7 Ways to Make the Most Out of a Homeschooling Book Fair

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

05 Aug 2006 05:08 AM

Homeschooling Book Fairs and/or Conventions can be quite large and overwhelming, especially to a first time homeschooler. Many people go with the intention of buying their entire curriculum but then get there and find the choices overwhelming. Here is a list of things to do and what not to do before you go to make the most of your experience.

1. Do Your Research.It helps to have an idea of where you want to go. Decide before you go which curriculums you'd like to look at, what you'd like to ask, and go from there. If you're not sure what curriculums will be there, do a google search of home schooling and pick the top 5 that come up. It is likely that at least those will come (if your convention is large enough).

2. Put Your Money in an Envelope--Leave Your Purse and Wallet and Credit Cards At Home!!!I met a mom once who said she spent over $2,000 at a home schooling fair. If your budget allows for this type of expenditure well, by all means--go for it! But if you're like the rest of us, you'll likely need to set a budget and stick to it! If you really see stuff that you can't live without you can pick up a catalog and order from them later.

3. Buy the little stuff! If you know what you're going to buy for your curriculum then have a ball! But many first time homeschoolers are not sure what they're going to purchase and end up making last minute decisions that they're not sure about. Try this strategy instead: Purchase your main curriculum later. Pick up the odds and ends that will round out your curriculum and making learning fun.

4. Make a list. It is helpful to write down what you have and what you want. It is less easy to be persuaded to spend money you don't need to spend on great things if you have your list in front of you. Remember: the internet is a wonderful invention--the vendor likely has a website.

5. Spend the WeekendIt is well worth your time, and money to attend a large convention both days. This gives you ample time to go see vendors, visit workshops and do everything else you want to do while there. Many moms use their weekend at a convention as a retreat from the kids to jumpstart planning for the next school year.

6. Prioritize those Workshops Try getting a list of workshops before hand and mark down what you'd like to see in 3 categories: Must go See It, It Would be Nice, and If I'm not too Busy. Use this as a reference for budgeting your time at your home school conference.

7. Do buy from the vendors. It is in poor taste to visit a vendor, take up a large amount of time at her table and then go buy her book at another table where it might be a little cheaper. You have in essence, told the vendor, that her time is worth nothing. Many consultants do this work to support their families, and are well worth their time because unlike the book store--they've used their product and can tell you the ins and outs. A worker is worthy of his wages so consider supporting the vendors from whom you've gathered valuable

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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Brandie (1720) 12 Aug 2006 05:07 PM

It can be overwhelming! I went to my first convention adn walked into the vendor area and was amazed at just how many things were there! There was even someone teaching kids to yo-yo! It is so easy to get overwhelmed and I think your advice is great!

Valorie Delp (49340) 13 Aug 2006 03:30 AM

Thanks! Thankfully, my first convention was a very small one that was just starting out. It really only had about 30-40 vendors which is small compared to some of the big ones. This year, we will plan to go to a "big one" as well as our old small one. ;-)