CHEACT in particular. The one in Austin, Tx. Has anybody gone, what do you think about it. Do you know when one is this year. I need to plan ahead because If i don't I won't remeber. What should I do to prepare to go, should I take the kids, my dh. I heard some people talk about it before, but never really looked into it. thanks Aggie
I just googled homeschool convention and Austin Texas and it came up. I also found one in San Antonio. I think we may end up going to the one in SA due to the fact my sister is due June 19 and she thinks going to a convention a few weeks later wouldn't be fun.
I've only been to one, so far, but I'm looking forward to going again. The speakers were interesting and the topics varied a good deal - there seemed to be something for every need. Also, there were tons of vendors on hand and plenty of time to look through all of the different curriculums - I really like having the books in my hand and to be able to flip through the pages to see if it looks like something we would enjoy. Also, the vendors offered great discounts at the convention - and of course there were no shipping fees. Many people did bring their children. But, I think that we as parents and teachers do benefit from attending this type of outing without our children. It was really a good time to recharge, and refresh and come away with new ideas. Also, if you have questions about your children's needs or issues, it may be uncomfortable to ask or discuss them with your children present. Our convention is 2 or 3 days long with hotel packages available, but I just went as a day trip with another homeschool friend to save money and it worked out great. (The convention admission fee was pricey, I thought - I think about $70 - but I got that back and more in the discounts on the books and materials I bought)
If you're willing to drive all over Texas, there's an annual huge book fair in Arlington every Mother's Day weekend. I go every year. They have conferences and, of course, tons of curriculum choices. The site is www.homeschoolbookfair.com.
I'm going to SEARCH of PA this year - it's going to be WAY local for me! right up the road! YAY!!!! But...yes...GO...just leave your checkbook at home OR do all your research before you go, knowing what you were going to buy before walking it. It's one big grocery store endcap with lots of temptations and will cause you to make irrational (i.e. EXPENSIVE) decisions!
We have a huge convention here in central Florida (I hear we have the largest state homeschool organization in the country!) - and it is awesome! I have learned so much from the different speakers, and it is great to see the curriculum. It can also be overwhelming, and I agree with the comment about "leaving your checkbook at home." I do recommend picking up catalogs of companies you are interested in, and make notes in them about what you liked - because you won't remember what was what when you get home ! If you know what vendors will be there (ahead of time) - I recommend going to their websites, and weeding out the ones that you are definately NOT interested in, so you can spend your time wisely. A few of the speakers have truly changed the way we homeschool. Life changing! For example: Valerie Bendt ("you don't have to do every problem on every workbook page!" - who knew??), Tammy Duby (lapbooks), Andrew Pudewa (I wish his writing program was around when I was a kid!) , and many others. Going to a homeschool convention can be very inspiring, and it also reminds you of how many of us are in this line of work!
I've never been. (I'm in Austin, have been for a year now.) I *think* that the CHEACT conventions are in May.... Okay, I found their website and it says June 24-25. Being here in Austin, I have *heard* that these conventions are fantastic, not to be missed, etc etc etc. I don't know if that's "hometown prejudice" or not, but everyone I've talked to has really urged me to go and sounded sincere. Anyway. I think it would be fun even if I couldn't buy anything. It's always great fun when a group of homeschoolers get together to share curriculum ideas and let one another SEE what's out there without having to BUY it first, and I see this as a giant 'curriculum share' of sorts. Never having been, I can't promise that's what it's like, but it is in my brain. :lol: Anyway, if you have the chance to go, I say go! If it isn't much fun and you don't get anything out of it, then you know not to bother with going to any in the future. May as well try one though, especially if it's free or nearly free. That's my vote, anyhow! (PS - I only didn't go last year because I didn't have anyone to watch the kids!)
Arlington, TX is the biggest. I haven't checked out the websites yet to get them all loaded to the calendar but...pretty much in TX you have Hearth & Home Ministries - Arlington (May) CHEACT - Austin (May) FEAST - San Antonio (May) THSC - Woodlands (Aug) SETHSA - Houston (June) NTHEN - Plano (?) Shopping is great at Hearth and Home & Woodlands. Pretty good at FEAST & CHEACT SETHSA has been lacking but...they might do better this year - who knows. NTHEN - I couldn't tell you. I do know that Jessica Hulcy is on the schedule for THSC California... CHN - Ontario(August) CHEAC - Santa Clara (April) CHEA - Long Beach (July) SCOPE - Sacramento (May) VHE - Modesto (July)
