The Need to Write

My last post was over a year ago. Over that year I feel like I've been on an amazing journey of learning and have often thought I should start posting again. Just recently I have had a more pressing and reoccurring need to process new information that comes to me.

I taught a writing workshop at our Freedom Project last Friday and we discussed why we write. I like to compare it to digesting food. Writing is the way we internalize and assimilate new information into our being. There is something in the process of thoughts traveling from our mind through our hands onto paper that helps us to make a truth our own.

So I would like to make myself a commitment to write something everyday. I have to be honest I am a little nervous to make that promise since I am already juggling many important things in my life. My entries can be short and simple, just so I establish a habit of writing something that I have learned. I'll do it! This is for my own benefit but if there is anyone listening, I welcome your thoughts and insights. I love this journey we call life and hearing from fellow travelers always enriches and enlivens my experience and hopefully does the same for you. So welcome back and happy traveling.

Bloggin' Kids

A quick, great idea from a my sis-in-law and my friend Amanda. My nephews and niece have blogs and they post really cool games and activities. My friend Amanda's daughter does her writing assignments on her blog. I recently helped my daughter set up her own and have found these great benefits:

• A great way to encourage writing and typing skills (all of sudden my daughter wants to learn how to type).
• Gives an opportunity for extended family to take part in your children's education and for family to love and encourage them.
• Creates an opportunity for my daughter to encourage fellow homeschoolers by leaving comments on their blog and creates a support system.
• My daughter's blog is something of her own creation and provides something that she is proud of and excited about.

Just a note to keep in mind...remember to teach your children Internet safety and role-play what to do if they encounter inappropriate material. I am adding links to her fellow bloggers' sites to decrease outside exposure but teaching correct principles will empower them to govern themselves. Have fun!

A Tip for the Pencil...Put it Down!

I recently watched a borrowed copy of the teacher's training from The Institute for Excellence in Writing and Andrew Pudewa gave a great tip. He says generally speaking boys do not like to write (if you have one you've probably figured that out!) They want to build forts not write paragraphs so to encourage boys to write, let them learn how to type.

Of course we still use our printing and cursive workbooks. However, when you want your children to express themselves in writing, making them write neatly is not your main objective. (That is also why you shouldn't correct their spelling...let them concentrate on the task at hand.)

Boys like to use the computer and I found this fun free typing site that has lessons and games. Try your hand and improve your skills...it's pretty fun!