March 27, 2024 – Are Conventions Really Worth Attending?

Mercy Every Minute

Deborah Wuehler, TOS Senior Editor

Those Are My People!

Whenever I get the opportunity to attend a convention, I always think, “Yes, those are my people!”

When I say I love conventions, I mean I really love conventions, conferences, webinars, zoom events . . . anything related to supporting others in their homeschooling journeys. I not only love to offer support but I love the encouragement I receive as well. It is so refreshing to be with like-minded people and be reminded why we are pouring ourselves out daily! It is the re-filling we desperately need.

Besides those reasons, there are several other reasons to consider going (even if you think you don’t need to go):

1. I have found the answer to prayer for specific curriculum struggles. I have been able to see first-hand whether a product or service will work for our particular lifestyle, teaching style, or learning style. I have found extra-curricular activities, or learning games, or books, or ministries I had not considered before.
   
2. I have learned from speakers and workshops: how to deal with special needs, how to teach in an engaging way, how to stay strong in the midst of opposition, what to teach in high school, how to plan or schedule my days, how to create a transcript, and much more. These conventions are like teacher training days and I am a better teacher for them.
   
3. It is a huge support to your state organization to attend the conference they have worked so hard on creating. When the attendance is up, they can continue to get the vendors and speakers that will be especially helpful to the local homeschool community. I have met families and made connections at conventions that lasted over the years.

Plan a yearly trip around your state’s convention and make it fun! It will be so worth it for the whole family as you support one another! These are your people!

~Deborah

Learn about God and First Responders’ work through real calls! 12 units, including practical and spiritual questions, a family of God section and field trips. https://rookierescuer.com

Hal and Melanie Young

Face-to-Face Time

If you can believe it, we’ve reached the fourth year since the outbreak of COVID-19. What a disruption that was–and continues to be, in some ways!

One thing we’ve seen is a change in our social habits. The Bible tells believers not to skip assembling together (Hebrews 10:25), so we’ve had the encouragement to gather for worship and teaching—but many of us are finding it very comfortable to work remotely, study online, and seek our fellowship on social media.

All of those things are good in their place—we do all three at our house!—but we need face-to-face time too. Our children’s generation has become so dependent on their screens, they are becoming shy about personal contact when they can’t curate, backspace, or delete a word or expression. And to be fair, we parents sometimes think, “I don’t want to put on my shoes right now–I’ll just look it up online.”

As homeschoolers, we have always gotten so much from support groups, seminars, and conferences–there’s an energy and even love present that you just don’t get through the screen. The friendships and inspiration we’ve found in those places are precious! We’ve said sometimes, Facebook won’t bring you a casserole when you’re too sick to cook, and Instagram won’t pick your kids up from co-op if your car stalls–and they don’t give you the same opportunities to help your friends IRL, either! (The Bible also says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ”—Galatians 6:2—much easier to do when you actually know each other!)

And gathering in a big hall full of homeschooling families is so encouraging! Even though we know homeschooling has grown by leaps and bounds since COVID, it’s still mostly a family-by-family activity. Conventions bring lots of those families together so you can really see the numbers and realize we’re individual but we don’t have to feel isolated.

Beyond that, where else can you talk with the writers and publishers who create the books and materials you use? Or actually handle the stuff and ask questions before you buy it? (Not to mention the impromptu reviews you’ll get from other parents looking over your shoulder)

We always looked forward to our state convention as a retreat and getaway, and traveling to several each year as speakers and exhibitors is still exciting! We hope you’ll consider making the trip yourself this year–we think you’ll love it like we do!

In Christ,
Hal and Melanie

We’ll be speaking at events in Alaska, California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Virginia this year – click here to find out where and when!

About the author

Hal and Melanie Young have been homeschooling almost as long as they’ve been married, and they’re still happy with both decisions! They wrote My Beloved and My Friend: How to Be Married to Your Best Friend without Changing Spouses to encourage their young adults – find out more at raisingrealmen.com.

Come Experience The College at Southeastern! Tour, learn, experience, and engage with us on April 5 for Preview Day  https://www.collegeatsoutheastern.com/visit

Alexandria Letkeman

The Value of Homeschool Conventions

Conventions offer a wealth of opportunities for homeschool parents, regardless of background or finances. These gatherings provide a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, explore innovative teaching methods, and discover valuable resources that can enhance your homeschooling experience.

1. Community. First and foremost, conventions create a sense of community. Meeting other homeschooling parents can be a source of inspiration and encouragement. You’ll find that sharing your experiences and learning from others creates a supportive network that makes the homeschooling journey more enjoyable and less daunting. Learning from the mistakes or victories of other parents can help us feel less alone off the beaten path. Who knows? You may find yourself a lifelong friend at one of these conventions.
   
2. Continuing Education. Beyond the social aspect, conventions serve as educational hubs. Workshops and seminars cover a wide array of topics, from curriculum choices to effective teaching techniques. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from seasoned educators and homeschooling veterans who can provide valuable insights and practical advice. These sessions can rejuvenate your teaching approach and bring new life to your homeschooling routine.
   
3. Curriculum Options. Moreover, conventions offer a chance to explore and evaluate curriculum options firsthand. The exhibit halls are filled with publishers, vendors, and experts eager to share their materials as well as their best tips and tricks. This hands-on experience allows you to make informed decisions about the materials that best align with your educational philosophy and your child’s learning style.

Finances need not be a barrier to attendance. Many conventions offer affordable options, and some even provide discounts or volunteer opportunities to help offset costs. With careful planning, attending a convention can fit into various budgets.

Homeschool conventions are more than just events; they are an investment in your homeschooling journey. The connections, knowledge, and resources gained can elevate your experience and enrich your children’s education. So, mark your calendar, save up if needed, and take the leap–you’ll likely find that the benefits far outweigh any reservations you may have had. Your homeschooling adventure is about to get even more exciting!

About the author

Alexandria Letkeman began homeschooling with her family in middle school and has recently graduated with honors in 2020. Together with her husband, she has developed a passion for financial literacy, classical writing, and the freedom that homeschooling provides. In pursuit of those passions, she and her husband aim to continue the legacy of The HomeScholar and continue helping homeschool parents homeschool with confidence. One day, Alex plans to start a homesteading farm in Texas featuring mini cows.

Pillar of Future

Adam and Dianne Riveiro

Why Wouldn’t You Attend a Homeschool Convention?

We were driving down the Mass Pike heading towards the town of Sturbridge, and I kept wondering why we were wasting a day going to a homeschool convention. After all, we’d been homeschooling for years and never felt compelled to attend our Massachusetts state convention before. But my wife convinced me that this was our year, so off we went to a non-descript convention hotel over an hour from home.

 “Yippee!”

Did you catch my sarcasm? I’ll admit, I had a pretty lousy attitude about the whole thing. It seemed like we were spending time, money, and energy on something that just wasn’t necessary. We were going to sit in on sessions (“They all have podcasts. Can’t we just listen to them at home?”)  and walk around a hall filled with exhibitors (“I bet they all want to sell us something.”). As we pulled into the parking lot, I was already planning our exit strategy.

But then it happened. As I sat down waiting for the opening session to begin, I looked around the hotel ballroom at a group of mothers and fathers who looked just like us. I overheard their conversations and watched them wrangle their kids as they looked over the convention materials. It’s at that very moment that something clicked in my mind:

“This is my crowd!”

That day at MassHope, my thoughts about conventions did a complete 180. We met fellow parents who had the same joys and struggles with homeschooling that we did. We found that the guest speakers were incredibly accessible, and we were able to have one-on-one conversations with several of them. I even enjoyed the exhibit hall! These folks weren’t pushy used car salesmen. In reality, most of them were passionate moms and dads (just like us) who had seen an unmet need in the homeschool community and tried to fill the vacuum with their product or program.

The day flew by, and I left the convention energized. We’re not alone! There are resources available that we never even knew existed! We’re not (too) crazy! It was an invigorating experience.

In the end, I realized the question isn’t, “Why would I attend a convention?” It’s “why wouldn’t I attend a convention?” Do yourself . . . and your kids . . . a favor and put your next state or regional convention on your calendar right now.

-Adam

About the author

Pastor Adam and Dianne Riveiro live in Easton, Massachusetts, where Adam leads Liberty Baptist Church. They’re the authors of several books, including Hope from Our Heart to Yours: A 30-Day Devotional Journey for Special Needs Families, available from their family’s publishing label at www.readyscribepublications.com. They have four children: Bethany, Kaylee, AJ, and Peyton. They’re passionate about helping their fellow special needs families find joy and contentment in Christ.

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