5 Reasons Why You Should Attend a Homeschool Convention
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5 Reasons Why You Should Attend a Homeschool Convention
+ A list of Homeschool Conventions around the country in 2023
Homeschooling has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many parents who are considering homeschooling, new to it, or who are pro’s find that attending a homeschool convention is an amazing and enriching experience.
Why are so many families choosing to homeschool?
1. Customized Education: Homeschooling allows you to individualize the way the lessons are taught, the information covered, and the time it is done. This often creates more interest for the children.
2. Religious Beliefs: Many families want to match their children’s education with their religious beliefs. They can choose curriculum that does this more easily in a homeschooling environment.
3. Safety Concerns: Families feel that they can better protect their children from violence, bullying, and safety issues that they may see in a public school environment that they will not be subject to at home.
4. Academic Success: Because the of the ability to tailor make and individualize the education, many believe that homeschool students can advance more quickly than in a traditional setting.
5. Flexibility: If you are educating your child at home, you are able to plan vacations, road trips, or educational tours whenever the rest of the family can take this time off, rather than plan around the school calendar.
What if you are unsure whether or not you want to homeschool?
What if you are unsure whether or not you want to homeschool?Many are in your shoes! You will not know if this is a good decision for you until you do a little research, ask questions from people and learn about it. You will want to join a local homeschool facebook group to meet others who are near you and learn what the discussions, meetings, and curriculum questions are that are happening locally. You will also want to attend a homeschool convention so that you can immerse yourself in vendors, seminars, and people who are in that world.
Why would I want to attend a homeschool convention?
Whether you are considering, brand new, or have been homeschooling for years, a homeschool convention is a great “recharge” for you!
1. Vendors: There are a lot of vendors who can talk to you about their curriculum and how it benefits different learning styles. They can also show you how much involvement will be needed as a parent, how you will assess your child’s work, and how your child will grow in that skills.
2. Networking: Meet other parents who are feeling exactly what you are. You will also meet parents who have “been there, done that” and can give you the “this is what I loved, this is what I would do differently.” There is a lot of benefit in just talking with other parents who homeschool and learning from them.
3. Learn: Most homeschool conventions have opportunities to learn. They will usually have an agenda of the classes or seminars you can participate in and the times these occur. I recommend you get these early and map out which ones you will attend. Often, you will want to attend two that are happening at the same time. See who is giving the talk, then go to the one who does not have a vendor booth. The one that does, go to their booth and ask for any handouts from their talk or if you give your email if they can send you the notes.
4. Encouragement: It is important to have a circle of support…in everything you do. Homeschooling is no different. You will face obstacles, encounter triumphs, and just want to bounce ideas. Meeting other like minded people you can form support circles with is invaluable.
Are you convinced you should attend a homeschool convention?
How do I prepare for a Homeschool Convention?
1. Research the Convention: Look at the convention’s website. Learn the dates, location, schedule, and speakers. See if they have any *extras like childcare, or homeschool kids business booths. I have seen a couple of conventions say they run from the 3-5 for example, but they have an entire day on the 2nd for people who are new to homeschooling or have questions.
2. Make a Plan: Make a note of all of the speakers or sessions you are interested in. Once you have identified the sessions and workshops you want to attend, create a schedule for yourself. As I mentioned before, you may want to go to two speakers who are scheduled at the same time. If they both have vendor booths, visit them both and see if one of them does not offer notes from their session. That would be the one you need to attend. The other one you can at least get the notes. *I have seen conventions sell all of the speakers programs. Usually the speakers want you to come to their session and are happy to give you their notes, so ask them before you make this purchase.
3. Prepare Questions: Before attending the convention, take some time to think about any questions you may have. Be prepared to ask these questions during sessions, workshops, or when talking to exhibitors. Having a list of questions will help you get the information you need and make the most out of your time at the convention. This is why I developed “How to Choose a Quality Homeschool Writing Program Checklist” download it for free!
"How to Choose a Quality Homeschool Writing Program" Get the checklist!
If you want a more detailed description, please check out the presentation.
- 6 steps to prepare you before you look for a writing program
- Questions to ask or look for when shopping for writing programs
- Looking for more? We have a ton of resources for you
I also created a 40 minute video that walks you through the different types of programs you will usually see and how to avoid pitfalls.
Grab that here.
4. Bring a Tote Bag: Advertising is definitely a thing at these conventions! You will be receiving a lot of materials, brochures, handouts, and freebies. In addition, you may be buying your yearly curriculum, thematic units, fun stuff, and supplies. I noticed the experienced attendees had roller luggage bags. You may also want to bring a notebook or journal to take notes during sessions.
5. Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes: You will be on your feet for most of the day, so it is essential to wear comfortable shoes. Dress in layers as convention halls can often be cold or warm.
6. Bring Snacks and Water: Attending a convention is wonderful, but it can also be tiring, so it is important to stay hydrated and nourished. Bring along a water bottle and some healthy snacks. Having snacks on hand will help you avoid feeling sluggish or tired during the day.
Attending a homeschool convention can be inspiring, educational, and supportive. Hopefully you can make it a priority this year, whether you are just considering homeschooling or have been home educating for years.
“It’s my job to make great students greater, not make mediocre students less mediocre.” Dean Hardscrabble, Monster’s University
Is there a homeschool convention near me?
Here is a list of homeschool conventions around the United States.
Please send us a note if you know of any others!
March, 2023
Great Homeschool Convention: St. Charles, MO
March 16- March 18
Teach them Diligently: Round Rock, TX
March 23 – March 25
IAHE-Indiana Association of Home Educators: Indianapolis, IN
March 24 – March 25
Great Homeschool Convention: Greenville, SC
March 30 – April 1
Midwest Parent Educators: Kansas City, MO
March 31 – April 1
April, 2023
Great Homeschool Convention: Cincinnati, OH
April 13 – April 15
CFHE (Christian Family Home Educators) Homeschool Conference: Spokane, ID
April 21 – April 22
Texas Homeschool Coalition: Allen, TX (not prepared yet)
April 27 – April 29
2023 Christian Heritage Family Discipleship and Homeschooling Conference: Kent, WA
April 28 – April 29
Kansas Home Educators Expo: Wichita, KS
April 28 – April 29
May, 2023
Teach them Diligently: Pigeon Ford, TN
May 4 – May 6
Christian Homeschool Associate of Pennsylvania Convention: York, PA
May 12 – May 13
INCH (Inspirational Networking Conferences for Homeschoolers) Conference: Lansing, MI
May 18 – May 20
Illinois Christian Home Educator: Bourbonnais, IL
May 18 – May 21
MACHE (Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators) Convention: Rochester MN
May 19 – May 20
2023 AHSA (Alberta Home Education Association) Convention: Alberta CA
May 25 – May 27
Florida’s Parent Educators Association: Orlando, FL
May 25 – May 27
2023 LIFE is Good Unschooling Conference: Vancouver, WA
May 25 – May 28
NCHE Homeschool Convention-THRIVE: Winston-Salem, NC
May 25 – May 27
June 2023
Texas Homeschool Coalition: Houston, TX
June 1 – June 3
2023 Homeschool Idaho Convention: Meridian, ID
June 2 – June 3
Homeschool Wyoming: Cheyenne, WY
They had an event last year and are working on one this year.
HEAV: Virginia Convention Center: Richmond, VA
June 6 – June 8
Texas Homeschool Expo: Grapevine, TX
June 9 – June 10
Homeschool Iowa: West Desmond’s, IA
June 10 – June 11
Great Homeschool Convention: Ontario, CA
June 15 – June 17
Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference: Denver, CO
June 15 – June 17
Oregon Christian Home Education Conference: Albany, OR
June 17 – June 18
CAPE -NM Christian Homeschool Convention: Albuquerque, NM
June 22 – June 23
Great Homeschool Convention, Texas
Still determining date and location
July 2023
Southern CA Catholic Home Educators (SCCHE) Homeschool Conference & Curriculum: Costa Mesa, CA
July 8
AFHE: Arizona Families for Home Education Convention: Phoenix, AZ
July 14 – July 15
CSTHEA Expo (Chattanooga Southeast Tennessee Home Education Association): East Ridge, TN
July 14 – July 15
Homeschool Conference (HSC) 2023: San Jose, CA
July 27 – July 30
SE Homeschool Expo: Atlanta, GA
July 27 -July 29
Homeschool Yo Kids Expo: I am not certain if these events are like the other homeschool conventions and expos. This may be promoting one product, as Homeschool Yo Kids is an app with curriculum on it. However, it also is very useful for helping homeschoolers navigate home education laws by state.
Please check this out and compare to other conventions in your area, then let me know!
Glendale, AZ: June 2
New Orleans, LA: June 23
Miami, FL: June 30
Charlotte, NC: July 8
Hampton, VA: July 14
Baltimore, MD: July 28
Minnesota: TBD