Choosing to homeschool is an awesome experience. The opportunities for lessons, all types of lessons are too numerous to list! We've been homeschooling for seven years. We've had our ups and downs, but every year I re-evaluate and I do a little more research in the hopes that our upcoming years will have only ups. God has shown us mercy, and every year gets better than the last. I say all that to let you know sometimes it may get rough, but you're definitely not alone. Stay in prayer, keep your focus, know your limits and make special moments out of little moments. One of the moms in the group told me about some great materials available at the SESTHA Conference, and I bought them and did some more research. God has been confirming information that I've been receiving from different sources, and some of that information is what I'd like to share with you this evening.

Everyone who knows me, knows that I am big on structure and organization. Those who already homeschool know that this combination could be dangerous, when you're constantly in a world of uncertainties. If you're like me and you're rigid in structure and organization, loosen up. It is a benefit to an extent, but flexibility is definitely the key. Now, if you're not organized or structured, then you need to sit down and evaluate what you're going to do this upcoming year. Set a goal, write it down and keep it in front of you at all times. When things don't seem like they're going right, review your goals. You'd be surprised how on target you actually are. One of the biggest benefits to homeschooling is having flexibility, being able to set your goals and schedule for your family, and most of all making learnable moments out of areas that normally get passed over. For me, I love traveling with my children and they are able to tell me the names of flowers, trees and birds. This means one of my goals was achieved. That goal was to make my children aware of the natural wonders that God has placed all around them. There was nothing special that I did, I just noticed when the subject was introduced to them they were excited about it and so I bought materials that nurtured that, and they were very receptive to it. That's an example of taking a little moment and turning it into a memorable moment.

When you notice what your child enjoys, nurture it and make it fun. Include it in your lessons. For example, if your child likes cars, then use them in math for counting. In language, use a car to drive through a sentence, pausing for commas, and coming to a complete stop for a period. Let your imagination run wild! That's what homeschooling is about! Take the ordinary and make extraordinary, and your child will never forget it!

Teach tough subjects during the period of time that your children are most receptive. Their most receptive time would be when their blood sugar is high and the child has had sufficient rest. For our school, this is the morning. I do all of my teaching early, and I do the quote unquote, "fun and creative" things in the afternoon. If your child isn't understanding something, get off it and then attack it in a new way, or on another day. When you do this, you and your child will avoid feeling frustrated and defeated. One thing I have found out, is that it is not productive to have children sit forever doing all of their lesson until it's finished. To get more and better productivity from your child you should intersperse a physical activity immediately following a quiet thinking activity. Alternating seatwork with chores or athletic activity will invigorate the brain for both types of work. An example would be to have them do some math and go run to make up their bed. Do some more math and then go do another physical activity. Etc. Etc.

There is a wealth of information available for homeschooling parents. A great curriculum source is the Curriculum Manuals by Cathy Duffy. She has one for the elementary level and a combined one for junior/senior levels. Make sure to contact SESTHA (South East Texas Home School Association) at SESTHA.org to get their information packet. This packet will inform you of your rights and all the legalities of homeschooling in Texas. Log on to HSLDA.org to find out if you would be interested in joining the Home School Legal Defense Association. This organization is really important to look into if you're facing any type of opposition from anyone regarding your choice to homeschool. Make sure you're a part of a great Homeschool Support Group. This is a key element for the parents and also for the children. The field trips and outings give the children social time.

In closing, people always ask us why we've chosen to homeschool and I've always been able to let them know, but it's always been quite wordy. This summer I found out how to sum it up in one sentence, and I'd like to share that with you. "My husband and I aim to create lifetime lovers of learning."