I'd like to pass on a very helpful book, that has brought some variety, fun, and creativity to our writing. It is called, "If You Are Trying to Teach Kids How to Write You've Gotta Have This Book". There are endless ideas.

One thing Marjorie Frank (author) recommends in her book is to sit with the children and write when they write. They're more interested in writing when we partake as well. I break from our "Understanding Writing" program on Fridays to insert an assignment from this book. I find my 8 year old, 11 year old, and I can all do the same assignment. It's generally lighthearted and refreshing. I highly recommend it.

We have also begun daily family reading, about 20 minutes mid-morning, I chose quite a long book lately, but it's quite a blessing. I do believe Our Lord was guiding me. The English is so good we have to look up one or two words in every sitting. The story revolves around a couple who home school their own children and a handful of other less fortunate boys. They themselves are instilling virtue just as we are all trying to do in our daily family lives. I was seeking a book of virtue that would be fun at the same time. (Not so obvious to my children that Mom was teaching virtue again.)

God continues to surprise me! How faithfully He guides us. My boys have laughed out loud, even groaned when I've closed the book for the morning. Oh, I've yet to tell you its name - "Little Men", by Louisa May Alcott. If you read 20 minutes a day like us, be prepared for it to cover a three month period. Happy Reading!