Conventions: A Treat for Mom
March 31, 2021
Deborah Wuehler
I know what I am doing, but why am I doing it?
Todd Wilson
Conventions: You NEED ‘EM Bad!
Beth Mora
Are Homeschool Conventions Really Worth It?
| Be sure to scroll to the bottom to enter the contest! |
Mercy Every Minute
Deborah Wuehler, TOS Senior Editor
I know what I am doing, but why am I doing it?
How I have missed convention season! 2020 was difficult, but the worst part was missing my local homeschool convention. I love gathering with like-minded parent educators, I love walking the curriculum halls, I love manning The Old Schoolhouse booth and conversing with those who stop by, I love speaking at workshops, and I have missed it all! The good news is that many conventions will be back in person this year.
We all became discouraged and need refreshment (see below to receive a free pdf of 50 Benefits of Home Education). I was always refreshed and had my vision strengthened by attending conventions. I often feel like I know what I am doing, but lose sight of why I am doing it.
When we lose sight of the why, then when tantrums, trials, or tedium hit, we crumble. We are doing important eternal work in the face of lots of opposition. It takes strength and courage to continue, and we can find both when we renew our vision by attending a convention. You will not regret making the effort to attend. There are so many benefits to attending a convention; here are a few:
- I am able to look at products in person and make a purchase with a convention discount. I can ask questions and receive immediate answers to my curriculum questions.
- Seeing so many others who homeschool shows me I am not alone, and there are actually thousands (millions now) who have not bent the knee to public education.
- Rather than being ridiculed and questioned, I am validated and supported in the convention environment.
- After praying for a certain child, or praying for a solution for that difficult subject, I have found my prayers answered through inspiring speakers or just the right product. The Lord faithfully leads me to the right people and products.
- My attendance encourages the efforts of my local/state support group. I am also supporting the vendors and speakers, and the vitality of homeschooling itself.
- Many husbands have fully “come on board” after attending a convention. Often, the workshops that have been shared with relatives or friends have also convinced them of the benefits of home education.
I find old friends and new, and I always leave conventions with joy in my heart and the courage to continue on, and of course a new product or two!
I heartily agree with Dr. Samuel Blumenfeld, renowned author and pioneer homeschool conference speaker, inThe Boom in Homeschool Conventions, “I could write a book about these wonderful homeschool conventions, the families that attend them, and the fabulous entrepreneurs who offer their products to parents who truly care about their children’s well-being and happiness. If you want to see the beautiful benefits of educational freedom, go to a homeschool convention. You’ll love it!”
Speaking of conventions, I always refer to The Homeschool Minute as a mini-convention in your email. We have inspiring speakers, and ads/products to review, upcoming events and specials, and contests every issue. We’d love to know if you appreciate these things or how we can change to better serve you. Would you please answer these three questions and send those answers to me at dwuehler@theoldschoolhouse.com? When you do, I will send you a pdf of 50 Benefits of Home Education.
1. How often do you read The Homeschool Minute?
2. Do you like the new format where you click through from the email to read the content?
3. What would entice you to open and read more often?
Let’s support homeschool conventions whenever possible, and praise God for the continued freedom to keep our children Home Where They Belong.
“I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people” (Psalm 35:18).
~ Deborah
Need to know your state support group information? Check out our Welcome Page in each magazine issue.
The Familyman
Todd Wilson, Familyman Ministries
Conventions: You NEED ‘EM Bad!
FYI – I‘m tired of lockdowns, social distancing, and wearing masks. And it’s time to move on. In fact, I can’t wait to attend my first homeschool convention of 2021. There’s just something encouraging about gathering with a boatload of homeschoolers that feels . . . good.
There are homeschool products to look over, speakers to hear, and other moms and dads to meet. Plus, if you plan it right, you might even get a night or two in a hotel . . . without your kids.
And they’re all over the place . . . coast to coast and border to border. It doesn’t matter where you homeschool; we’re all in the same boat and face the same struggles and concerns. That’s why conventions are so encouraging.
So let me urge you to take advantage of your nearest homeschool convention. You need it, especially this year. Even if you think you don’t, you do. Even if you’ve been homeschooling for decades and think you’ve got it all under control . . . you NEED IT, BAD!
In fact, if you end up in a convention where I’ll be, stop by and say, “Hey!” Here’s a list of the places we’ll be. (https://thesmilinghomeschooler.com/schedule/)
Be real,
Todd
Beth Mora
Are Homeschool Conventions Really Worth It?
I am not going to beat around the bush. I have one point. I seriously want you to rearrange your budget and calendar and attend a homeschool convention.
“Why?” do you ask? I have TEN FABULOUS REASONS why you should get in on the event of the year for homeschool families! Yes, it is worth it!
But perhaps, “Is it worth it?” is the wrong question. Maybe the question should be, “Am I worth it?” Or perhaps the question is, “Do I value what I do as a homeschool mom to such a degree that I am eager to hone my home educator skills and give myself a place to increase my learning and skills?” Being a home educator is a noble profession, and every profession regularly gathers to exchange tricks-of-the-trade, swap war stories, and unfurl visions for the future. You deserve to be at the convention and on the very cutting edge of what you do. You merit a place among your comrades to sip coffee and wrangle with educational philosophies. Whether you have just started homeschooling or wear a homeschooling seniority pin, you have earned the right to encourage and to be encouraged.
And here’s the piped pink rose on the top of your cake: conventions create space for you to take a breath from the demands of the home education profession. Every profession has its challenges. The struggles behind closed doors are real, and every home educator encounters them. Conventions slow the clock ticking long enough to explore and gather creative solutions. Solutions that will help you excel as a home-educator.
May I offer you the answer to the question, “Are you worth it?”
You, my fellow home educator, are worth all the time, all the money, and all the effort it takes to walk with your shoulders back and head high through the halls of the nearest homeschool convention. You deserve this moment.
Beth Mora, creator/teacher-on-camera for Here to Help Learning’s Homeschool Writing Program (grades 1-6) and homeschool conference and women’s events speaker, loves to blog at Home to Home. She serves up HTHL’s Writing Tip of the Week for those teaching their kiddos to write. Everything she does, whether laughable or heart gripping, is done to honor One. God’s grace is the salve that has healed her own life and is what she offers liberally to others.
Do you have a heart for helping homeschoolers in your community? Become a Schoolhouse Ambassador! As a Schoolhouse Ambassador, you represent The Old Schoolhouse®, providing support, resources, and encouragement rooted in Biblical principles to help families stay the course. Schoolhouse Ambassadors receive additional benefits, including training, product samples, visibility for your local group, and free family membership to SchoolhouseTeachers.com, our full curriculum site for PreK-12. Team up with us!
Create a strong foundation with a SchoolhouseTeachers.com membership. During the Hey, Mama! We’ve Got Your Back Sale, new members may use code: SUPPORT at checkout (2/22–3/31) to pay only $39 (reg. $49.97) for a Quarterly Ultimate Membership. New members who sign up before 3/31 will receive the newly released Four Pillars Tote Bag. This roomy, insulated bag is perfect for picnics or long road trips! (Sorry, no refunds. New members only. Color is publisher’s choice.)
Florida
Look What’s Happening!
Florida Parent Educators Association presents HEROIC: The 2021 FPEA Homeschool Convention on May 27-29 in Orlando. Registration (March 2 to May 3) is $75 for FPEA Members; $115 for Non-Members.
FREE
Share this newsletter with a friend, and be sure to let those CONSIDERING homeschooling know about the enormous FREE info-pack which awaits them here: www.TryHomeschooling.com.
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Did you know that SchoolhouseTeachers.com has a new Hey, Mama! Members’ Lounge? We have a regular time of answering questions and receiving encouragement. We also share tips and suggestions for getting the most out of SchoolhouseTeachers.com. We are a community of homeschooling mamas supporting each other as we teach our children. Come and see how you can connect and get your “cup” filled!
in the spring issue of
The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine.
Congratulations to Susanna Denninger from Charlotte, NC, who won our January giveaway!
Contest Corner
for the month of March
The Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud (Amazing Tales of Max & Liz)
AMG Publishers
http://www.amgpublishers.com
Would you like to have experienced the Biblical Flood or at least been a part of gathering the animals two by two? In the 432-page book, The Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud (Amazing Tales of Max & Liz) by Jenny L. Cote, you can do just that. This hefty softcover book is the first in the Biblically based series The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz from AMG Publishers and is a mix of Biblical truths, fun imagination, and a plethora of adventure. Main characters Max and Liz, who just happen to be a small but fierce dog from Scotland and a sleek, proper cat from France, are joined by new friends as they journey from their homes to meet and assist Noah and his family in loading the ark, enduring the almost year-long journey, and repopulating the Earth. Led from continent to continent following the Voice, the animals are tested in their strength, determination, and faith.
As a Christian homeschool family, we thoroughly enjoyed this book, a solid mixture of Biblical truth and imaginative whimsy. Author Cote catches the reader’s attention and draws them into the story with her attention to detail and her use of authentic accents and speech for each character.
Go to the contest page of our site where you can ENTER TO WIN The Ark, the Reed, & the Firecloud.
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Thank you for the encouragement you have given homeschoolers for so many years. Please include Kansas Home Educators in your list of state homeschool organizations. Our website is kshomeeducators.com. We minister to families throughout Kansas and have the largest homeschool convention in the state.