Why do you homeschool?
Well I always wanted to homeschool even before I had children - I didn't like school much and once our first child was born I started researching and got more and more convinced - there are far too many reasons to put them all down, including different learning styles, and varying readiness to learn and the fact that children at school are under far too much pressure in my opinion - plus we can teach them what they really need to know.

What technique or curriculum do you use?

My eldest is only 6 and my youngest just 5 months so I admit we've only just really started with some formal schooling, which consists of math u see for maths, hooked on phonics, and then just things I print off internet or books we read though I have galloping the globe which I'm kinda hoping to start soon, I'm actually planning on buying them both a book tomorrow called holiday activity book it's only £3.99 but it's full of puzzles and practise writing and learning about countries so thought it would be great for over summer.

Do your kids work above or below grade level (or both!)?
At the moment I would say well below, but that's because I believe this country pushes chidren too young at school and I'm wanting to instill a love for learning, I'm confident though (most of the time) that come a few years time they will be well above their peers and actually enjoying their work while some of their peers will be fed up with school etc. 

What is your educational level?
NVQ level 2 (College)

Do you feel that your education level has an effect on your teaching (both limits and abilities?)

Not one bit - I'm often telling people it don't matter how "smart" you are because you're there learning right alongside your children and plus with all the information available these days on the internet etc you can always find out what you need to know.


What does your daily schedule look like?
We get up, breakfast, get dressed, clear up etc (I don't stick to any particular time) and then get the maths books out, the baby usually sleeps and I try to put our toddler in her chair to do some colouring though she's not always happy about this  then once we've done some of that I get hooked on phonics out, we're also kinda doing some memorising bible verses from a free ebook I downloaded based on alphabet. We're quite flexible I don't really force them and I try to take opportunities during day to sneak in some learning etc lol. My older two can usually be found on computer after dinner while youngest two sleep giving me a tiny bit of peace and quiet.

Are your kids always polite and ready to learn?
Ok then - if anyone's answered yes to this please tell me the secret  - my eldest is especially difficult when learning something new which she doesn't get - she really is quite lazy when it comes to academic work though she is very creative.

Do the kids (or you!) get frustrated?
I get frustrated with the fact that it always seems to be a dilemma whether to school or housework - I've still not found a happy medium and I really struggle to force myself to do all those little jobs everyday to make things run smoothly especially if children are being difficult or I'm feeling low. To be honest the chldren don't get frustrated really though my eldest just doesn't want to do it if she doesn't get it

How has this affected your parenting?

I'm not sure to be honest, I guess sometimes because I have them all day and night and my dh is self employed and nearly always found working whether out or in office then I guess I've not always got as much patience as I should have with them, but then I think spending all time with them enables me to keep a good relationship with them and know them well.

How much free time do they have?
Every afternoon at least - though I'm planning to continue schooling through most of summer holidays as we've only just really started what with the new baby etc.

What do they do during their free time?
Play, draw, go outside, fight  I admit though what I love to see most is when all 4 of them play together especially my 6, 4 and 2 year old, she always wants to join in and they nearly always let her and make time for her. I admit it warms my hear

What hobbies do they have?
My eldest goes to dancing, I think they're a bit young really for hobbies as such, my ds will play football anytime he gets and they always want to go Nannys if that counts lol. Oh yes and gogirlgames on the internet they love it.

What difficulties and challenges do you have with homeschooling? 

Knowing which curriculum to use, when to push them, when to leave things, how to entertain toddler and baby during school, where to keep everthing, how to be organised, how to fit in house work - quite a few really lol but it's all worth it 

What makes homeschooling enjoyable?
Being able to let them learn as they are ready and in way relevant to them and of course the freedom to do what we want when we want, go on holiday at cheap times, visit national trust places at quiet times and get chance to help my children develop character as well as academic skills (though not sure how good I am at that) lol

How do you get involved in the community?
To be perfectly honest we don't really - with 4 under 6 it's a little difficult, though we do go to church, I'm hoping to make it part of our lives when they are older I think it's important to teach them about looking after others in the community but not by neglecting your own family etc. which is why we don't do too much at the moment.

When do you have opportunities to interact with public or privately schooled children?
Whenever we're anywhere with other children! They've got lots of cousins, a few friends who go to school, my eldest goes dancing, sunday school, whenever we're at a park I've noticed especially my eldest (who actually is quite shy) always seems to find a friend - my dh took the eldest two to a park a few weeks ago and they were playing with a little boy whose Mum commented on how nicely they played and how they weren't spiteful (are most other children? )

Would you like more of these opportunities?
Only when we're ready

How can they be created?
I'm sure we'll find a way when the time is right

What is your least favourite homeschool stereotype?
I think it is the idea that by homeschooling you are locking your children up in the house and they don't know how to socialise - while I find my children are actually better already at socialising than many of their peers.

I've done  I did quite enjoy that though I admit I only had time as my lovely mother has got eldest 3 children - took them to pick my sister up from the train station bless her.