Homeschooling my oldest in I don't know....

Several weeks ago I finally broke my oldest down and got to dig into her school work. It was not a positive experience for either of us. She was failing. How could a kiddo that is homeschooled fail?? The same as any other kid. She refused to bring me her work. She refused to ask for help. We had gotten over a huge hurdle with math. We made her a deal. If she scored a 90% or greater on her daily math then the next days assignment would be reduced by half (even or odd problems only). She has done well since.

Then I began to dig into all the other subjects. She was woefully behind and not doing her history, she was racing through her modules of science and not doing her study guides or questions accurately (this was the tip-off to the whole thing), French was non-existent, and she wasn't doing her AWANA at all. She also was very behind on her writing book for this year. So, I dug in and took away all her technology. Then I realized that technology (tv, radio, ipod) weren't the only problem. What was it??? BOOKS! She was in her room reading books! No more school in her room and I made her take out all her books with the exception of her Bible. We don't have television and books had become her TV. I know reading is a good thing and I don't discourage it, but when it becomes a problem, it has to stop. So, I also suspended library privileges until she is better caught up and showing improvement in grades.

Out came tests. Tests for science and history. I took French out and changed it with vocabulary.

I am so pleased with her progress. She is scoring above average on her history tests, pulling good grades on her science, she is doing well with the vocabulary (wordly wise 3000 is where I am getting her vocab lists), and she is still succeeding with math. She has to use the internet for history and since she has to be at the library with us she uses that time to use the internet there and work on her history. I've allowed her to watch tv with us when we are, but her restrictions are still pretty strong. I'm thinking that if I still see good solid work this week I will allow her to have one book to read from home.

So, now, my oldest kiddo isn't failing 8th grade. A little behind and working to catch up, but not failing. Lots of lessons have been learned. Lessons in studying (when, where, how), lessons in self discipline, and lessons in obedience and honesty.

I call that a good school year.