Well, next week, I start. I’m scared, I won’t lie. I’m terrified that this decision to homeschool my daughter for middle school is going to torpedo my life as I know it.
But I know I’m making the right choice.
Not that I feel the need to justify my decision. I don’t. I got past that over a year ago when I first started to seriously consider what I was going to do. Homeschooling isn’t really that unusual anymore–at least not where I live. I know a lot of parents who are doing it for various reasons.
Mine are purely academic. My daughter is very bright, but easily bored. She achieved principal’s honor roll twice last year…and regular honor roll the rest of the time. She gets As in her academically challenging classes (by that, I mean classes designed for brighter kids) but was struggling (if you can consider solid Bs struggling) in her other classes. She was a bit of a behavior problem…if you consider drawing in the comic book she was writing instead of completing her assignments on time a behavior problem.
The issue? Boredom.
And the thing is, because I used to be a teacher, I don’t blame the teachers. I know what they are up against. I understand. I cannot expect any of them to custom-design a curriculum that would encourage the best out of my daughter. However, as a former educator, I also understand that a custom-designed curriculum is what she needs.
Enter homeschooling.
I’m a firm believer that “things happen for a reason” and since I know now that being a writer has always been my “calling” I’ve always wondered why I detoured into teaching for seven years. The thing is, I was good at it. Really good. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but teaching came naturally to me. I was at ease and at home in the classroom. I loved bringing literature to life with my students…I love teenagers. But I hated everything else about teaching…mainly vice-principals. (Though I loved the one I had in Atlanta. He was cool.) I hated the politics. I hated the one interfering parent who could ruin my whole week when I had twenty fabulous parents who were awesome. Anyway, I could write a whole blog about the teaching experience, but suffice it to say, I always wondered why my life went in that direction.
Now I think I know. I think I needed that experience in order to embark on this new adventure with my daughter. I needed to understand education from the other side so I could better deal with my gifted child. (And I don’t say gifted to brag…she honestly has a very high IQ–and that is not the blessing everyone thinks it is. It actually makes things harder sometimes. She has the POTENTIAL to be very, very smart…but she needs good instruction just like any other child…instruction appropriate to her needs and abilities. People forget that. They assume high IQ means “instant smart.” Um, no.)
So here’s my curriculum plan. She’s taking a keyboarding class (computer) and science through Florida Virtual School. I’ve spoken to both instructors and they sound incredibly nice, very understanding and very enthusiastic about their subjects and about the whole homeschool experiencing. She’s taking an art class at a local Theater and Dramatic Arts school that is only open to homeschoolers…and she’s taking that with a neighborhood girl who is her best friend. I’m teaching history and Language Arts (reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, etc.) through the mythology lessons I’ve designed. We’re also studying Latin and Greek roots.
Math is a bit of a mystery, but I have an idea what I’m going to do. I’m just not married to it yet. I feel this is the area that she has the most potential that hasn’t been tapped fully, so I think we’re going to do some review first so I can see really where she is.
And that’s it.
Some people say to me, “That’s it?” Where’s (insert subject of choice here.) Like…I don’t know, PE. I agree she needs a physical activity and she’s asked to go back to horsebackriding and that’s likely what we’ll do, but I’m in no hurry. I’m not a school. I’m me. I was a tough teacher, so I know she’ll get a lot out of what she’s doing. I’ll worry about what’s missing later.
The beauty of homeschooling!
And my writing? Well, I’m not taking her online courses with her. Homeschooling takes less time per day than traditional school. I figure if I can get in two solid hours, I can keep up with my deadlines. That’s the plan.
I promise not to blog too much about this and bore you out of your minds, but you’ll be hearing about it for sure. It’s a HUGE decision and I know my life will be very different. And yes, that has my scared. Excited, but scared!
So, if you have any advice…I’d love to hear it. Or just encouragement. Or maybe you have a question. Just don’t question my sanity…that’s been done and the decision is still out…
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold nearly thirty books to three publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her husband, daughter, spoiled dachshund, enormous guinea pig and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
3 Seductions and a Wedding
COLD SIGHT
Kiss Me If You Can
Wild For Him
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Actually, I think it’s cool and the blogging wouldn’t bother me at all. Maybe you should do a seperate blog on homeschool adventures.
The math and science part would kill me- not my strong subjects at all.
They had suggested it for my daughter when she was younger. We would have killed each other inside a week. It was not an option.
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ev, I think my daughter and I will do okay. Luckily, we don’t fight much…let’s hope that stays true!
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I think that’s a great decision you made. I hope you’ll have a very busy and satisfying year.
My son is only 9 and I’m planning to homeschool him in 2 years (no junior high for him). A friend of mine has homschooled her son from 11 to 15. The results were outstanding and her experience really helped us (hd and son too) to make the decision.
I hope you’ll share your expirience with us !!
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No middle school! If everyone decided to do this, do you think they’d finally have to fix the middle/junior highs in this world? Probably not! I applaud your decision and will share anything I learn! Thanks for the vote of confidence.
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Your reasoning all sounds very sane and logical to me! I hope it goes well; I’m sure it will. You have the perfect background to be able to make a success of this.
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Thanks, Louisa. BTW, I meant to tell you that in my new WIP, I have two characters that are chefs. Not main characters, but important nonetheless. I’m considering your new book, CAN’T TAKE THE HEAT, as research!
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Jules, I completely understand where you are coming from with trying to figure out why your life led you to teaching. I am in the same boat. I know for the longest time that I told myself I wouldn’t be a teacher, ever, but here I am 12 years later in the field of education. I actually know several people who homeschool there kids, so you are not alone. I know there is an online support group as well. There are so many homeschool support groups out there. I wouldn’t mind hearin gmore aobut the process, so don’t worry about if you blog about it or not. If you don’t blog about it and want to share, you could also drop me a line or two. I am so proud of you for taking this journey with your daughter. There are so many kids out there who deserve the chance to be challenged so that they can reach their full potential. I have students in my classes who should be…many of them are on the genius scale and they do get bored, so they act out…if only they would behave “badly” like your daughter. The difficulty in reaching them is the lack of consistency across the curriculum teacher-wise. The difference in styles really confuse them, and students like your daughter handle it in a much different way.
I have spoken to kids who homeschool, and they are so well adjusted. They love it because they can do thier assignments when they are ready and they are not being pushed by a clock. This flexibility enables them to enjoy what they are learning. The beauty of it too is that as they get older, they get a say in the kind of curriculum they use as they meet the state and national standards. The PE is a non-factor because a majority of them are on local teams; being a small town helps tremendously. Good luck with this new venture. Time management is key, but I am sure you will figure it all out.
Take a deep breath, close your and eyes and just empty your mind. You can do this. It is time. Definitely keep us in the loop okay. We got your back!
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Sorry for the typos. I am not completely awake.
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Paula, it’s 6:30pm and I’m not completely awake!
You’re always so supportive…I truly appreciate it!
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Hey, I believe in all of you. Knowing that you guys are good, helps me to feel good. BTW, if you need help with Algebra, I taught that, so I could also be a resource.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Julie, I think it is awesome that you are going to homeschool your daughter. I know some people who have homeschooled their kids through middle school. For any of the subjects you aren’t too sure about, maybe get with other homeschool parents to see how they handle those subjects. From what you have told us about your plans, I think your daughter is going to have a wonderful experience. Please keep us updated when you get a chance.
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Oh, I will be updating…I’m sure it’s going to become the #1 focus of my life until I get into a groove. Thanks!
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Julie, when I met you and the other Plotmonkeys back in Dallas a few years ago, one thing that really impressed me about all of you is that you’re really, really smart. I have no doubt this is the best decision for you and your daughter. You’ll be great! Good Luck!
Cher
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Cher, you’re too sweet. I do consider myself fairly intelligent (most of the time) but I’m just average, I’m sure. Of course, when you group all four Plotmonkeys together, we’re like Mensa.
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You are a brave, brave lady! Like Ev, The Only and I would have come to blows after the first day. Do you have anyone in the family who is math/science oriented who can give pointers? Here, the homeschoolers also have co-ops where a parent with strong chops in one subject will teach several kids a couple of times a week. Something to consider. Glad mine’s in college now but will happily listen to you muse about the experience. Good luck!
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Thanks, Silver. Mine is an only, too, but we get on pretty well. I will hook into other homeschooling groups eventually. My next door neighbor, who has homeschooled all 7 of her kids (two are still in school) is mentoring me as much as she can, though our focuses are different. But I learn a lot from her. In fact, she just handed me some math stuff…ugh. I don’t HATE math. I actually LIKE math. I’m just not very good at the higher levels of math because I never learned them. I was too busy reading my drama class scripts (or romance novels) instead of my Algebra book. And at the time, in my school, you only had to take Algebra I & II, Geometry and some Trigonometry. Now the school requires Calculus. Might not have been a bad thing.
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Julie–Being a parent is full of difficult choices and you’ve made one about your daughter’s education. You sound like a wonderfully devoted mother. God bless you. I hope your daughter comes to realize how lucky she is.
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GSM, you are TOO kind. I appreciate the blessings more than you know.
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My daughters have taken many classes through FLVS over the past few years, I think we are up to 36 total now. You didn’t say which science class your middle school student is taking, but if it is middle school science and she finds it to be too easy, they don’t have a problem with middle schoolers taking high school level classes. Sorry for that long run on sentence. My children have only ever been homeschooled, so they don’t have regular classroom experience to compare, but they all enjoy the FLVS classes. Good luck with the classes, hope you enjoy them as much as we have.
MelissaB
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Melissa, that’s AWESOME to know that you are homeschooling and that you’ve used FLVS. She’s in a regular science class and I was a little concerned that it might be too easy because the topics they were covering I know she’s already done in her gifted curriculum. We have 28 days to decide if it’s too easy…and if it is, I’ll move her into another course. But I didn’t know that she could take HS courses…that’s VERY useful info! Thank YOU!
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Julie, I have no doubt that you’ll excel at this new project, the way you have with everything else. You’ve got the right temperament, and the patience, and the relationship with your daughter to make it work.
I’m rooting for ya!
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Thanks, Les. I’m sure by the time this is over, you and Carly and Janelle are going to feel like you’re homeschooling, too. You’re always my strongest supporters in everything I do! Love you!
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Best of luck, Julie! It sounds like it’s going to be a truly wonderful experience for both you and your daughter. How lucky she is to have a mom with your background and dedication. I look forward to updates about how it’s going.
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Thanks, Robin! It will be an adventure!
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Good Luck. I am so proud/envious of you. My daughter wanted to go to online academy. It is her first year in middle. If there were any way I thought we could do that, I would have. I worry about her all day and she is just at the school next door. A lot of teachers home school their kids, here. It is wonderful and ironic.
For me personally, besides the whole working at a school all day, issue I know neither she or I are structered or focused enough to stay on schedule. We would have goofed off until the push to finish things. I have passed down the procrastination gene. lol.
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I think teachers more than anyone else understand how limited the school system is. It’s perfect for the self-directed child, no matter their intelligence level. But the very nature of public school depends on kids being independent and learning on their own. It really does. And for kids who need more than that…well, it falls apart. It’s a shame, but I’ve accepted it and since public school seems to work well for the majority of kids, who am I to complain? I’ll just do it myself. If you want something done right…as they say!
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Thank you!
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I think what you’re doing is awesome. I’d love to hear about the struggles along the way. Good luck with everything…it sounds like it’s going to be a bit of an adventure =)
<3 J
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Thanks, Jessica! I’ll try not to blog too much about it and bore the people who don’t care, LOL! But I know it will be a big part of my life from now on. I appreciate the support!
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Hi Julie,
All of my grandkids are home schooled except 1.
She is the self motivated genius. Spoke two languages by 4 and read the
front page of the new York Times at 4 too. I remember in 2nd grade her teacher telling her mom that she was the first student to ask her how many points she got for reading a high school science book. I think the only thing that hurts her is that she doesn’t always fit in with her school mates. With home schooling you do have to make sure a child gets enough interaction with
regular kids so they can fit into life. Social skills are important too. The other
issue to watch is that they get as much time schooling at home as they do in school, per subject. In fact, here it is the law. My grandkids did school work at home until they finished their lessons then were done with hours to spare. They passed all the required annual school dept. testing too. School kids have more hours of homework than they were getting. That has all changed now.
I’m sure you’ll do a great job. All my grands are doing well with home schooling however I am glad the oldest has gone to regular high school so she can adjust socially prior to .
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college. You’ll do great!
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In Florida, there’s no law about how much time they spend doing school. Thank God. Honestly, I don’t want Big Brother looking over my shoulder. She’ll be tested at the end of the year and I have to keep very careful records that can be looked over by the State, but otherwise, I’m on my own. I’m glad for it, but I can see where this system could be easily abused.
Thanks for the support!
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Congratulations on your project! It would never have worked for our
family, especially in the music area which was a great calling for all four
of our children. They all participated in the music programs from the fifth
grade on and that is definitely something I couldn’t have handled properly.
They were all region and state quality musicians.
Pat Cochran
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Pat, that’s wonderful. My daughter hasn’t really found her passion yet. I’m hoping to introduce her to lots of new things so that she can find it. And if that leads her back to school (music, sports, etc.) then we’ll work that out.
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Leslie I hope you sell a boat load, make that a ship load of books the next few weeks. This is a great series and I for 1 would love to see it continue.
Kudos Leslie! Black @ Heart, Fade to Black, Pitch Black. On the fence, shame on you. But you can get all three now and read them in order so what are you waiting for?
Finished plotmonkey suggested author, Roxanne St. Claire’s new book Hunt her Down. Can’t wait til Oct. for the next one, Make her Pay.
Geech I have 6 books left of the 8 I bought this week. Next read, oh my I am having trouble deciding. Any suggestions? Anyone read: LL Foster Servant the Kindred, Sandra Hill’s Viking Heat, Erin McCarthy’s Hard and Fast, C.Feehan’s Dark Slayer, Lora Leigh’s Heat Seeker and Nauti Intentions. I am ashamed of the amount I spend at the book store but that’s it until Oct. If you believe that can you say, gullible?
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Julie, I wish you good luck on your new adventure. It sounds like you know what you are doing. My children grew up in an era before homeschooling so it was never a consideration plus I did not have the education or the temperment to do that! My younger grandson has quite a high IQ and will be taking high school math this year in the 8th grade. His biggest problem is a short attention span and not staying still for long. As he has gotten older I think that is less & less a problem. In fact, I lucked out all three of my grandkids seem to be blessed in the smart department. The oldest is great with science & math, something that boggles not only me but his mom as those are not our strong subjects!! Please let us know how you are doing with this venture.
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Donna, a short attention span and an inability to sit still is quite typical of a highly gifted child. Especially a boy. The trick is to not medicate the brilliance out of them. My daughter learns like a boy (very kinesthetic learner) so that always threw her teachers for a loop.
I found out today that her elementary school is doing an experiment with two fifth grade classes–all boys in one, all girls in another. Not sure how I feel about that.
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Thanks for writing this inspirational post. Too many people think that education, be it homeschooling or traditional schooling, is about taking the right courses. It’s not. It’s about meeting the needs of the child. In Judaism we say that each child is as important as the whole world. Now, you’ll have the chance to help your daughter reach her potential.
Andy
http://www.yourhomeschoolconnection.ning.com
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Thanks, Andy. That’s my intention…to help her meet HER potential, not the potential as prescribed in some standardized test. And she does very well on standarized tests…but there is too much emphasis on those in school now. I know when my child is learning and when she is coasting…and coasting isn’t going to help her in life.
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Good luck, Julie. Here’s my breakdown…
I actually would have done oldest (even with his autism, I have the skills, endorsements, etc to teach him), but I did that (and then some) before he was preschool. He got a lot farther with me in those years, than with someone else (not just my opinion) and I do a lot of stuff with him at home (he’s getting homework today, first day of school!).
My middle son is also most likely gifted (I tell you, I have the gamut of academics). I think we could probably do it, but he’d miss out on the ’social’ factor, especially since he’s the youngest in his class (he’s an August baby, barely making the deadline). I supplement him at home, push him, etc, so he’s good.
My youngest, well, he has ‘issues’, much like my oldest…so I figure he’s in a good place (he goes to special needs preschool, but they have a ‘typical’ component and I supplement at home.
For me, it’s just about finding what’s right for your kid…I know that any of my boys (and I) would not do well together for an extended period of schooling. I think it’s nice to have a break from your kid (I love them dearly, mind you and miss them to pieces). Makes me better prepared to help them with the ‘extras’ they need. Make sure you get writing time and Julie time.
I think you have it well planned out and organized, so kudos to you. You seem to understand what your daughter needs and how you are going to organize it. Now, go for it and lots and lots of luck!
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I am NOT organized! I can fake it really well, though! LOL!
Yes, you have the whole gamut…makes life interesting, yes? Bless you!
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Julie, your daughter is about to have the best teacher ever! I’ve attended enough of your TARA workshops and read enough of your posts (yes, I know, not the same thing, but still . . .) to know that she’ll learn a lot, she’ll never be bored, and she’ll go into the world better prepared than most who don’t have the benefit of your smarts and experience. You go!
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Karen, you’re too much. I appreciate your support so much. We all have our challenges…you more than most. You humble me with your praise!
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Hope you have a great year homeschooling!
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Thanks, Estella!
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I found it hard at first teaching four grade levels, then I found A Beka Academy. They have there homeschool course on dvd and now streaming(download). Each are on their own computer and do their own class almost without me. I help explain things they have difficulty with and that is it. I sit in my 1st grader’s room 9a.m.-3p.m. writing!!! It works for me.
And the best part is A Beka is an advanced system. They have my 1st grader learning her multiplication tables. and my fourth grader writing essays. By the time they finish 12th grade Harvard is a strong and viable future for them.
Keep your head up and I think you are really doing something positive for your daughter. Mom and daughter time is so inportant when a girl is growing up!
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Talina! That sounds ideal! Thank you for the resource. I do hope I can be disciplined enough to sit down and write while she’s doing virtual school. Her computer is in the office with mine, so I’ll be there if she has questions. But I’m so glad you shared your experience with me. And that it’s working out so well! I’m very heartened by your success!
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I guess I should have re-read my post before posting it…type-o heaven!!! I was is such a hurry because the kids were wanting their lunch…lol!
I hope any information I could provide helped. Everything will work out just fine for you. Just wait and see. Once she gets going and can fill her time with what she is craving- something more challenging- she will feel very accomplished and more easy going too. I hope you both can find your rythum and have fun at the same time.
HAppy Homeschooling…and writing!
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It’s great that you’ve made this decision for your daughter. Sounds like she’ll be more challenged and it will work out better for her.
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I hope so, Lyn, thanks!
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I’d love to hear your progress as you go forward with this. I have always wanted to homeschool my kids through middle school, but oldest will start middle school next year and with my first print book not even coming out until the last day of this year (and a small press publisher at that) I don’t see myself making enough money to be a full-time writer by that point. ) – : Working full-time and trying to fit in writing would not make me a good teacher.
It sounds like you have a really great plan. I’ve always imagined that if I did it I would fit in lots of trips to museums and planeteriums, etc. and of course the YMCA is great for “P.E. class.”
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When I was just about to graduate high school I started doing very badly in math. My wise parents found me a tutor. They went to the other school on the island with a top notch reputation and found me someone willing to spend an hour and a half with me once a week.
Because of him I can do a differential equation – or at least I could 20 years ago. Also, because of him, I was introduced to The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy … and frankly that’s what I really appreciate him for.
So go hit up the math teachers at your local well-performing schools and get a name from them.
As for the rest of homeschooling, congrats on taking that monumental step and please allow me to humbly recommend that her science courses include Earth Sciences or Geography. I’m so glad I know how and why the earth is put together the way it is.
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Julie, not a homeschooler, but a parent, and this sounds like the perfect situation for homeschooling–glad you’re able to do this with and for your daughter! I hope you’ll both enjoy and benefit from this experience! Best wishes, and I look forward to seeing your updates!
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I think your decision is a great one for your daughter. My brother was also described as a behavior problem throughout school because of boredom. In fact, we had a math teacher for Honors Pre-Calc in high school who got so frustrated with my brother acing the tests without turning in the homework that he changed his whole grading scale the next year – just in time for me to take his class. So, kudos for taking the step you have. I wish you and your daughter the best of luck!
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Good Luck, Julie!
I never thought about homeschooling until I had kids and thought about what might be waiting for them in school. My husband and I are very involved in our children’s education, so we don’t feel the need to homeschool at this point, but I would if the need arose. I think you’ll do a great job and one day your daughter will realize what a wonderful mother she has. (she probably already does, but when we get older and have our own, our mothers grow to legendary status!)