10 Things You Need to Know Before You Attend a Homeschool Convention

Here are a few things to keep in mind before you attend a homeschool convention. If you have never attended one before, I encourage you to check out the Southeast Homeschool expo coming up soon! 

Attending homeschool conventions are exciting for new homeschoolers, or really any homeschooler, but if you are attending for the first time they can be scary and a little overwhelming also. Here are 10 things you need to know before you attend a homeschool convention

1. It will be different than you expected it to be.
2. There are TONS of things to see and look at.
3. There are at least 50 different curriculums that you have never even heard of.
4. Pack comfortable shoes, you will be walking a lot.
5. Consider bringing a suitcase with wheels, or a wheeled buggy. This is to hold all of the purchases you will be buying.
6. Pack snacks, you may be “lost” for awhile.
7. If you came to shop, be sure to listen to at least 2 speakers. Yes, you come for the curriculum and to see the books, but speakers can encourage you, and keep you grounded for another year.
8. If you came for the speakers, plan to spend time shopping around. It is good to get a feel for what is out there in terms of curriculum. Even if you’re not ready to buy.
9. It is good to have a list. Even if you’re not sure what you want to buy, make a list of what you want to look at. It is easy to get sidetracked once inside.
10. Have fun! This is one time a school year when you can go, relax, and look around. Count it as a teacher in-service day, and enjoy yourself. Meet up with other homeschool moms and chat. You will leave feeling refreshed and encouraged.

Those are just a few things to keep in mind before you attend a homeschool convention. If you have never attended one before, I encourage you to attend the Southeast Homeschool Expo coming up soon!

Misty Bailey is a Christian homeschool mom.  She loves helping new homeschoolers and has a Homeschool 101 eBook for those getting started. She shares her struggles with time management, becoming unglued and finding joy in the everyday moments on her blog Joy in the Journey.