In case you have not noticed, I have spent the first part of the summer compiling lists of all the different curriculums available to homeschoolers, including books parents should read, and am currently working on a list of online homeschool programs. I plan to list homeschool classes in your neck of the woods as well. The reason I am doing this is because I realize that thousands, and possibly even tens of thousands of new families have decided that they will begin homeschooling in the fall. I want you to be prepared.
In addition to pouring over the hundreds of homeschool curriculum options, and educating yourself by reading everything you can get your hands on regarding homeschool, I also encourage you to go to a homeschool conference or two. Now I do have to confess that I have only been to two homeschool conferences and both of those were in my first year of homeschooling. I am however looking for a couple of ‘homeschooling teens’ seminars to attend presently.
There are several reasons that I am urging new homeschoolers to attend a homeschool conference or seminar before school begins in the fall. Firstly, it will allow you to see that you are not alone in your homeschooling journey, and to make personal connections to other homeschoolers. Second, you will not only get to read about the different types of homeschooling curriculum available but also to ask questions to the vendors and possibly makers of the curriculum. One or more of the many people scheduled to speak will say something profound that you can identify and possibly even erase all of your fears.
Some of the biggest homeschool Seminars in the United States include:
- The Home School Fair of Southern California
- Southeast Homeschool Expo
- Homeschool Association of California Conference
- National LDS Homeschool Association Conference
- Annual Greater Pittsburgh Homeschooling
- Workshop and Curriculum Fair
*Look to the homeschool forums where I have started a homeschool conference thread where you can add homeschool fairs you know about or are involved in for other homeschoolers to attend.