ANATOMY OF A HOMESCHOOL CONVENTION
Homeschool conventions vary widely in their scope and offerings depending on the organization that is running it, the size of the homeschool population in that state, and the number of years the convention has been held. Some of the bigger conventions have graduation ceremonies, talent shows, and special programs for children and teens. Whether large or small, homeschool conventions provide a wide variety of events to help and encourage home educators.
Homeschool conventions vary widely in their scope and offerings depending on the organization that is running it, the size of the homeschool population in that state, and the number of years the convention has been held. Some of the bigger conventions have graduation ceremonies, talent shows, and special programs for children and teens. Whether large or small, homeschool conventions provide a wide variety of events to help and encourage home educators.
*
Keynote Address
The keynote address is an inspiring speech given by a nationally-known homeschooling figure. This speech is held in the largest auditorium or grand ballroom, and is scheduled so that it is the only event offered during that time period (which is usually at the beginning of each day). Announcements pertaining to the convention are also made during this time, so it is important to attend the keynote address if possible.
Keynote Address
The keynote address is an inspiring speech given by a nationally-known homeschooling figure. This speech is held in the largest auditorium or grand ballroom, and is scheduled so that it is the only event offered during that time period (which is usually at the beginning of each day). Announcements pertaining to the convention are also made during this time, so it is important to attend the keynote address if possible.
*
General Sessions or Workshops
Workshops provide practical training in various topics. These sessions are usually an hour long and deal with specific issues regarding home education or family life. State conventions often have sessions dealing with important issues and challenges that relate to homeschooling in your own state. Several different workshops run concurrently so you have to choose the ones that best suit your needs. Most convention programs provide a brief description of each workshop to help you decide between them. If you are interested in more than one session that is being held at the same time, you and your husband or a friend can each go to a different one and compare
notes later, or you can purchase a tape recording of the one that you don’t attend.
*
Vendor or Exhibitor Workshops
These workshops are like “infomercials” for curriculum and other products. They give vendors an opportunity to describe their materials and answer questions from prospective buyers. These sessions are a great way to learn about a product that is new to you or to learn how to use it more effectively. If it’s a smaller company, you may even meet the author of the curriculum. If you decide to make a purchase, you can buy it in the exhibit hall.
General Sessions or Workshops
Workshops provide practical training in various topics. These sessions are usually an hour long and deal with specific issues regarding home education or family life. State conventions often have sessions dealing with important issues and challenges that relate to homeschooling in your own state. Several different workshops run concurrently so you have to choose the ones that best suit your needs. Most convention programs provide a brief description of each workshop to help you decide between them. If you are interested in more than one session that is being held at the same time, you and your husband or a friend can each go to a different one and compare
notes later, or you can purchase a tape recording of the one that you don’t attend.
*
Vendor or Exhibitor Workshops
These workshops are like “infomercials” for curriculum and other products. They give vendors an opportunity to describe their materials and answer questions from prospective buyers. These sessions are a great way to learn about a product that is new to you or to learn how to use it more effectively. If it’s a smaller company, you may even meet the author of the curriculum. If you decide to make a purchase, you can buy it in the exhibit hall.
*
Curriculum Hall or Exhibit Hall
This is where vendors of curriculum and other homeschool products gather to display and sell their materials. Small conventions may have only a few vendors, while large conventions may have 100 or more. Some well known curriculum publishers have been selling to homeschoolers for years. In addition, some experienced homeschool parents have developed their own products to meet certain needs or fill a particular niche. More and more mainstream vendors are also turning their attention to the homeschool market.
This is where vendors of curriculum and other homeschool products gather to display and sell their materials. Small conventions may have only a few vendors, while large conventions may have 100 or more. Some well known curriculum publishers have been selling to homeschoolers for years. In addition, some experienced homeschool parents have developed their own products to meet certain needs or fill a particular niche. More and more mainstream vendors are also turning their attention to the homeschool market.
*
Graduation Ceremony
On the evening of the convention there may be a graduation ceremony. Everyone is invited to join in recognizing and honoring the homeschool graduates. A commencement address is usually given by one of the convention’s keynote speakers. Learn about CHEO's Annual Commencement Ceremony here.
On the evening of the convention there may be a graduation ceremony. Everyone is invited to join in recognizing and honoring the homeschool graduates. A commencement address is usually given by one of the convention’s keynote speakers. Learn about CHEO's Annual Commencement Ceremony here.
*
2009 by Teri Ann Berg Olsen
reprinted with permission
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.
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.
0 comments:
Post a Comment