Growing up, I wasn’t interested much in learning. I struggled with reading and math, so I decided it wasn’t worth trying my hardest. Writing notes to my friends in class was far more important than getting an education. No wonder I was an average student at best!

But, God gave me a second chance with homeschooling. Homeschooling is the best because I learn with my children.

Paying attention to my teacher in class was not a priority in the early years of my education. I remember in middle school leaving a note inside the corner of a desk for a friend every day in social studies. I was more concerned about my social status than social studies in school! My misleading thoughts were — why bother when I didn’t get it anyway?!!

31 Days of Homeschooling is the Best Because Series – Find all of the series here. 

I discovered later in life in my early 20’s when I started working on computers that I was kinesthetic or learned best by touching (multi-senses). It took me 21 years though to figure that out. When I became a mom, I was determined to find out what my kids’ learning style was as early as possible. Thankfully, I did figure it out in upper elementary school and it hasn’t changed in the middle school years.

Homeschool is Best Because I Learn with My Children

Somehow though, with God’s grace, all of the wonderful adventures I missed in public school through books and literature would now come alive for me alongside my children. We used “living books” or history books written through story-telling.

When I first taught them to read, I was amazed at how many phonic rules and terms I wasn’t aware of. I remember my kids’ piano teacher asked me if I was teaching them digraphs. I had to go home and look it up! If she would have said blends, I would have said yes! See, I was learning with my children!

History

During the early elementary age years, we took our time and read through Child’s History of the World over a 3 year period. We first read about the first forms of writing. Plus, when the first marathon took place! Did you know that the first marathon runner collapsed and died? Neither did I!

We also enjoyed learning about the line of kings in England all the way to our history of America. We’ve created a War of the States timeline and built the town of Jamestown using printed pieces of paper.

Math

As my daughter struggled with fractions, I re-taught myself how to multiply fractions using Youtube videos. Then, I showed the videos to her and we did it together. Shortly after, my son’s math program got into fractions as well. So, it was easy for me to teach him the shortcuts I learned the year before.

Child’s Learning Styles

You see, when you homeschool, you’re also learning ABOUT your children. Education doesn’t have to be all about facts. Homeschooling allows you to figure out your child’s learning styles, struggles, and strengths. If they are attending public school all day, you don’t have that precious time with your children and can’t get it back — ever.

I discovered early on through audio books that my daughter was auditory. If I said something, she’d remember. If I wrote it down, she’d forget. My son, on the other hand, is visual. He sees something once can remember. He’s a great speller and reader.

Both of my children have unique abilities. If I have a problem to solve quickly, I call my daughter. She sees solutions that I don’t. My problem solver. If I need help around the house whether it’s cleaning or cooking, she is there for me.

If I need something carried or put away, my son is ready and able. He’s also great with correcting my pronunciation when I’m speaking a word incorrectly — especially when it comes to a dinosaur’s name or a football player! My rule follower.

Final thoughts

The best part about homeschooling is learning about our Creator — together. We read the bible as a family and discuss certainerses and their meanings. We talk about our relationship with God and how we can become more like Him by getting to know him. My kids can recite all of the books of the bible and find passages quickly. They’ve memorized 50+ verses over their lifetime and can tell you them all by heart. Their strength.

And, guess what? I’ve learned bible verses too. And, I can sing all of the books of the bible. Not as well as they can, but I attribute that to ‘mom memory’. And, if you’re a mom, you know EXACTLY what I mean. My weakness.

Homeschooling is the best because I learn with my children.

Natalie Fullmer is married with two children. After leaving her IT career in the healthcare industry, she decided to stay home full-time and homeschool both children. She runs two blogs, works part-time as a Virtual Assistant and teaches English to Chinese children. She also loves writing for Homeschooling with Heart and is a member of the Homeschool Review Crew. She loves sharing her minimalist approach with other homeschool moms on her blog at http://contentwithsimple.com. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.