Think Like an Editor

The role of editor is explained in this new CommonCraft video. Many websites operate without an editor, so it’s important for each of us to…Think Like an Editor

As an author, I appreciate the guidance of a good editor. Children ask me how I feel when my editor asks me to change something or questions my work. I let them know: 

  • The editor’s comments might nudge me in a new creative direction.
  • Sometimes the editor notices something I haven’t. Even when I have put a lot of effort into my work, I sometimes overlook a simple error.
  • Getting the editor’s opinion gives me an understanding of other people’s standards and actually strengthens my own standards.

I encourage children to think of their teachers as editors. A good, objective editor (or teacher) helps us improve.

Source: http://www.commoncraft.com

Win a $50 e-Gift Card

Rose, 7 years-old, Grace-Filled Homeschooling

Rose, 7 years-old, Grace-Filled Homeschooling

Review by Grace-Filled Homeschooling (and a giveaway!)

Grace-Filled Homeschooling
Grace-Filled Homeschooling

Melissa and her girls, Rose and Beth, were recently introduced to the Draw Write Now lessons. Hear how they enjoyed drawing together, tried out pencil grips, and neatly worked on their writing.

I loved Melissa’s comment that 5 year-old Beth “…was incredibly focused on neatness and proportion of her letters for the first time.” I hear that from parents a lot.

Don’t forget to sign up for a chance to win the $50 e-Gift Card!

Source: http://gracefilledhomeschooling.blogspot.c...

Spanish—The Tripod Grip

gripillust.spanish.sm.png

Hold the Pencil in the Tripod Grip

Kathy Pedroza teaches Spanish at a dual-language program and translated our “Tripod Grip” illustration. “This has been so helpful, especially in my Spanish dual-immersion class.”

She shows it to her students’ parents, includes it with a letter chart in her kindergarten homework envelope, and refers to it during her 1st-quarter progress report.

For more information on developing the tripod grasp, see Hold the Pencil and the Hold the Pencil Pamphlet.

Hold the Pencil in the Tripod Grip: DrawYourWorld
Hold the Pencil in the Tripod Grip: DrawYourWorld
 

Handwriting and Self-Assessment

Handwriting practice improves with assessment. drawyourworld.com
Handwriting practice improves with assessment. drawyourworld.com
Handwriting practice improves with assessment. drawyourworld.com
Handwriting practice improves with assessment. drawyourworld.com

Self-Assessment of handwriting work. montessoritidbits.com See montessoritidbits.com for Leann’s tips onImproving Handwriting with Draw Write Now.

Leann presents the lessons in three parts in her homeschool:

The Warm-up—review notes from the prior day and work on letters needing help.

Drawing and Writing—30 minutes of drawing and writing.

Self-Assessment—look over the writing and noting the best work and the things that can be improved.

In the classroom, the warm-up and assessment process is just as important. Handwriting improves when the teacher checks over the students’ drawings and writing, noting issues and adjusting the next day’s lesson.

My mom, Marie Hablitzel, had over 30 students in her classes, making it difficult for one-on-one time for self-assessments. The assessments were made, though—she carefully reviewed each of her students’ drawing and writing papers after class and adjusted the next day’s lesson or found time to work with students needing individual attention.

Assessment is a huge part of improving handwriting. 

Handwriting and drawing using Draw Write Now. montessoritidbits.com

Source: http://handsonhomeschooler.com/2013/02/imp...

Art Appreciation

Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord

Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord

I love to look at artwork from my parents’ generation. This small picture is from the 1940’s or possibly earlier, I suppose. My sister, Anne, bought it at a garage sale years ago and she’s had it hanging in her house since then. I love it—hand-drawn, hand-lettered, such a beautiful style.