School's Out—Learning's In

  What adventures are in store for your nature lovers? 

It is intriguing to me what is accomplished, even when home school is officially out.

Our nature enthusiasts, Gideon, 8, and Benjamin, 5, had taken me on many turtle hunts near our farmhouse in Washington state, with no luck. Praying about it, Gideon finally captured an orange spotted painted turtle. Soon after, we found ourselves on an adventure: we moved to Arkansas. 

The boys loved getting to know many new creatures: armadillos, fireflies, ground hogs, slugs, giant beetles, crawdads, many new insects, even a skunk. Our animal encyclopedias were in constant use. They found the remains of turtle shells, and then discovered a box turtle, who they studied closely for five days. Box was scared and stayed hidden in his shell whenever the boys got near. He also did not eat. Two weeks later, we found another they named Friendly Ted, who allowed the boys to hold him, stroke his head, and feed him lettuce from their hands.

Teaching Gideon to use the card catalog at the library, we found a reptile field guide and read all about turtles and snakes. We identified states on maps which told us where the different species lived. On his own, Gideon got out his dad’s 25 ft. tape measure, and discovered just how big that python was if it was all stretched out. The boys both learned about measuring in inches, feet, yards, centimeters, and meters.

During all of this, their Aunt just happened to send them a book, The Practical Entomologist. It was a perfect book to further excite their curiosity. On one of our library trips, Gideon picked out a fascinating video on turtles. He also brought home Minn of the Mississippi, by Holling C. Holling, a delightful story that follows the travels of a snapping turtle. We read this together and even older brother who isn’t that much into critters, listened in. We learned about some U.S. geography from this book, too.

Gideon entered a contest in a children’s newsletter by writing an account of his summer activities, including his wildlife observations. He also answered a pen pal request and wrote a letter about his discoveries and interests in nature.

Being very artistic, Gideon drew numerous pictures during these summer months of insects, turtles, and underwater scenes. With my suggestion, he started a scrapbook for his nature drawings, and wrote titles and captions to explain them. He was inspired to view a collection of shells on display at the library, owned by a ninth grade boy. We read up on their favorite shells. Their Dad divided up his old seashell collection among our four boys, which they arranged in a new showcase in the living room. Out came the field guide on shells, and the 25 foot rule. "Wow, that Giant Conch gets to be this big!"

The boys went rock collecting and compared specimens to a book on rocks and minerals. When their Grandpa visited recently, together they picked out many new additions to their collections. And what a thrilling experience it was for us all when we were invited to visit Hurricane River Cave!

Earlier in the summer, we picked wild flowers on our daily neighborhood walk, and made nature notecards from dried flowers and leaves. Another display at the library detailed exquisitely painted Arkansas wild flowers by a local artist.

Many biblical and scientific discussions took place, including talking to God, how God answers prayers, the story of creation, the beauty of nature, clean and unclean animals, food chains, taxonomy classifications, and animal reproduction.

As I look back over the past two months I am amazed at the learning that has taken place with almost no planning from me. A love for nature, curiosity, a few supplies, and a shared enthusiastic interest from Mom and Dad provided a wonderful home (summer) school education for two young brothers. It makes me wonder if I could have ever planned anything better!

-The above post was from my journal, Fall, 1997. Mary Hood (the Relaxed Homeschooler) used this in her newsletter back then, and this was the inspiration on which I wrote an article for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine in their summer 2011 issue. Of all the summers we had I think this one was the best, and our introduction to Arkansas as well! 

From Expectation to Miscarriage - Free E-Book

From Expectation to Miscarriage—True Stories of Faith, Hope and Healing

"One moment you are rejoicing at the news that you are expecting a baby—all of a sudden your joy turns to sorrow when you learn that you are going through a miscarriage.

You feel scared, alone, and devastated. You wonder if there is hope after miscarriage."

I have a personal story that I share in this free E-Book compiled by many authors who share a similar yet different journey through miscarriage.

Having children was always in our plan. Several years of barrenness was not. Our first two pregnancies resulting in miscarriage within a year of each other left me devastated. The only one I could turn to was God.

If you've found yourself alone in a world where the heartbreak of miscarriage consumes you, like I did, it may help to talk to others that have felt your pain and walked in similar sandles. 

Of course no one has the same exact story, but many have found a semblance of healing by searching the facts and discovering the grace of God through faith and hope and the love of family and compassionate friends. 

If miscarriage is not part of your story, but you know of someone whose it is, this is a great resource to pass on to them.

You can read my miracle story along with the other heartfelt stories of precious Moms who have left tiny angels in heaven through miscarriage by clicking on this link:
From Expectation to Miscarriage—True Stories of Faith, Hope and Healing

May this E-Book treasure be a blessing to you and others. 

Thanks to Dollie at Teacher's of Good Things for producing this valuable resource.

My One Word for 2013

Many of you have chosen one word to represent what you want to accomplish in 2013. This word represented what I most hope God will do in me this year— 

REJOICE!  

That's my main focus for this year.

Rejoice makes me think about a church song we used to sing when the boys were little: "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice." The chorus goes something like "Rejoice, rejoice, and again I say rejoice". It's a fun song with a peppy beat and we used to sing it in rounds. When you sang it, the happiness bubbled up all over in you. You couldn't sing it with a sad face—that just wouldn't be right—you smiled or laughed and sang with, well . . . joy! (Overjoyed is another good word.)

Many years back I went through a huge life challenge. My mind had a blow-out with repercussions to every other part of me, and my joy vanished, along with my ability to think and respond sensibly. Fortunately, the cave in which I lived had a subtle glow from the hatch so that in time, I emerged back into the light of a busy life as a wife and homeschooling mom to my four sons. It was a rough time though, and my point is that I know first hand what the opposite of rejoice is. 

I think there are many others out there that have also felt a lack of joy—it might even be epidemic, considering the times we are living in and the crazy things that happen to people and their loved ones.

Well, this year will be a special time to reclaim my joy! I want to live life fully, get excited about it, let it seep into my bones, heart and mind. I want to face everything, even negativity, heartbreak, and disappointment in the face of joy—that my attitude of rejoicing does not waver, and if it does, it can bounce its way back.

Rejoice means to: feel joyful; be delighted; to fill with joy; gladden; feel happiness or joy. It's related to: being on cloud nine; exultation; jumping for joy; walking on air; triumph, glory, and elation.

How often do You Jump for Joy?

I just finished a wonderful book . . . Bird by Bird—Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott that my son gave me at Christmas. I don't want to give away the punch line but here's a quote: 

"When writers make us shake our heads with the exactness of their prose and their truths, and even make us laugh about ourselves or life, our buoyancy is restored. We are given a shot at dancing with, or at least clapping along with, the absurdity of life, instead of being squashed by it over and over again. It's like singing on a boat during a terrible storm at sea. You can't stop the raging storm, but singing can change the hearts and spirits of the people who are together on that ship."

Sounds like rejoicing to me! And there's courage in that boat too. A big part of it is that we are interconnected, sharing those happy as well as crazy moments, with each other.

Some Questions I have to Ask Myself. . .

What is my source of joy? Is it found in material things? Family? Relationships? Egotistic ideals? God?

What are my foundations? How am I programmed to view the world? What expectations do I have? What or who do I trust? What happens if that trust is broken?

What am I thankful for? How often does prayer fit into the overall scheme? What am I afraid of?

There's more . . .  

What excites me? What makes me dance when no one is looking? What do I find myself doing that I can't live without? Who is on this rousing journey with me? Do I hang out with uplifting people? Who are they?

Who do I love? What makes me feel great about myself, and others? Can I visualize the person who I want to become? What does she look like, what does she say, what does she do?


These are all good questions to contemplate and ones that I'll be examining in the weeks to come. 

 "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."     

—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Trusting—Then, and Now

It used to be easy—trusting God. 

When the boys were young, they were hardly ever out of my sight—and for good reason. I was the ever watchful Momma Bear, and frankly, since no close family were around when the boys grew up, I just didn't trust anyone else to care for my boys.

It was so natural to homeschool them. And of course, I was delighted in that I didn't have to send them off to be taught by strangers. Wasn't it important, who I entrusted to teach my child? 

As a young girl, I used to play school all the time with my sister who was four years younger than me. I fashioned worksheets for her and loved teaching her what I knew. In high school I really wanted to study art and possibly teach it. But art teachers were not getting many jobs at that time, and well, I went on to study nursing which was high in demand. I would have never guessed that one day I'd become a teacher of language, science, history and (gulp) algebra! And yeah, I got to teach art too. All through the years I've truly felt that guiding my boys through homeschooling was my true calling, and my greatest joy.

  God is so good.

But as some of you know, 2012 was the last year for us homeschooling in the traditional sense, though these last several years seem nothing at all traditional to me. The boys grew up, and guess what? They had minds of their own. They asked even more questions than when they were small. They weren't always patient with me! They became very determined and independent minded—a good thing, right? Plus, I could no longer follow them around everywhere to keep an eye on them. The time I spent instilling character in the younger years was over. Their outcome surfaced. The guilt crept in.

Did I do okay?

While I'm very proud of my sons, and we did some very creative projects, learned a lot—even independently, and had a love for learning and a heart for God, at times I am overwhelmed, especially when I am confronted with worldly things, and those sinister mindsets that lurk out there.

Not only do I have to trust God to guide my sons and keep them in His care; I have to trust myself, that I did the best I could, and simply let go. But now, I  think of many things I should have spent more time on. I wish I'd done a few things better. I wish I'd known some things earlier on. I wish I hadn't been so darn lazy sometimes.

 My faith reminds me that whatever the circumstances, the One who knows ALL is in charge. He's got my back. He loves us even more than I love my own family (hard to even comprehend). He's been there for us more times than I can count. In times of stress and doubt, I can trust that what happens in life is meant to be for a purpose, and I can look for the learning moments in each one. Then, I can use those lessons of life, make them part of who I am, and use them to benefit others.

Just a few weeks ago, I came the closest to death I had ever been. Though it was a scary experience, and I did not want to leave my family this soon, I was ready to go meet my Maker. Feeling scared and peaceful sound like opposites, but that's how I felt at the same time. I remember thinking, "Mom, I'll be with you soon." But I was ambivalent to actually go, and thankfully, the hospital ER probably saved my life. (Atrial Fibrillation, in case anyone wants to know.)

Each day is a gift from my Creator.  

I have so much to be thankful for! How cool it is, that I just found out that I won a copy of Mary DeMuth's book "Everything: What You Give and What You Gain to Become Like Jesus." I look forward to reading it, and I imagine I'll come away with much needed inspiration, something we all need. 

Resting in Him. Relying on Him. Thanking Him. Loving Him. Counting my blessings and trusting Him today and everyday. 

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

—Romans 15:13

Homeschool Struggles—What Will They Remember?

My article From Barking to Fluency, Helping you Focus While Your Struggling Reader Figures It Out just came out in the new FREE October digital issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. In it I share a bit of our personal story with a few of my reflections regarding our reading struggles along with some reassurance that you might find helpful, some of which I learned in retrospect. If you have unanswered questions in this area, or are seeking help or guidance, I urge you to read my article and the many other inspiring articles in this issue.

No one wants their child to  hurt or suffer. It's tough to see your children struggle, and seeing them distressed and frustrated with learning (to any degree) can test your patience. And your emotions. Often, we lack understanding.

I think Jim Hensen had it right: 

 “[Kids] don't remember what you try to teach them. 

They remember what you are.”  

Or who you are. 

Regardless of my child's particular need or situation, I have to ask myself: How did I present lessons? What were my priorities? How did I react? Did I show respect to them and others? Did I encourage? Was I truthful? Loving?

What will they remember? 

• Yelling? 
• Crying? 
• Laughing 'til their guts hurt? 
• Letting them have a say? 
• Disagreeing with them?
• Thanking God? 
• Joking around?
• Eating late dinners?
• Unjust punishment?
• Losing my cool?
• Apologies?
• Trying alternatives until something works?
• Smiles and praises for a job well done?
• Ignoring them?
• Spending too much time on the computer?
• Explaining things to them?
• Making nourishing meals and yummy snacks?
• Pushing too hard? 
• Standing up for them?
• Rejoicing and praying with them?

I don't know exactly . . .

They still speak to me, and sometimes want to be around me, and give me hugs. I think they know that my heart has always been in the right place, and though we've had our moments, love shines through and it lasts. 

We all make mistakes and hopefully learn something constructive along the way. Sometimes I've pondered . . .

Has homeschooling been the best thing for us?  

My husband and I think so, that's why we did it for so many years. And as much as I love homeschooling, and I'm missing it, there is also a relief in knowing that those formal homeschooling years are behind us now. There is a freedom that is exciting yet restful, but at the same time, as the home nest empties, I find myself worrying more about each of my sons—much more than I ever used to. 

The anxiety level has risen and I pray a lot these days.

 Hey, I used to be in charge! Me—the Momma Bear, and I had a pretty good eye on my cubs at almost every minute of the day. I no longer have that option, and let me tell you (or maybe I don't have to) it's HARD sometimes! That's where faith comes in and trust in God to keep them close to Him and help them (and me) through the rough spots.

I'm thankful for each of my sons and the ups and downs and the good and bad and all that we have shared over the years and I look toward the moments in the future where we'll link our hearts and minds together just like in the old days. And I hope they each have memories—of who I was—my character—and if it was good—that some has rubbed off—and most of what is remembered, will be worth remembering.

I don't know where you are in your homeschool walk of faith. Amid any struggles, I hope you are leaving good memories behind you.

 

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life." 

                                                       —Psalm 143:8 NIV
 
 Thanks for visiting me here today! Make each day count as the blessing it is!
—Kathy

Polishing the Armor

A few days ago we sat in our living room along with all four of our sons (a rare occasion these days) and after Gideon's spiel and demonstration with Sheen Genie, a new metal polishing product that he sells at car events, we had a wonderful party, shining up all the metal items we could find. Keys, coins, jewelry, lamp bases, car parts and wheels, ammunition rounds, photo frames, you name it! So many things had sat in an ugly, dirt-smudged, and sometimes rusted state for years because no one thought about or cared to keep them polished and clean.

I could say the same about many things in my life that I have ignored or considered unworthy of my attention. I have a supernatural ability to make things invisible, like closet clutter and cobwebs, dust, and miniscule corner-dwelling creatures. A sad fact is that our relationships fall in this category too!



Rust damage is permanent, and if severe, the object may not be repairable. That's why it's important to protect it from rust in the first place. Rust eats away at the original and creates varying rough spots along the edges. A controlled grinding (or polishing) smooths out the rough surface and restores the shine.

Some important lessons are learned the hard way, and thankfully, our rusty marriage has been on the mend for about eight years now. My husband credits me with helping him remove the rust and restoring his reflective shine. In fact, I'm starting to glow more too. 

If you are homeschooling, you know that your marriage is one important cornerstone of keeping it all together. All marriages and all partners are different and I don't expect everyone to relate 100% to this, but perhaps there are a few universal points here that will get your attention. Following, is my list for preventative maintenance.

 10 Ways to Keep His Armor Shining

1. Remove the rust.  

I woke up suddenly one day to find myself in a rusty relationship. How did this happen? Where had I been? What was I doing? First I cried. Then I prayed. Then we talked. I had a decision to make: Start polishing!

 

2. Admire him. 

This is a biggie for my husband and I hadn't realized it. He's bound to fall off a pedestal, so don't go that far. Remember that he is human and not perfect. Respect him, and admire all those wonderful things about him—the ones that made you fall in love with him in the first place—and all of those that came with time and wisdom since. For me, it required an attitude change of the heart. During one of our most difficult years I made a conscious effort and made him an "Admiration Award." He loved it, and it hangs on our bedroom wall as a reminder to us both.

3. Know his needs/desires.  

And act on them. This includes speaking his love language. We took a survey once from the book His Needs, Her Needs, to find that, out of a list of ten needs, his top five needs coincided with my bottom five needs, and my top five needs were the same as his bottom five needs. Our priority needs were the exact opposites! I wasn't surprised though, I knew that we were opposites and it was one of the those things that attracted us to one another in the first place, so very long ago. You can't be proficient with knowing his desires and doing them though, unless you have practice with #4 . . .

4. Communicate effectively. 

I can't believe how many years we went without talking about important issues that affected our marriage. We let a major storm slam us into the floor before we woke out of our dazzled state and did something constructive like reading and discussing books together. Once we stepped out of our comfort zone the light began to shine on those hazy areas. A little counseling didn't hurt either. Don't belittle him or his judgement. Don't talk to him like one of the children. Check your attitude.

5. Hold him accountable.

Finances. The Internet. Don't ignore pertinent issues or assume that all is well when you really don't know. Work as a team to meet set goals and jointly keep each other in the loop. For years, my husband didn't want to burden me with financial issues so he handled them alone. I didn't question him, but it was not a wise decision. Down the road this led to problems that need not have been. A preacher once told my husband that he would not have the Internet in his home—because he would not want the temptation there. Christians are human too. Be informed and proactive. You are in this thing together—remember that!

6. Pray for him and with him.

I am a huge proponent of prayer! Praying together will bring you closer. Time and time again, our Father Above has been there for us, intervened, and sustained us through the difficult and the blessed! Prayer is not just for meals, it is for every occasion.

7. Enjoy his company.

Find things to do together. Laugh. Share hobbies. Smile. This has become easier since our sons are all grown. One of our problems years ago was that we hardly ever used babysitters and we were seldom alone outside of the bedroom. Have a weekly date night. Make time to enjoy his company, just between the two of you.

8. Forgive.

And keep forgiving. This is huge, yet so simple and profound. I have to admit that this was hard for me to do. I had thought that some things were unforgivable. I was a grudge keeper. I'd act like I was OK, but deep down I kept a list, and the list grew and grew and then it got so big that it impeded my vision and my focus and my heart was in torment. It dawned on me one day that forgiveness may be the biggest problem I faced. I started re-reading and studying the words of Jesus, and several outstanding books on the subject and finally came to terms with my unforgiving attitude. I found out that I'm in need of forgiveness too, and that most people really do, do the best they can. If they could do better, they would have. I'm still working on my forgiving attitude and I've come a long way. Mostly, it has helped me more fully trust God and be happier within myself. I have to leave the past in the past, learn from it, and create peace in the present. God forgives us as we forgive others.

9. Coat with kindness.  

You can protect the marriage coat with love and kindness. I cannot change him. I don't have to like everything about my husband. And I don't. I remember reading a long time ago how to think of my husband as having two halves of his face. On the one side are the things I really love and admire. On the other are the things that I don't particularly like or maybe totally dislike. Well, I simply keep my focus on the good half. That's what I've tried to do. Treat him like I would a stranger—and better—he's worth it.

10. Labor with love.

You know the territory . . . love is a decision. An act of your will. In addition to all of the above, I have to mention that you should be his #1 fan and feed him well. No one can feel good, look good or continue to run on empty. Consider his diet and what nourishment you provide. Are you affectionate?  Are you lifting him up or cutting him down? Are you caring for yourself properly?

I'm thankful for the turmoil we went through. Without it, we'd be back in the same sad situation we had been in. Through adversity comes triumph. God can even take something meant for evil and use it for good! It takes time to smooth out the rough spots, but in the end you could have a reflection of near perfection—a glimpse in the mirror of the One that gave you life.

Make it a habit. Every time you come in contact with your treasured man-of-steel, give him a loving wipe-down. If you do this every time, you'll help keep him polished and his armor shining and rust-free.

I'd love to hear your reflections on polishing the armor.

What Works Wednesday: How I Educated Myself

I already knew how to read when I entered first grade at St. James Elementary. In fact, I don't remember a time not being able to read, or write for that matter. Maybe it's just my poor memory, since I do have what seems to be years of my life that I cannot remember at all, or maybe it's because I'm already half-past the age toward self-destruct. But I don't want to go there . . .

This July 18th post I'm linking up with What Works Wednesday thanks to Upside Down Homeschooling:

 When my first child was born 26 years ago my husband gently brought up the subject of homeschooling—NOT! He matter-of-factly told me that we would homeschool. (It was kind of like the way he announced that we'd have our babies at home the year before.) His desire for homeschooling stemmed from his misadventures in public school education. He did not want his sons to have to go through what he did. I however, loved school, and used to play teacher to my younger sister, the student. I kind of liked the idea!

 My baby—the last of the bunch!

So, I  left nine years of registered nursing behind to embark on this new journey called boys and all that would come with it. My heavenly dreams of having a child finally materialized, but with my mind reeling and my heart skipping, there was a lot I needed to know, and quickly. I had a great desire to learn. I read numerous books. I interviewed people. I took classes. I discussed things with hubby, and the perfect plan ensued.

In time, I found myself as the nurturing Momma hen to four delightful boys (about three years apart in age). Our homeschool journey fascinated me. Having loved books and going to the library as a child, I adored taking the boys to check out books and we read aloud 'til they dropped off to sleep at night. And I discovered the classics that I had missed as a child (pretty much all of them) so I delightedly would read, while the child-in-me clapped at each book's end for an encore.

 Just about all grown up!

It dawned on me down the road, somewhere between consonant blends and algebra, that I was getting much more out of homeschooling than I'd realized. I had been educating myself right along with the boys! 

The history and geography I knew little of and hadn't liked in grade school, now caught my attention through the lively stories we read and fun activities we did. The arithmetic I had forgotten, reappeared with new meaning. Experiments pretty much just happened in our household and my love for nursing and the workings of the human body kept me on my toes fashioning unit studies using living books in many fascinating areas of science. The arts I enjoyed gave me opportunities to share with my sons and we ventured into new crafty areas. The creative writing I adored (needing much polish) opened doors for self-improvement as I learned many of the missing links in my English education. Bible studies came alive as we took from what we learned to make our lives more complete and useful with our new understanding of God's design for our lives and grace through Jesus Christ. 

Of course, parenting, being a homeschool Mom, and attempting to keep a marriage in swing was/is quite an education in itself.

I think there is a point here somewhere . . . You will learn what you have an interest in learning. Force feeding doesn't work. A child needs to be engaged to learn, just like we do as adults. Sure, I learned things and passed tests with As for many years growing up, but that information quickly left me. Last year I studied for four months every day and re-took my RN licensure exams and passed! I was stunned, but you know, I had some interest in the material, but did cram a lot in and that short-term memory study for a test didn't last too long. If I don't use the material much will be lost. We can expect the same from our kids.

Perceptions are important. Writing is not a school subject, it's a necessary life skill. Engaging children in such a way that appeals to them is a worthy goal in all subject areas. Embracing a child's learning style and individual abilities just adds more education to your life! 

Now that all my sons have graduated, homeschool hasn't ended for me, and it hasn't ended for them. In fact, my youngest son wasn't all gung-ho about the graduating aspect completing 12th grade at all. I thought it was a big thing—apparently not for him. He said he doesn't like the way some new grads he knows think that they've arrived somehow. For him the transition toward his future life is just another step in the learning game, as it should be. Every day brings something new and there is so much to learn! I like that mindset. And I admire and respect his perspective, so I didn't make a big deal of graduation (even though I wanted to).

We educate ourselves in our own ways. Just by living, we learn whether we want to or not. Make the most of it!

“I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope” (Psalm 16: 8, 9).

I think I've had a pretty good education thus far—thanks guys, for all you've taught me!  

Happy Homeschooling!

—KathyMarie

Links to Inspire You and Your Kids to Write and Be Published

Learn More About Writing and Publishing

Looking for places where you or your kids can polish your skills and perhaps get published? Here are a few favorite sources and a few new ones I found to check out:

• WordPlay: Helping Authors Become Writers (A favorite!) Homeschool graduate and author, K. M. Weiland, has this outstanding and informative, award winning website.

• Jody Hedlund - Tips for Aspiring Writers Jody Hedlund, author and speaker, has a heart for encouraging and teaching aspiring authors.

• Mary DeMuth - Write Uncaged: Freebies Free electronic writing helps and get published resources from this Christian author and speaker.

• Homeschool Gazette Though no longer accepting submissions, you can find creative writings from homeschoolers and a lot of ideas to use. (This is our family's older website.)

• WriteShop Kid’s Corner - Writing links for Kids: Check out these links for more help and ideas.

• The Writer Magazine  Learn more about the craft of writing; I like the magazine.

• HSLDA Homeschool Contests  Enter Essay, Art, Photo, and Poetry contests. Read and view past winners for inspiration too.

• Young NanoWriMo Young National Novel Writing Month isn't so much a competition—rather a month long challenge to children to write a novel. If approved and they complete their word count in time, they can get a printed copy of their book.

• One Year Adventure Novel  Student writer’s contest open to licensed users of this program. We have a local homeschool family that highly recommends this creative program.

• Homeschool Writers – Writing Contests and Resources Try entering a writing contest!

• Home-School-Friendly Writing Contests for Students 

• Kids Are Authors Contest  Hosted by Scholastic. Grades K–8. Under the guidance of a project coordinator, children work in teams of three or more students to write and illustrate their own book. Deadline: 3-15-12 

Get Writing—Get Published! 

I was hoping to find many more homeschool  publications but here are a few links to check out:

• Apricot Pie A unique website designed by and for homeschoolers, where young people can post their stories, essays, poems, and photography. For homeschool students and graduates.

• Write Me a Story  A place where children can try their writing skills, share their imagination, read fun stories, and maybe even get published on the Internet! For students (11 and under) and teens (12 and older).

• Writing for Kids  A kid-friendly site that welcomes student writing samples. Send yours in and get published!

• The Kid’s Ark  Children’s Christian magazine - Geared to kids ages 4-12, quarterly 36 page, full-color, interactive magazine.

• PBS Kids Go!  Neat format for sharing stories, poems.

You Have Something Worth Saying—15 Ways to Embark on a Wild Writing Adventure

I had the privilege of sharing my experience with, and love for writing with our local homeschool group this week, along with several published authors. Below, I am sharing part of a handout I prepared (along with some commentary) to help young students.

Do you want to write and publish your work? Where do you begin?

15 Ways to Embark on a Wild Writing Adventure 

1. Believe in yourself, and be the peculiar person that God made you to be

 Everyone is unique. We all come from different backgrounds with special gifts, experiences and talents. Don't try to be someone you aren't—tap into your own creativity and style—making it your own.

2. Possess a growth mindset—you can learn and do what you put effort into

 I wish I had understood this much sooner in life, so I really want to emphasize this. Don't hinder yourself by thinking you cannot learn something—you most certainly can! Even the most talented and experienced people began at the bottom, putting forth a lot of patience and practice. If it's worth doing, don't limit yourself.

3. Think creatively—play with words and sentences and make it FUN

 Writing is hard work, but you can make it more fun if you view it creatively and lightheartedly. Enjoy the process of writing.

4. Write ‘til your hand and wrist hurts—NOT, but write every day you can

 Practice, practice, practice. The best writers got that way by doing what they love: writing.

5. If you have a brain freeze, write anyway, and see what surfaces

It happens sometimes. But there is a type of writing known as freewriting where you just write and see what comes. It could get you started to where you want to go.

6. Finish what you start (or play trashcan basketball with your paper wads)

It's a good idea to give each project your all, and then look toward the final edit where you can change it anyway you want. It just might be that it needs a new twist or a major overhaul, but your diligent attitude will pay off.

7. Keep breathing . . . and save editing until you get your thoughts down 

Spelling, grammar, the hard stuff . . . let it wait till you have something nice to work with. No one writes the perfect paper first time around.

8. Read a lot—including classics, and reach beyond your normal interests too

I did not know about the classics until I was a homeschooling teacher, and then I read aloud with my sons and read also on my own. Becoming well read will add a wonderful element to your overall writing experience, growth and knowledge base.

9. Read how-to books or web sites on the craft of writing

I'm going to do a post following this one with some favorite and new links that will greatly help you.

10. Be brave—share your work with others

Don't be shy, but most beginning writers are. Find a friend, family member, or small group of writers who will join forces to help each other improve and bounce ideas around.

11.  Listen to constructive feedback, even if it’s your mother (you don’t have to agree if you don’t want to)

It's your work, only make changes that you decide, but do listen to and respect your reader's comments.

12.   Be an inspiration to yourself and take a writing course (you might find out a lot more about who you really are)

You may not know what you are capable of until you stretch yourself into a new learning zone. Try it!

13. Enter a contest (you could win $$$) or submit your writing to a friendly market

Just start somewhere. Once you get a small (or big) effort published or known, you'll be spurred on to new writing heights.

14. Set goals, and plan out the steps to get to where you want to be, marking off little achievements as you go

Lists can be your best friends. Decide your plan and make it happen. You'll feel great as you get closer to your big goal, and when you do, celebrate!

15.   In everything, give thanks! (It could be worse you know—think Cinderella)

Attitude is everything. Did you know that God can take something that seems bad and turn it into something good? There are going to be trying days and hard times, but take heart and know that everything will work out in the end. You can do this!

  Think About It . . .  

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

—Philippians 4:8

"If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way."—Napoleon Hill

“Don't say the old lady screamed. Bring her on and let her scream.” —Mark Twain

"So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads."  —Dr. Seuss

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself,

instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."
—Judy Garland