Enjoying a Homeschool Convention
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We’ve been homeschooling for ten years, but last year was the first time I ever attended a homeschool convention. I was always afraid that it would be an overwhelming experience, but it ended up being a time of refreshment, encouragement, enthusiasm, and motivation.
Why Attend a Homeschool Convention?
Simply taking in the sheer number of other homeschoolers in attendance was so encouraging to me. Sometimes, being a homeschooler can feel isolating, and even when you participate in a support group, you can have days where you feel like an alien. It was such an awesome moment to enter the convention hall and see hundreds and hundreds of other homeschool families. There were so many of us!
Plus, the variety of speakers and sessions made it easy to find something to attend. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, a student or a parent, you will find sessions that apply to you.
In addition, the vendor hall was so much fun! Getting to see products and flip through books, talking to the vendors, asking questions, and getting personalized recommendations were real highlights of the whole experience. And my kids collected enough free pens and pencils to last for the rest of the year 🙂
If you are considering attending a convention this year, I encourage you to do so. Learn more about Teach Them Diligently Conventions and find the location closest to you today! I learned a few things about prepping for convention attendance last year.
5 Tips for Rocking Your Homeschool Convention Experience
- Spend some time looking over the speaker schedule. Print it out, decide which sessions you want to attend, and highlight them. Be sure to bring the schedule with you as a road map to your day. A little advance planning kept us on track and made the day less stressful since we knew our timeline.
- Plan time for an initial walk-through in the exhibition hall, and then allow time to go back when you have time to visit your favorite vendors.
- Plan time for breaks, especially if your kids are attending with you. Our max was two sessions in a row. Find out if the venue allows food and drinks to be brought in, but pack snacks and drinks in the van for pit stops throughout the day anyway.
- Research curriculum through company websites and catalogs if you’re planning to make purchases at the convention. Knowing what you’re looking for will save you some time and keep you focused when faced with an array of choices.
- Wear comfy shoes!
Spending a little time in advance to prepare and have a game plan will help ensure that you have a stress-free and rewarding convention experience.
Hi! I hope you have a great time at your homeschool coinontven. I am stopping by from Monday Mingle and now following your blog..-= Chereesb4s last blog ..You cant get Oranges from a Lemon Tree =-.