Thoughtful Thursday Week 27 – Homeschool Conferences

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I have said it before, and I will say it again: homeschooling parents should attend a homeschool conference at least once a year. Sorry for should-ing all over you, but you should. I am not saying you should spend money on transportation, hotels and restaurants to get to one. But if you have a local event, by all means change your schedule, get a second job to pay for the fee, volunteer at the conference for discounts, do whatever it takes and attend.

Adriana Zoder and Susan Wise Bauer at the Appalachian Home Educators Conference in Knoxville, June 2015

With Susan Wise Bauer at the Appalachian Home Educators Conference in Knoxville, June 2015

The reason people don’t attend homeschool conferences is that they don’t think they will get enough value out of them. I know, I know, some of you are saying, “That’s not true. Some actually can’t afford a conference.” I can agree with that only for the extremely poor, but even they make an effort to earn some extra money for something they deem valuable.

Ultimately, it is human nature to choose activity A over activity B because activity B does not offer as much satisfaction or perceived value as activity A. Sure, I understand schedule conflicts. I also understand lack of resources. I even understand the fact that homeschooling parents are afraid of being made to feel inadequate in their efforts by so-called homeschooling experts.  Continue reading »


Appalachian Home Educators Conference

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On June 26-27, 2015, on the campus of Johnson University, home educators from Knoxville and the surrounding areas will get together for the Appalachian Home Educators Conference. I am honored to be in the speaker lineup, which is headed by Dr. Susan Wise Bauer.

My seminars will cover home teaching methods and bilingualism. I am very excited to gather up my materials and put some PowerPoint presentations together. I am very passionate about home education and multilingualism, as you may know, if you have been reading my blog for a bit.

Aerial view of Johnson University

Aerial view of Johnson University in Knoxville

The list of Exhibitors can be found here. Accommodations and meals right on campus seem very affordable.

In my opinion, home educators should attend a homeschooling conference every year, to be encouraged and strengthened, to learn about new curriculum, and to get together with like-minded people. I know I have attended a homeschool conference every year since I decided to homeschool and I always received a blessing.


Great Homeschool Conventions

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Are you going to a homeschool convention this year? Which one? Please leave me a comment.

Check out the homeschool event of the year, with speakers like Dr. Ben Carson, Susan Wise Bower and Heidi St. John, among others.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that you can buy a ticket for this conference at no extra cost to you and I receive a small percentage. Thank you for your support!

Homeschool Convention Discount Ticket Price Extended