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Conventions, Socialization, & Home

2:27 AM, Jun. 22, 2006

Hello! Convention season is in full swing! I was able to go this year, funny thing was that it was only my second time to go. In ALL these homeschooling years it has been only twice that I got to attend. Our state convention is nursing baby friendly, but we always had nursing babies, toddlers etc., and it just took years before I could go and enjoy the speakers.

It seems however, that I must have been there already a thousand times or more. I've been to many workshops, curriculum fairs and listened to hours upon hours of homeschool speakers. With the blessing of housing our support group library for many years in the past, came numerous conference tapes for me to listen to right in my own home! And believe me, I did. While folding laundry, ironing (which I might have done once this millennia) dishes, cooking, or just sitting.....I gleaned from the words of homeschool veterans many, many hours. They saw me through rough times, inquisitive times, good times and bad. Days when I didn't know which way to go, they helped me through! When I didn't know how I really felt about a topic, they opened my eyes. When I wasn't sure how to do something, or how to explain, or teach or just how to love my kids.....homeschooling speakers were right there to help me.

Did you know that you can get conference tapes??? If you haven't attended a conference, but wanted to hear the speakers just find out who did the taping and order some for yourself. It's worth it. And many homeschool support groups keep libraries of info to loan out. Ask around! We don't always have the time or money to go to a big conference.....but it can come right to you.

Towards the end of each year, The Old Schoolhouse does a convention issue--- be sure to keep your eyes open for that. Also, there is an article in the works about homeschool support groups. Do you have any comments or ideas about any aspect of homeschool support groups that you would like to share with the readers of TOS? Just let me know---I can use some good feedback. What works for you, personally? Do you belong to a group? What do you like about it....or not?

The more I go to groups, or seminars, or conventions the funny thing is that I begin to covet my time here with the kids more. I learn some good things, but then I just want the peace in my own home and to be able to use what I have learned from the experience, and just soak all the truth in. I know that the socialization myth is always a topic of homeschooling, but too much of it seems to take us away from our purpose. Do you feel the same way? Or are you thinking we need more group activities and sessions? I would love to hear your thoughts. I feel right now like I am totally over-socialized and just need to concentrate on home!

There are so many uplifting moments though, and I do know that many speakers, both at big conventions and small meetings alike are quick to remind us that we are all unique.....and with that distinction our individuality is validated. At home or in big groups or small, large families or small ones, we are just so happy to be homeschoolers, whatever kind we may be!

Homeschooling Is Life!

Nancy

Be sure to stop by my blog www.homeschoolblogger.com/byhisgraceincolorado for our convention report. Steve, Julie and I all blogged about it and had a wonderful time as you will read.

Posted in hsingislife, 5 comments, Link
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Comments
Balance

9:48 AM, Jun. 20, 2006, posted by HomeschoolCPA

Like all things in life, balance is so important. I love when my co-op starts every fall. Greeting friends, seeing how the kids grew over the summer, etc. But, I'm just as happy on the LAST day of co-op too! Ahhh, more time just at home as you put it...
When my kids were small, I didn't feel a need for joining a homeschool co-op, but most families in my co-op have younger children! Go figure. They must feel the need. We are all different! PTL!
Carol

Untitled Comment

7:01 PM, Jun. 20, 2006, posted by Happyhome

Socialization...the age old hs question. I do believe that too much of anything is not necessarily a good thing. Our family has gone through periods of overload and times where maybe we needed to get out a bit more. It seems to be a question of balance. Time spent focusing on our home and family rejuvinates me for the busier times.

On another note, I took advantage of ordering conference tapes one year from our local hs conference. It was encouraging, but in the end I spent more money on the tapes than it would have cost me to attend the conference! I would suggest getting together with a friend or two and ordering tapes to share. This cuts down on the cost considerably.

Blessings,

Angela

Untitled Comment

11:45 PM, Jun. 20, 2006, posted by FarmGirlShelley

I have never been able to attend a confrence yet. But I have listened to many confrence tapes borrowed from my homeschool group. I don't think I would have made it through homeschooling those first few years without them. I am hoping to get to a homeschool confrence next year!!

Untitled Comment

12:01 PM, Jun. 21, 2006, posted by KeepingtheHome

Do you know of any conventions in lower Alabama or the Florida panhandle? I've only been able to find a very small one in Pensacola, but that hasn't come back for the past 2-3 years. Seems like we're being ignored down here, but I'm sure from New Orleans to Tallahassee, we could come up with enough people to have a great one!

I agree :)

12:31 AM, Jun. 22, 2006, posted by MrsStevens95

I can not wait for the "school year" to start back up! We have been so busy with the business and the house and what not that I am ready for some school time! LOL I was hoping to be able to keep up with school this summer but we ahve been so busy that I really just want to sleep for a while and get back into school! Soon, I hope! I LOVE being home with my kids! This is where I have ALWAYS wanted to be, where DH has always wanted me to be and where God & my kids want me to be! And I am so glad that they all want me here and that I LOVE being here! Next week, I plan to lock myself in and not go anywhere (well, after the vet appt. on Monday that is! Maybe Park day too who knows! But thats it nothing more! Maybe less!!)

~ Rachel

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