Expert Advice from Organizations Nationwide

As homeschool convention season is in full swing, families across the country are eagerly planning their visits to these enriching events. Whether you’re a first-time attendee feeling a bit overwhelmed by the possibilities or a seasoned homeschooler looking to maximize your experience, homeschool conventions offer unparalleled opportunities for inspiration, education, and connection with the broader homeschool community.

These annual gatherings provide a treasure trove of resources including curriculum options to explore, workshops led by experienced speakers, encouragement from veteran homeschoolers, and the chance to build relationships with like-minded families. With some strategic planning, you can transform what might seem like an overwhelming event into a rejuvenating experience that equips you for your homeschool journey ahead.

Homeschool organizations across the country offer proven strategies for making the most of convention experiences. Enjoy the following excerpts from each organization’s blog posts and click the links to read the full articles.

Plan Ahead

Look over the entire schedule and first mark the things that are absolutely essential for where you are in your homeschool journey. Then mark the things that are important, followed by those that would be good, but not necessary. You can also cross out things that definitely don’t apply. For instance, you don’t need to attend the “Delighting in the Early Years” workshop if you only have high schoolers. This method will help you focus and make sure you hit the crucial parts.

– CHEA (Christian Home Educators Association of California)
Read the full blog post here

Make It a Family Event

Most conventions offer activities for everyone. When my children attended, they were thrilled to be surrounded by so many other homeschooled kids. In most of their usual environments, they were among the few, so this experience was a great confidence boost. Knowing they were not alone in this journey was reassuring. They also got to take advantage of the incredible add-on programs available. My husband attended sessions designed for homeschool dads, which helped him see how he could best support our homeschooling efforts. Understanding his role’s true value was life-changing for him.

“The convention provides a yearly refresh, fostering connections and encouragement.”

-HEAV (Home Educators Association of Virginia)
Read the full article here

Build Community and Connection

Invite a Friend or Attend with Your Spouse or Parent
The Homeschool Iowa Conference is a great opportunity to get away and plan for the coming homeschool year. If you have never attended before, it might seem a bit intimidating or overwhelming. Invite a friend to come along with you. You can help each other navigate and you’ll have twice the fun! If you plan to attend with your spouse, make it a special time to focus on your family’s homeschool plans and goals. Conference registrants can add a grandparent to their registrations at a discounted price, if the grandparent is not currently homeschooling his or her own children.

Tap Into the People Resources Available at the Conference
You’ll start making connections the minute you arrive at the conference. Our conference volunteers and staff will help you get registered on-site or checked in if you registered online before the event. Make sure to chat with our conference speakers, too. Most of them will have booths in the conference exhibit hall. You’ll find our conference exhibitors are also excellent “people” resources with helpful advice and suggestions. Anytime you’re disoriented or need assistance, look for one of our conference volunteers. They’re happy to help!

– Homeschool Iowa
Read the full blog post here

Prepare for a Comfortable Experience

• Save money by registering early.
• If you will be staying overnight, make your reservations early. Hotel rooms in the Augusta area do sell out.
• Plan for meals.
• Are you new to homeschooling? When you arrive at the Maine Homeschool Exchange, make your first stop the HOME booth! HOME leaders and veteran homeschoolers will be there to welcome, guide and help you plan for a successful event experience!
• Bring a large, sturdy tote bag for your purchases. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes and bring paper and pens for taking notes.
• ABOVE ALL: Pray for God’s wisdom and direction for you and your family, and for the HOME Event Planning Team, too, as the event draws near!

— HOME (Homeschoolers of Maine)
Read the full article here

Conventions often involve a lot of walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers to adjust to changing indoor temperatures. Bring a backpack or tote bag for carrying brochures, books, and freebies. A water bottle and snacks can also keep you energized throughout the day.

– MassHOPE (Massachusetts Homeschool Organization of Parent Educators)
Read the full article here

Pray and Stay Open-Minded

Pray.
Invite God into your planning for the conference. Ask for wisdom and His direction for you during this weekend. Knowing that He is working for your good, can bring peace and purpose to the weekend (especially if your well-laid-out plan goes sideways).

Stay open-minded.
You may come across unique approaches to homeschooling that you haven’t considered. Be open to exploring new ideas and methods that could benefit your family.

– IAHE (Indiana Association of Home Educators)
Read the full article here

Ask Questions

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Speakers, vendors, and fellow homeschoolers are happy to share their knowledge and experiences. If you have questions about a curriculum, teaching method, or homeschool challenges, don’t hesitate to ask. This is your chance to get expert advice and real-world insights from a Biblical perspective.

Give Yourself Time to Process
A homeschool convention can be an information overload! Take breaks as needed and schedule some downtime after the event to process what you’ve learned. Review your notes, discuss ideas with your family, and decide which new strategies or resources you want to implement.

– MassHOPE (Massachusetts Homeschool Organization of Parent Educators)
Read the full article here

Come Early and Bring Your Spouse

Come early, if possible. Before you can enter the vendor hall or hear workshop speakers, you need to register. Registration usually peaks around 8 a.m. Friday, so avoid the bottleneck and arrive earlier if you can!

If applicable, bring your spouse. If your husband or wife has no previous homeschool experience, our conference is a great introduction! Even if they’re totally on-board with your decision to homeschool, they may not have the best understanding of all it entails.Several of our Saturday workshops are especially intended for the male principals of a homeschool, so your spouse will have plenty of company.

As one homeschool mom wrote, “My first visit to a conference really solidified my conviction toward homeschooling. And I was surprised by how many men were involved.”

– MPE (Midwest Parent Educators)
Read the full article here