Online Conferences
My family and I always look forward to attending the Texas Home School Coalition (THSC) Convention and Family Conference in August. I know that there are similar conferences across the nation to encourage and support home-schooling families. Being with like-minded people for just a few days is always an encouragement to me.
Once your family makes the decision to be counter-culture and educate your children at home, it can be an isolating experience. I do not mean that you are a hermit in your home. Most home educated children are involved in other activities like 4-H, Scouts, sports, dance, and/or music classes. Despite that involvement, you can feel alone on your home-schooling journey.
There are many resources available for encouragement. There are magazines, websites, support groups, etc. with the sole purpose of supporting and encouraging fellow home-schoolers. I receive the THSC Review and No Greater Joy magazines at my house. Upon arrival, I pore through both of the publications.
February 21st-23rd, Heart of the Matter is hosting an online home school conference. For only $14.95 you can attend the three day conference from the comfort of your home. No gas to buy, no traveling, no packing a lunch or going out to eat. Stay home and be inspired.
On Valentine’s Day if you are registered, you will recieve a packet via email with all the information you will need to attend. You can watch the live sessions and/or download the sessions to view at your own convenience.
Carol Barnier is one of the speakers. “Help, I Fell Off My Lesson Plans” is the title of her talk. I have listened to her deliver several talks. She is hilarious. Other speakers are: Amanda Bennett, Karen DeBeus, Helen Lee, Jimmie to name a few. There are several others.
Check out the schedule for the February conference. The times, speakers, and a short description of their workshop is given. If you are looking for some mid-year encouragement, the Heart of the Matter online conference is set to fill the bill.
The Old Schoolhouse Expo is another online conference held May 16th-20th. Susan Wise Bauer, Norm Wakefield, Carol Barnier, and many other speakers are scheduled to talk. Today is the last day to get a heavily discounted ticket. It is only $19.50 today. Afterwards it goes up to almost double. In addition, you get many free gifts that download directly to your computer, including a free one-year membership to Homeschool Legal Advantage.
Technology is helping the homeschool community support one another. These are just two examples of an online conference. I am sure if I continue looking I will find more. Check them both out and see if any or both will help you on your home school journey.
