Who should go?
● Prospective homeschoolers, new homeschoolers, current homeschoolers, and veteran homeschoolers. The convention has something for everyone, no matter where you are in your homeschool journey. If you are considering homeschooling, the curriculum fair is a great place to gather information and look at all of the resources that are available. Plus it will be reassuring to see how many homeschoolers there really are! In addition, conventions often have special sessions for new homeschoolers and you will come away feeling confident that you can actually accomplish what you are setting out to do. Meanwhile, current homeschoolers are
given the precious fuel they need to continue on the journey. Even experienced homeschoolers will find many resources for the high school years, including information on helping your student make the transition to college, the military, or a career.
given the precious fuel they need to continue on the journey. Even experienced homeschoolers will find many resources for the high school years, including information on helping your student make the transition to college, the military, or a career.
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● Ideally, a husband and wife should attend together. The convention is a wonderful opportunity for you to spend some special “couple time.” We have found that attending the convention as a husband and wife is a wonderful opportunity for both of us to be recharged and our relationship to be revived. Whether we “divide and conquer” or simply enjoy being together, the convention is a nice “date” for us. Not only will you be able to discuss what you see while helping each other stick to your family goals and budget, but hubby can hold your bag or watch the baby while you look at books or go to the restroom, and he can run your large purchases out to the car for you.
● Ideally, a husband and wife should attend together. The convention is a wonderful opportunity for you to spend some special “couple time.” We have found that attending the convention as a husband and wife is a wonderful opportunity for both of us to be recharged and our relationship to be revived. Whether we “divide and conquer” or simply enjoy being together, the convention is a nice “date” for us. Not only will you be able to discuss what you see while helping each other stick to your family goals and budget, but hubby can hold your bag or watch the baby while you look at books or go to the restroom, and he can run your large purchases out to the car for you.
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● If it is not possible for your husband to attend because he has to work or stay home with the kids, it can be fun to go with one or more friends – such as a fellow homeschooler or someone you know who may be considering homeschooling. You might even carpool with several members of your church or homeschool support group. This will give you a chance to get to know them better. If you have any relatives or neighbors who homeschool or are thinking about it, invite them to come too.
● If it is not possible for your husband to attend because he has to work or stay home with the kids, it can be fun to go with one or more friends – such as a fellow homeschooler or someone you know who may be considering homeschooling. You might even carpool with several members of your church or homeschool support group. This will give you a chance to get to know them better. If you have any relatives or neighbors who homeschool or are thinking about it, invite them to come too.
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● Invite grandparents to come along and learn more about home education, especially if they are not too thrilled with the idea. They will be encouraged by seeing how many homeschoolers live in the area, as well as personally observing how nice – and normal – they all are! Make sure they listen to the keynote speaker and have a chance to look at all of the resources that are available. By doing so, they will likely begin to realize that homeschooling is more mainstream and successful than they thought. Grandparents who have an understanding of home education are an extra special blessing!
● Invite grandparents to come along and learn more about home education, especially if they are not too thrilled with the idea. They will be encouraged by seeing how many homeschoolers live in the area, as well as personally observing how nice – and normal – they all are! Make sure they listen to the keynote speaker and have a chance to look at all of the resources that are available. By doing so, they will likely begin to realize that homeschooling is more mainstream and successful than they thought. Grandparents who have an understanding of home education are an extra special blessing!
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● It is understandable that nursing infants will need to come with you. At any gathering of homeschool families, there will be lots of babies! Many large homeschool conferences set aside a Mother’s Room for nursing and changing, often with piped-in sound so you can listen to the current speaker. I remember how much I appreciated the convenience of this quiet spot where I could sit down and rest for a while.
● It is understandable that nursing infants will need to come with you. At any gathering of homeschool families, there will be lots of babies! Many large homeschool conferences set aside a Mother’s Room for nursing and changing, often with piped-in sound so you can listen to the current speaker. I remember how much I appreciated the convenience of this quiet spot where I could sit down and rest for a while.
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● While young children are welcome at some family-friendly conferences, they may not be allowed at others that are geared toward parent/teacher enrichment. The organizers love kids just as much as you do, so they don’t necessarily want to leave your children out. However, we all know that little kids get tired and bored easily. This means that they will be a distraction and either you will not be able to get all that you can out of the convention, or you will not be able to give adequate care to your children. Besides, the kids will have more fun if they are able to stay at home, with grandma, or go to a friend’s house.
● While young children are welcome at some family-friendly conferences, they may not be allowed at others that are geared toward parent/teacher enrichment. The organizers love kids just as much as you do, so they don’t necessarily want to leave your children out. However, we all know that little kids get tired and bored easily. This means that they will be a distraction and either you will not be able to get all that you can out of the convention, or you will not be able to give adequate care to your children. Besides, the kids will have more fun if they are able to stay at home, with grandma, or go to a friend’s house.
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● If your convention offers special programs for teens and older children, consider bringing them with you. Teen tracks offer exciting, uplifting sessions geared to the interests and needs of young adults. Some conventions also hold a graduation ceremony or recognition night, in which they may want to participate or applaud their friends.
● If your convention offers special programs for teens and older children, consider bringing them with you. Teen tracks offer exciting, uplifting sessions geared to the interests and needs of young adults. Some conventions also hold a graduation ceremony or recognition night, in which they may want to participate or applaud their friends.
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● It is advantageous to encourage our pastors to catch the vision and to gain an understanding of biblical home education, so invite your pastor to attend. Pastors may even be offered reduced rates on convention registration.
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● It is advantageous to encourage our pastors to catch the vision and to gain an understanding of biblical home education, so invite your pastor to attend. Pastors may even be offered reduced rates on convention registration.
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PLANNING
Planning for the convention should begin well before the actual event. First, you need to know in your own mind what you hope to accomplish at the convention. Do you want to:
● Find out about homeschooling vs. public schooling in general?
● Discover the benefits and uncover the myths of home education?
● Gain knowledge that will help explain your conviction to skeptical friends and family members?
● Gather tips for teaching your children more effectively?
● Learn techniques for dealing with toddlers or teens?
● Get wisdom and encouragement for educating your special needs child?
● Try out a particular program of interest?
● Attend vendor workshops for products you might be considering?
● Figure out which program will work best for your child’s learning style?
● Speak to book authors or knowledgeable representatives?
● Hear encouraging words from expert speakers?
● Obtain a hands-on preview of curriculum?
● Save shipping costs by purchasing textbooks in person?
● See what new product offerings are available?
● Reignite your passion for homeschooling?
● Explore ways to experience more “joy in the journey?”
● Fellowship with other homeschooling families?
● Attend an inspiring graduation ceremony?
Planning for the convention should begin well before the actual event. First, you need to know in your own mind what you hope to accomplish at the convention. Do you want to:
● Find out about homeschooling vs. public schooling in general?
● Discover the benefits and uncover the myths of home education?
● Gain knowledge that will help explain your conviction to skeptical friends and family members?
● Gather tips for teaching your children more effectively?
● Learn techniques for dealing with toddlers or teens?
● Get wisdom and encouragement for educating your special needs child?
● Try out a particular program of interest?
● Attend vendor workshops for products you might be considering?
● Figure out which program will work best for your child’s learning style?
● Speak to book authors or knowledgeable representatives?
● Hear encouraging words from expert speakers?
● Obtain a hands-on preview of curriculum?
● Save shipping costs by purchasing textbooks in person?
● See what new product offerings are available?
● Reignite your passion for homeschooling?
● Explore ways to experience more “joy in the journey?”
● Fellowship with other homeschooling families?
● Attend an inspiring graduation ceremony?
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You can do all this and more, if you go prepared and use your time wisely!
You can do all this and more, if you go prepared and use your time wisely!
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2009 by Teri Ann Berg Olsenreprinted with permission
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2009 by Teri Ann Berg Olsenreprinted with permission
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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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