Another thing that I thought I would like to share with you is what we have planned for our children to use/read/assimilate in the process of their education at home and how I arrived at the result in case it helps someone else.

It took me 4 years of 'officially' homeschooling before I plucked up the focus and motivation to see this project through; and it took about 6 months to finalise. I was sick of 'winging it' year by year and wanted to see the greater plan, not just year by year but also the progression within each subject area.

In my volunteer role as co-ordinator of a regional homeschooling network I often come across materials that others are using or I get asked my opinion on, so have to do my homework.

This doesn't mean that what I think about anything is the definitive best - I realise that there are different strokes for different folks, but it gives you insight into the multitude of products that I have seen.

I guess I need to describe our philosophy for you so you can see how this aligns with your own.

We believe:

• that the love of learning is to be nurtured
• that children have a natural capacity for discovery
• that formal curricular learning is best delayed
• that children under 10 need only to be taught to read, be involved in real-life maths, and given the time and explanations that 'teachable moments' bring. Twaddle-free reading rules!
• that each child is an individual and will have interests and strengths in varying areas
• that there are gender differences!
• that once a child begins textbook learning the aim within a couple of years is to make them responsible for their own schedule so they are working independently. To this end we have chosen materials that enable this.
• in character and moral development centred around a christian worldview and within a family
• that practical learning in the real world is far richer that dry theory

So there you have it - our priorities, values, perspectives for what you are to read ahead.

I hope you join me for the ride on the school bus, even if you are not home educating -there will be something for everyone.