As homeschooling mothers, we focus so much on our children's education.  However, what are we doing about our own continuing education?  The longer I homeschool, the more inadequate I feel for the task.  While it's true that I learn a great deal right along with my children, I feel that I need to add something more to my own education.  I was a product of the public school system who just barely "squeaked by" to graduate.  Somehow I managed to come away with a love of reading which has led me to pursue learning  on my own since highschool.  I want to instill a love of learning in my children and encourage them to enjoy a lifetime of learning.

So how do I accomplish this lofty goal? Well, I don't know for sure.  Since my oldest is only ten, I don't have any time proven techniques!  However, I do have a couple of ideas that I pray will work.  The first is to make learning fun.  My children enjoy reading great stories and I try to accomidate them as much as possible.  I also like to add in as many fun projects and field trips as possible. 

Another idea is to follow their interests.  For example, both of my older boys are fascinated with all things to do with army, war and weapons.  We recently went to our county museum and the boys were able to read about some Revolutionary and Civil War heroes from our area.  They were also able to see memorabilia from actual soldiers who served in WWII and the current War in Iraq.  This was living history, something they could relate to because they were interested in the subject.  They weren't nearly as fascinated with the history of education and the one room school house display!

My final and, right now I feel, most important idea is for them to see me learning and enjoying the learning.  With that goal in mind, I let my kids see me "doing school" in the evenings.  How do I "do school"?  Well, mostly by reading and discussing the books I read with them.  I am using the Pre Year 7 Book List from Ambleside Online.  I have added a Shelfari Book Shelf to my site so that you can see what I'm reading or have read for my school! 

I'm excited to be able to share my love of reading and learning with my children.  I hope they can see that.  I hope that my passion for books will instill that same love of books and learning in them.  I hope to see them pursuing a lifetime of learning when they are grown... and passing that love on to my future grandchildren!

~Linda~