About Me

Welcome to Homeschool Notes!

I’m Lisa, a stay-at-home mom trying to juggle homeschooling a seventeen-year-old and a nine-year-old. Before I took on this job, I worked in the public schools as a second grade teacher.

Of all the subjects I’ve taught at home and in the classroom, I love teaching writing the best. Writing is special and unique.

• Writing is a creative expression
• There’s no right or wrong answer
• It’s not about learning facts and retaining information

Teaching writing means having conversations with your child. You learn to slow down and notice the details. Then you model, demonstrate, and encourage the use of new skills. It really is fun!

• Do you enjoy writing with your children?
• Are you looking for fresh writing ideas that are easy to implement?
• Do you feel uneasy teaching writing because there is no “answer key?”
• Are you in need of some guidance to help you navigate your way?

I’m here to help. I want other homeschooling parents like you to feel confident in teaching writing and to see your children grow a love of writing.

I am not a wonderful writer. I’m pretty average. If I can teach writing, so can you. I can show you the basics of getting started including how to set up a writing space, establish a writing routine, and teach effective mini-lessons.

Research shows that writing and reading go hand-in-hand. The more children write, the better they learn to read. The better they learn to read, the better they learn to write.

A blog about writing would not be complete without ideas and tools for cultivating a love of reading as well. Here you will find lists of great book titles and resources for helping your child develop as a reader too.

I am thrilled you are here. I want to help you cultivate a love of reading and writing in your home.

33 Random Things About Me

1. I’m an introvert.
2. I drink coffee morning, noon and night.
3. I like to take photos.
4. I’m a thinker.It takes me way too long to make decisions.
5. I threw a Narnia party for my daughter’s 7th birthday. I was the white witch and served Turkish Delight.
6. I had no idea I would end up homeschooling. Here’s my story.
7. I believe in love at first sight. It happened to me way back in 1992.
8. I love tulips.
9. I have a masters degree in Elementary Education.
10. During my pregnancy I had mixed feelings about breastfeeding. That all changed once I had my daughter.
11. I let her wean naturally. It took over four years. My son took even longer.
12. I’m usually late for everything, which drives my husband crazy.
13. I love the ocean.
14. For me, everything in nature paints a beautiful picture of God.
15. I go wilderness camping every summer. It makes me appreciate hot showers and flush toilets.
16. I’m a birder.
17. I love reading to my children.
18. Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables.
19. My first paid teaching experience was a dream, a class of three kindergarten girls.
20. I’m a cat person, but unfortunately they make me sneeze.
21. We didn’t plan to have our children spaced 8 years apart. I lost three babies to miscarriage.
22. I thought my daughter was going to be an only child. I still can’t believe we now have a son. I am so grateful.
23. I spend a lot of time in the kitchen because I value fresh, home-cooked food.
24. My optometrist once asked me if I wore colored contacts, because she’d never seen blue eyes quite like mine.
25. As a child I sucked my thumb for a really, really long time. It’s a miracle I didn’t need braces.
26. I struggle with anxiety. I’ve had some awful panic attacks in the past.
27. Meet the Parents is a movie that always makes me laugh.
28. Eating dark chocolate is a must, every day.
29. I love a good yoga workout.
30. The most practical parenting book I’ve ever read is How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish.
31. Neither of my children ever slept in a crib.
32. My house was built before the Civil War.
33. I follow Jesus. He loves me, challenges me, and gives me hope.