Response to a Reader on Dysgraphia

I received a comment below from a reader. It raises a some good issues and questions. I would like to devote a post to it.  I have re-posted the the entire comment. and will address questions at the end. Hello Dee, I do not know if I’m doing this right, but here it goes. This … Continue reading Response to a Reader on Dysgraphia

Another English Rant

Me and Billy Joe Bubba Bob (insert random name here) .... This is a mistake I hear from otherwise well-educated  people. That phrase absolutely drives me bonkers. Why? First, it is grammatically incorrect.  It should be: Billy Joe Bubba Bob and me/I ..... Second,  it sounds self-centered. Always list the other person first.   In grammar … Continue reading Another English Rant

TDZ Retrospective: Commas, Diagramming and Other Rants About English

Originally posted December 15, 2007.  After eight years look for another English rant coming soon. The other day The Big Guy was reading my blog and informed me that I needed a comma for some reason or another. This lead to lively and humorous dialogue about my not needing commas and semi-colons. TBG that it … Continue reading TDZ Retrospective: Commas, Diagramming and Other Rants About English

How I Got into Writing…

Prior to blogging saying I didn't enjoy or like writing was an understatement. Writing was something I hated and would do anything to avoid. Growing up I never enjoyed writing and would do anything to get out of writing assignments in school. I have dyslexia and dysgraphia. Dysgraphia is a form of dyslexia that affects … Continue reading How I Got into Writing…

The Importance of Reading

  At the wise old age of 6 I decided that I had no need to learn to read. I was determined not to waste my time learning to read. My mom was equally determined that I was going to learn to read. Reading, writing and basic computational skills are considered essential components of a … Continue reading The Importance of Reading

Reading Ability Linked to Performance on Standardized Test

Note:  I am consolidating all of my writing to this blog. This was originally posted on the Homeschool Network. A recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts found a link between declining test scores and a decline in reading. Simply put readers did better on standardized tests than non-readers. My first thought was … Continue reading Reading Ability Linked to Performance on Standardized Test

The Best Method for Teaching Reading

Editor's Note: This is a piece I originally wrote for HomeschoolBenefits.org. As a teacher, I have used many different approaches for teaching reading: phonics, whole language, literature based, etc. Many workshop instructors attempted me to convince me their program was the best. I have also encountered many people who believe that phonics and sight words … Continue reading The Best Method for Teaching Reading