Are you experiencing the winter blues in your homeschooling routine and seeking words of encouragement? Are you looking for next year’s curriculum? Do you want to connect with other homeschool families? Or are you in need of advice and a vision for the next stage of your child’s education? You are in the right place – check out Indiana Association of Home Educators for this year’s Homeschool Conference in Fort Wayne, IN.
Whether this is your first conference or you are a seasoned attendee, it’s always great to review tips and tricks to get the most out of the experience!
Pray.
Invite God into your planning for the conference. Ask for wisdom and His direction for you during this weekend. Knowing that He is working for your good, can bring peace and purpose to the weekend (especially if your well-laid-out plan goes sideways).
Review the schedule.
Review the list of speakers and workshops in advance, and identify the ones that interest you the most. Participating in workshops can provide valuable insights into new teaching methods, time management tips, and parenting wisdom. Familiarizing yourself with the schedule will help you plan breaks and snacks for yourself and your kids. It will also help ensure you don’t overlook your list of must-see speakers!
Research the speakers.
Take a look at each speaker’s bio and his or her workshop(s). IAHE offers workshops for newbie homeschoolers and veteran homeschoolers. Select speakers that resonate with your stage in the homeschooling journey!
Review the exhibitor list.
Create a checklist of the exhibitors and vendors you want to see. The exhibit hall will be filled with educational tools, books, and curriculum resources, so take the time to explore what’s available. Many exhibitors offer special deals only available during the conference, so consider taking advantage of these opportunities. If you are unsure of what purchases you plan to make, it is often good to visit everyone before you make your final purchases.
Make a list of questions.
Prepare your questions in advance for the speakers or exhibitors you wish to visit. It’s easy to forget even the most critical questions in the moment.
Stay local.
If you’re coming from out of town, be sure to explore the hotel deals available for IAHE attendees. Staying at one of the listed hotels allows you to save on travel time, network with fellow homeschoolers in the evenings, have a convenient drop zone for all your goodies, and provides a place for you and your family to unwind if you need a break.
Know where to park.
If you are not staying in a connected hotel, be sure to check out nearby parking opportunities. IAHE already has a list of parking options in the “Parking” section at the bottom of the General Information page.
Food.
Concessions will be offered at the venue. Check out the list of options and pricing in the “Food” section at the bottom of the General Information page.
Take notes.
Prepare to take notes. The speakers and exhibitors will provide you with a wealth of information and inspiration you will not want to forget. However, after an exhilarating weekend packed full of inspiration, it is easy to forget important details when you get home.
- Notebook and pen: Bring your favorite spiral notebook, legal pad, index cards, lined post-it notes, or whatever is your go-to when taking notes. Colored gel pens or a simple No. 2 pencil, whatever your style, make sure it’s easily accessible and comfortable to you. Remember to bring a clipboard or a hard surface to write on if you’re using a soft notepad.
- Phone note apps: Are you more comfortable taking notes on your phone? Go for it! Make sure your phone is fully charged and your favorite note-taking app is ready to go.
Don’t get weighed down.
Many exhibitors will have pamphlets, books, catalogs, and samples, and you will find yourself bringing home some new curriculum to try out.
- Bring a tote bag or rolling cart: A large, sturdy bag will help keep everything organized and prevent you from missing out on one more item!
- Bring the wagon or stroller: Have young kids? It is great to have a comfy spot for your littles to rest, and it will also hold all your freebies and curriculum!
Network and build relationships.
The IAHE Conference is the perfect time to make new connections and reconnect with old friends.
- Meet new homeschooling families: You can exchange ideas, tips, and experiences that could be helpful.
- Speakers and exhibitors: Don’t hesitate to approach speakers and exhibitors—many are open to discussing their materials and answering questions.
- Reconnect: If you have any homeschool friends attending, it’s a great time to meet up and chat.
Attend with a spouse, parent, or friend.
Having a partner or friend with you can make the conference more enjoyable and memorable. You will have someone to discuss the workshops with afterward, and they can also assist you in reviewing materials or remembering questions you might overlook. If you are unable to bring someone with you, take a chance by introducing yourself to another homeschool parent and make a new connection while you are at the conference.
Bring the kids.
Don’t leave the kids behind this year. The kids will have a fantastic time with our Family-Friendly Activities.
- Prepare: Bring a small bag of fun, novel activities and favorite on-the-go toys your kids can enjoy while you network and shop. Prepare your kids by letting them know before the event what your expectations are for them during the event.
- Learning Express: Our Learning Express track is recommended for ages 5-12 years old with an adult. This is an excellent opportunity for them to learn and have fun.
- Teen Track: Our Teen Track is geared towards teens and will include engaging and entertaining workshops.
- Teen Photography Class: Have a 14-18 year old intereested in photography? Sign them up for classes with a professional photographer.
Stay open-minded.
You may come across unique approaches to homeschooling that you haven’t considered. Be open to exploring new ideas and methods that could benefit your family.
Self-care.
Conference days can be long. Remember to pace yourself and wear comfy shoes. Grab a snack, take a moment to relax, and don’t forget to drink water and stay nourished.