Spunky Homeschool

Convention Advice Please

Jul. 13, 2006 at 5:33 PM

In a comment Elizabeth asked,
I'm going to my first homeschooling convention tomorrow, and want to maximize my time there. What do you suggest I do, this or that? (It's the NOVA conference for Northern Virginia. The search engines were not coming up with much helpful advice, maybe I choose some bad terms, I don't know.Thanks in advance to all who choose to reply!
My advice is go with a closed purse and an open mind. Listen attentively to what people present, but don't make any major decisions or purchases. I know saying that may make a few vendors mad, but it's a lesson I learned the hard way. I've still got a few unused things "I just had to have" from my first convention years ago. If you do end up spending a lot of time learning from a specific vendor, go back and place your orders with them. It may cost you a dollar or two more, but their time is worth something.

I also recommend taking an empty notebook, both for workshop notes and vendor hall notes. Jot down titles and impressions of things you see. Attend a variety of workshops of differing methods and philosphies of education. Then when you're home and of a sound mind, begin to think about what would actually work in your family.

Lastly, wear comfortable shoes and plan a night out with your hubby for dinner soon after your return. You'll be a chatter box of information and he'll have a good meal while you download it all. Discuss all of these things with him and get his input. Fathers see things from a different perspective so be as open to his input as you are to the speakers you hear at the convention.

About Homeschooling has a some recommendations here.

Any others have some thoughts for Elizabeth? If you have a blog post and want to leave the link that's fine too. This is a popular question and we all learn from the experiences of others.

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3 Comments and Trackbacks

posted by Anonymous on Jul. 14, 2006 at 4:35 PM

"Lastly, wear comfortable shoes and plan a night out with your hubby for dinner soon after your return."

Speaking as a hubby, you should make sure he goes as well if you want to set yourself up for success. We have gone together for 3 years now and both get a lot out of it. Neither of us can catch everything, so we split up for some sessions and attend some together. Then, when we get back together to compare notes, we have a pretty similar starting point and can go from there.

- Tad
http://Columbus.HSers.net

posted by gabalot on Jul. 14, 2006 at 7:26 PM

Go with an open heart for what the Lord would have you learn. I attend convention each year with a group of friends and the time with one another laughing, sharing and even crying has often done more for me than the speakers themselves. Convention is my teacher's retreat for the year, at least that is the way I view it. I should follow the advice of a closed wallet, but I don't. I do suggest a shopping list if you do plan to spend money. If you are uncertain about the lastest and greatest being offered take a flyer and bring it home to think and pray on it. Most likely you can order on-line, and you can ask how long they will honor a convention price.

Convention is always a highlight of my year and I won't miss it!
Jennifer

posted by spunkyhomeschool on Jul. 14, 2006 at 10:56 PM

I agree with the idea of hubby going along. However, in this case her plans were already set and she was seeking advice for this trip. So the information given was with that thought in mind.

But for others who may read this, definitely make plans to go together if you are able.

Gabalot, I agree with the part about learning and laughing just with friends who gather. I've been known to skip workshops just to hang out and chat with others.

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