Holmes is our fourth child to be homeschooled from birth to college. His SAT score was OK (4th place in our family of five), and he admittedly at one point was not our most 'academic' child; but now he's a journalist in DC and went from UNT Honors to University of Texas (Austin) with excellent grades. We take nothing from him as to drive and commitment, but he would admit our approach to education (and writing) helped him become the man he is today. Here are few highlights---

• Made a 98% on a 14 page paper in Honors Communication (25% of his grade)
• Made a 100% on every Political Science essay (usually took him about 45 minutes compared to his friends who took up to 2 hours and with lower grades).
• Said to us, "After never being in a school of any kind, I found that I could write a 5 page college essay in a couple of hours without dread or frustration. My friends would labor for days or pull all-nighters with great emotional pain and fear. I wish I could put in their heads my dad's Writing Course ...what it could mean to their success in college! Also, to my surprise, I usually made 100s on all my papers (and never below a 95)
  
• Became a full-time journalist with a major news organization

It's Not Complicated:

1. Holmes went through The Writing Course 4+ times in high school (but a smart 4th grader will benefit a lot as well).

2. He wrote something almost every day of homeschool (part of how to teach kids to write)...and got the exact kind of feedback he needed (we show you how).

3. Our feedback process usually takes a lot less than 10 minutes, which keeps everyone happy. Now, he 'gets' language:

He knows why 'how it sounds' is more important than how it looks. He knows why starting with OK is better than trying to write something great · He knows how grammar works · He can tell if punctuation is correct without caring one bit about the rules · He knows how to organize his thoughts and how to get them on paper · He knows how to make his writing interesting · He knows exactly how to not worry about his writing being good or bad · He knows exactly how to get himself writing even when he doesn't know what to say.  And...he knows a whole lot more

The greater benefit of The Writing Course is that kids don’t learn to HATE writing, they learn to enjoy it. Honestly, it is all the tedious rule-obsessed grammar that quenches the spirit in a child (or adult). If you think the rules are important, then great…but adding our Homeschool Writing Course to your curriculum will allow your child to embrace the freedom that comes with really “getting” what language and writing is about. Honestly, writing for kids is not about grammar, it's about getting them to love sharing their own thoughts. So here’s the Deal:

Jody has insisted that our Writing Course Online solution (how to teach kids to write) would be more  widespread among students if the price was more reachable. She insists that homeschool families aren't the richest folks in the world, but that they do care deeply about their  children’s success.

I've pointed out that over 150,000 dollars has been invested in my formal education and that the value of what Writing Course students are learning will change their lives (and stress, and income potential) forever.

She insisted that the math will work out in supporting our own family (and all that goes into maintaining websites, advertising, avoiding viruses online, etc.).

SO… I've agreed to experiment in how to teach kids to write.

I can’t guarantee this will become the permanent new price for the course.

All I can guarantee is that you will have a little more time special pricing here (we may keep this as the permanent price, but we may revert  back if it doesn't really help us support our work more effectively).

So… this is the same homeschool writing course (includes the Essay Course), for the same money back guarantee, for the same experience of seeing your child blossom as a writer, for the same video and audio support whenever you need it.

I promise, one time through the course will change your child’s life with writing…4 times through will likely turn them (her or him) into a genuine      writer. You don't really have to know how to teach kids to write, I will...but, you will help them blossom as writers.

Your responsibility…get the course…invest 5 minutes a day (really, that’s all your student will need from            you)…then tell others if it works like we say. Writing for kids can often be transformed in as little as 9 Lessons so you can blab about us even sooner if you'd like)!

Why not begin this semester on the write foot :) for your student's writing future?

Blessings, 

Dr. Fred Ray Lybrand

The Writing Course

P.S. Any typos, etc., are free of charge (my gift to you). The whole point of writing is that we start with what we start with…then get help…then make it great. I’ll improve this letter next time. Writing for kids works the same way; they need to fearlessly start, and then learn to improve their writing as they get help and grow.

Hint: The Methods used by most schools only heightens the fear of writing (which is the core issue in how to teach kids to write)

There is a Simple Secret teachers aren't taught in most schools, but that instantly helps almost every student (especially most LD or Reluctant Writers); and it all begins with understanding what scares them the most about writing.

When the SECOND FEAR goes away the Writing begins

Dear Homeschool Moms & Dads, Students, and Co-op Leaders, and Parents Who Know Traditional Methods Aren't Working, 

Honestly, do you really think that they will suddenly wake up and like to write by doing the exact same thing you've been doing so far? Really? Your child is scared of one BIG thing, which you already know...she is scared of upsetting you. But you are already upset, so both of you are TRAPPED! You know that it's all about learning by writing...but what is in the way of children writing to begin with? It is the SECOND FEAR that is the problem. Once the SECOND FEAR is slayed, no dragons remain between writing and your child. What is this SECOND FEAR? I'll get to that... Do you really want to send them to college (or high school) with a hatred and (often) morbid fear of writing words on paper? Is there any chance they can graduate without being decent at writing? Have you noticed that a lot of what you are trying just seems to make things worse? It's not your fault...most methods secretly produce fear and failure so the teachers can look like they are 'really' teaching. . Sometimes they just aren't motivated. Sometimes it's something even more challenging. I get the struggle. I get the frustration. I have spent a lifetime figuring out how to go from reluctance and tears to racing to win--- all as it concerns writing. Writing is its own special issue, but when your student learns the 12 Principles I've uncovered through education, trial-and-error, and the grace of God...everything will change. They will immediately discover what learning by writing is all about. In many ways you are going to get to look over my shoulder and show you the exact ways we have taught our own children (and hundreds and hundreds of children all over the world). Here's what I think you're wondering about our homeschool writing course in order to make a decision:

* The simple three step process that cures most forms of perfectionism with writing* How to know his grammar is correct without having to know all the rules* How to quit worrying about what others think* How to help mom or dad give feedback that helps* How to know his punctuation is correct without having to know all the rules* How to come up with what to write about on the spot* How to make what he writes interesting to read* How to develop the little known single habit that turns anyone into a fine speller* How to enjoy writing* How to pick the right words* How to easily practice and improve* How to use language as music* How to start writing anytime (instead of just thinking about writing)* How to find his own voice as he writes.*

The Homeschool Writing Course System - You don't have to train yourself. The Course is 21 audio lessons, plus a workbook, plus a transcript of the course. Print the workbook, play the audios, look at their notes and exercises...and watch the transformation! It also comes with the Essay Course (for older students...around 14 and up), which has 18 lessons and a number of instant templates to use to create an outline in under 2 minutes. These should be used yearly with each student. And, because of the design of the course, it's a new experience every year as the principles settle into the student's heart and habits. It is clearly about learning by writing, but it is also about how to think about writing for a lifetime of confidence.The Online Videos - You will have access to 14 videos that explain all of the principles involved in curing reluctance in young writers (and old ones too!). We also have included our popular 'over the shoulder look' at EXACTLY how to give feedback / grade a student's writing to give the most help. Instant Access and Backup - You will have both courses fully down-loadable for your immediate use. You can make CDs or put the lessons on your iPod. Sometimes stuff happens and things get lost...no problem, we will renew your link to your writing courses whenever you need it. 6 Full Hours of Live Call in Sessions - These sessions were live and included a short lesson along with Q&A from other owners of The Writing Course. You will have complete access to the archive of these live sessions. Occasionally we have a live call-in session to add to these lessons...but, most of your questions are answered by using the course itself. Nonetheless, these sessions help clarify, refine, and encourage you. The Guarantee - Can an online course really guarantee that it will show you how to teach kids to write (and like it)? No one else we know of dares to guarantee a writing course. You will have 100 days to decide if The Writing Course is right for you. All we ask is that your student actually go through the 21 powerful lessons (about 1/2 hour per lesson), fill in the workbook & exercises (easy), and send us a copy—which is only fair. You'll have your refund process within 48 hours. The Price - NOT $127 for everything, including the right to use it with the whole family, is still a bargain. When we say we will show you how to teach kids to write, we mean all of your kids, but with the one-time purchase of our course for the whole family. As a parent myself, I know how costly it can be to buy material for each child for each year...which can really add up. I want to make this as easy as possible—one price for the whole family, forever. There are no additional purchases necessary, and you probably won't need to pay your tutor anymore. If you do the math per child...or the math per year (of most curriculum)...or the cost of a tutor. So, we hope you see our Writing Course on how to teach kids to write is a bargain. Plus, since it is fully online and down-loadable, we've been able to reduce the price from our original price of $299. Here are a few comments from appreciative homeschool Writing Course families. I look forward to adding your successes here soon.

The SECOND FEAR is the secret (less apparent) fear. Of course your child wants to please you (not upset you), but it is the HOW she upsets you that is the issue. 

The SECOND FEAR is that she just can't write perfect. I mean face it...if she could write something perfect, you'd never get upset. True? Honestly, it's not your fault. Schools have been messing this writing business up for many years...mostly because they are trying to teach writing instead of showing the student how to teach himself :-)

The theory in your child's head is that perfect is possible...and...it is possible on the first try. Of course, once you are committed to write perfectly on the first try, then you can't even form a couple of words! Now, add to this SECOND FEAR the realities of some learning challenges, lack of experience, and a swirling number of rules about grammar, spelling, punctuation, and story...and you'll see that she just feels hopeless. Learning by writing cannot happen when hopelessness reigns. I know you don't know me, but our homeschool Writing Course is specifically designed to cure these EXACT FEARS and more. It shows you how to teach kids to write, but it will also show them how to teach themselves to write as well.

1. Some things our Homeschool Writing Course System Offers in the Near Term

Writing for kids or adults is the ability to write-on-demand (at will), which then can catapult a college or business career 

Once reluctance is gone the skill can be learned 

Readiness for school and job applications, SAT, essay competitions, college applications, etc. 

Conflict leaves over writing so schooling and relationships can be good. 

A child feels closer to a mother who isn't seen as the source of his tears 

Closeness increases with the sharing of written stories 

People often can share more intimate thoughts in writing than in person (Laura's note) 

Writing for kids or adults is rightly known as thinking on paper...learning the skill of writing is also training in the skill of clear thought 

Writing greatly improves the ability to read well 

Entire career choices (and college majors) can be considered as options by the one who can write effectively and easily 

If you can write well you are ahead of most of the people you'll ever meet 

The skill is essential to learning most subjects 

Overcoming the fear of writing translates into how to overcome almost any fear 

Each year thousands of students flunk out of (or quit) school because of the lack of writing skills alone. 

Appealing grades, insurance claims, tax issues, legal matters, etc., are very often dependent on the ability to write clearly 

Writing for oneself (journaling type activities) have been proved to be incredibly helpful in personal growth..which is what learning by writing is all about. 

The pen IS mightier than the sword...more power and more protection than learning martial arts! 

2. What The Writing Course Offers Long Term 

They can begin entering essay contests and writing competitions (money) 

They can develop the skill to enter, earn scholarships, and successfully graduate a quality college or university 

They can consider a job that requires writing well (where no one would be hired without the skill) 

They can actually write the novel that most people only hope to... 

They can tutor others in writing (for extra cash in high school or college) 

They can develop relationships with people all over the world through pen-pal clubs, various types of discussion groups, and social media opportunities that respect good writers 

They can impact the world from a computer with good thoughts well delivered 

They can raise funds, interest, and support in community, organizational, or missions-focused endeavors. 

One of my passions is simply to teach kids to write. I'm ready to help your child's life change; for the tears to stop and the confidence to grow. Why keep suffering when writing has a real fix that is only a click away? I hate to mention the obvious, but really good writers REALLY love this homeschool writing course because it adds so much speed and clarity to what they do. . .

So...How Much?

Read First: The Essay Course Essay Basic Form Lesson 

1. Essay Course - Introduction: How to Learn with The Essay Course Method Lesson 

2. Essay Course - The Power of your New Philosophy on Essay Writing Lesson 

3. Essay Course - The Danger of Following Formulas for Essay Writing Lesson 

4. Essay Course - To Write Well You Must Follow These Three Steps Lesson 

5. Essay Course - How to Tap Into Your Instinctive Gift For Writing Well Lesson 

6. Essay Course - How To Pick the Right Words as You Write Lesson 

7. Essay Course - The One Secret that Will Make Your Essays Stand Out Lesson 

8. Essay Course - Figuring Out the Right Look for Your Essays Lesson 

9. Essay Course - The Three Steps to Fast and Effective Essay Writing Lesson 

10. Essay Course - Kipling's Great Secret for Essay Writing Lesson 

11. Essay Course - How to Use the Metaphor for Instant Essays Lesson 

12. Essay Course - How to Use the Power of Threes for Clear Essays Lesson 

13. Essay Course - How to Write So They Want to Read Every Word of Your Essay Lesson 

14. Essay Course - Monty Python's Great Secret About Persuasive Essays Lesson 

15. Essay Course - The Power of Illustrations and How to Find Them On the Spot Lesson 

16. Essay Course - A Few Factors for Wow in Getting Yourself to Write Your Essay Lesson 

17. Essay Course - Final Tricks for Teaching Others (Including Yourself) 

Extra: The 25 Minute Essay Secret The Insider's Guide to College Success

Special Note: Oddly enough, our course on how to teach kids to write often shows the most dramatic improvement is for students who struggle because the way in which they process language isn't 'normal' (whatever that actually means). Learning Disabilities are often mislabeled...they are more often just learning challenges. Jody is dyslexic (but made a 4.0 in her masters program) and two of our own kids had some challenges with reading comprehension and writing...but they are doing great now. Better tactics and growing confidence can overcome almost anything. Here is a recent letter on this very issue:

P.S. TYPOS: Any typos, etc., are free of charge (my gift to you). The whole point of writing is that we start where we start…then get help…then we make it great. If you see a problem or mistake, please drop us a note and we'll get it fixed! contact@advanced-writing-resources.com

AGAIN- INCLUDES BOTH THE WRITING COURSE AND ESSAY COURSE ...Plus 13 additional videos AND much more, so your student can 'know the teacher' too

It's really simple. Print a workbook...play the lessons...learn our easy method of giving the right kind of feedback (5 minutes a day)...and watch your child become a better writer than you are

So...How Much?

Jody and I have been helping families make sense of their family and homeschooling strategies for decades. Now, we want to include you in that family. Having successfully gotten all five of our kids from homeschool (18 years each) to college (all graduated with excellent grades while working part time) to jobs  to church involvement to marriage (all 5 are married).  

Here's what you get: