Best Homeschool Convention Tips
Speaker bios are popping up in your inboxes, early bird specials offer sweet savings, and the anticipation of reconnecting with the larger homeschool community is building. It’s homeschool convention time!
Annual homeschool conventions give us the opportunity to gather and grow. I always look forward to being surrounded by others who have decided to exercise their freedom in educating their families is this chosen way. It truly is a calling—one that requires a village. This is where conventions come in. Families from near and far attend—some just starting out, others a few years in, those preparing to launch their teenagers into the world, and even empty nesters who understand the importance of the encouragement needed in this educational journey.
The first year I attended the Home Educators Association of Virginia’s (HEAV) annual convention, I felt a bit overwhelmed—it is one of the largest in the country. I attended alone that year, but that was the first and last time I went alone. This brings out my first tip:
- Make it a family event! Most conventions offer activities for everyone. The next year, when my children attended, they were thrilled to be surrounded by so many other homeschooled kids. In most of their usual environments, they were among the few, so this experience was a great confidence boost. Knowing they were not alone in this journey was reassuring. They also got to take advantage of the incredible add-on programs available. My husband attended sessions designed for homeschool dads, which helped him see how he could best support our homeschooling efforts. Understanding his role’s true value was life-changing for him.
- Make a plan. Most session information is available before the convention begins. I recommend pulling out highlighters, pens, and page markers—there will be many workshops you’ll want to attend. Planning ahead ensures you prioritize the most relevant sessions and coordinate your schedule accordingly. If you must miss a session, most conventions offer digital recordings, so plan to attend some in person and listen to others later. Planning also extends beyond sessions. If you are bringing the kids, be sure you have plenty of activities for them to do, and keep meals and snacks in mind.
"The convention provides a yearly refresh, fostering connections and encouragement."
- Think about what you can give. Don’t just think about what you will learn and do—think about what you have to offer. This might be a small gesture, but it is one I find most fulfilling. Amid flipping through curriculum options and taking copious notes, don’t forget the community aspect. Someone may need encouragement or simply a friend. Be open and willing to share. The speakers are not the only experts—you may have tips or tricks to help another homeschooling parent facing challenges in a particular area.
- Have a budget. One of the highlights of homeschool conventions is the exhibit hall. This is where you explore books, math manipulatives, art programs—you name it, it’s in the exhibit hall! You can see how one could easily be overwhelmed and suddenly develop a perceived need for many items. Setting a reasonable budget ahead of time, and even having a list of items you are looking for, can help to keep those impulse buys at bay. If you know you want to come away with something just for fun, put that in the budget as well. I use convention time to help get my boys excited about the next school year. I purposefully put in my budget at least one item—sometimes even an entire curriculum—that my boys pick out themselves. Their excitement about studying it is invaluable.
- Have a “Top 3.” As you navigate the convention—engaging in meaningful conversations, attending informative sessions—keep a “Top 3” in mind. These are three key takeaways you plan to implement immediately in your homeschool or when planning the next school year. This helps to make your experience meaningful. When you apply what you’ve learned right away, it helps to keep things fresh and new. This can also help guide your session choices–if there’s a sore spot in your homeschool, be on the lookout for a solution and plan on using it.
A homeschool convention is a sought-after event for many homeschool families. The chance to gather with others, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the next is invaluable. The convention provides a yearly refresh, fostering connections and encouragement. This homeschool journey is not without its ups and downs, and having a milestone event like a convention helps!
Have fun, and safe travels!
Brandi Wade is currently raising the next generation of Kingdom Warriors through homeschooling her three boys and serving alongside her husband who is a Pastor of families. Once a public school teacher, she has moved on to freelance editing, writing and some graphic design work.
Brandi loves to warm hearts through her devotionals, warm bellies through her cooking and baking, and warm bodies with her crochet and knit creations.
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