I am a former homeschooling mom. All of my children were taught the conventional elementary subjects from preschool to sixth grade:

1. Math; addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division;

2. Language Arts; covering letter recognition, phonetics, writing, sentence structure, spelling and dictionary studies, paragraphing, reading and journaling.

3. Science was a mix of interest ranging from the studying of the Solar System, Earth Structure, Basic Chemistry found in the kitchen, Gardening, and Home Economics, covering sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, and even how to make their bed and clean their room. Depending on the age of the child, determined the application of childcare basics.

4. Arts and Crafts were sometimes constructed out of any of their lessons.

5. The Art of Manners: I worked with multiple ages. Each child is unique. Even if there are more than one in a family, each should be accepted and respected as an individual, and as part of a group. As they learn the difference between personal time alone and their place in a group they learn to be sensitive to accept and respect others for the same. Please, thank you, your welcome, excuse me, and a kind word, go a long way.

I believe in first things first. Introductions to a new person must always start at the beginning. And as we go along we get to know each other. If it starts out difficult then The Name Game or The Game of Favorites can help to break the ice. Then to know what is expected and what the rules are helps everybody stay on the same page for a good and successful outcome.

There is a learning style and a teaching style for everyone. They are easier to find on a one to one basis than they are collectively. Once it is established, learning takes on a whole new meaning and the grades are made without much trouble, depending on the child.

While I was raising my children, I pursued a college education of my own. In Vermont I studied Introduction to Counselling and Children's Literature. In Washington State I contin