Category: Uncategorized

What are some things you avoid like the plague? (That is, besides using cliche expresssions like AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE 🙂 I (Emily) tend to avoid laundry. I think it’s because there are so many steps involved, the sorting, the washing, the drying, the folding . . . in my head it’s just a whole thing. I do… Continue reading Say Goodbye to Rewrites: Proven Strategies for Homeschool Writers

A scary POV (in honor of Halloween): You look through your child’s notebook, and their stories are FILLED with misspelled words.  Scary right? Because, honestly, what do you DO with all of those misspelled words?  On one hand you don’t want to CRUSH their spirit. Hello! Look at all those pages of writing! But on the other hand, strong… Continue reading Spelling Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

Tell us if you agree with this one: scary can be fun . . . but only when kids feel safe! We’re thinking like reading a scary book but safe in bed. Or walking through a haunted house but holding Mom’s hand. Or jumping at the sight of Frankenstein but knowing it’s probably Dad.  It’s the fun of the… Continue reading Spooky Story Planner

Looking for a way to kick off writing this year that adds little (or nothing!) to your prep time?  How about borrowing one of our favorite back-to-school writing activities and write a letter to the FUTURE.  Start out with “Dear Future Me” and encourage your children to share hopes, dreams, and questions with their future self. Then, seal it in an… Continue reading Write A Letter To The Future

We’re in full writing mode with our students right now, and we know (firsthand!) teaching writing isn’t easy, especially if you’re a homeschool family covering all the bases. Here are three quick helps to buoy you up–a Q & A, wisdom from an author, and an invitation. 1. Question and Answer QUESTION: What are good things to say… Continue reading 1, 2, 3, Writing Ideas

Writing Camp year 18 is in the books! We are grateful for the 101 young writers, 14 writing coaches, and 3 authors that helped us create such a special week. We’ve been at this awhile, but we always come away having learned something new about writing. Here are three of our biggest takeaways from Writing Camp 2024: 1.… Continue reading Our Three Biggest Takeaways From Writing Camp

Right now, it feels like the whole world is busy setting up all kinds of summer reading plans (which of course we love too). But as much as kids need their summer reading, they also need summer writing!  It’s time to make a summer writing plan right alongside those reading plans.  We have an idea . . .  START… Continue reading Start A Summer Writing Streak!

Ever notice how friendly people are when they’re on vacation? This includes me (Carrie) waking up in sunny Florida. Right now for instance, I’m so chatty with Uber drivers, the family with beach gear in the elevator, and the waiter last night who recommended the red snapper. I’m so eager to hear everyone’s stories! I’m also hyper… Continue reading I SPY GREAT WRITING AHEAD

Recently, a mom emailed us about a writing tragedy. Her eight-year-old daughter asked a local librarian if it would be possible to display her story so other kids could read it. It was a story about her dog Milo. The librarian said no. First off, let’s just all make a pact that we always say yes to children’s writing.… Continue reading OUCH . . . WHAT ABOUT REJECTION?

FIVE INGREDIENTS FOR RAISING A WRITER This week a new macro counting cookbook I had ordered arrived. (Anyone else into macros?) I was so excited to dive in, but after a quick glance I wasn’t sure it was the right cookbook for me.  Why?  The recipes had too many ingredients. And many of these ingredients I had never heard of… Continue reading FIVE INGREDIENTS FOR RAISING A WRITER