As I write this, our world is in the midst of a pandemic. Coronavirus/COVID-19 fever (literally) is making its way around the world, and instilling fear into the hearts of many of us.

I'm not here to minimize either the fear or our varied responses; I do wish to offer some hope and help.

I'm a firm believer in attending an annual homeschool convention, and in this post, I outlined five reasons why I feel it's so important.

Yet I understand that in these crazy times many people can't, or won't, or even shouldn't attend one. However, I also know that we still need encouragement...still need to mix and mingle with other homeschoolers...still need to remind ourselves that we're not alone...perhaps need to discover new resources and materials to utilize.

In short, we still need each other.

So how do we handle obtaining the benefits of attending "the fair" while staying safe during this coronavirus pandemic?

Enter the Virtual Homeschool Fair - the perfect solution

OK, maybe the almost-perfect solution. You can listen to presentations, "attend" workshops, and take virtual tours of products and curricula, all from the comfort of your own home.  The only thing missing is the feel and smell of books (and you bibliophages know what I mean!).  Oh, and of course bumping into strollers and peering over taller people's shoulders to see a display...

Honestly, there are quite a few benefits to attending these virtual conferences/conventions/workshops. They:

1. can cover a myriad of topics,
2. attract uh-MAZ-ing speakers,
3. cut the costs of attending a conference down to almost nothing,
4. while also offering super discounts and freebies in a "swag bag," and
5. usually provide lifetime access to the presentations and materials, which
6. allow you to get your tank refilled...your spirit refreshed...your mojo back!