Joy in the Ordinary

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Q & A with Homeschool Mom: Tauleece

I was first introduced to Tauleece Thomas in the African-American Homeschool Moms Facebook group.  She is one of the many moms who share snippets about her homeschooling journey specifically parts of the story that involves getting her sons into college free and hands-on learning activities for her children who are currently homeschooling.

Meet Homeschool Mom, Tauleece!

Tell us a little bit about your homeschool. How long have you homeschooled? What does your homeschool environment look like? 

We have been homeschooling since March 2007....so almost 10 years. Our environment looks different on any given day! The main school room is a den/sunroof area. It used to house 5 students, but we are now down to just two are after graduating our three oldest kids in "rapid succession"...2012, 2014 and 2016

How did your family decide to become a homeschooling family? 

My husband, a former public school teacher, was the impetus and driving force behind our decision to homeschool. I was leery and not quite for it when he first mentioned it before our oldest turned 5...so we went the public school route. Over the years, the kids flourished and did well but something was always "missing" and there was always those intermittent experiences with the public school system that left us feeling like we could do school better job of meeting their complete educational needs. So, eventually, we pulled the three oldest from public school at grades 7th, 5th and 3rd and started our homeschool journey. Our youngest two have only ever been homeschooled.

What is your favorite part about home schooling? What helps you to keep going? 

My favorite part about homeschooling is being able to determine and mold their character as human beings. I love the fact that any academic lesson can become an in-depth life lesson and that their love of learning has been able to be based on self-enrichment rather than just passing tests.

What are your struggles with being a home schooling parent? 

Scheduling!!!! The older boys became exponentially busier once we began homeschooling than they had been in public achool.....uh, didn't see that coming at all! Lol! And now these two youngest have added everything under the sun because they are so open and will willing to try and experience new things, new places, new activities and new subjects.

Share a few words of encouragement with other moms who home school. What is your tip for keeping atmosphere joyous in your home? 

Homeschooling is a lifestyle....embrace it! Acknowledge and appreciate every small victory and accomplishment. Let those things be your remembrance fuel on those days that are tough, frustrating, or feel like an up hill battle.

A bit more about Tauleece, her family, and resources ...

Tauleece and her husband, Roger, are the parents of five children who are ages 22, 20, 18, 13 and 10.  They have graduated three sons from Thomas Academy Preparatory school who are attending college on full academic scholarships.

The Thomases give back to their community through their educational consultant services,  HOMESCHOOL RESOURCE NETWORK .  For information, email them at hrn.educationalservices@yahoo.com.

They also practice law at THE THOMAS FIRM.  For such services, you can reach them through these channels: 301-910-9295 (phone) 832-204-2500 (fax) tthomas_attorney@yahoo.com. 

eBook by Roger & Tauleece Thomas Raising Spirits: 3,010 thought provoking words about parenting future generations

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