Last year, I decided to create a Homeschool Convention Notebook at the prodding of Betty from Peace Creek on the Prairie. I’m so glad I did!
I found in my stash of notebooks (because every good homeschool mom has a stash of notebooks) a white notebook that had a clear cover where a cover page could be inserted. Since most homeschool conventions hand out session schedules, that’s where I put my session schedule for each day, so I had it at a glance. No need to open anything and search.
I also marked every session I was interested in. I starred it if I was interested, circled it if that was my definite choice, and wrote “Tape” next to any I intended to purchase the recording for (even though technically no one uses tapes anymore!)
Since I was speaking at our local convention, I put my speaking notes at the front of the notebook, followed by notebook paper to take notes on and a folder for loose papers from vendors and speakers sessions.
In the back cover, I put my list of items I was looking for. Again, it was quick to glance at in the always-crowded vendor hall. Last year, I didn’t have a lot of curriculum needs since we decided to create our own history/literature program.
The Teach Them Diligently Convention in March will be our first homeschool convention of the year (yes, sometimes we go to more than 1!) However, I anticipate this notebook being helpful for the 2:1 Blogging Conference in April too!
So, grab a notebook and make this convention season a little more organized!
Robin Butler says
Thank you so much for speaking about the Teach Them Diligently conference. We had never heard of it and after researching it decided to go. We are soooo excited to see what God is gonna teach us about our family while we are there.
Thanks again
Rebecca says
Love this idea! It’ll also help with that “lost” notes issue at the end of the conference. Will definitely be using this for our convention in April.
Thanks!
Tracy says
Our family is also going to the Teach Them Diligently Convention. It will be our first homeschooling convention ever! We are so excited. Thanks for this post. I would have never thought about bringing a notebook. 🙂
Amy says
Oh wow! This is quite a “first” convention to attend! Let’s just say, you might end up feeling like you are drinking from a fire hydrant, but it will be so worth it! Be sure to find me!
Tracy says
I am prepared to be a sponge and soak up as much as I can! 🙂 I’ll look for you. We have no idea what to expect. My husband is going to both the men’s breakfasts, so he is excited.
Jackie says
Teach Them Diligently will be our first also!! So excited and a little anxious as what to expect!!
Jacqueline says
this is great. Teach them diligently will be our first convention after 4 yrs hs. We are excited and I was was wondering on how to keep things, schedule etc, organized.
Kathy Sykes says
This is a really good idea. I have been to several conferences and my notes are all over the place. Since this year, I am following your lead, in being purposeful and intentional with my blog, I am creating a similar notebook for Blissdom in a few weeks. I have a goal set for what I need to learn and I need to be organized about it!
Thanks…..as always!
Shay says
Great idea! Definitely going to make one of these for 2:1!
Amy says
Awesome!
Christy says
Great idea! Thanks! We too will be attending the Teach Them Diligently Conference…..and I’ll be carrying a nifty binder to take notes and collect stuff thanks to you!
Amy says
Excellent! I realized today I’m going to have to recon my notebook since it looks like one of the kids claimed it for some school stuff! I might have to actually buy a new one! *gasp*
Katy says
This is an AWESOME idea and one I am going to implement in a few months at our convention. This is the first year I am going to stay for both days of convention. I never get to see all the speakers I want as I always went on the second day and got there that day. What a great way to easily carry the things I need, not lose the fliers and such I get, and to take notes.
Tracy says
I make a notebook each year but have NEVER thought of putting the day’s schedule on the front and my shopping list on the back!! Genius! The one I attend is in June. It is such a blessing! Each year we buy the MP3s of the whole convention. I try to remember to listen to them when sewing or folding laundry, always refreshes my spirit. Need to listen to one today 🙂
Kely says
I’ll be attending the TTD conference (our first conference) with my children (I’m a single mom). Love the idea of the notebook. We’ve been going through the schedule. My hardest decision is when to eat. I don’t want to miss anything. LOL.
Amy says
I know! I printed out the schedule the other day to start getting this year’s notebook ready and there is so much goody there, I don’t know what to choose! And many blessings to you as a single homeschooling mom! So proud of you!
Kelly says
Thanks-It has it’s moments. But you know the saying….If he leads you to it, he’ll get you through it. It’s one step at a time. Always with God leading the way. My son is doing the teen program, but I really need to narrow down what we’ll do. So many decisions, LOL. I haven’t even thought about finding time for the vendors (By the way, thanks for Raising Arrows. You are such a source of encouragement in my mailbox each day.)