Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular, and attending a homeschooling convention can be a great way to learn more about the process and get inspired. From getting tips for getting the most out of homeschooling conventions to learning ways to combat post-convention stress, there are many benefits to attending a homeschooling convention. For starters, there is something special about seeing all the families at a homeschooling convention that have chosen or are considering homeschooling their children. Lynn Hogan, a long-time homeschooler whose children have grown and flown, has attended conventions for years as a saleswoman and assistant.
She notes that it is encouraging to see that when you choose to study at home, you're participating in something bigger than yourself, your family, and even your local community. In addition, when choosing a curriculum for homeschooling, it's important to consider questions such as: “Does this curriculum share priorities and values, as well as a similar worldview with my family? and “Can I see my family use this long-term curriculum? These are much easier questions to answer when you start an in-person conversation with a representative rather than simply reading about that curriculum online. At many conventions, exclusive tracks are available for beginners studying at home, as well as for home-schooled children with special needs. We'll have sessions on a variety of topics to support and inspire veteran students studying at home, those just learning at home, people considering studying at home, and educators from other backgrounds looking for innovative academic ideas.
Of course, you can find videos of all these homeschooling leaders online, but there's something special about listening to their talks in person. While the Internet is a great place to start researching homeschooling curriculum options, often the key factor in making a final decision comes down to a conversation with a representative of a curriculum provider. Whether you're talking to a curriculum representative at a booth, with a leader who teaches at home after a talk, or just another parent who wanders around the convention rooms, it's comforting and inspiring to hear the perspectives and stories of other parents in the larger homeschooling community. Since some major homeschooling conventions are only held in large cities such as Fort Worth, Texas or Cincinnati, Ohio, it's important to check the locations of the homeschool convention you want to attend to see if there are any in your region. While homeschooling conventions have been a staple of the homeschooling journey in the past, they remain an important part of the modern world.
