What does spring mean to a homeschool mom? Time to start looking at curricula. The new catalogs are arriving in the mail, conventions are happening – hopefully near you. The best way to check out new and potential curricula is at an Expo or Convention. Before you hit the vendor hall and workshops however, you need to do a little homework of your own. Set aside some time for preparing for a homeschool convention – with the handy download below.
If you have been schooling a couple of years, you probably have at least some idea on the curricula that works and fits not only your learner’s style, but your teaching style as well. Other families might be looking for something that fits their needs better. Or, you might be in the place we were two years ago – embarking on high school at home. Whichever scenario describes you, the first step is to evaluate where you are and where you are going in the next year of your homeschool.
Once you have an idea of what you are looking for, you need to list out the subjects and levels you will be shopping for. Sometimes, that means the next level of what you currently use. We’ll be picking up Mystery of History 4 this year to begin in the fall. Other times, you know you need something for a child, but you really don’t know what. This is when some pre-planning comes in. We are looking for science for high school. The particular learner is not very math-minded, so we need to take that into consideration while still meeting high school needs. With a little bit of internet searching and review reading, I have narrowed down the possibilities to three.
The time between workshops and sessions might be short. You’ll need to plan out the “musts” for vendor shopping and the research stops and the “wishlist” stops. Make note of the vendors you will need to visit – these are both the musts and the things to research. When you get the map of the vendor hall, locate them so you can be more efficient in checking these needs of your list. Purchasing at convention can often yield savings – at the least, you will save shipping charges. Books are heavy, so this can add up. This adds up at convention in the form of something sturdy to carry purchases in. A rolling cart, wagon, or sturdy tote are a must. Also, by supporting a vendor by purchasing at convention, they are more likely to return for future years’ conventions. This is a great way to support your local organization.
Don’t forget to check out the workshop schedule. One of the great benefits of a homeschool convention is the encouragement and learning opportunities for mama. If the author of your main curriculum is speaking, you may want to catch their session. If you are exploring various methods of homeschooling, you may be more interested in attending a variety of sessions. We are settled in our Charlotte Mason-inspired way of learning, so I tend to look through those listings first. If the title of a talk sounds interesting, add it to your list. You may be led to a speaker that the Lord uses to encourage you beyond what you imagined. Be sure to take notes – you’ll want to re-visit them at home in the weeks and months to come.
Workshop times can also be the best time to get more involved attention from a vendor. If you have several questions, or need in-depth help, these “off-peak” times can be quieter and make it easier to get the most from this time. Don’t be shy. This is the reason the vendors are there – to serve you in what you need.
Click the image above to get your planner!
Making plans now can help you make the most of your time at convention. If your family is like mine, these busy days of homeschooling often pass in a blur. Take a little time to regroup, plan, prepare and be refreshed. The days are long with our children, but the years are short.