What is the purpose of a homeschool convention? There are a lot of reasons to attend convention. First of all I probably should note there are quite a few different conventions that go on through out the year. It is not necessary to attend any or all of them but it is helpful to attend a convention. 1) Your state most likely will host a yearly homeschool convention. 2) Regional conventions are set at a few locations through out the country yearly. Conventions like Teach Them Diligently and Great Homeschool Conventions are considered part of the regional conventions set through out the year. While attending convention is not necessary it is highly recommended for new homeschoolers for various reasons.
Attending homeschool conventions:
Attending homeschool conventions:
- Is a great way to support your local and regional representatives who advocate for our homeschool rights. If your state is hosting a convention understand that a portion of convention costs goes towards supporting your states homeschool representatives. Most local homeschool state groups are non profit and are operated on a volunteer basis. Your state homeschool reps are working for you and other homeschoolers around the state advocating homeschool rights at the state capitol as well as raising awareness about homeschool. It can be costly none the less so supporting your local convention would be a huge help in supporting your state reps.
- Is a great way to learn more about homeschool in general and learn tips and tricks to help better your homeschool journey. Find out what works for other homeschool families and gain new ideas that can help ease some of your homeschool blues.
- Is a great way meet various homeschool vendors. Learn about new homeschool curriculum and products.
- Visiting convention(s) can be a great way to bring a fresher view on your homeschool journey. Maybe you are experiencing 'the burn out'. By attending a convention and seeing new ideas, hearing new things you will be able to spruce up your school and make the necessary changes to eliminate that burn out feeling and excite your homeschool journey.
- Is a great way to find homeschool support from groups or other homeschool families.
- Attending convention is also a great way to hear a lot of great speakers as well as locate a lot of great deals and discounts.
Tips in attending convention:
- Pre-Register - Save time and money by pre-registering for convention.
- Plan ahead - If you are traveling to convention a few hours away in your state or out of state, this is a huge step you want to be prepared for. Pack your items ahead of time. If you are traveing a few hours and have kiddos you will need snacks and things to preoccupy your kids. If you are traveling out of state, you will need to book your hotel reservations ahead of time plus plan your route and set a budget on expenses. Be sure you have confirmation papers for your reservations and convention payment/registrations.
- Review the convention agenda ahead of time and plan your day. There is a lot happening at convention and attending everything can be difficult especially with younger kiddos. It is easy to get distracted, exhausted, frustrated, etc. Planning ahead can help ease some of the last minute load.
- If you are not able to attend a specific workshop at convention often times they will offer recordings from the workshop so you can purchase and review the workshop from home.
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