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---
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:
1. Print out the workbook for your students 2. Turn on the Audio Lesson 3. Look at their lesson and applaud their effort 4. Repeat for 21 Days 5. Start giving the easy feedback (we teach you exactly how) that anyone can give without conflict 6. Write us a testimonial of how your child's understanding and confidence has been transformed
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.
Listen First: All Educators Please Begin Here Read First: The Writing Course 12 Secrets The Writing Course eBook (Transcript of Entire Course) The Writing Course Workbook The Writing Course Answer Key The Writing Course Feedback Punctuation Quote - Albert Einstein Quote - Henry Adams Lesson 1 - The One Thing You Must Know about Writing Lesson 2 - Writing Always Must Follow Three Steps Lesson 3 - Why Instinct is Everything for Writing Lesson 4 - The Single Most Important Way to Start Writing Lesson 5 - Excellent Grammar & Punctuation Without Rules Lesson 6 - The Simple Punctuation Magic List Lesson 7 - Final Steps for Mastering Punctuation Without Rules Lesson 8 - The Painless Cure for Poor Spelling Lesson 9 - How to Write Whenever You Want Lesson 10 - How to Get Emotionally Free from What People Think of Your Writing Lesson 11 - How to Pick the Right Words as You Write Lesson 12 - How to Relax and have Fun as You Write Lesson 13 - The One Thing to Know About Creative Writing Lesson 14 - The Real Tricks Professional Writers Use Everyday Lesson 15 - The Only Thing that Will Keep Readers Reading Your Writing (Part 1) Lesson 16 - The Only Thing that Will Keep Readers Reading Your Writing (Part 2) Lesson 17 - The One Thing that Will Naturally Keep You Focused While You Write Lesson 18 - The One Secret that Will Make You an Original Writer Lesson 19 - Important Loose Ends You Must Know to Tie it All Together (Part 1) Lesson 20 - Important Loose Ends You Must Know to Tie it All Together (Part 2) Lesson 21 - Important Loose Ends You Must Know to Tie it All Together (Part 3)
This is our proven approach to teaching high school and college students how to write an 'instant' essay—so it's great for exams and the SAT. It repeats a couple of lessons from The Writing Course (which need to be repeated often!) and includes templates for writing 'fill-in-the-blank' essays (sort of)!. This course is worth the value alone.
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
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:
If kids aren't happy about writing they will NEVER really learn, which means they will NEVER have the writing skills to make college and work a comfortable success. It's hard to teach kids how to write when they HATE writing. Writing for kids is about growing their confidence and their happiness. Being happy about writing is exactly what probably sets The Writing Course apart from your current homeschool curriculum. If it is teaching your student how to ‘write right’, then more cheers for you! They might even notice that I used ‘they’ instead of him or her. However, the question I have is, “Does your student really understanding the writing process?”