Developing Good Writers

Editor's Note: This article first appeared in The Old Schoolhouse magazine, Feb. 2013 edition. To visit that site, go to http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine-digital.com/thehomeschoolmagazine/201302/?pg=67&pm=2&u1=friend 

As an editor, writing tutor, and homeschool teacher of twenty years, I am frequently asked for advice about improving children’s writing skills.  Most of the calls I receive are from parents of high schoolers, while some calls concern college-aged students.  Although it is never too late to improve skills, there are some ways that young parents can ensure that their children have the best start and the greatest chance at writing success. 

First, all children who are not yet reading independently should have books read to them on a daily basis.  This may sound obvious to many, but a lot of modern-day parents do not read and do not understand its value.  My daughters have babysat in homes where there are no books – and I am not exaggerating, as shocking as that may be.  It is simply unfathomable to me that there are any parents in this country who do not have a stockpile of books for their children to peruse.  This does not have to be a budget-breaker, either, since our country has thousands of libraries full of books available for borrowing at no charge. The importance of this cannot be overstated: Children who are read to develop a love for books, and tend to have greater and more active imaginations. They are also more curious and ask more questions, and they are more able to discern good literature, especially if what is being read is well-written.  In addition, parents who take time out of their busy schedules to read to their youngsters are demonstrating, in a concrete way, that they highly value books and reading. This is the first and most basic step that must be taken if parents want to ensure academic success later.

I'm a Wimpy Mother

You hear this from almost the minute your baby’s born: “Enjoy every moment because before you know it, they will be grown and gone.” I used to hate hearing that when my kids were little. It was almost always well-intentioned older ladies who would utter those words. Yet even then I was sure that they were speaking from personal experience, and I understood the painful truth; I just didn’t want the reminder. As much as I tried to avoid thinking about it, the inevitable has come true, and I am now the mother of four adults and three more who will be soon.

Just yesterday, my oldest was building things with Legos; he now lives in Argentina and we only get to see him once or twice a year. The sister he used to tease by misbehaving in the historical plays she would put on with her younger siblings is now in a PhD program six hours away by car. Even though I’ve adjusted to the concept of my kids coming and going since the eldest first went to college more than eight years ago, it still feels unnatural when they say goodbye and leave.

Wild By Cheryl Strayed; Review By Nancy Gillard Doran

Sadly and reluctantly, I just finished reading Wild, a memoir by Cheryl Strayed. I first heard about this book after reading an essay by the author in The Sun magazine. Captivated by the engaging writing style and subject matter (grief over the untimely death of the writer’s mother), I put a hold on the book at the local library. Months later, I finally got notification that the book was mine for the borrowing. I picked it up that same day and then had trouble putting it down until I very slowly turned the last page.

Ms. Strayed was in her early twenties when her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. One of three children, the author was the only one who didn’t flee when her mother became ill. In fact, she was almost constantly with her, doing all she could to help. Nothing did help, however, and her mother soon passed. Without her mom, the anchor of the family, the author spiraled into a long period of depression and reckless behavior. She lost contact with her stepfather and siblings. Except for the hapless, kind man she had married too young and couldn’t stay faithful to, and a few friends, she seemed to be dangerously adrift.

Skyfall: New James Bond Movie Review By Matt Doran, Guest Writer

I had the privilege last night of seeing the new James Bond movie, 'Skyfall,' in theaters in Argentina. This is certainly the best Bond movie since 'Goldfinger', and Daniel Craig has now put his stamp on the character - and the series - in such a way that you'll forget about Sean Connery. Daniel Craig is James Bond now, and what a Bond he makes.

This film feels like a close sequel to the excellent 'Casino Royale'. It delivers on that movie's potential in a way that the lackluster 'Quantum of Solace' never did. Kudos to the director, Sam Mendes, who has massively exceeded all expectations.

Javier Bardem shows up as a deliciously creepy and repulsive villain, certainly the most memorable the series has had Jaws (who was a henchman and not a proper villain, but hey, let's not get technical here).

The Bond girls are a bit forgettable; Berenice Marlohe is beautiful but fails to make a strong impression, while Naomie Harris is plucky and likable but not quite lustworthy.

The movie has a number of sharp references to previous films in the series, but it never feels beholden to its predecessors. We're on fresh turf here much of the time, with meaningful deaths, serious questions about Bond's fitness (physical and otherwise) for duty, and a sharper dynamic between Bond and M than the series has ever had. We also get a compelling look into Bond's past, territory the series has never ventured into previously.

'Casino Royale' was 'Batman Begins' makeover for James Bond. In the same vein, 'Skyfall' is a homerun follow-up that outshines its predecessor, much the way 'The Dark Knight' was.

With a killer soundtrack and the best theme song in many years, courtesy of Adele (clearly relishing the chance to belt out a Bond song), this movie is the complete package and will certainly stand as a classic. I'm a die hard Bond fan and have seen all of the movies numerous times; I will be back in theaters to watch 'Skyfall' again for sure. This is a great Bond movie - maybe the best ever - and just a great movie, period.

And best of all, as the closing titles inform us, James Bond will be back. I'm looking forward to it.

Cloud Atlas: Movie Review By Emily Rose Doran

Because Cloud Atlas (now playing) is such a multifaceted film, it is difficult to determine which of its aspects is most deserving of my immediate attention.

Certainly, its actors must be commended. Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, and Hugo Weaving (to name a few) each adopt several different roles, which, when totaled, must account for nearly twenty individual characters. If that were not impressive enough, each of these characters is from a different period in history, and each possesses a unique personality, intellect, social standing, and vernacular. Hugo Weaving, for example, manages to execute the role of an assassin in one story; then, in another, he dons an apron and converts into a female nurse who intimidates and abuses the residents at an assisted-living home.

Such transformations, however, though achieved brilliantly by the cast, would not have been possible without the physical alterations created using makeup and costumes. Indeed, these modifications enable the actors to morph seamlessly into characters of varied ages, ethnicities, and genders, while maintaining enough of their original features so that they are recognizable. There are a few glitches in this process, of course (Hugo Weaving, try as he may, cannot mask the fact that he is a man, though this only adds to the comedy of that particular story), but, overall, it works very well.

My Post-Facebook Life ("Post" for Now, Anyway)

I deactivated my Facebook account about one week ago. I was disappointed that I had let myself spend so much time there. So many times throughout the day, when I had a free moment or two, I would sign in and see what was going on with friends, family, and acquaintances. I was also getting annoyed by some of the negativity, such as one friend who seemed to criticize almost every one of my posts, and another who is so far to the left that I was getting nauseous reading her posts. In her defense, I’m sure that my conservative leanings make her sick. I’m also about as pro-life as you can be (except that I believe in capital punishment for heinous crimes when there is no doubt about guilt) and all the sickening news regarding the fight to end abortion was starting to make me very depressed.

There are certain things I really miss about Facebook, so we’ll see how long I can hold out. I really miss a couple friends’ very funny posts about their kids and all the silly things they say. I miss seeing photos of friends and family. I miss the feeling of being connected to these people, most of whom I truly do consider friends, not just acquaintances. So we’ll see how long I can hold out.

On the other hand, I seem to have so much time now that at first, I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. That probably sounds ridiculous considering the fact that I am still homeschooling three children, have three part-time jobs, and a lot of household responsibilities. I remembered that I had started writing a book about homeschooling and had made a promise to myself to finish it by April, 2013. I shelved it when we got the horrible news that my father-in-law was dying in April. He passed away in June. So, a few days ago, I remembered the book and the promise to myself and started working on it again. There is a lot of work to be done: a lot of writing and even more rewriting. We’ll see if I can make the deadline; I doubt it.

In the meantime, know that if you are my facebook friend, I miss you! Please send me an e-mail and let me know that you either miss me, too, or you are really glad and relieved that I’m not still on, constantly posting prolife news! ; )

Take a Stand Against Abortion This Weekend

Pro-life advocates have a busy weekend ahead with two important events: Run for Their Lives 5C Charity Walk on Saturday morning and Life Chain on Sunday afternoon.

Run for Their Lives 5C Charity Walk begins with check-in at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 6 at Brighton Church of the Nazarene, 7679 Brighton Road, Brighton. The cost to participate is $20 for the first ticket and $10 for each additional ticket in the same group or family. Included in the fee are a t-shirt and a chocolate treasure map leading walkers one mile into downtown Brighton where they will be instructed to stop in at designated shops for chocolate treats. All proceeds benefit Pregnancy Help Clinic, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending abortion by providing practical help to mothers who are dealing with unplanned pregnancies. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by visiting the following link:  www.PregnancyHelpClinic.com/RunForTHeirLives

Pro-life advocates will have another chance to take a stance against abortion on Sunday, October 7 from 2 to 3 p.m. by standing along Grand River Avenue for the annual Life Chain. Signs with slogans such as “Abortion Kills Children” and “Lord, Forgive Us and Our Nation” will be ready for pick-up at Pregnancy Help Clinic, 7743 W. Grand River in Brighton, starting at 1:30 p.m. the same day. Life Chain is a national event during which participants peacefully stand, holding signs, and pray for an end to abortion.