Monday, July 24, 2006
conference
On Friday, I attended a home schooling conference downtown.
I wasn't sure what to expect - I knew there would be lots of vendors and there were many workshops set up. I looked at the workshops, and was interested in a few -- but ultimately decided to spend the majority of my time looking at the vendors.
I felt I was pretty set for curriculum for this year. Pre-K and Kindergarten shouldn't be intensive and I'm happy with the CHC curriculum. I did want to get some ideas for the future, though, and also see some things I've only read about on the internet.
The hall was full of vendors. One of the best booths (IMO) was the Arizona State Parks. I didn't know that they had a "junior ranger" program and a prepared curriculum for the Kartchner Caverns. They gave me posters with pictures of the badges the boys can earn at the different state parks, and many brochures. This fits in so well with my planned nature studies for the year!
My other big find was an art program. The program consists of dvd lessons, manual and prints of various fine art pieces. With the love of drawing that both boys have, I knew that this would be a great program to pursue! It was a little pricey, but I decided that it was worth it (after a quick call to DH.) I can't wait to get started on it! Another advantage is that I was recently talking to the woman in charge of art submissions at the state fair and she was telling me how she was going to push for more homeschool participants this year! I know that they will create some wonderful pieces guided by this program.
I steered clear of most of the science tables. There was a lot of emphasis on "explaining the evolution conspiracy" and the like at most of those booths -- and I wasn't interested in getting any information from them.
Rainbow Resources had a large area, and I did pick up some pattern blocks from them because I knew Nate would love them (I was right). I've purchased things from them in the past, and have always been happy with their quality, prices and service. Their catalog is huge -- with very few pictures - so it can be hard to get through. But, if you have an idea of what you want, chances are their price will be hard to beat.
I stopped at a few of the math tables - mainly to have information for future years. I also stopped at the booth for a group that organizes homeschool phys ed and karate classes. The Sacred Heart Educators group that I joined has a dedicated phys ed class once/week through this group, but I think we're going to pass on that this year. I do, however, think I'm going to sign up Nate for the karate class.
Overall, it was a good day. I got some good information, and feel confident that we're headed into a great year!
On my way home, I stopped at Barnes and Noble to show them my homeschooling affidavit and receive my educator's discount card. 20% is a nice discount - and I immediately put it to use purchasing some trail guides for our nature studies.
I wasn't sure what to expect - I knew there would be lots of vendors and there were many workshops set up. I looked at the workshops, and was interested in a few -- but ultimately decided to spend the majority of my time looking at the vendors.
I felt I was pretty set for curriculum for this year. Pre-K and Kindergarten shouldn't be intensive and I'm happy with the CHC curriculum. I did want to get some ideas for the future, though, and also see some things I've only read about on the internet.
The hall was full of vendors. One of the best booths (IMO) was the Arizona State Parks. I didn't know that they had a "junior ranger" program and a prepared curriculum for the Kartchner Caverns. They gave me posters with pictures of the badges the boys can earn at the different state parks, and many brochures. This fits in so well with my planned nature studies for the year!
My other big find was an art program. The program consists of dvd lessons, manual and prints of various fine art pieces. With the love of drawing that both boys have, I knew that this would be a great program to pursue! It was a little pricey, but I decided that it was worth it (after a quick call to DH.) I can't wait to get started on it! Another advantage is that I was recently talking to the woman in charge of art submissions at the state fair and she was telling me how she was going to push for more homeschool participants this year! I know that they will create some wonderful pieces guided by this program.
I steered clear of most of the science tables. There was a lot of emphasis on "explaining the evolution conspiracy" and the like at most of those booths -- and I wasn't interested in getting any information from them.
Rainbow Resources had a large area, and I did pick up some pattern blocks from them because I knew Nate would love them (I was right). I've purchased things from them in the past, and have always been happy with their quality, prices and service. Their catalog is huge -- with very few pictures - so it can be hard to get through. But, if you have an idea of what you want, chances are their price will be hard to beat.
I stopped at a few of the math tables - mainly to have information for future years. I also stopped at the booth for a group that organizes homeschool phys ed and karate classes. The Sacred Heart Educators group that I joined has a dedicated phys ed class once/week through this group, but I think we're going to pass on that this year. I do, however, think I'm going to sign up Nate for the karate class.
Overall, it was a good day. I got some good information, and feel confident that we're headed into a great year!
On my way home, I stopped at Barnes and Noble to show them my homeschooling affidavit and receive my educator's discount card. 20% is a nice discount - and I immediately put it to use purchasing some trail guides for our nature studies.
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