I have mentioned that before I was a mom, I was a junior high teacher in Utah. I taught at both a public school and a charter school. My philosophy in education, which has become even more strongly this past year, is that the best kind of education differs for each family and child. I support public, private, magnet, charter, virtual, and homeschool.

That’s why I am so excited to work with the Kansas Home Educators on their annual Kansas Home Education Show later this month. So, if you are curious about homeschooling, or being more involved in your child’s education, this show is for you.

Hear what homeschooling mom of 4, Alicia Unruh has to say about the Kansas Home Education Show:

This is my first year of homeschooling and I’m not sure where to start. I don’t know what curriculum to choose, how to write a schedule or what my space should look like. I also need to figure out the laws and what I need to record.  So, a friend recommended that I attend the Kansas Home Education Show. She said their would be curriculum vendors, workshops, and a place to ask questions. It seemed overwhelming, but I decided to register and go. I would love to tell you about my experience. 

Before I went to the Kansas Home Education Show, I decided to look at all of the workshops that were being offered. Wow! There were so many choices. So, I decided to pick 3 that I wanted to make sure I attended and then decide the rest later. I decided to attend a “How to Get Started” workshop. It was amazing! I learned all about the laws and what I need to record. They also told me about curriculum and some suggestions about setting up my space! I also did not realize that there are so many things you could get involved with. I decided to look into some of the co-ops and p.e. classes. I attended several other workshops that day and I was so encouraged when the speakers shared their struggles and how they overcame different obstacles. I even learned how important brain breaks are and how to take our learning outside.

Next, I ventured down to vendor hall. Whoa! That was a scary place. Everywhere you looked there were new shiny things I wanted to purchase. I took the advice of my friend and only looked at complete curriculum vendors first. I talked to several vendors, and they were extremely helpful. They were able to answer all of my questions about their curriculum and how to make the best choice for me and my child. Next, I decided to look at some of the manipulatives to help add to my day. I found slime, blocks, science kits and much more. I had so much fun looking at everything. Then I noticed that some of the groups that they talked about in the workshops had booths too. So, I went and talked with a few of them. I found out that they even have Homeschool Bowling! 

I still had a few more questions and I was still nervous, so I headed over to the Coaching Corner. I was able to sit one-on-one with an experienced mom and ask all my remaining questions. What should I do when we have a sick day or something unexpected comes up? My coach had several suggestions and it helped calm my nerves. She even offered me some chocolate, which I needed after my day. 

I found the Kansas Home Show so beneficial! I was able to purchase my curriculum in person which I loved. I learned so much about homeschooling and all of the different options that are available. I had no idea! I feel much more prepared to start my journey as a homeschool mom. I would highly recommend attending the Kansas Home Show if you are considering homeschooling. I can’t wait to attend next year!

Alicia Unruh has been married to Travis for 19 years. They have 4 boys and have been homeschooling for 11 years. Next year, they’ll have a junior in high school and a kindergartner, so they’ve been on quite the journey. Alicia loves all things Disney and she loves to read!

Kansas Home Education Show

Friday, May 21 & Saturday, May 22

Century II Expo Hall, Wichita

*This post is sponsored by Kansas Home Educators.

The Kansas Home Education Show will be held May 21-22, 2021, at the Century II Expo Hall in Wichita, KS. This is an annual event for homeschool families with vendors selling educational resources, and homeschool training workshops.

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