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A simple google search for ‘Homeschool Convention’ will provide a large list of events offered this year. Homeschool Conventions (also called Expo’s or Conferences) are held in almost every US state and Canadian province. These conferences are either local or regional.
Localized conferences best focus on specific laws and requirements pertaining to their home state or province. Regional conferences bring attendees from a wide range of states to a centralized location, often with two or more locations to choose from.
Due to their sizeable attendance, regional conferences have the budget to host well-known authors, speakers, and provide a significant selection of specialty ‘break-out’ sessions. In a previous blog (read it here) I focused on two of America’s larger regional conventions, Teach Them Diligently (held in two states) and Great Homeschool Conventions, hosted in five states.
Though, of course, it is possible to successfully homeschool without ever visiting a conference, I’d like to provide you with several reasons to attend one.
Here’s a list of reasons to attend an in-person Homeschool Convention:
1. Gain hands-on experience with educational products and supplies.
Provides the opportunity to speak with vendors and ask specific questions about their materials.
The ability to search for and/or examine educational toys, games, and adjuncts in person prior to purchase.
2. Meet the authors and/or publishers of curriculum.
Nothing beats examining curriculum in person. It is an opportunity to determine if it is a good fit for your educational purposes. Flipping through the pages allows you to see if it fits within your family’s values, and if it will work for multiple ages, interests, and learning styles. In addition, it is fun to meet, connect with, and support authors in person- and maybe purchase an autographed copy!
3. Take advantage of special attendee discounts.
Often vendors will provide free copies of catalogs, magazines, and other materials to conference attendees.
Local conferences may have representatives from play areas, zoos, museums and/or art galleries, farms, manufacturing companies, etc. and offer special discounts or homeschool passes to these places.
4. Gain insight and advice from well-known experts and leaders in the field.
Vendors and speakers include experienced teachers, psychologists, authors, pastors, and homeschool parents. They provide valuable information related to not only homeschooling, but to parenting, marriage, faith, and family matters as well. Much of this information is gained by signing up for and attending workshop (also called breakout sessions) – see the ‘workshop’ section of the event’s website for details and cost, if any.
5. Evaluate your current (or potential) educational style and method.
Representatives of various homeschooling philosophies, including Charlotte Mason, Classical, Montessori, and Waldorf are in attendance (check the vendors section of the event for a complete listing). This is a perfect opportunity to ask questions and examine options best suited for your family. This can be especially valuable for those who are new to or are deciding whether to pursue home education.
In addition, smaller lesser-known publishers and creators may be in attendance, allowing you the opportunity to browse non-mainstream or up-and-coming products. I’ve personally found smaller companies very attentive and provide curriculum solutions for very specific situations. (Shout out to Guest Hollow, which has grown immensely in the past few years!)
6. Learn new and exciting techniques and view newly (or yet-to-be) released materials.
Be among the first to see new products, adjuncts, and materials, and meet new and upcoming publishers.
7. Prepare for change and the next educational stage.
Educational needs will change as your child grows and matures. Knowing the resources and materials available will equip you to reset or adjust as needed.
Parents with students entering high school will benefit from engaging with other families who are or have already completed the high school process. They can provide insight into preparing for or applying for university, college, or entering a trade.
8. Kids events.
Special sessions for children and teens may be available (though often with an additional fee, see conference website for details). This is especially true at the larger, regional conferences. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for kids to share their talents and interests, and to network with or befriend others in their age group.
Events may include participating in fun activities such as play areas, talent shows, art shows, or teen parties as well as kid-focused learning opportunities and clubs.
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9. Make connections and new friends.
A huge benefit to attending a local convention is networking with other like-minded families. You will gain a sense of being a part of the larger community, and perhaps even form long-lasting friendships. Local events may provide information about local meetups, assist with forming co-ops, or offer information and sign-up to an umbrella. (Not familiar with the term umbrella? Read my post explaining it here).
Being part of the local community provides the opportunity to encourage and uplift one another in your respective homeschool journeys. Other benefits include receiving support and validation for your educational choices, sharing tools and resources, gaining inspiration from others’ successes, and learning from their regrets.
10. Empathy and solidarity in the family.
Often one parent is the primary educator, and the other parent (perhaps due to work obligations or military service) is unfamiliar with the day-to-day routine. Sometimes the home-educator has a partner or family member (grandparent for example) who have doubts or concerns about home education. Whatever the reason, it may be beneficial for the non-educating parent or doubting family member to attend a conference. Here they will have an opportunity to learn about the homeschool process, and become part of the community, if just for a weekend.
This knowledge and (hopefully!) positive experience might ease their concerns and allow them to provide meaningful support and encouragement to the home-educating family member. If nothing else, it will bring awareness (if not already known) that this educational choice is bigger than just your immediate family or community.
If you do decide to attend a Homeschool Convention this year, please let us know what you found most valuable. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
