Recently, I was able to attend a homeschool convention. Though I’ve been homeschooling for about 8 years, this was the first chance I’ve ever had to go to one. I had so much fun and came away greatly encouraged. I hope that I can give you just a taste of that encouragement.

First of all, there are a lot of us. Several hundred homeschoolers attended the convention, and it was a low year. In addition to that, within Sequoia Grove schools there are thousands of us. Homeschooling is no longer a fringe thing to do. Really, I’m not sure it was before the pandemic, but now it’s certainly not. If you are feeling negativity from others around you, know that this is now a tried-and-true method of education.

The expo area at the convention was overwhelmingly amazing. It took so long to get through. Over a hundred vendors with books, curriculum, subscription boxes, science projects, camps, tutoring services, and so much more. I was both in awe and utterly drowning in options. I was excited to shop for my kids (or take down names to request as vendors), but at the same time, I kept thinking “Abraham Lincoln didn’t need all of this to be well-educated.” As we try to do our very best educating our children, we have vast resources at our fingertips. But also, know that simplicity is beautiful. Books and nature can provide so much. If you are waiting for curriculum or if you are evacuated right now, just read with your kids. And if the smoke isn’t too bad, go for walks. Really look at the birds, plants, and trees.

As I wandered from booth to booth in the expo area, I realized that what I was enjoying most was talking with the vendors about their products. Many of the people who had created the products themselves were there. They were so excited and passionate and creative! And many are truly rooting us on. They want to help us teach our children and create space for them to grow and thrive. I met Nicole the Math Lady. She made a little video for my daughter and invited her to contact her directly. Suddenly Algebra 1 doesn’t seem so daunting. I got to talk to Andrew Pudewa, the creator of Institute for Excellence in Writing, and listen to two of his workshops. I’ve never been very interested in that curriculum, but I am now! He is such an incredible thinker that I want him to teach my children! As I sat through a hilarious presentation by Sarah Mackenzie of Read Aloud Revival, I was encouraged that all the things that “interrupt” school are in fact part of the process. “That’s the job!” as she put it. Laundry and housekeeping and 2-year-olds come with the package. They are part of the homeschool experience. We shouldn’t be surprised to find them in the midst of every day.

So parents, as this crazy 2021 marches along, covering us in smoke or kicking us out of our houses, as we work to figure out masks and math, be encouraged. Homeschooling works. One day at a time. You have a whole team of people rooting you on—from curriculum creators to your HST to all the staff and administrators that work hard to build your school into something that gives your kids the wings to fly.

Rebecca LaSavio