Our ten tips for homeschooling...

We sat down with our parents and asked them their advice for homeschooling...so we give you:

The Timfam's  Ten Tips for Homeschooling! 

1. Find a support group, and if there isn't one-make one! Our Mama was in three different homeschooling groups and then in a neat kind of circumstances, five moms on our street all decided to homeschool and so an Aylmer homeschooling group was born.

2. Research. It does take alot of work, but our parents read plenty of different books on how to educate. They also observed us learning, and directed their teaching style to all our different ways of learning. 

3. Ask for help if needed.  A few of us struggled with learning how to read, do math formulas etc. and instead of getting us tested for learning disabilities, they decided to hire a tutor to help them teach us. They learned that it is okay for kids to not read until ten, it's not the end of the world if multiplication doesn't happen overnight, learning takes time and lots of patience. The tutor was a huge help and stress relief for our parents, as she taught them lots of neat tricks.

4. Create a positive learning environment. We didn't have our t.v. on the main floor of our home, instead it was in the family room, away from where we did school. Our whole main floor became a learning center. Books were and still are everywhere. Our parents created science corners, art centers, and projects galore. At one time we did a huge unit study on the Amazon, and our whole family room wall became an Amazon collage. Even thought we were all at five different grades, our parents just gave us specific work on the Amazon for our level of learning. The dining room table is used for much more then just eating! 

5. Buddy system. Since there were so many of us at different levels, older and younger, our parents led us to peer-teach. Elese and I would help Leah and Charlotte with their assignments, Zac would help them with Math, we all took turns reading etc. We became a unit. We all had chores, charts, and responsibilities to help the other. A big kid and little kid would be on dishes, etc. 

6. Start the day with a family meeting/prayer time. Some morning were rough, we kids wouldn't always get along, but we all knew that the day started in the living room, with our Mama leading us in prayer. We would do the readings for the day, say our intentions and then that would lead us into our lessons. Looking back now, we learned not just prayer on that couch, but how to work through our relationships. We weren't always very friendly first thing in the morning, and so forgiveness was taught. 

7. Look for activities, groups, social events for homeschooling. We took swimming lessons, art lessons, French, music etc. There are so many possibilities! Just be careful to not be too busy, home time is important. 

8. Make time. If you are homeschooling parents, it can be hard to have couple time. Our parents worked at making time for themselves together. Plus it helped having live in babysitters! 

9. Go to homeschooling conferences. They usually happen in the Spring, and offer so much knowledge and support. There are plenty of vendors, with different curriculum, books, unit studies etc. 

10. Enjoy being with your children. Our parents had a lot of fun with us, and we are grateful. We would go on spontaneous nature walks, they cooked and baked with us, played games, did puzzles, did Christmas plays, Holy week activities etc. Looking back, our parents realize that time does go by so fast.Those moments with your busy, young kids might seem like decades when your are in it, but they go by oh so quick. Try to just be in the moment and enjoy your lovely kiddies!