First up: Can’t be remiss in reminding you that my new book, HARD TO HOLD, should be hitting bookstores next Tuesday. What I don’t exactly know is where it will be in bookstores. As a trade-sized paperback romance, it could be anywhere.
I will say this, however: CVS drugstores took a nice healthy order…so while you’re picking up your prescriptions and your shampoo, take a look around the store and let me know if you find the book!
But now on to my real topic: School.
Once again, I’m going to be homeschooling my daughter, who is now technically in the 7th grade. Last year was a huge success. We had our first home school evaluation last week and it went swimmingly.
But more than any one else’s opinion, MY opinion is that it rocked. How?
Let me count the ways:
1) I finally got my daughter fairly confident in math. It’s not her favorite subject by any stretch, but she’s now on-track and up to speed with her age and ability. Now, keep this in mind: she scored well above a 4 (out of 6, with 3 as the norm) on the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test her last year in traditional school. She had straight As in Gifted Math. And yet…the girl couldn’t tell you what 7 X 8 was unless she thought about it for ten minutes. That is now fixed. Hallelujah!
2) Her artwork is amazing. She works hours and hours on art. She taught herself how to use a program called GIMP, as well as Microsoft Paint. She’s now sketching with techniques that an art teacher might have taught her, but she learned from watching You Tube.
Here’s an example of one of her latest pieces:
This is Shadow and Blaze, characters from Sonic the Hedgehog. The title is “Sparks Fly.” They were hand drawn on paper with pencil, then scanned into the computer, line drawn with Paint, then colorized in GIMP. (BTW, she thinks she sucks at “rock” but I think it looks awesome.) This piece took her over six hours…something I know because she used my computer to do it.
A couple of weeks ago, she pulled out some of the artwork she’d done at the end of her 5th grade year and the beginning of homeschooling and even she was shocked (pleasantly!) by her progress. She’s also taking two art classes this semester at a school for the Arts here that specializes in homeschooled kids, so she gets to work with different mediums. It’s very exciting.
3) Her spelling and writing skills have soared above my expectations. In traditional school, language arts was the one subject that never really challenged her. Thanks to “no child left behind” she and about seven of her classmates ended up doing a lot of “independent study” while the teacher worked with kids who were struggling. She was never challenged. And though I think we could have worked a little harder in this area (funny how this was the one subject that got short shrift), I’ve realized that she has very strong writing skills…and she’s an amazing storyteller. Did I mention she wrote a book for kids as part of a writer’s workshop? She also illustrated it. She’s entering it in a contest in the new year.
4) She’s happy. Deliriously happy. She doesn’t have to get up at 7am when she’s a night owl. She doesn’t have to sit through boring, repetitious classes and then get in trouble for “not paying attention” when she’s drawing and doodling. If she wants to do two chapters of World Cultures instead of one to get a jump on things (as she did today, our first official day back) she didn’t get in trouble for reading ahead. (Yes, she actually got in trouble for that her last year in traditional school.)
So all in all, it’s win-win. This year, we’re finishing up World Cultures (a holdover from last year). We’re studying Science, Math and Latin. She’s created her own Language Arts curriculum marrying the Latin she’s learning with Roman history and Harry Potter. (Okay, her idea, but I’m actually doing the work, LOL!) She’s taking two art classes. Once we’re doing with World Cultures and Science, which will likely be done with by Christmas, we’ll do Geography.
As for “socialization”–FYI, it kind of irks homeschooling parents to be asked about this all the time–she’s met a ton of new kids. She took a film class last semester and with a cast of about 20, they created a modern retelling of Robin Hood. Although she was new to the school and didn’t know anyone, she was cast as the Sheriff of Nottingham and got a lot of screen time. She made some great friends. And because she’s home schooled, we could be really flexible about seeing her best friends–one of whom is also homeschooled and the other who is in traditional school. And since I never sent her to school in order to be social, but to, you know, LEARN STUFF, I never really worried about it. Some kids might hate being on their own a lot, but my daughter has always loved it. Every kid is different!
So all in all, I’m going into the new school year with high expectations and a great attitude…and not quite as much fear as I had last year when I didn’t know what I was doing. I still wrote my books and kept up with my contracts in spite of being a homeschooling mom. Was it hard? Oh, yeah. But was it worth it? Most definitely!
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 over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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I think it’s awesome, what you’re doing, and you’re so passionate about her education. You go, homeschool mom! Your daughter is a lucky girl, and obviously very smart & talented.
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Thanks, I think she’s awesome. Homeschooling isn’t for everyone, but I’m really enjoying it.
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Damn, Julie, the art is amazing…
It’s wonderful that’s not doubting herself. That’s always hard, when they struggle like that because it’s not necessarily something we can help them with-they have to find it themselves and all we can do it just kind of guide them here and there…
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Thanks, Shiloh! I’m really proud of her artistic development–mainly, I think, because it’s something that she is really doing on her own! I can’t help with any of it because I’m not an artist. All I can do it encourage. Her ambitions here really come out and she works for HOURS. Kind of like me and my writing, LOL!
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Ah, Homeschooling, I remember it well. Here in Germany, we are not allowed to Homeschool and that is just too bad.
We Homeschooled our first seven kids and I loved it and so did they. When we came back to Germany, they all went into regular school, in their age groups and all finished at the top of the class!!
Hats off to you for Homeschooling, it’s the best!!!!
Valerie
in Germany
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Hi, Valerie! I think it’s a shame that homeschooling isn’t allowed in Germany, but yea to your kids for doing so well! Studies show that kids who homeschool and then go to college have a higher rate of success…which makes sense because homeschooling is most like college. Block scheduling, for one! Taking classes you’re interested in, for another. I’m hoping to get a lot of her basics out of the way through Dual Enrollment when she’s in high school so that by the time she goes to college, she’ll be taking classes in her subject area of choice.
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It’s amazing what you’re doing. I always thought it would be much more difficult to be a stay-at-home mom or a homeschooler. I’m guessing it requires much more discipline and tenacity that I would ever have. I think for my family, my daughter being in traditional school and me being a working mom works well, but there are definite pros/cons to both.
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kris, homeschooling is NOT for everyone. Not every kid would flourish like mine. Some really do need to be around groups of people and crave that kind of interaction. And let’s be honest–I’m SO fortunate to have a job I can do from home…not everyone has that. But it was still a really hard decision to make and having our first year be so successful was really important. I’m so glad I can share my happiness here!
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Congrats to you for doing such a wonderful job.
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Thanks…but she gets half the credit, LOL!
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Great job, Julie!!!
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Thanks, katie!
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Her art is FABULOUS!! WOW!!
And you, Mom, are doing an awesome job!
Have a great day all,
Cher
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It is, isn’t it? One of these days, I’ll post her art from her original story…her own characters. Apparently, though, it’s all the rage for artists to take characters from video games and create their own characters. And stories for them. My daughter currently has a 26 page comic book that she’s been working on with at least 8 panels per page…all based on video game characters and some of her own original characters.
People who say video games are mindless…well, that’s a very broad generalization that isn’t necessarily true.
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Fantastic Julie, she is so incredibly talented. You are doing a great thing for her.
And hey, who doesn’t have to think about 7 x 8?
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Thanks, Les! I could never made the decision without the support of my friends!
And yes, I suppose most people do have to pause and think about times tables…and now I’m teaching her Latin!
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Thanks, Liza. I think this is the one perk I never anticipated…I knew she liked to draw, but had no real idea of the scope of her talent and ambition until she was given free rein.
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Julie, you are so brave to do this. As mothers, we want what is best for our kids and they all learn so differently! We didn’t realize The Only had ADD until after she’d been through addition and subtraction. In her case, she has a window of learning when presented with a new concept and if it’s missed, she doesn’t get it back. By the time we got to multiplication, division, and spelling, we’d learned. I worked flash cards with her every day. She can multiply and divide but still has to use a calculator to add and subtract. Even now, as she works on her Masters, she understands her learning style and knows to stay focused at the beginning. Once she has it, she keeps it!
There is no way I could have homeschooled her but I could supplement what the public schools did.
I hope she sticks with her art. She has an amazing eye and her focus and diligence are awesome! (Especially at her age!) She’s a wonderful young lady with a terrific mom!
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Thanks, Silver! It’s awesome that your daughter has been able to master her leaning style. So many kids get so labeled and sidetracked, they never do.
Can’t wait to hear more about your trip to NOLA!!!
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Dang, that’s cool! The picture, the home schooling, all of it.
After 3 schools in 3 years with a third grader, I’m pretty sure that if this one isn’t all that I expect from a school, home schooling may be the only remaining option. Home schooling has been part of the discussion all along.
Of course, this year is public school, when 1st and 2nd grade were private schools, so this is only costing time, not time and money. So far, everything is looking pretty good.
I think that first year of home schooling has got to be pretty scary, at some level. Lots of indecision on whether you are doing enough or too much? I’m betting it would probably be a good fit for my family, but it’s hard to make the leap.
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Patrick, it was TERRIFYING. But I’m so lucky…my next door neighbor home schooled all 7 of her children (2 still are school age) so I had a living, breathing resource right next door.
Luckily, Florida is a VERY home-school friendly state. For middle and high school, there are very good virtual school choices. And the resources out there now are endless. You might want to start stopping by Pioneer Woman’s website…the home school page (though the cooking page is off the hook!). She home schools and also has a lot of guest bloggers who home school. There is so much out there now–particularly that which isn’t religious. That was important to me because my reasons for home schooling were academic and not religious.
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Congratulations Julie to you & your daughter. Thanks for keeping us posted on how home schooling is working for you. The art is amazing. Tell that daughter of yours that she has talent! I have none in the artistic department. None! I have done creative projects in the past but not for awhile. Right now taking pictures with my new camera is the creative outlet! I have a long way to go!!
I have Hard to Hold preordered but I don’t think I’m going to get it very soon as I also ordered it with another book that won’t be out for awhile. I’m looking forward to reading it. Next time I am in Border’s I’ll have to see if they are carrying it and in what department.
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I will tell her, thanks!
Thanks for doing the Borders check for me!
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Thank you for your insights on homeschooling. I’ve thought about homeschooling (if I were to have any kids), but I realize that it’s mostly due to my having parents who used to be teachers and who were very good at tutoring their own kids at home. I’m glad that there are lots of resources if I were to do this. Thanks.
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cories, I think it’s definitely something all parents should think about. It’s not for every kid (or every parent) but it’s not so much a weird option anymore, thankfully!
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My son was in public high school but was allowed to take dual credit classes. So, as a freshman he is taking 3 classes in his major!
His roommate has ALL core classes and is feeling overwhelmed already. 
CVS just built a brand new store a block from my house so I will definitely track down your new book!
Tami B.
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Thanks, Tami! I hope you find it!
I know that dual enrollment is available in traditional school. I think it’s an awesome opportunity…not that I would have taken it when I was in school. I was too busy having fun.
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Very cool, Julie – that picture is so cute, and it’s awesome the progress she’s made! Go you two!
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Thank you! I appreciate all the support!
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To be honest, my daughter and I would have killed each other within the first week. Maybe sooner.
But I am so glad it’s working out for you! I love her artwork. That’s a program I will have to go play with, although I don’t draw all that well, but it would give me a better idea when I plan out stained glass projects, for color and shape. Hm….
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Julie — I’m so glad that you’ve found something that works for both you AND Alyssa!
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Wow,I can’t believe how close to Shadow the Hedgehog her pic looks!
Shadow’s my fave out of the two,wow,I’m just blown away by the talent.She sounds like an amazingly gifted kid!
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I think its so awesome that homeschooling works for you and your daughter.
I do have ask what kind of teacher has a problem with a student reading ahead though – surely that only makes the teacher’s job easier.
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Hey Jules, sorry I missed you yesterday. Kudos to your for joining the ranks of a middle school teacher. We started too. Your daughter has accomplished so much since last year. I love the drawing she did. It is awesome to have the freedom to learn at your own pace and help develop your own curriculum. Great job on teaching her the skills she needs to find success.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Her picture is absolutely beautiful. She has a great career to look forward to. You are a lucky mom. It must be great to be able to homeschool Alyssa. I had to work 2-3 jobs as a single mom so homeschooling wasn’t possible for me. Sounds like you have an exciting school year ahead of you.
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Wow, amazing art!!! So glad things are going well, Julie. Home schooling is a huge commitment and scary, BUT I’ve never known anyone who has tried it and regretted it. Congrats to you both! Will be looking for your new book .