Day 2: Shore Up That Writing
[View the entire series HERE]
You just learned about covering the basics. Those were important.
Now, you’re going to hear about an area that makes an even bigger difference — writing. Writing is very important.
You already understand the advantages of homeschooling: flexibility in scheduling, freedom to choose courses, plenty of time to study whatever you like, and more. Well, guess what? It’s those same advantages that make it easily possible to become a good writer in high school. In fact, with all those great benefits, there’s really no excuse for a homeschooler not to become a good writer.
Writing is important in more ways than students realize. Writing (sometimes called Composition) as an academic subject is one thing, but remember that writing helps across the entire curriculum, making it possible to succeed in all other areas, too. Plus, writing helps create knock-out Freshman Resumes (I’ll tell you about that in the next article), score well on standardized writing tests, write winning scholarship essays, conquer college application essays, and more.
It’s silly not to take advantage of the high school years to learn to write. Many students already do. But if you haven’t been one of them, well…now’s the time.
Not learning to write — and write well – is just harming yourself. Really.
All that being said, not every mom and dad is comfortable teaching writing. Not every student knows exactly where to begin, either. It’s okay. That’s where courses, curriculum and tutors come in. Use them liberally if you must.
The takeaway from this lesson is to include some quality form of writing instruction you can trust. For at least a couple of years — or, better yet, throughout high school. If you plan on getting into college, that is.
Becoming a good writer takes time, practice and feedback. It isn’t something you can pick up by reading a book and it isn’t something that can be mastered during the last semester of high school, either. Start early, and write often.
Colleges notice.
Next up is Day 3: Standing Out.
Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau is a college professor who traded in her tenure to become a homeschool mom 20+ years ago. A homeschool pioneer and the founder of many groups and organizations, she works to advance home education, and is an outspoken supporter of education reform coast to coast. Her book, Suddenly Homeschooling: A Quick Start Guide to Legally Homeschool in Two Weeks, was industry-acclaimed for illustrating how homeschooling can rescue children and families from the public school system, and how anyone can begin homeschooling within a limited time-frame, with no teaching background whatsoever. A writer, a homeschool leader, and a women’s life coach, Marie-Claire mentors in a variety of areas that impact health, education and lifestyle. A conference speaker, she has appeared at FPEA, H.E.R.I., Home Education Council of America, The Luminous Mind, Vintage Homeschool Moms, iHomeschool Network, and many other events. Her articles have appeared in and on Holistic Parenting, CONNECT,Homefires, Homemaking Cottage, Kiwi, Circle of Moms, and hundreds of sites and blogs nationwide. Marie-Claire can be reached at contactmarieclaire@gmail.com. Her latest book, The Ultimate Guide to Florida Homeschooling, is now available on Amazon.
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