| Homeschool Curriculum Fairs can be invigorating to | | | | home. Some programs even allow you to get a |
| some and overwhelming to others. They are a great | | | | sample of curriculum sent in a packet to your home |
| way to network with other homeschoolers, gain | | | | for you to browse at your own pace. |
| information about new homeschool methods, browse | | | | 5. Take advantage of tapes for sale for the speakers |
| a wide variety of curriculum and resources, and much | | | | you wanted to hear but didn't get to or those that you |
| more. Here are some tips you can use to help you get | | | | want to hear again. Some conferences give discounts |
| the most out of any curriculum fair you attend: | | | | if you purchase a whole set. |
| 1. Make a list of what you are looking for in curriculum, | | | | 6. Decide not to purchase anything until you walk |
| what you want to gain from the conference, and what | | | | away from the booth and walk around for a given |
| you plan on spending. If you stay focused and within | | | | amount of time (1/2 hour or more). This will help you |
| your budget, you will feel much better about your time | | | | with impulse buying. Most vendors will hold books for |
| there when you get home. Some people just go to | | | | you until you come back. |
| listen to the speakers and don't even look in the | | | | 7. Remember you are there to gain knowledge and |
| vendor hall. Whatever you want out of the conference | | | | possibly purchase books that will be best for your |
| is right for you. | | | | family. If you have decided ahead of time what you |
| 2. Look over the schedule before the conference if | | | | want out of the conference, you will be less likely |
| possible. Prioritize what speakers you want to hear | | | | swayed by someone else who doesn't know your |
| and plan accordingly. | | | | family as well as you do. |
| 3. Consider seriously whether you want to take your | | | | The key to any homeschool conference or fair is to |
| children with you. Younger children are often welcome | | | | stay focused. Much time and effort is spent planning a |
| but they might not allow you to get the most out of | | | | homeschool conference and many vendors spend a |
| the conference. Some conferences have programs | | | | great deal of time preparing for the conference too. |
| for teens that help them in their studies, allow them to | | | | Don't let the amount of information overwhelm you. |
| network with other homeschoolers, and help them | | | | Realize that all the information is not necessarily meant |
| understand that there are many other students out | | | | for you. There are many types of homeschoolers. |
| there that are also being homeschooled. | | | | Conferences try to cater to all of them. Take what |
| 4. If you're not ready to purchase anything, you can | | | | you need and leave the rest there! |
| always pick up catalogs and do your shopping at | | | | |