We began homeschooling five months into our oldest son's kindergarten year. We've "tried" many things so far, including unit studies, Sonlight, Sonlight combined with The Well-Trained Mind, and are now using an eclectic blend of Charlotte Mason's theories, some classical-influenced techniques, and whatever else comes to mind.

Both of our older sons are ready learners, advanced for their ages. They both taught themselves to read at age 4 before I got around to it. They are a joy and a delight, despite one son's predilection for bringing home spiders and snakes to study, another who draws on everything, and a third who so far seems to find his greatest joy in flushing things down the toilet.

I never finished my Ph.D., but don't regret that at all. I find teaching my sons much more rewarding than attempting to beat facts into the heads of public university students taking my classes only because they are required. I believe email support lists are vital for homeschooling parents, that we may share advice, ideas, and bear each other up on those trying days.

Michelle