For the Love of Learning with Ms. Stephanie

There is SO much time to develop our writers, one piece at a time. Breathing patience into our young authors will keep their love of writing alive and grow their passions into words. Subscribe to my Youtube Channel - Ms Stephanie, for an in-depth discussion of what writing mistakes we should or should not ignore, for now, in our students' pieces. Spelling and topic choosing - Ignore or fix? Organization and level of writing love - Ignore of fix? Share your thoughts on Facebook - Ms. Stephanie or tell me how writing is going with your students - writewithmsstephanie@gmail.com

Learning for everyone changed in March 2019, when quarantining, masking and fear invaded our lives. As homeschoolers, we actually were forced to "go home" and adopt a much more traditional learning experience of working within the walls of a building! Our museums, hiking trails and co-ops were no longer open and education changed quickly. Those students attending public and private schools were met with huge transformations, as days were shortened, class sizes were juggled and location was inconsistent. As the optimist I always try to be, in all that uncertainty, I have found many elements of education that I wish we held on to, even after the wave of Covid passed. We were forced to change, but who knew those changes would be beneficial! So why didn't we hold on to them?!!

AN ANNOUNCEMENT!! A crazy journey has been embarked upon this summer and I am so excited to share it with you! I am offering a sneak peek at a chapter from my very own BOOK! What?! I know...insane! What better topic to write about than helping my students find a love of writing. Thank you for any feedback! It is very much welcomed.

The most amazing journeys evolve when we follow a few simple steps with each of our learners. After a tough week as a mama of four, I am reminding myself that watching, listening, focusing on strengths, pivoting and prioritizing makes all the difference. The needs of our children and our students are visible. They do not always match our plan or intention, but they are not for US! Each authentic path comes with dips, turns and adjustments. How blessed are we to be a part of the self-discovery of these little humans? It is an amazing (and scary) ride!

We found a book by Chris Van Dusen at the library one day. It was called "If They Built a School." As a homeschooling family, one of our favorite things to do is design the world's most perfect learning environment - filled in our imagination with water slides, forest trails and the biggest library. That very question, "If you could build a school, what would it have?" provokes the greatest responses from kids and adults of all ages! Our priorities as learners glare right through our answers. Imagine the school that reaps the benefits of the original imagination movers? It is where I would want to spend my life learning. 

I have been a Literacy Specialist for 17 years and the question, "How do I help my student/child fall in love with writing?" comes almost daily. Writing down ideas and experiences, brings the act of storytelling onto paper. Three young authors share their journeys and helpful hints in building voice, reminding us to write from the heart...and with detail!

Share your experiences with writing - your own, your students, your children! 

https://www.facebook.com/learninglikerockstars

OR

https://www.tutorslink123.com/living-as-authors.html

The joy that fills the faces of every child entering an amusement park is contagious. They are so excited - thinking about what is instore for their day. Why can't our educational settings mimic this anticipation and joy? The consensus is in - teachers, parents and children are telling us what it takes. Learning is MOST meaningful when it is interactive, real and fun. Small doses of adventure are possible and necessary to continue the paths of life-long learning. 

For life-long learners, it is a dream come true to find a new passion or when our children announce a new interest. We get head-over heels immersed in the search for information - researching the best coaches, seeking out programs, studying the history. But sometimes that dig-deep quest for meaning gets a bit carried away. It is then, consumed in unit-studies, field trips and themed books, that learning breaks the surface and memories form. Collecting stories from homeschooling moms, public school teachers and children for this week's podcast was SO much fun. The drive for knowledge is so much more about the process than the product!

It has always been a journey of learning for me. In looking back on my life as a public school student, public school teacher, homeschooling mom of 4, learning center owner and forever student, the quest for experiences has always been present. I long to collect those dig-deep, interactive, meaningful lessons that resonate the heartstrings of a learner. This podcast will be a celebration of teachers, parents and students that have discovered the way to learn like rock stars!