Popped My Convention Cherry

Yesterday, I went to my first homeschool convention.  This was a local one, and my husband and kids went with me, so we strictly visited the vendors and did not sit in on any workshops.  There was not an over-abundance of vendors, but I had been considering Sonlight as a curriculum and they were there, so I was glad to have that opportunity.

B really enjoyed looking at the science stuff.  He is very much into how things work, putting things together, and making something out of nothing.  I'm honestly thinking that, given the right direction, he will be someone that excels in science and math.  Folks, this is both exciting and annoying.  Why?  Well, I was NOT a good student in those subject at school, haha.  However, considering that homeschooling is more about doing what works best for the child than about keeping a group all on one level, I have high hopes that we will get it done together.

Anywho, back to the convention.  There were a few booths that had used curriculum at a huge discounted price.  If I had already decided on which curriculum I was going to use for the year, I probably would've spent most of my time searching the racks.  A great resource for those who are more experienced and knowledgeable about what they want.

Prior to yesterday, I was not really interested in the A Beka curriculum.  However, the gentleman that was representing them was just a fantastic person.  He reminded me of a preacher with his demeanor and sweet spirit.  With this product, you can do a dvd style teaching where the child just sits and learns with a virtual teacher.  They have the same teachers the entire year and it takes about 2-3 hours a day for school.  The other option is to do parent-child teaching, in which you order both the parent/teaching material and the child's material.  He showed me which books come with the package, along with some supplemental stuff you can choose to add in (music, etc.).  My biggest concern with ABeka is that B seems to be a more tactile learner and this is a lot of workbook stuff.  Don't get me wrong, he likes the workbook learning, as well, but he really enjoys and excels at putting things together, seeing things in 3D form, etc.  So, I'm not sure that this is for us.  However, I think I may stop at the booth in Indy this next weekend to look at them a bit more.  The gentleman also said he would be back in May for a workshop and would present more info.  I'm hoping to decide before then, but I may go just for future reference.

Usborne books was there (which I LOVE), so we stopped long enough to buy a book.  It was about how things work.  B was wanting to look at the whole thing while standing by the booth, so I'd say that was a success.

I stopped at another vendor, but I'm honestly not sure what it was, or what they're about.  The girl was not overly convincing or appeared knowledgeable.  I think she may have just assumed I knew more about it than I did, but um, hai.  I came here for info.  Give it to me!  It did have some cute workbooks, and I took a catalog to look at later, but wasn't convinced to look into much more.

Another group I was not planning to look into further was Classical Conversations.  Honestly, in the stuff I had read about it, it seems a little too "uppity" for me.  Also, they do a lot of presentations, helping the child be independent (not a bad thing!).  After talking to the director and tutor, I'm willing to look into it.  They have 2 open houses next month and you can observe their classroom.  I'm going to at least go to that so I feel I am staying open to all possibilities.  The director did say that they started with 6 people in the class, and are now down to 2 due to people moving and other extenuating situations.  However, even 2-6 kids sounds like a great environment.  They mentioned to me about how close they become after only a couple of months, and I appreciate having that atmosphere.  For CC, the parent is the teacher, but you meet every Thursday from 9-11 with the tutor and go over the lessons.  The parent stays with the child, so everyone sorta learns together.  My hold up with this choice is the same as ABeka.  I'm not sure there's enough intrigue and hands on things to satisfy the natural pull that I've noticed B has.  I could still supplement with things at home, join the C.H.O.I.C.E. co-op that I had already planned on in the fall (they have things from music to karate to gym to other various subjects), etc., but I was really hoping to have a curriculum that was more tactile, without supplementation.  Still going to look into CC more, though.

The one vendor I was really looking to talk to, Sonlight, was so far below my expectation that even my husband said he was not impressed.  The rep's son was the one to greet us, give us a bag with a coupon, ask if we wanted to sign up for something (and keep the pen), and then walked off.  The rep stood there, never introduced herself, commented on how impressive it was that my daughter didn't put her necklace in her mouth, and then waited for me to ask questions.  Granted, not everyone is as research-addicted as I am, but seriously, your job as the rep is to tell me why your product is the one for me.  Ask me what I'm looking for, tell me what's included in the packages, give me information....WITHOUT me having to pull it from you!  It's not a cheap curriculum by any means, but when you tell me that you didn't bring the entire packages offered, only books, because you didn't have room or enough strength to carry them all?  Not a good selling point.  There was no informational brochure or catalog offered.  I got an orange bag, a coupon, and a pen.  Great freebies.  But I would much rather someone take the time to talk to me about the product than shove free stuff at me and hope I just buy from them.  The reps at ABeka and CC were wonderful and I enjoyed their conversations.  Sonlight rep was a big disappointment.

That being said, I am going to another convention/conference next weekend (on a state level-so much, much bigger) and am going to stop by their booth up there to give it another chance.  I don't want to choose a product based on a rep, or on a price, but I also know there are many things out there to choose from, so I can afford to be picky.

I have written down some other vendors I am hoping will be at the state convention, and am planning to get in to a couple of the workshops...that is, as long as my kids make that possible since it'll just be the 3 of us, without help.  I'm also hoping there will be vendors that show/offer organizations items/tips, or even set up ideas.  I'm going to plan on packing up a little bag of snacks, sippy cups, entertainment items to take in the stroller and pray that will keep both kiddos capable of lasting as long as possible.

All in all, even after the convention yesterday, I am still leaning toward MFW, at least for kinder.  I've used them for preschool, I know what their product is about and looks like...at least on the younger level.  I believe they will be there next weekend, and plan to stop by their booth.

I think that's about it, as far as my experience with my first HS gig.  Here's to looking forward to more learning and investigating!

Tip of the Iceberg

I've been getting B workbooks from both the dollar store and Joann Fabrics (my second home) for the past few years.  They're perfect for helping him learn while giving us easy ways to fill our days.  I had also gotten the preschool kit from My Father's World (MFW for future reference) about 2 years ago.  Basically, it's little games that help with motor skills, problem solving, matching, color and shape recognition, hand-eye coordination, etc.  We both really enjoyed it (and still pull it out occasionally) and it's durable so it will be able to be used many times over in the future.

When we officially decided to home school, I knew that I would need to look into curriculums, organization ideas, and figure out what works best for us.  My sister in law has HS her oldest two girls from the beginning, so she has been an excellent resource for me.  While they were visiting at Christmas time, my husband and I sat and talked with her, asked questions, and were given some good things to look into as far as local resources.  I, immediately, found a local home schooling group on FB, along with a few co-ops.  I will admit that it can be somewhat intimidating and overwhelming whenever you realize not only how many curriculums there are to choose from, but also how many ways there are to actually home school!

My SIL suggested a book, 100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum.  I was able to borrow it from our library and have been slowly working my way through it.  The author takes you through questions to figure out what type of teaching style you have, what type of learning style your child has, and then gives you 100 top picks of curriculum, with review, to help you look into which will work best for you and your family.  It also explains the different types of HS'ing (unschooling, Charlotte Mason, unit studies, eclectic, etc.).  I'm really enjoying it and have learned a lot.  As of right now, I am leaning more toward the Charlotte Mason style, but pulling from other styles as well.  That's the great thing about this!  You don't have to be stuck using one method, one curriculum, one way of teaching/learning.  You see how best you both work and decide from there.

I am planning on attending 2 separate conferences in March.  I've already registered for the IAHE and plan to attend the local one, SWIHE, the following weekend.  Both my husband and I have to work at some point during both, so I am going with just the kids to IAHE and he will accompany us to the 2nd day of the local one.  You are able to purchase material at both places, and it is my hope to have a pretty good idea of what I want before I get there, and then buy what I feel I need first.

I haven't had a chance to look over a lot of different curriculum, but I was initially leaning toward Sunlight.  The cost is a concern, but doable if it's what we feel is best.  However, I am now leaning more toward starting with MFW while we are doing the kinder this year.  We can always pull from other areas if I feel something is lacking, or we can switch to something else next year, as we enter 1st grade.

Both B and I are really looking forward to it.  We have already set up his desk, organized our current "school stuff" and have have recently put up a calendar and weather chart (note: the "days of the week" in the middle?  It says "yesterday was," "today is," and "tomorrow will be."):

I have been scouring Pinterest for ideas on organizing since we will be doing our (inside) schooling in his room.  I do plan on us being involved in a few co-ops (two are specifically for play dates and field trips, another holds various classes every Monday) and, since B is more of a hands-on type of learner (and loves science/inventing), I am going to make sure we take advantage of any outside learning opportunities.

A family member recently asked B when he was starting school (knowing we've decided to HS, and was referencing to that).  She expressed that, when it's time, she would like to take him shopping for school supplies because that's what she did with my niece and nephew.  This includes a new backpack and lunch box.  He was happy about that offer, as was I.  My entire family has been very supportive of this new adventure we are taking, and I am very appreciative of that.  I know that there are concerns about socialization (as anyone has when they're not familiar with the TONS of opportunities available!) and that's okay.  They are not doubting my ability to teach my child.  They are only loving us.

Looks like LJ is awake, so that's my cue to sign off for now! :)