How to Get the Most Out of a Homeschool Convention Part 4

PREPARATION
Whether this is your first convention or your tenth, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience.
*
● The vast array of exhibitors, workshops and speakers, combined with the limited time you will have to take it all in, can be overwhelming when you walk into a convention unprepared. But if you go with a plan in mind and stay focused on your purpose and priorities, you can spend your time wisely and come away with what you need.
*
● The convention can be a good time to discuss with your spouse your homeschool goals and plans. Talk about what your purposes are in attending. If you spend time thinking through your vision for the coming year and deciding what you need from the convention, you are well on your way to having a good convention weekend.
*
● Do your research before you go. It helps to have an idea of which curriculums you'd like to look at, who you’d like to see, what you'd like to ask, etc. Preview catalogs, marking products you want to purchase or take a closer look at. If you are already acquainted with much of what is available, you can go directly to the items that seem most interesting or useful to you. Make a list, or clip selected product ads to take with you so you will remember.
*
● Pray about the convention and seek God’s wisdom to know which books and curriculum will best meet the needs of your children. He will direct your path. Ask God which workshops you should go to. He will show you!
*
● Make a shopping list of specific items or types of things you will be looking for. It is most helpful to create three separate lists. One list is the items that you already have. (This is especially true if you bought a bunch of books ahead of time and haven’t used them yet. Believe it or not, I’ve gotten to the convention and forgotten that I already had a book, then bought another one!) The second is a list of products that you’ve heard about and want to look at just to see what they are like and if they might work for you. The third list is the actual shopping list of
things you really need. If it’s rather lengthy, you might also divide this list into two parts: 1.) curriculum (most important), and 2.) supplemental materials (useful extras). Once your lists are complete, you can better plan the order of the vendors you want to visit.
*
● Read the convention brochure (or blog) ahead of time. Obtain a convention schedule, list of exhibitors, exhibit hall floor plan, street map of the area, etc. The more you can find out ahead of time, the better prepared you will be.
*
● Choose which speakers’ sessions and workshops you’re interested in, and highlight or circle them so you can easily refer to them on the day of the convention. Mark those that you "must attend" or "would like to attend if possible," as well as other sessions for which you might consider buying a tape.
*
● Compare your agenda with that of a friend who will also be attending. See if you can each cover different sessions to save time, and then share the content with each other later. Or perhaps your spouse can attend one workshop while you go to another.
*
● If you are new to homeschooling or are entering a new phase (such as high school), you may want to do some preliminary reading before you arrive at the convention. Any information that you can gather ahead of time will help you to understand more at the convention, as well as to prepare for the coming school year.
*
● Make a list of questions that you want to ask exhibitors, authors, speakers, and/or others.
*
● Determine your budget with your husband. Along with your shopping list and goals, this will help you to make purchasing decisions.
*
● Find a friend or family member that you can depend on to care for your children. The convention is your special day! By leaving the kids with responsible caretakers at home or elsewhere, you will be able to concentrate onshopping and learning without distraction.
*
● Make your hotel reservations far enough ahead of time before all of the rooms are booked.
*
● If your husband cannot attend the convention with you, try to arrange a carpool with one or more homeschooling friends. It makes the travel time pass faster, plus you'll be able to compare notes about speakers and workshops on your way home.
*
2009 by Teri Ann Berg Olsenreprinted 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.