The Benefits (and Blessings) of Homeschool Conventions

Hello Everyone! I am sooo excited to be finalizing many of my speaking engagements for 2020 and am very honored to be speaking this year at THREE Great Homeschool Conventions! Homeschoolers, let me first tell you why YOU need to attend a homeschool convention. Although you can do lots of things in a virtual manner, like curriculum shopping, reading blogs (like this one), and even chatting with other homeschoolers, there is nothing like doing these things in person. I remember attending my first homeschool convention as a new homeschooling mom. I was blown away! Just walking among the other attendees was an encouragement to me. You see, I often felt alone in my homeschooling journey, even though we would join local co-ops or take outside classes. Being around all these other folks who were doing the same thing as our family made me realize what an awesome thing this homeschooling gig is…and even more amazing…I was not alone in it! The encouraging workshops made me realize that many of us share similar struggles. I often struck up a conversation with the person sitting next to me…and, what a surprise!...we had so much in common already!

Homeschool conventions are places of encouragement and fun!

Strolling through the vendor hall was also a treat. I was able to finger through many of the curricula I only saw online. I could talk with the vendors and ask questions that were specific to my children’s needs. I was also able to take advantage of the many convention specials they offered, too!

But the best thing that these events provide is a face-to-face element that just cannot be met virtually. Believe me, I have homeschooled for 21 years. I have also worked in those vendor booths and have spoken at homeschooling events all over the country. The things that happen in those booths bless my heart. The conversations quickly go from asking about a lesson plan, to potty training, to how to build a relationship with your spouse. Many times, I find myself hugging a mama after we have shared some deep things with each other. And that happens all through the conference. One-time strangers become fast friends. Someone standing next to you will strike up a conversation and offer helpful suggestions, share hints on local field trips, or even recommend homeschooling groups in your area. It is truly a convention for YOU!

And Great Homeschool Conventions play a wonderful role in bringing these amazing events to your area. These well-organized conventions offer something for every stage of the homeschooling journey, from helpful how-to-homeschool workshops, to mom encouragement and big picture topics, to working with littles, or helping your teens launch well.

I will personally be speaking at these upcoming GHC events:

·       March 19-21: Greenville, SC

·       April 16-18: Cincinnati, OH

·       June 25-27: Jacksonville, FL

I would LOVE to see you there!

~Sherri