,,,,the CHAP convention!

I'll be there.  Will you?

My notebook is all made up with my lists and ready to go.  (I need a new one, though~ I've been using this one for the past few years and, well, it's falling apart!)  Anyway, for those of you who are new to homeschool conventions, I thought I'd briefly share what I include in my notebook, just in case you need some convention tips. 

We register online for the CHAP convention, so the first thing in my notebook is always my printed reservation confirmation.  Make sure you take some sort of proof of payment with you, just in case! 

Next, I include a workshop schedule.  CHAP makes this available to us online before convention.  This is handy, as I can look it over and decide beforehand which workshops are of interest to me.  I highlight the ones that I'd like to listen to and/or purchase the audio cd.  I prefer the audios, actually, as I can concentrate on them better~ however, sometimes they have hand-outs at convention, and I do so love those handouts.  So, weigh your options and choose what's best for you.  I have 5 workshops highlighted for this year, and I'm noticing a recurring theme......each one is related to homeschooling the high schooler.  What do you think?!

After that, I have a section for Ashley and a section for Gracie.  I print pages off the internet or pull them from catalogs, with pictures and prices of the items that I know I need to buy.  I like to have pictures, so I know that I'm getting the latest versions/editions of what we need.  And I like to have prices so I know I'm getting the best deal (if it's cheaper to order online or through a catalog, I'll wait and order when I get home~ though I've never found that to be the case).  I keep all of these pages in plastic sheet protectors because, well, I'm weird like that!

I keep some extra page protectors in the back, for any hand-outs from workshops, etc.

Today, I will make up a quick reference check-list for the front of my binder.  I will print this on cardstock and will not put it in a sheet protector, as I will have check boxes to check off the items as we buy them.  I will seperate this list by child;  and, this year, I'll have a section for my friend Isabelle (who has given me a list of items to look for as well). 

Oh, I always carry pre-printed return address labels.  Many vendors have contests and drawings at their booths, and it is much quicker to use these labels to sign up, rather than having to write out the same information over and over again. 

I want to say a special THANK YOU to my dear friend Crystal, who first encouraged me to attend convention years ago.  I always thought I'd be too overwhelmed at convention.  I was wrong!  I love it, and look forward to it with anticipation each year. 

If you'll be at CHAP, you can look for me in the TOS booth~ I'll be there off-and-on both Friday and Saturday.  Hope to see YOU there!

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May. 8, 2008 - Thank you....

Posted by canadianladybug

Thank you, thank you and thank you....

Okay not sure if you will find what I had asked for but thanks anyway to take the time to look for it.

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May. 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by tlpgina

I've been busy so I haven't been checking in, but wanted to say I saw the ebook article in the Old schoolhouse! Wow, awesome job!

On the convention thing just one more thing I'd like to mention is that even if price is slightly higher I try to buy from the source, especially if you have spent time talking to the vendor and they have been helpful. Many smaller homeschool business are run by families just trying to get by (myself included) and I would like to support those families if I can. Just a thought.
Gina

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May. 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SandBetweenMyToes

I hope you're having fun at the convention. I miss going. The last few years, we've had a schedule conflict, taking me out of town.
I'm headed over to the coupon site to check it out. I haven't had much luck lately.
Happy Mother's Day!
Letitia

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May. 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Every year I say I want to go to the Homeschool Convention in our area but never do! It is always held at the worst time (Memorial Day) and we always have plans. One of these days though I will make it!
Hope you have a fun time.
Happy Mother's Day!
Michelle
(www.raisinglittlewomen.com)

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May. 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by KarenW

I never thought about being organized for a homeschool convention. I'm going to my first one in about 13 years next month! Being out of the country and on the road when I've been stateside has made conventions impossible. So I'm really excited about the one coming up. Thanks for the tips. I love the address label one. I am always receiving a bunch of freebies and I have tons. It will be nice to put them to good use.

http://www.woodward-family.com/karenwoodward/blog.html

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May. 11, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by crysnrod

Heidi,
I love convention and my binder/notebook is much like yours!! The nice thing about the workshops/seminars is that you can walk to the enterance and get the handouts and take them home to fill in once you listen to the CD. I did this for the first time this year. They were more then happy to give me the forms to fill out later.
BTW, it was nice to see you as always!!!
Crystal

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