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my youngest, which in turn, teaches them communication skills, working in groups, and responsibility.

Another way we spend time together is watching TV. Ack! TV? Yes. As much negative press as TV gets, there are several beneficial programs for homeschooling. A&E classroom is an excellent source of information for kids of all ages, as well as The Discovery Channel, The History Channel, and National Geographic. Even The Magic School Bus, although a cartoon, is a great learning tool, even for H.S. students (and parents)!

When the weather is nice outside, we go to the park. We spend time reading, playing, counting, examining and/or collecting leaves, flowers, and exercising. Many times, we come home with a research project: "What kind of flower is this?" "Where are ants going, why do they sting, and what's under that big mound of dirt they travel to and from?" Nature is one of the best instigators to a curious mind. And, it's fun. The kids don't even realize they just had "Science," or "Math," or "P.E.," they just had an awesome day at the park, spending time with family.

"I hate math," is a common phrase heard by children and adults, alike. But, do they hate cards? Dominoes? Yahtzee? There are many games that teach math skills, and make doing math fun. Algebra can be fun, too. Yes, I said Algebra. Teenagers love to shop, eat out, and drive. You can teach Algebra using these life experiences, and once you point it out, the kids will be amazed they just did Algebra, unaware. Let them figure out the tip when you eat out. Give them $20.00 to go shopping, find the "buy 2 get 1 free" sales, and let them do the math. Plan a trip, and let them figure the gas mileage for it. The more kids can do hands-on, and apply to real life situations, the better they learn and understand concepts. This is another place the Internet comes in handy, there are many, many sites for tutoring, ideas, and ways to make math fun to your kids.

Singing is a great way to learn words kids have a hard time spelling. I used the tune to "One, little, two, little, three, little, Indians" to teach my youngest child how to spell "Friends." She was having a hard time remembering it, so we started singing it: F-R-I-E-N-D-S, F-R-I-E-N-D-S, F-R-I-E-N-D-S, friends are the best! It was fun, she learned it right away, never forgot again, and it built her confidence. Singing is also a good way to learn foreign languages. There are many CD's available with songs kids can follow a long with, as well as, level appropriate workbooks. Many worksheets can be found online.

Whether you choose to use a typical school format, or using life experiences to homeschool your children, most resources can be found on the Internet, lessening the cost of curriculum. I rarely have to purchase curriculum for homeschool. There are so many wonderful people out there who have provided most of the material for you, helpful guides, tutoring sites, worksheets, almost anything you could need is already available, free of cost. Search engines will find almost anything you have a need for, and will find plenty from which to choose.

Homeschool has been one of the greatest experiences of my life, and I know it will be for you, too. I spend an enormous amount of time with my kids, falling in love with them all over again, every day. Forget about all the rules, forget about conformity, their innate desire to learn is there; all you have to do is listen to them, and follow. They will guide you into a world only kids can see, and remind you what life is really about: love, happiness, dreams, awe, and fun - lots and lots of fun!

Learn more about this author, Rene Polvado.
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