Homeschool conference coming up

A few years ago, I opted to homeschool my children. Bullfrog had been requesting it since I taught him preschool at home. Peanut was having many problems in school, so it was just easier to do both of them at home. We would still be homeschooling today had we not run into family problems in August of 2012. The kids are now happy in public school, but I have Monkey and Turtle to think about in a few years. I still do not know what I am going to do. I am not completely opposed to public school (obviously) but I also completely agree with homeschooling.

HOMESCHOOLING FACTS

• An estimated 1.8 million students, or 3.4 percent of the school-age population, were home schooled in 2013.
• In five years (2007-2013), homeschooling has increased 17 percent when looking at the total number of home schooled students. Of that number, 0.5 percent are K-12 students.
• Homeschoolers typically rank above average on measures of social, emotional, and psychological development, including peer interaction, self-concept, leadership skills, family cohesion, participation in community service, and self-esteem.
• Homeschoolers regularly engage in social and educational activities outside their homes and with people other than their nuclear-family members, including political drives, church ministry, sports teams and community volunteer work.
• Home-educated students typically score 15 to 30 percentile points above public school students on standardized academic achievement tests, including those who didn’t have certified teachers as parents.

Sources: The US Department of Education and National Home Education Research Institute

So, are you also considering homeschooling but afraid to make the step because of the massive amount of information? If your child is a preschooler, then you really should take advantage of a conference that is coming to Kansas City on April 4 and 5th at the KCI Expo Center. It is the 2014 Midwest Parent Educators(MPE) Homeschool Conference and Curriculum Fair. This is a HUGE conference and organization. Parents of preschoolers get to get in FREE ($50 value) and there will be over 180 exhibitors present.

If your child is already in school, you can register for $50 per person and your spouse is free. If you order BEFORE March 21, then it is only $40! You can register online for POPS and there will be a Children's Program for all kids ranging in age from 5-12. Registration for that program is only $35 for two days for the first two children, and it is FREE for any additional children. If you are only going one day, the cost is $20 for the first two children and FREE for any additional children.

The deadline for ALL online registration is March 30 so you have a little time to think about it. Don't take too long though, as this is a fantastic deal. Tickets will be available at the door, but they will be higher. You can find more information about the MPE conference at http://midwesthomeschoolers.org/conference, calling 913-599-0311, or emailing info@midwesthomeschoolers.org.

Make sure you also follow MPE on Facebook and Twitter!