Math-U-See Blog

Blocks, books, bags and “b.o.b.”

July 7-10 I was in Ontario California at the Christian Home Educators Association (CHEA) of California’s annual convention. I flew out to meet our California representatives, help with the Math-U-See booth, and to meet all the wonderful California Home educators.

Here is the booth before the vast throng came in

I arrived that afternoon and got to interact with the wonderful group of California home educators. That evening and the next two days were quite busy, except for the keynote addresses the Math-U-See booth was occupied with a constant flow of customers, happy users and convention browsers.

One of the convention attendees and happy Math-U-See users was Jenny, we had met through blogging and it was fun to meet her in person.

Jenny and I

There were nine people, including myself working behind the booth, luckily we all liked each other and showered each day so it was bearable Our job was to answer any questions, demonstrate how Math-U-See is used and to assist with purchases. I even helped a few ladies carry books out to their cars, I guess I was a b.o.b. as well (see end of post for explanation of b.o.b.)

The new and improved booth setup

One of my favorite things to do is to illustrate how to teach polynomials with the blocks. I showed this to one couple and I got to see the “light bulb” of understanding turn on. Now we have another member of the MUS family

I also got to attend the Math-U-See vendor workshop and see Dan Sinclair demonstrate how Math-U-See is used. Both the workshops were filled to overflowing with people so it was a little hot but the presentation was well done.

Explaining “decimal street”

What about b.o.b.? b.o.b. is the acronym I made up for the husbands at homeschool conventions, they are generally laden with numerous packages and pulling some form of curriculum carrier. I call these courageous souls, b.o.b. meaning, beast of burden Keep up the good work of supporting your family and serving them.

It was a busy, fun, tiring weekend but one that leaves you with a feeling of accomplishment. I enjoyed meeting new people, seeing California and spreading the news that Math can be fun and doable.

A beautiful view

If you were at CHEA (or wished you could have come) leave a comment.
To see a list of upcoming events where Math-U-See will be click here.

Our trip to the Ohio Home Educators convention was a success!

We arrived Thursday in time to head to the Math-U-See booth and meet everyone, then start answering questions and meeting happy Math-U-See users. It felt like one big happy family. The convention kept us busy until we left Saturday afternoon. The first night I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting these wonderful people at the convention. All Math-U-See users and fun people as well. I went out with them to eat at Steak ‘n’ Shake and had a great time.

Fun Times

One of my duties included giving a Math-U-See Survey to help us learn more about our customers, so we can better serve them. I’ll be posting some of the results soon.

Our Math-U-See reps for Ohio were there along with Peter. They did an excellent job keeping up with the flood of people at the Math-U-See booth.

Peter taking orders and answering questions

Steve (aka pop) gave several of his family workshops, and as always, had fun meeting Math-U-See users

After the Discipleship talk

Meeting Steve the “movie star”

It wasn’t all work and no play: I got to meet and hang out with a group of homeschool grads. We are all members of Homeschoolalumni.org, an online community for homeschool grads. We decided to have a mini get-together. It was fun to get together and swap stories of being homeschooled.

Our little group

I also got to meet Todd Wilson, founder of family man ministries. I attended his talk on the “perfect” family and was refreshed and encouraged. Afterwards I went to his booth and got to meet him in person.

The Family Man - Todd Wilson

A good time was had by all, and we returned on Saturday to much-deserved rest. If any of you were at the Ohio convention, leave a comment and share your thoughts.

-Ethan

P.S. A parting picture of what I would have looked like 14 years ago at a homeschool convention…

I used to have both of those guns