In my opinion, all homeschoolers should attend a homeschool convention at least once. In this post, I’ll share the reasons I believe you should NEVER SKIP a year!
Depending on where you live, you may or may not have a homeschool convention coming up soon in your area. There are many wonderful homeschool conventions that will take place over the course of the coming months.
If you have never attended a homeschool convention before, you might not be sure if it’s worth your time.
Whether you’ve attended a convention in the past or not, I encourage you to try attending one this year.
Here are several reasons why I believe you should attend a homeschool convention:
1. It’s Refreshing
It’s extremely revitalizing to be somewhere with hundreds or even thousands of other homeschoolers. Let’s face it, in many areas of life, people view us as being a bit different. Even some in our extended families and our church families tend to think we’re a bit nutty.
Although homeschooling is becoming more popular every year, we’re still viewed by many as being a bit odd.
At a homeschool convention, you will be surrounded by other homeschoolers. You will feel yourself breathe more easily as you can be yourself and not have to be ready for attacks from well-meaning but misunderstanding people who have a tendency to question our methods or our motives.
2. It’s Informative
You will glean some new tips. Homeschool conventions offer a variety of workshops taught by some amazing people in the homeschool community. Depending on the size of the convention you attend, you could be taught by national leaders, parents who have homeschooled for 20 years or more, and experts in their field.
Be sure to bring a notebook and pen so you can write down and remember some of this valuable advice. It’s such a blessing to learn from people who have gone before us.
3. It’s Social
Conventions give your kids another opportunity to meet other homeschooled kids. Many homeschool conventions have a teen option or a children’s convention that meets at the same time. These opportunities allow your children to make more friends their age in the homeschool community.
It’s always a highlight of my boys’ year when they attend a children’s convention. They usually come home with new pen pals and kids they want to meet back up with later.
4. It’s Special
If you attend with your spouse, homeschool conventions are a great way for you to get back on the same page concerning your children’s education. Even if you attend separate workshops, you will be listening to keynote speakers together.
It’s a great way to get your priorities straight as a couple, to decide what is working with your homeschool, and determine what might need to be changed.
5. It’s Thrifty
Usually, homeschool conventions have vendors who come and advertise their wares. This is a great way to get a good look at various homeschool curriculum resources before you buy it.
These vendor sales usually have special convention prices as well, so you can save a few bucks. And sometimes there is the opportunity to buy used curriculum, which saves you even more money!
→ Related Content: The 5 Dangers of Attending Homeschool Conventions
6. It’s Essential
The more homeschoolers who attend the conventions, the more our politicians notice. Homeschooling has come so far in the courts and in the eyes of our fellow citizens. We don’t want to lose ground and go back to the days when we didn’t have the right to educate our own children.
Some homeschoolers outside of America have to deal with persecution even now. Head to at least one homeschool convention in your area and lend strength to the homeschool movement. Stand up and be counted.
7. It’s Critical
If there is important legislation coming up for a vote in your area, you will learn about it at a homeschool convention. You will be told if you need to contact your congressional representative about a specific issue.
Speakers will inform you about any other grassroots actions which may be beneficial for that situation. This is a good way to stay informed about news which is important to homeschoolers. Attending is a great way to learn about important issues that may affect your family’s future ability to homeschool.
While we were homeschooling, we made it a priority for our family to attend two or three of the homeschool conventions in our area each year. If you already attend conferences in your area, that’s great!
If you’ve never been to one before, I strongly encourage you to give one a try this year, if at all possible. I truly believe it will be a beneficial experience.
Question: Have you attended any homeschool conventions? Which ones would you recommend? Are there any other benefits that you have experienced? Please leave a comment below.
Love your site!
I am co-chair of Holy Family Home Enrichment (HFHE), a group of Catholic families on and near the south side of Indianapolis
We have a great conference located at Marian University on May 19, 2018. speakers, vendor hall, use book sale, etc. We would love to spread the word!
Do you have a website or an image that I could share with my readers?