"FPEA Convention - Why Bother?"
by Various Lighthouse Members

A number of Lighthouse members attended the Florida Parent Educator Association annual convention, and I think all of them would encourage you to attend! Here's what some of them had to say last May after the 2000 convention.


I attended several of the events at the FPEA convention and found them to be very beneficial. The best thing that I brought back home with me was the concept of creativity in teaching.

Speaker Steve Lambert (Five in a Row) was so right in emphasizing the need for homeschooling to not be a small duplicate of a public school classroom. I have done several unit studies this year and find them to be an excellent way for children to understand their world on many levels. Though textbooks can be very useful, I blend them into my teaching rather than rely solely upon them. This prevents the trap of students memorizing for the chapter test only to forget most of the material. Mr. Lambert pointed out that four years after college graduation 92 percent of the graduates failed when given their final exams when tested by surprise.

Another thing that I found helpful was the exhibit hall. The first day, I walked through the hall and spoke with exhibitors. That evening I shared information with my husband. This helped us make sound decisions and avoid impulse buying. I did not purchase a lot but am very pleased with what I did buy. I'm quite excited about using Beautiful Feet history through literature. It is a program I can adapt and use with all three of my boys.
~Kathleen S.~


Ask anyone who went-the convention was great! You may wonder why you should go to a homeschool convention. There are just too many reasons to list, but here are some of mine. I wanted to find unit study materials for the units I plan to teach next year. I found all and more that I needed in the exhibit hall. I also attended one of the vendor's lectures to see how to best use their product. I came away with a wealth of new ideas an approaches that I am sure will really energize my teaching. I was so excited I came home and showed my children all that we are going to do, and they are excited as well. It is a great feeling to look forward to the beginning of the next school year.

Another equally important reason to attend is all the excellent information you can obtain regarding the character aspect of educating your children. We all know that all he academics in the world will not make a person with poor character successful. It was great listening to Cynthia Tobias discuss differences in learning styles and personalities. I came away with some creative ideas to better deal with that child who is just so unlike me. It is really helpful to understand that my parenting abilities are not the problem. I just need to reconsider my actions in light of his personality. We are molding them; it is a slow process but the results will be great in the end.

All in all, I can say that the convention is a real shot in the arm. The atmosphere is so positive and upbeat. Everyone is of like mind about the benefits of homeschooling. It is a wonderful time of refreshing and renewal! Do yourself a favor and plan on attending the next convention.
~Jacque W.~

Every year I have wanted to go to the convention but didn't get it on the calendar before something else filled that spot. The year before I did buy tapes from it and they really opened my eyes. I realized that we needed to try some new things this year. It has taken me a year to work up the courage to break out of the "traditional schooling" mode, chuck my textbooks (which are almost sacred to someone with a degree in elementary education), and do what's best for my family. I have been researching and praying about this since last year.

The convention speakers confirmed that trying something new won't "ruin" my two girls. Textbooks are not the only way to go. And sometimes our children have the good ideas, if we give them the chance to be heard.

I listened to several speakers talk about writing-many things I knew from college but had forgotten to use in our homeschool. I also am looking at science from a fresh perspective, thanks to several science workshops I attended.

Just hearing the success stories of other homeschoolers inspired me. What was wonderful is that all the students were schooled differently, some traditionally and some even were "unschooled," yet they are all successful. Being around 3200 homeschool families helped me feel like a part of a movement that is making a difference in the world!

Having a degree in education has actually been a hindrance. Had I gone to the convention years ago, maybe I would have had the courage sooner to try more new things with my family rather than just doing what the schools say I'm supposed to do. I feel like a burden has been lifted, and our whole family is looking forward to a new year of fun and learning.

Don't wait to attend a convention. Don't let other things crowd it out. Start saving for it now. I look back at how things would have been different if I had attended conventions years ago, and I urge you to go. Everyone can gain something, if nothing more that the inspiration to be the best homeschool families we can be.
~Tricia H.~


If you have any questions about the convention program and schedule, what the costs are, or why you should attend, find someone who has gone and talk with her.

Yippee! That's the best I can put it. This was my first FPEA convention and I am thrilled I got to go. I had planned to go in the past, but when it came down to it I would use the excuse that the money could buy curriculum.

I feel so rejuvenated! The convention was a pat on the back that was a long time coming. I did not even realize I needed it, but it sure does make you feel good to see the vast number of people who homeschool.

The sessions were great and very motivational. I loved seeing some of the curriculum that I hear so much about. It was nice to be able to get my hands on it and make some good decisions. I was moved to tears in two of the sessions I attended, and other sessions were so informative.

I highly recommend any homeschooler to go at least once. Next year I would love to go with my husband.
~Sarah M.~


I was always interested in attending the convention but never felt I could take the time to go. But I wanted information about literature, science, and writing. I wanted to look at things, hands on. I wanted to be refreshed and fired up anew. So this time I determined I would go.

By the time I had heard just the first workshop speaker, I knew I was in for a great time. I felt I had gotten my money's worth already. The convention was packed full of motivation, information, and inspiration. I found answers to questions I didn't even know I had. Speaker after speaker confirmed the decision to homeschool. Statistics were presented that prove the value of home educating. I had delightful opportunities to talk with friends, give encouragement, and receive support.

I came away with excitement and encouragement to work at doing what God has called me to do, not only in home education but in other areas of becoming more of what He wants me to be.
~Joyce L.~


I originally had no intention of attending the 2000 FPEA convention. Having attended for the past several years, I figured I had pretty much seen everything it had to offer me. However, when I learned that the author of my most-loved math curriculum was going to be speaking, I changed my mind.

I'm certainly glad that I did! Sitting through Steve Demme's (author of Math-U-See) sessions was certainly a delight. His words of wisdom helped me see the many rewards of family togetherness and traveling the journey through life with a special learner for a child.

The highlight of the convention was the privilege of sharing the experience with a first-time attendee. In the past, I had always attended with my husband or alone, but this year I had the opportunity to attend with a friend and also meet up with others who were first-timers. How exciting it was to see them devouring all the wonderful information and make their way through the seemingly infinite selection of resources in the Exhibit Hall! It was almost like being with a child in a candy shop! I felt very renewed and invigorated as I fed off the enthusiasm of others.

I would encourage those of you who have attended the FPEA convention in the past to consider hooking up with someone who has never gone, especially if they are relatively new to home education. You will definitely be a help to that person in providing guidance in maneuvering through the sometimes endless sea of people and places. But I have no doubt that you too will benefit from seeing the convention through the eyes of another.

Those of you who have never been to an FPEA convention, see if you can find a convention veteran to accompany you. Just having someone along who knows her way around is immensely helpful. Some people are overwhelmed by just how BIG the convention is. I think it is tremendously empowering to see that we are part of such a vast movement in Florida and nationwide. With your knowledgeable guide by your side, I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience for you both.
~Lisa S.~


Return to Articles Page