How to Get the Most Out of a Homeschool Convention Part 7

AFTER THE CONVENTION
When you get back home after the convention, you will have lots of stuff to go through and information to process. Over the next week or so, take time to review what you’ve learned while everything is still fresh in your mind, to get the most out of your experience.

● Manage paper clutter at its source by sorting the literature that you received into five categories: 1.) action items; 2.) things to read; 3.) file for future reference; 4.) pass along to someone else; 5.) discard.

● Read the books you bought, browse through the catalogs you picked up, and listen to the workshop tapes you purchased.

● Review your notes and talk to your spouse about the ideas and products you came across at the convention.

● Visit websites and gather any additional information that you would like to find out.

● If there are any limited time offers, postcards to send in, or orders you want to place, take care of it now before you set it aside and forget.

● Share your notes and information with your support group or a friend who was not able to attend. Write an article for your homeschool newsletter.

● Think about what you saw in the vendor hall, what you bought and how you want to use it with your children, what the speakers said and what will you do differently because of what you learned from them.

● Put into practice at least one new idea that you think will make a difference in your homeschool or family life.

● Send a note of thanks to a mentor mom who helped show you around, a speaker who ministered to you, or an exhibitor who took the time to answer all of your questions. They will be pleased to know that their efforts were appreciated.

● Were there some speakers and workshops that were especially helpful? Was the convention well-organized? Was it worth the money you spent to attend? What changes would you like to see next year? Whether you were pleased or displeased, let the convention organizers know. They may have even provided a feedback survey for your convenience; be sure to fill it out and send it in.

● Hopefully by attending the convention, you came away with a renewed enthusiasm for homeschooling. You can continue that feeling long after the convention is over by doing the following: Listen to the taped sessions that you purchased now and again. Read books about home education. Keep informed about legislation that may affect home education. Subscribe to a homeschool magazine. Visit homeschool websites. Join a homeschool support group (if you haven't already done so). Attend support group meetings and volunteer to run at least one group
activity per year. Just like at the convention, getting involved and being around other like-minded families is the surest way to maintain your energy and enthusiasm for homeschooling!

*

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.

*

If you would like a copy of this entire article, please send us an email.