Being a leader in our local homeschooling group, I have fielded many calls from eager parents who are looking to take their children out of school. They all have their own reasons for wanting to begin homeschooling, but I almost always have one piece of advice that is always the same.
(This is a sponsored post, all opinions within are 100% mine. There are also affiliate used in this post.)
Attend a Homeschool Convention
Why Should Those Considering Homeschooling Attend a Convention?
1. To View Your Curriculum Options
Because of the vast assortment of choices, choosing curriculum these days CAN be overwhelming, I think it’s really important for those considering homeschooling to go to a convention and look at and touch the different kinds of curriculum to see what they think will work for their children. You will be able to talk with vendors, get samples, take notes and more while visiting the convention hall.
How Do I Make the Convention Hall Less Overwhelming?
- Do some research before you go -Take a look at the Convention’s website and see which curriculum vendors will be there.
- Decide ahead of time which ones you are sure you want to visit and make a point to get there and search out.
- Visit company websites to get a feel for what they believe in and if their values line up with your family’s values.
- Talk to any of your acquaintances that you know who homeschool and ask them which curriculum they use and why they like it.
2. To Meet Other Parents Who are Already Homeschooling Their Children
You may not already know a lot of homeschoolers and the ones you do know are probably that weird family that does all those weird things, right? (Guess what? We know some weird families, too!). It is important to talk to other parents who are already in the trenches of homeschooling to see what they think, why they do what they do and what advice they have for you. Parents at these conventions are more than willing to share their knowledge of homeschooling. Often times, homeschool conventions will have a new homeschooler session, specifically for answering questions most commonly asked of homeschoolers.
3. To Help You Get Educated on Local Laws and Regulations Concerning Homeschooling
Did you know that every state’s laws on homeschooling are different? Some states only require your family to register with them, while others require you to report to them quarterly. There’s normally a representative from Homeschool Legal Defense at a homeschool convention who can answer questions as well as local representatives, that can answer more specific questions to your location. It’s worth it to get educated, to make sure that you are complying with your local laws and regulations. You wouldn’t want your lack of education to come back and bite you later.
4. To Help You Decide on Your Teaching Style as Well as Your Child’s Learning Style
How does your child learn the best? Do you think he or she would thrive on learning in a chronological way? Then, you may want to choose a classical education. Would unit studies be better? What about just using textbooks, mimicking traditional schools? How will you best teach your children? You can learn the answer to all of these questions in sessions held throughout the convention. There are always sessions that focus on teaching styles and how to decide the best ways your children learn. It’s really neat to decode and figure it all out. It’s even more exciting to put it all to use!
5. To Become Inspired
Going to a homeschool convention almost always gets me excited and makes me inspired! Why? I’m able to hear the words from inspiring speakers and excited parents. I’m able to be encouraged, knowing that I am not alone and that I won’t be alone in the coming year either. I am driven to action, by speakers encouraging me to put God first in my life and to also teach my children to do the same. Even as a seasoned homeschooler, each time I go, I come away inspired.
It’s really hard to explain all the ways that you are inspired by attending a convention, as with many things, you’d just have to be there to totally get it. If YOU are considering homeschooling, I highly encourage you to attend a homeschooling convention.
If you’re looking for a convention to attend, one of the best ones to attend is Great Homeschool Conventions. They have 3 great locations to choose from: Cincinatti, OH; Greenville, SC; and Ontario, California (in 2015, they’re coming to Texas!). They have THE BEST speakers, and the biggest vendor halls! They cover all the bases by including comedy, spirituality and practical learning, too. They have sessions for teens and a children’s program as well. If you’ve ever considered homeschooling, it’s time to make plans to attend and order the tickets now!
For more Reasons to Attend a Homeschooling Convention, click the picture below:
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