Have you ever attended a homeschool convention? It’s a great way to connect with other homeschooling parents, try out new curriculum, and network with professionals in the field. You’ll also find great workshops, kids’ programs, and exhibits.
Whether this is your very first convention, or you’ve been attending them for years, here are some tips for getting the most out of attending a homeschool convention.
Plan your schedule well in advance – Yes, most homeschool conventions are jam-packed with workshops, informational sessions, and events. After you buy your tickets, the first thing you should do is print out the convention schedule and highlight the workshops you are interested in attending. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll likely be overwhelmed by your choices, ending up at workshops you aren’t even interested in.
Tip: You may want to attend two workshops at once, but that’s not likely to happen. Many sessions will be recorded though, and available for sale as audio cds, videos, or MP3 downloads.
Map out your route – Conventions are often huge events, with many exhibit halls and workshop spaces. Print up a map at home, and highlight all of the exhibits you want to visit before you get to the convention. It’s also helpful to make note of the bathrooms, cafeteria, and kids’ spaces for future reference.
Start developing your homeschool plan – Or at least get an idea of your curriculum needs for the coming year. You can usually view vendors that will be at the convention ahead of time, many (including Dual Credit at Home) will be offering special discounts for convention attendees. Conventions also provide a great opportunity for you to browse through books you’ve wanted to try or ask questions about a particular curriculum you’re interested in.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes – You’ll be doing A LOT of walking. Be sure to wear your most comfortable pair of shoes to the event. I also find it helpful to dress in layers so that I can shed them or add them throughout the day.
Planning on shopping? Carry a sturdy backpack, or even a wheeled bag – You may receive a complimentary shopping bag when you register, but it is never big enough and it’s a nightmare to carry around when it’s full of books. A sturdy backpack will work for some. If you’re shopping for multiple kids, or a whole year’s worth of books, a wheeled bag is a lifesaver.
I do hope you’ll attend one of my workshops this year. Visit the Teach Them Diligently, Texas Home School Coalition, and Great Homeschool Conventions websites to view the schedules, register, or simply learn more about the events. Hope to see you there!
