by Donna | Oct 24, 2017
We had an interesting conversation in my high school creative writing class this week. One of the students started a sentence with and, and, of course, the more grammarly types thought that he should not.
Being the kind of teacher who does not like to let any potential lesson pass, I delved in. That is what I would like to “teach” here today–but first let’s go back to those earlier lessons on compound sentences and comma use–and, of course, what a coordinating conjunction is to begin with.
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by Donna | Sep 13, 2017
To recite or not to recite? Most of us grew up with recitations, rhymes, jingles, songs, and mnemonics to learn the planets, math facts, presidents of the US, and more. But what about language arts and grammar? Do these “tricks” work well for a subject that needs APPLIED once it is memorized? I mean, once you learn the presidents, you can easily figure out where to fit in history. Math is all about facts and figures. But language arts/English/grammar recitations are different. Memorizing and reciting are not enough when it comes to parts of speech, punctuation, and more.
So how DOES recitation fit into language arts concepts? (more…)
by Donna | Jul 3, 2017
![Teaching Writing With a Thorough Checklist [with video!]](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20427%20640'%3E%3C/svg%3E "Teaching Writing With a Thorough Checklist [with video!]")
Writing class is often the most difficult class for teachers—homeschoolers and brick and mortar schoolers alike. Oftentimes, a teacher has not had much writing experience herself to draw from. (Perhaps her writing classes were lacking in school, and she hasn’t had reason to write much in her adulthood.) Many writing programs are vague and more idea-based than step-by-step-based. You have probably heard me talk on here about how I overcame these obstacles in my writing curricula by utilizing my Directed Writing Approach. This Directed Writing Approach has churned out several *perfect* scores on the verbal SAT/ACT! And…this approach carries over into my writing checklist for students, known as the Checklist Challenge.
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by Donna | Jun 3, 2017
Summer is here and the livin’ is easy. Or something like that.
And there’s a lot of truth to it. My husband and I were just talking last night about how one of our favorite things is going to concerts and movies (mostly with our kids!) in the summer because it feels so easy. Sitting in my lawn chair at an outdoor concert just listening to old 50’s and 60’s tunes (some of our favorite swing music!) just makes me feel relaxed. Like I don’t have anything to do, so just sit there. (I have a LOT of trouble sitting….unless I’m doing!)
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by Donna | May 13, 2017
By Zac Kieser and Donna Reish
This week’s Punctuation Puzzle is a compound sentence (hint, hint!) about the Bermuda Triangle. Try to solve it BEFORE you read my recommendations! 🙂
They did not object and thus the area was named the Bermuda Triangle.
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by Donna | May 3, 2017
By Zac Kieser and Donna Reish
Welcome to another Punctuation Puzzle! Yep… a puzzle that you solve by putting int he correct punctuation and words/usage fixes– along with explanations and answers about each error! Perfect for students and teachers alike!
Today’s Puzzle is about Compound Sentences… and it uses an interesting sentence from one of our Write-for-a-Month/Write On books.
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![Teaching Writing With a Thorough Checklist [with video!]](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4140/35700733195_f5e1371e35_z.jpg "Teaching Writing With a Thorough Checklist [with video!]")
