Convention Corner: Homeschooling…Where to Begin?

Starting your homeschool journey can feel overwhelming. The freedom to choose your own path is exciting—but it also means navigating a sea of unfamiliar terms and educational philosophies. Classical? Charlotte Mason? Unit studies? Unschooling? How do you know which method fits your child and your family best? As a research nerd, all these questions and possibilities swirled in my head as our family approached the first steps on our homeschool road.

This is where attending a homeschool convention can make all the difference.

The annual homeschool convention is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to step out of the uncertainty and into a community full of experience, encouragement, and clarity. One of the biggest benefits is the variety of seminars available throughout the weekend. These sessions are designed to introduce you to the major educational approaches used in homeschooling today. Whether you’re curious about the structure of the classical method, the gentle rhythms of Charlotte Mason, the hands-on exploration of unit studies, or the child-led nature of unschooling, the seminar schedule may offer a session breaking each down in simple, relatable terms.

But it’s not just about listening—it’s also about seeing and doing. The exhibit hall is full of curriculum vendors, many of whom bring samples you can flip through, evaluate, and compare. Instead of guessing based on online reviews or shiny covers, you can physically handle the materials, see how they’re structured, and even ask questions directly to the people who created or use them.

You’ll also find plenty of seasoned homeschooling parents attending and presenting. Many are eager to share their own journeys—what worked, what didn’t, and how they made peace with choosing a method that suited their own unique families. These conversations can be just as valuable as the formal sessions, offering reassurance that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.

Perhaps one of the most empowering moments of attending a homeschool convention is realizing you’re not alone. You’re surrounded by hundreds of other parents walking the same path—some just starting out, others with years of experience. Whether you leave with a clear direction or just a few solid next steps, the convention gives you confidence and tools to move forward with purpose. I am so thankful to the ones who invested in conversations with me when I was first starting out. They set my mind at ease and encouraged me that I could do this. You can also meet many homeschool students who are delighted to share their experiences from their perspective.

So if you’re feeling unsure about where to begin or how to structure your homeschooling, consider attending this year’s convention. Come with your questions, your curiosity, and your hope. You just might leave with clarity, inspiration, and a sense of belonging you didn’t expect—but definitely needed.