Entries from March 2010 ↓
March 31st, 2010 — Bad Signage Humor, Just for Fun, Wordless Wednesday
It just goes to show that you can’t always trust your Chinese-English dictionary. For starters, how about a box of crackers complete with an excellent dose of delicious food?
Even better, you can dig into a package of biscuit snacks bursting with that ever-popular ”burned meat” flavor.
Strange juice, eh? I think I’ll pass.
And finally, here’s an excellent tip. I’m making a mental note right now.
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Stop by every 1st and 3rd Wednesday (and an occasional fifth Wednesday) for a peek into the world of spelling, punctuation, or grammar gone wrong!
March 30th, 2010 — Holiday & Seasonal Ideas, Poetry
Spring is in the air—and it’s a great time to look for some fresh writing opportunities for your children. Considering my wacky schedule this week, I thought I’d visit the archives and find some creative writing ideas that will help you dispel spring fever. Give them a try!
Poetry
New birth, fresh growth: springtime fairly explodes with life! Poetry is a perfect way to capture the fragrance, blossoms, showers, sunshine, and birdsong of the season. Visit these mini poetry lessons for some inspiration.
Creative Writing
Brighten up your schooling: let your children dabble in these simple, creative, colorful writing exercises. You’ll love the results!
March 24th, 2010 — Quotations
“The pages are still blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible.”
—Vladimir Nabakov
March 22nd, 2010 — Kim's Corner
If you’re a regular reader here at In Our Write Minds, you may wonder why I’m not posting as regularly as I normally do. I thought I’d give you a little peek into the goings-on around here so you’ll understand.
It’s crazy mode at my house for the next few weeks as we prepare to host a wedding reception for our son and his new bride.
Because their wedding took place in England last summer, very few friends and family on this side of the pond were able to attend, so we’re looking forward to our California celebration.
We’re also excited to spend some time with the two of them—a true luxury, now that we’re an ocean apart. We have a wonderful—albeit full—couple of weeks ahead of us!
I’m finding it hard to squeeze in much writing time, between baking dozens and dozens of cookies, planning all the details for the party, and preparing to speak at a homeschool convention on April 10. If time permits, I’ll do my best to post a few articles between now and the reception. Otherwise, at least you’ll know what’s become of me.
Thanks for understanding!
~Kim
March 17th, 2010 — Bad Signage Humor, Just for Fun, Wordless Wednesday
I spy with my little eye . . . someone (cough, cough) who needs a writing tutor.
Guaranteed.
. . . . .
Stop by every 1st and 3rd Wednesday for a peek into the world of spelling, punctuation, or grammar gone wrong!
March 15th, 2010 — Elementary, jr. high, Reviews, Teaching Writing
The Confusing World of Homophones
“If your going too the movies, make sure you don’t by to many sweets.”
Your/you’re. By/buy. To/too/two. These often-confusing (and frequently misused) words are called homophones—words that sound the same but are spelled differently.
While the difference between its and it’s may not seem like a big deal to some, using these two little words—or any homophone—incorrectly can make us seem ignorant and uneducated. You see, whether or not they mean to, people often form first impressions simply by reading our writing. Isn’t this why our shelves brim with English references, grammar programs, and spelling books? It IS important to us that our children write as accurately as possible.
It’s never too late to teach the rules to your kids. And if you didn’t quite grasp these concepts during your own school days, it’s not too late to learn or re-learn the rules yourself.
All About Homophones
All About Homophones is an exciting new curriculum that will unlock your children’s understanding of these confusing word sets. Author Marie Rippel says:
“Teaching homophones can be tough! They sound the same, but they aren’t spelled the same, and they don’t mean the same thing . . . [All About Homophones] is a complete teaching tool kit that helps you demystify homophones and homonyms for students. They’ll learn and master spelling easily through interesting worksheets and games they love to play.”
One Book, Multiple Grades
Take time to teach your children about homophones so they’ll learn to correctly spell and use these word sets.
Because the worksheets are divided into sections by grade level, All About Homophones is perfect for teaching multple grades. One book includes reproducible worksheets for grades one through eight, making the program budget friendly too.
Lessons You’ll Love
The book includes a comprehensive list of common homophones and recommends which grade to introduce each one. And All About Homophones offers a variety of activities that appeals to different learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
These aren’t your ordinary dull worksheets! Whimsical illustrations and engaging activities maintain your children’s interest while helping them make sense of each new set of words. Here are some of the ways your children will learn about homophones:
- Homophone Worksheets to reinforce reading and writing.
- Graphic Organizers to help teach the meanings of each set of words.
- Crossword Puzzles, Riddles, and Tongue Twisters to reinforce with fun and humor.
- Card Games with cards and instructions for playing several different games.
- Student Record Sheets
- List of Homophones
- List of Homophone-rich Books to read with your children
Click here to see sample pages from All About Homophones.
Now in the WriteShop Store
We’re always looking for top-notch products that reinforce writing, grammar, and spelling, so we’re excited to announce that All About Homophones is now in stock in the WriteShop store. Stop in and check out this great new resource. Teaching your children to use homophones correctly is one of the best gifts you can give them. Order yours today!
Homophone Humor
If I haven’t yet convinced you of the importance of teaching homophones—or if you think your children can simply trust their spell-check to correct these troublesome words, you’ll want to read Owed to the Spell Checker. One of my favorite examples of homophone confusion, this humorous poem illustrates just how easy it is to mix up words that have similar sounds.
March 11th, 2010 — Conventions
Like the idea of attending a homeschool convention?
Hate the thought of paying high registration fees, incurring travel expenses, and figuring out child care while you’re gone?
Then you’ll love the Schoolhouse Expo!
Schoolhouse Expo 2010
Whether you live internationally, rurally, or attend a local convention offered to your community, you won’t want to miss The Schoolhouse Expo.
Convenient. Sponsored by The Old Schoolhouse magazine, and featuring a stellar lineup of speakers, the Schoolhouse Expo offers all the perks of a homeschool conference—but without the hassle—including:
- Popular keynote speakers like Susan Wise Bauer, Diana Waring, and Todd Wilson
- Vendor booths
- Freebies
- Door prizes
- And so much more!
Flexible. Unable to listen to all the sessions live? The Schoolhouse Expo lets you choose! All sessions will be recorded. Plan to attend some sessions live, and then listen to any or all workshop audios at your convenience—all year long.
Practical. The Schoolhouse Expo will help your home and homeschool run more smoothly with suggestions, encouragement, and practical, how-to information. You’ll enjoy the fresh ideas, camaraderie, and affirmation that homeschooling works—all from a solid, Christian perspective.
Join WriteShop at the Expo
Attend Kim’s workshop. As one of the featured speakers, I’m excited to share tips and ideas on Growing Your Child’s Writing Vocabulary. The live session will include a Q and A time.- Visit WriteShop’s virtual vendor booth.
- Chance to win a WriteShop door prize: a $50 gift certificate
Early Bird Registration
Register early. Get some special perks—and a $5 discount if you register by March 31, 2010. Regularly $24.99, attendance is only $19.99. Take advantage of this limited-time offer by registering now—and I’ll see you at the Schoolhouse Expo!
March 10th, 2010 — Editing & Revising, Quotations
“I’m not a very good writer, but I’m an excellent rewriter.”
—James Michener
March 9th, 2010 — Contests & Giveaways, Poetry
First Place
We have our winners in last week’s haiku contest! I used random.org to select the first place winner, Cullen. Here’s his haiku poem:
The grasses are green
dew is sparkling here and there
earth’s morning beauties.
Second Place
Second place goes to Andrew K., age 9, who wrote my personal favorite and won a World of Animals StoryBuilders card deck. Here’s his haiku about a yellow jacket:
buzz-black, yellow bug
in garden flying, eating
stinging all the worms
It was a tough choice because there were some very clever and well-written entries. But in the end, Andrew’s won out because he:
- Followed the format.
- Avoided “to be” words.
- Made every word count.
- Picked a nature theme.
Thanks to everyone who participated. Keep up with your haiku!
March 5th, 2010 — Just for Fun
This past Sunday (February 28) marked the Jewish holiday of Purim. One of the most joyous days on the Jewish calendar, Purim is based on the Old Testament story of Esther.
Someone sent me this clever version of the Purim tale. Hope it brings a laugh to your day!
The World-Famous Story of Purim
by Meish Goldish
The story of Purim is an international tale.
King Achashverosh was Finnish with his disobedient wife Vashti.”You Congo now!” he ordered her. After she had Ghana way, the king’s messengers went Roman the land to find a new queen. And India end, the beautiful Esther won the crown.
Meanwhile, Mordechai sat outside the palace, where the Chile Haman would Czech up on him daily.
“I Haiti you because you refuse to bow to me!” Haman scolded Mordechai. “USA very stubborn man. You Jews are such Bahamas*! If you keep this up, Denmark my words! I will have all your people killed! Just Kuwait and see, you Turkey!”
Mordechai went into mourning and tore his clothes—a custom known as Korea*. He urged Esther to plead with the king. The Jews fasted for three days and grew very Hungary. Esther approached the king and asked, ‘Kenya Belize come to a banquet I’ve prepared for you and Haman?” At the feast, she invited her guests to a second banquet to eat Samoa.
The king asked, “Esther, why Jamaica big meal like this? Just tell me what you want. Unto half my United Kingdom will I give you.” Esther replied, “Spain full for me to say this, but Haman is Russian to kill my people.”
Haman’s loud Wales could be heard as he carried Honduran this scene. “Oman!” Haman cried bitterly. “Iraq my brains in an effort to destroy the Jews. But that sneaky Mordechai—Egypt me!”
Haman and his ten sons were hanged and went immediately to the Netherlands. And to Sweden the deal, the Jews were allowed to Polish off the rest of their foes as well. “You lost your enemies and Uganda friend,” the king smiled.
And that is why the Purim story Israeli a miracle. God decided to China light on His chosen people.
So now, let’s celebrate! Forget all your Syria’s business and just be happy! Serb up some wine and Taiwan on! Happy Purim!
*Behaimeh: (Yiddish) Animal, cow; ignorant drudge; when referring to a human being, means dull-witted
*Keriah: (Yiddish) Jewish custom of tearing one’s clothing after a death
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Which one of these puns is your favorite? Share a comment and let us know!
