My Homeschool Story, Last Part
Mar 17, 2026 7:51 am
Thank you for helping me choose a cover! I'm moving forward with the close-up, which got about 60 percent of votes!
And now, on to our regularly scheduled programming:
More About Our Quirky Kid
Here's the final installment of my tale of how I got into homeschooling.
Recently I told you about how I discovered that my firstborn, "Shannon," was a special needs child. Shannon seemed normal. But when she reached the age of four, we found out she had some quirks. We eventually put her in the Catholic school down the street, and she managed all right, with some accommodations, until she got to sixth or seventh grade.
That's when one of the other girls at the school really started to say some hurtful things to her. Shannon had no way to fight back, and she became miserable. I studied up on the subject of bullying and suggested to the principal that the school become a bully-free place, with all students engaged in efforts to stop it. But the principal wasn't interested.
So Shannon asked to homeschool when she was in the middle of seventh grade. This was in an earlier era, late nineties, when homeschooling wasn't common. I had never considered doing it. But this was my precious child asking me. I said yes, we'd figure out how to do it together.
We plunged in when she started eighth grade. I homeschooled her alone for a year, and then picked up one of her much-younger triplet brothers for a couple of years, then another one for a couple of years. Our homeschool lasted five years, until Shannon graduated from high school.
We went to a weekly co-op, where I taught science subjects and eventually computer science. Homeschooling really showed me where the gaps in my own education were, especially in history. I loved learning and re-learning. And Shannon thrived. Where her weak points were, like math, we could find a special curriculum. Where her strong points were, like reading, she could soar.
Only after she graduated did I pick up my dream of writing books for kids.
Looking for That New Favorite Kidlit Author?
This activity package can stand alone, or can point the author's book about twins learning to help each other. (The author is a retired preschool teacher.) I think this is worth checking out.
Download your free activity pack, with 9 activities like puzzles and mazes.
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So you're in the mood for reviewing kidlit?
These are free review copies of these middle grade books. The authors are asking for reviews on places like Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub. It's a great opportunity for you! Also good practice for your teens in forming opinions, if you want to coach them in this.
Warning, I haven't vetted these books.
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As a reader of my newsletter, you should have downloaded The Grandfather Clock, the special prequel short story for my Guardians of Time series.
If not, find it here:
Learn more about my Guardians of Time tales for young middle grade, and my YA time travel tale, at my website, https://www.phylliswheeler.com .
I hope and pray that your life is full of praise. Keep in touch! I'd love to talk to you, so feel free to reply!
Phyllis Wheeler, Author