Preparedness is Key

If you are my friend, you probably know of my love for National November Writing Month.  Since our children are not in High School we use the Young (NaNoWriMo).   It is an organization that encourages creative writing with a word count challenge goal.

I love it.  To me, it becomes a time-capsule of my children's heart at the time of their writing.  Their characters, conflict, and descriptions because a glimpse into their soul.  When our school is over, I will not look at generic fill in worksheets or math problems, but these fresh creative raw stories tell me more than a picture painted or a photo can ever tell.

First, it is CRUCIAL to begin actually in October.  Have your student fill in the workbook to start preparing the characters, conflict, story line for their novel.  The workbook will be the backbone of ideas and reference for writing.  Thankfully, they have a easy PDF fill in workbook so you don't need to use the 1/2 of ream of paper.  Also, my son loves using the computer and this new form will allow him to use it.  They also have online a helpful teachers guide if this is your first time, or you would like some additional help with teaching character development, story line, rising action etc. FREE LESSON PLANS for all ages.

Second, let them write.  During November, writing wins.

Third, try to join some kind of support group so that they get some good peer pressure.  This year, we are using one hour once a week on Friday at Lazy Mt. Bible Church to discuss characters, conflicts, and stories with one another.  It will be from 10-11 am in Palmer, AK.  The first "pow-wow" will be November 8, 2013.

In conclusion, I will be hosting a information meeting at Lazy Mt. Bible Church on October 4th, 2013 @ 12:00pm if you are lost or just would like some additional encouragement or answer some of your questions (as far as I am able to).