Homeschool Convention and Curriculum Fair Season !

I don't know if you guys are thinking about it yet but I am already mapping out my plans for this years state homeschoolers convention and curriculum fair. Last year was my 1st year of attending and I didn’t have any particular game plan. But this year I will have my list of curriculum that I need and a list of the workshops I want to see and there time slots already in place.
I think it is best to navigate these conferences with a through plan of attack or else you can end up doing one of two things: Getting this you really didn’t need or not getting things at all due to being overwhelmed. Here are some of my tips to successfully attending a Homeschool Convention and Curriculum Fair

1. Order Catalogs- It’s best to order all the curriculum catalogs before attending. Have a general idea of what you are looking to purchase so that you can spend your time on the exhibitors hall looking for the best price for your selected items and then check out the new and exciting things.

2. Meal Plan- Plan out your food for the family and making sure to have a change of clothes and shoes for each member of your family in the car. Most convention centers don’t want you to bring in outside food but you can still bring your food and take a designated lunch break at the car. They don’t mind you going in and out.

3. Baby Carriers- If you have small babies bring a carrier or wrap of some sort and a stroller. The stroller can be used as a storage device for all your handouts and curriculum and supplies.

4. Buddy System- Also if you have a large family pair a younger child with an older as a walking buddy. Train your child on what to do if they get separated like looking for information desk or security officer. Try to point those things out on the way in. For a very shy or non speaking child try putting on ID bracelets.

5. Little Ones- If you have all little ones I would try to get a baby sitter and go alone or only go to the exhibit hall and not the workshops cause you might not get much from the seminars if they get fussy.

I find that attending the Conferences can be a great encourage for a child who doesn’t have much contact with other homeschoolers on a regular basis. They get to see that there are many others in there state that get there education at home also. It’s also very reassuring and inspirational for the parents to be around other parents who take on the task of home education. A word about diversity at Curriculum Conferences is that I have found here in my state of Georgia (The South) it didn’t make me feel uncomfortable at all. And I actually found a few African American vendors as well as other ethnic groups in attendance.
Here is a link to how to find a Conference in your Area!

http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/conventions/index.html