this journey alone.
● The convention is like a spiritual retreat where you can get away from the everyday cares of homeschooling and focus on why you are doing this—and how you can do it better. If it is a Christian conference in which a group of believers are assembled in His name, the presence of the Holy Spirit will fill the room which makes for an inspiring, energized atmosphere.
● The homeschool leaders in your state work hard to protect your homeschool freedoms all year long. They went to a great deal of trouble to provide this convention for your benefit. Show your support by attending, and consider joining your state’s homeschool organization while you’re at it.
2009 by Teri Ann Berg Olsen
reprinted with permission
Teri Ann Berg Olsen is the author of a book, “Learning for Life: Educational Words of Wisdom,” and an e-book, “How to Write a Homeschool Mission Statement.” Teri has been attending the annual Arizona Families for Home Education convention each year since 1995. She had her own exhibit booth at two educational conferences and also organized a small local book sale. This has given her a unique opportunity to view these events from differing perspectives. Visit Teri’s website at www.KnowledgeHouse.info for homeschool information, links, and resources.
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