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Diagramming, identifying sentence patterns, finding parts of speech . . . every student’s favorite element of grammar, right?  How many times have you heard your child ask, “Why do I have to learn this?” As a writing teacher, I loved that question because it was always the perfect lead in to a unit on the value of sentence patterns in writing.

Using each of the different sentence patterns adds an incredible amount of interest to what you are writing.  Most children tend to stick to the same pattern: subject, then verb.  However, by simply varying those patterns, your child can turn a rather dry piece of writing into something that makes the reader want to keep reading.

Have your child try fit all six of these sentence openers into their next piece of writing and be prepared for instant improvement!

1. Subject then Verb 
   1. i.e. Hannah jumped the fence.

Technorati Tags: High School, homeschooling, Six Easy Steps to Extraordinary Writing - Homeschoolers

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Sometimes the task of spelling lists, writing spelling words, learning definitions, and preparing for spelling tests can become mundane. Students who are excellent spellers often rush through the activities while those who struggle see it as another unwanted chore.

Sometimes it just takes another approach—something unique once in a while to keep, rekindle or ignite the enthusiasm and give kids a break from the “spelling list.”Every other week, we try to incorporate one of the games below to make spelling a little more exciting and to reward the kids for their success. Try one—most do not require any preparation but can be a good escape from the desk and a reason to move around a little.

Technorati Tags: Make Spelling Fun - Be a Spelling Bee - 8 Homeschool Ti

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