Is there such thing as a homeschool store not online? Near chicago? where you can preview materials?

Question

Is there such thing as a homeschool store not online? Near chicago? where you can preview materials?

Answer 1

Usually a christian book store has material. I like that because you can see it. If there is a homeschool group in your area sometimes they have book fairs.

Answer 2

What you probably need is a homeschool fair or curriculum fair.  Are you a member of your local homeschool association (e.g., in Florida it's the FPEA- Florida Parent Educators Association)?  If not look for a similar name thru google, and find out what helps and benefits they offer.  They may have an annual fair like they do in Florida, then archive some of the lectures, resources, etc.

Answer 3

There are many HS conventions in Illinois where you can peruse the vendor hall.  Here's the best place to start for HS'ing info in IL:

http://www.illinoishouse.org/

Your best bet for previewing curricula is the Johnsburg Homeschool Resource Center.  They have a ton of materials you can look at, and even check out.  They have a staff member on hand several times a week to discuss HS'ing with you.  You can get the materials from inter-library loan to any IL library.  Check out time is 6 weeks.

http://www.johnsburglibrary.org/hrc.htm

There should be HS curricula at your local Christian book store such as Family Christian Stores, Mardels, etc.  Some have separate HS catalogs.

Rainbow Resource Center has a HUGE catalog.  They do "scratch and dent" sales throughout the state.  They're located in Toulon, IL:

http://www.rainbowresource.com/index.php

Many HS groups have "curriculum share" nights, where parents get together to discuss curricula and have a "show and tell".  Also, group used swap sales are great places to look at various curricula (and spend too much!).

Some of the more popular HS publishers have "motel nights" several times a year - A beka, Bob Jones, etc.  Some, like K12, have mini "expos".

If you're not connected to one of the *many* HS'ing groups in Chicagoland, I recommend you start there and get input from others - and perhaps set up a time to look over the materials members use.