Homeschool Conferences & Conventions

Why Should I attend a homeschool conference?
What should I expect at a conference?
Why is the Texas Homeschool Expo different?

Mark your calendars for June 9-10, 2023 in Grapevine, Texas:

Join us at the amazing TEXAS HOMESCHOOL EXPO, where we’re transforming traditional homeschool conventions. On Saturday at 4 PM, we’ll be hosting a special BTDT Homeschool Session on planning your four-year high school journey. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit our booth and get free resources! We’re excited to see you at the expo and have a fantastic time together. Explore all the booths, enter exciting giveaways, and be surprised by a new offering from BTDT Homeschool!
Drop by, say hello, and register for a chance to win!

Texas Homeschool Expo

Episode 031:

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Show Notes

Are you wanting to see curriculum and resources up close and find homeschool connections? Or are you a long time homeschooler looking to renew or refresh your homeschool? Homeschool conventions are events that bring together homeschooling families, educators, and experts to provide a wealth of knowledge and support. They offer an incredible opportunity to connect with the homeschooling community, gather valuable resources, and gain insights into various aspects of homeschooling. They typically offer a variety of workshops, seminars, keynote speeches, and vendor exhibits, providing attendees with a treasure trove of information, practical tips, and inspiration for their homeschooling journey.

If you are brand new to homeschooling, be sure to visit the Getting Started Page

Different Types of Homeschool Conferences

Regional Homeschool Conferences: These conferences are organized at a regional level and cater to homeschooling families in a specific geographic area.

National Homeschool Conferences: National homeschool conferences are larger-scale events that attract attendees from across the country. They feature renowned speakers, a wide range of workshops covering various topics in homeschooling, with typically a diverse selection of vendors.

Online Homeschool Conferences: In the digital age, online homeschool conferences have gained popularity. These virtual events offer the flexibility of attending sessions and accessing resources from the comfort of your own home. Online conferences typically include live webinars, pre-recorded sessions, discussion forums, and digital vendor exhibits.

Faith-Based Homeschool Conferences: Faith-based homeschool conferences focus on incorporating religious values into homeschooling. They often feature speakers and workshops that address the integration of faith and academics, curriculum options aligned with specific religious beliefs, and resources for homeschooling from a faith-based perspective.

Secular Homeschool Conferences: Secular homeschool conferences cater to homeschooling families who follow a secular approach to education. These conferences typically focus on academic subjects, curriculum choices, teaching methodologies, and resources that are free from religious affiliations or doctrines.

Unschooling Conferences: Unschooling conferences cater to families who follow the unschooling philosophy, which emphasizes child-led learning and the exploration of personal interests. These conferences provide workshops, discussions, and resources that are specifically tailored to unschooling approaches and philosophies.

Informal Local Meet-ups: Sometimes local co-ops or groups will host a homeschool 101 or other type of info session that is like a small scale homeschool conference. You may get to hear parents speak about different homeschool styles and philosophies and people bring their curricula and programs so that others can look at the resources. This is a great way to learn a little and be able to get your hands on things you are interested in in a no-pressure, no-sale environment.

Why should I attend a homeschool conference? (5:17)

FREE Homeschool Convention Survival Toolkit Bundle

Let’s explore some of the benefits of attending a homeschool conference.

Get Energized and Inspired:

Homeschool conferences are like supercharged batteries for your homeschooling journey! You’ll be surrounded by enthusiastic speakers, workshops, and sessions that will reignite your excitement. Say goodbye to burnout and hello to fresh ideas, new approaches, and a renewed passion for homeschooling! You’ll also gain encouragement and inspiration from other parents who are experiencing the same challenges and achievements as you are.

Make Connections:

One of the coolest things about homeschool conferences is the chance to meet and mingle with other homeschooling families. It’s a fantastic opportunity to make friends, swap stories, and build a support network. Homeschooling can sometimes feel like a solo mission, but at a homeschool conference, you’ll find your people! Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who understand the joys and challenges of homeschooling. Share your victories, seek advice, and find the support and encouragement you need to keep rocking your homeschooling journey. You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn from others who share your homeschooling adventure.

Discover Resources:

Forget about hours of online searching! At homeschool conferences, you’ll find so many resources all in one place! From awesome curriculum options to hands-on materials, educational games, and even online courses, it’s really exciting for me to explore the vendor exhibits. It’s like being a kid in a candy store, but with educational goodies!

Level Up Your Skills:

As a homeschooling parent, you’re always looking for ways to improve your teaching skills. Homeschool conferences offer workshops and sessions designed to help you level up as an educator. Learn new teaching techniques, discover educational trends, and gain valuable insights into child development – all geared towards making your homeschooling experience even more awesome.

What to expect at a homeschool conference? (7:48)

It’s easy to get overwhelmed at a homeschool conference. Here are some super handy tips to help you navigate your way through like a pro. With a little bit of planning and a whole lot of enthusiasm, you’ll make the most out of this incredible opportunity.

Find a Homeschool Convention Near you

Decide which conference you want to attend and do Your Pre-Conference Homework:

Take a look at the conference schedule and highlight the sessions, workshops, and speakers that catch your eye. Make a game plan of what you want to attend and prioritize your top choices. This way, you won’t miss out on any must-see sessions. Are you going alone, with a friend, or bringing your family (a lot of conventions are family friendly with family activities and sessions).

Pack Your Essentials:

When attending a homeschool conference, it’s important to come prepared. Pack a backpack or tote bag with essentials such as a notebook, pens, ipad or digital device to take notes, a water bottle, snacks, and a comfortable pair of shoes and layers- sometimes venues are either too hot or too cold!. You’ll be doing lots of walking, taking notes, and engaging in exciting conversations, so being prepared will keep you focused and energized throughout the day.

Connect and Collaborate:

One of the best parts of a homeschool conference is the opportunity to connect and collaborate with other homeschoolers. Don’t be shy! Strike up conversations with fellow attendees, ask questions, and share your own experiences. You just may find your new best friend!

Take Breaks and Pace Yourself:

Homeschool conferences can be exhilarating, with so much to see and do. But remember, it’s okay to take breaks and pace yourself. Find a quiet corner to relax and recharge. Take a breather outside or grab a snack to refuel. Giving yourself time to rest will ensure you have the energy to fully enjoy the conference without feeling overwhelmed. Be flexible with your schedule. Some of the sessions you may want to attend may be at capacity. Have a couple choices, and ask for an updated schedule when you arrive in case things have changed.

Sign up for giveaways:

We are going to have one in our booth so be sure to stop by! A lot of exhibitors have gone to a virtual sign up using something like a QR code, but some people have actually pre printed some labels with contact information for signing up. Also, bring a tote or something to carry goodies away in! Some vendors will be giving things like this away too. Remember that a lot of the vendors and speakers are often homeschoolers themselves, or were homeschooled. Bring all your questions and ask away!

Budget your money:

Set a budget in advance, and try not to make impulse purchases. Shop online and know which vendors will be there before you so you have a list of things you want to look at. Also, ask vendors if they will ship free so you don’t have to carry things around!

004. Homeschool Styles and Philosophies

Follow Up and Reflect:

After the conference, take some time to follow up and reflect on your experience. You can connect with the speakers and presenters you enjoyed and thank them for their valuable insights. Review your notes and organize any resources or materials you collected. Reflect on what you learned and think about how you can implement those ideas into your homeschooling journey.

Why is the Texas Homeschool Expo different? (13:30)

Texas Homeschool Expo

We’ve mentioned it before, but wanted to talk about this exciting upcoming event. The highly anticipated Texas Homeschool Expo Conference is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! It’s a fantastic opportunity to gather valuable insights, connect with like-minded families, and explore an array of resources. This 2 day event will take place June 9th and 10th at the Grapevine Convention Center in the DFW metro area.

At the expo, you’ll find a variety of workshops, speaker sessions (including ours!), and exhibits (including ours!) that cater to different homeschooling styles and approaches. From curriculum choices to teaching methods to local activity purveyors, there’s something for everyone. Whether you follow a structured curriculum or embrace a more eclectic approach, the Texas Homeschool Expo is going to have resources and support to meet your needs.

Unlike other homeschooling events, the Texas Homeschool Expo is committed to inclusivity and secular education. It’s important to note that this event is not affiliated with any political, religious, or government entity. That means it’s a safe and welcoming space for homeschoolers from all walks of life, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds. The Texas Homeschool Expo is all about celebrating the diversity within the homeschooling community. It’s a place where families can come together to share their experiences, learn from one another, and explore a wide range of secular educational resources. The focus is on providing a well-rounded education that meets the needs of each individual child, free from any specific religious or political agenda.

Secular homeschoolers can sometimes feel like they are a minority within a minority. So, if you’re searching for a homeschooling event that embraces inclusivity, secular education, and celebrates the diverse homeschooling community in Texas, you’ll find it at the Texas Homeschool Expo. This event is all about empowering families to make informed choices about their children’s education.

We’re going to be hosting a BTDT Homeschool Session on Saturday at 4 PM and it’s going to be invaluable for your high school journey. We’re going to be giving away a super handy high school course planning tool to everyone who comes to our session. So make sure to join us at our session and snag this fantastic resource. Also be sure to drop by the BTDT Homeschool booth. We’ll be there to give you some extra support and heaps of inspiration. Mark your calendar and make sure to join us at the conference.

We hope you will consider attending a homeschool conference or convention and gain valuable insights, connect with like-minded families, and access a wealth of resources to enhance your homeschooling journey. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and find support, ultimately enriching your homeschooling experience and fostering a strong sense of community.

Links

Texas Homeschool Expoo – June 9 & 10, 2023 (Grapevine, TX)

BTDT Homeschool session on Saturday 10, 2023 at 4 PM

BTDT Homeschool Booth

Find a Homeschool Convention Near you: