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Greetings!

Deborah Wuehler and family

I have attended homeschool conventions for 15 years. Several years ago, I thought I did not need to go to a convention because I felt that I already knew what I was doing and what I wanted to do. I didn't want to go and be persuaded to change my ways or my curriculum. So I skipped a year.

Within months of the conference, I became discouraged and needed refreshment. Oh yes, that's why I went before; I was always refreshed and had my vision strengthened by attending. Although I knew what I was doing, I lost sight of why I was doing it. When we lose sight of the "why," then when discouragement or tedium hit, we crumble. Because, face it: We are doing a lot of 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.

Besides renewing our vision and drive for homeschooling, attending a convention has many other benefits:

• After researching online, I am able to actually look through a product and make the purchase right away if I decide it is a good fit. I can ask questions of the vendors and get answers in person to my curriculum questions.

• Seeing homeschooling in a bigger setting than just my dining room table helps me realize that I am not alone in this endeavor and there are actually thousands who have not "bent the knee" to public education.

• Rather than being ridiculed and questioned, as is normal for homeschool families, I am validated and supported in the convention environment.

• After praying for a certain child, or praying for the right product for that child, I have found many of my prayers answered through the teaching from inspiring speakers or through walking the aisles of the vendor halls. As I pray, the Lord leads me to the right places and people and answers my prayers for wisdom.

• My local support group spends a lot of volunteer time and energy, and I should support their efforts with my attendance. When I attend, I am not only being supported, but I am supporting the vendors and speakers and the vitality of homeschooling itself.

• Many husbands have fully "come on board" after attending a convention. And, there have been many instances when the speaker's workshops on CDs have been given to in-laws or friends and have 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 book or two.

Dr. Samuel Blumenfeld, renowned author and homeschool conference speaker, wrote an article titled The Boom in Homeschool Conventions, in which he summed up the benefits of conventions this way: "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!"

Let's support our homeschool conventions together, as we praise God and thank Him 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

TOS Senior Editor 

 

Hey from Gena  

Gena Saurez, Publisher of TOS 

Gena Suarez

Publisher@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com      

~~~

Colleen Berry

Should I Go to a Convention this Year?

By Colleen Berry

I'm always surprised when homeschoolers question going to their local or state homeschool conventions-even more so when they decide not to go. Sometimes, these are the same moms who worry about their effectiveness in teaching, struggle to decide on curriculum, and generally feel burned out.

Hebrews 10:25 says we should not forsake "the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but (exhort) one another." There are reasons we need to get together!

I have attended both local and state conventions, and I am always energized by them. I'm lucky that my state convention is also local for me. For a relatively low cost, about $40 per family, we can hear outstanding speakers, as well as see, hold, and purchase curriculum, minus shipping costs. Conventions also provide the opportunity to network with other homeschoolers and see that we are not alone. Our state convention is attended by more than 10,000 people-we are really not alone! Just that realization-"If they can do it, I can too"-is worth the price of admission.

Seminars, especially those taught by seasoned homeschooling moms and dads, remind me why I homeschool, the practical side as well as the spiritual side. Some speakers taught me new techniques for teaching a subject, some made me cry with their passion for family and faith, and others made me laugh over stereotypes and misconceptions, reminding me that there should be more joy in the journey. Some speakers are nationally renowned and bring to our attention issues that we face in the homeschool community, or the larger Christian community, that we might not otherwise have known. They share the bigger picture of homeschooling: how we can change the world.

Visiting an exhibit hall full of curriculum vendors can seem overwhelming-so many choices! But seeing and holding helps me choose. Trying to buy products online or at someone else's recommendation can often be like that proverbial pig in a poke: a big surprise. Looking at a book or text helps me see if it really fits my family's needs:

I can compare prices with other vendors on the spot and know what kind of deal I am getting. And, many times, I find wonderful things that I would never have thought to look for on my own.

When the convention is over, I am somehow exhausted and refreshed all at the same time. I type up my notes, often sharing them with moms who couldn't go themselves. I make lists of things I want to incorporate or change for my next school year. I make plans for how to best use the books and curriculum that I bought. And I look forward to next year's convention!