• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Learning Table

Eclectic Homeschooling

  • Home
  • About Me
    • Contact Me
  • Advertising/PR/Terms
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure/Terms
  • Homeschool
    • Themed Unit Studies
  • Shop
    • My Account
    • Terms & Conditions

Homeschool Convention Survival Tips

March 6, 2017 by Anne Campbell Leave a Comment

Whether you’re a newbie homeschool or a seasoned veteran, homeschool conventions provide a valuable source of encouragement, information, and fellowship.

Hitting the Road: Homeschool Convention Time!

The first time I walked into a convention center for a homeschool conference, I had already been homeschooling for nine years, but I was immediately OVERWHELMED!

After attending several conferences over the past few years, I’ve learned a thing or two, which make the experience less-stressful and more valuable.

So, if you’re headed to a convention this spring, here are some survival tips for you:

  • Look at the list of vendors and speakers for the convention you are attending on the conference website, and note which ones you want to be sure to visit.
  • Make a list of any specific products you want to check out. Go to sessions sponsored by those vendors to learn more about them.
  • Keep a running list of items you might want to purchase after seeing them. I didn’t purchase anything on our first walk-through. I used that first time to “window shop,” and then went back to buy things later. This prevents extra trips to the car or having to haul around a bunch of stuff, and it also gave me pause to think before making an impulse buy.
  • Speaking of those trips to the car — pack snacks and drinks, and take breaks! Food can be pricey at convention centers, and many will not let you bring anything in, so use your car as home-base. Especially if your kids attend with you!
  • Schedule time for an initial walk-through, and plan to go back at least once more to be sure you cover it all. Planning to go back helped me prevent impulse purchases because I knew I would have time to go stop back by the booths.
  • Many vendors offer coupons or codes to use later, so you don’t have to feel pressure to buy at the convention.
  • Be flexible and willing to change your product list. I was surprised to find that some products were not what I thought they would be and to discover new products I never would have considered before seeing them and hearing the speakers.
  • Use DISCERNMENT! Realize that a convention is a money-maker for the host, and some (many) of the vendors might not necessarily have the same worldview, parenting philosophy, etc. that you do. Do your research! Be aware that vendors and speakers are presenting their best face at the conference.
  • Enjoy yourself and have fun! My goal is not to “shop” as much as it is to “see.” Bringing home a few new things is just a bonus.

The Next Step To Homeschool

Filed Under: Getting Started, Homeschool

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Connect with me!

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinrsstumblrinstagram

Hello! I am an English/Language Arts teacher, writer, homeschooling consultant, and speaker and believe in embracing the “light bulb” moments of discovery that happen both in and out of the classroom.
anne@mylearningtable.com
Click here to read more. This blog uses referral links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Take a look around!

Cart

Anne's bookshelf: books-i-teach-on-outschool

Bridge to Terabithia
Bridge to Terabithia
by Katherine Paterson
tagged: books-i-teach-on-outschool
Okay for Now
it was amazing
Okay for Now
by Gary D. Schmidt
tagged: books-i-teach-on-outschool
The Wednesday Wars
it was amazing
The Wednesday Wars
by Gary D. Schmidt
tagged: books-i-teach-on-outschool
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy
by Gary D. Schmidt
tagged: books-i-teach-on-outschool
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
it was amazing
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
by E.L. Konigsburg
tagged: books-i-teach-on-outschool

goodreads.com

Popular Posts

Hamlet for Kids (Free Printable)

what you need to know about the new SAT for college admission

What You Need to Know About the New SAT

A Homeschool Curriculum Game Plan

Valentine's Day Activities for Kids mylearningtable.com

Valentine’s Day Activities for Kids

New Year Bucket List Free Printable

New Year Bucket List Printable

Follow Learning Table 's board Homeschool Support on Pinterest.

Copyright © 2022 · Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in