I was homeschooled all the way from preschool to graduation.

I never spent one day in a public school.

I feel blessed to be able to say that. My parents spent a lot of time and money on my 4 siblings and I to give us the best education.

I formed really close bonds to my sisters and brother that I just do not think would have happened otherwise.

I was also taught how to self educate myself which has been so helpful when I want to learn something totally new like Photography!

Those years of being homeschooled myself influence the way I teach my boys in a big way.

If I remember something I tend to use that same type of thing on my boys.

The things that stick out in my mind the most are:

Reading a classic at the start of every school day

Games (online and board)

Songs and rhymes

Biography’s and historical novels instead of textbooks

Creative play

and Field Trips

These are just some of the top things I remember.

I do not base everything I do now on my homeschool experience but it is really helpful to have been in the place my boys are now.

One of the things that I remember the most though is my mother’s love of books.

She would get so caught up in a story she was reading school would be delayed.

She would get so into the book we were reading in the morning she would read more then she meant to.

Sometimes one of us had to read because she could not read anymore due to her tears.

She really showed me books are important.

That is what I want to pass on to my boys.

My passion for reading.

My love of books.

If they learn that I know they will succeed.

Let your kids see you read.

They will remember that more then any words you say about how important reading is.