Reading ‘Laddie’ (and a Happy Birthday Dinner)

Once things settle down after the June convention and workshops, I always take extra time off for reading and projects. June is birthday month for four of us, so we all feel a bit celebratory.

This year, my very sweet daughter-in-law had a birthday dinner for those of us with June birthdays. Together with our April son, she fixed a lovely meal and decorated our new patio with sparkly lights, candles, and flowers, making it seem so very festive. The weather was perfect for a fire, so after dinner, we roasted marshmallows (sort of an appetizer before dessert;-)). It was a wonderful evening.

So… that was the kickoff for our summer break. As soon as the dust from convention subsided, I started reading. During the school year, it seems that I have time for non-fiction, and a lot of serious reading, but very little time for fiction or creative reading. This summer, I plan to re-read some of the books that have shaped my thoughts of home and family, plus a few classics. Of the books I’ve read since June 11, one stands out– Laddie: A True Blue Story by Gene Stratton Porter. Read more

Essay Workshop in Woodbridge, VA

If you’ve been waiting for the next Beat-the-Clock Essay Workshop, it’s scheduled for Wednesday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This popular SAT prep writing workshop will prepare teens for the timed essay on standardized tests, as well as those found on college exams. You can read more about it and find registration information on my website! We may, if there is enough interest, follow the student workshop with a one-hour parent workshop on Evaluating Writing. Just let the hostess know if you are interested when you sign up.

This is one of the most rewarding and fun workshops I do. Students often come in feeling uncertain of what is required for the SAT essay and unable to write quick essays, but they almost always leave with a feeling of genuine accomplishment. We write two timed essays during the day, and the students take home a little handbook that will help them continue to practice. It’s a lot of fun, and I hope to see you there!

Homeschooling at the Speed of Life- A Review

Homeschooling at the Speed of Life by Marilyn Rockett
Reviewed by Janice Campbell

As you wrap up the school year and start planning the next, there’s one thing you can do to make your next school year run more smoothly– read Homeschooling at the Speed of Life by Marilyn Rockett. An organizer extraordinaire, Rockett is also the graduated homeschool mom of four sons. I can tell you from personal experience that four sons will hyper-test every organizational theory that mom can dream up! Read more