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How To Estimate Reading Levels

There are several reasons why you may want to either estimate your child’s reading level or estimate the reading level of the book you’re giving to your child. For us, it makes a nifty addition to our annual assessment to be able to say that so and so is reading at such and such a grade level. Other times parents want to know either to identify a problem or strength. And of course, it’s always nice to know when you’re picking books out so that even if you haven’t read the content, you have a good idea of whether or … Continue reading →

Leave Me Alone, I’m Reading – Maureen Corrigan

Maureen Corrigan is a book reviewer for National Public Radio’s Fresh Air program, and as such, reads scads of books. In her nonfiction memoir “Leave Me Alone, I’m Reading,” she shares her insights into literature and the many ways in which books have touched her life and indeed all of our lives. Because of the very literary and educated tone of her writing, I expected Maureen to say that she prefers to read highbrow literature, but I was surprised to hear her say that her favorite books are hard-boiled detective novels. She does read and review a variety, however, and … Continue reading →

According to a New Report, Household Debt is Increasing

Maybe it is because basic things required for living costs more these days. Food, healthcare, utilities and clothing have all seen a rise in prices. Maybe it is because we simply haven’t learned from the last economic crash. While home prices are slowly rising, so are sales of the latest electronic gadgets that sell out hours or days after being released. At the same time, U.S. income has fallen overall by 1.5 percent. Whatever it is, a need study has confirmed what may be surprising to some: household debt has seen the largest rise since 2008. How much household debt … Continue reading →

Helping Foster Care Teens Grow Up

My last blog talked about a problem most people rarely think about: the high rates of homelessness, unemployment, dropping out of school before gaining a diploma, and unplanned pregnancy found among older teens who suddenly stop being cared for by the foster care system once they turn 18. Many 18-year-olds are still in high school. Many more foster youth will not finish on time because of difficulties caused by changing schools due to frequent foster care moves. One agency providing tutoring to foster children estimated that their clients’ reading levels were 5-6 years behind their age—this means an 18-year-old reading … Continue reading →

Literacy Links

Who can argue that literacy is one of the greatest blessings we have, one of the most important skills we need to learn, a gift that we give ourselves and to our children, and that helping someone else learn to read one of the most satisfactory experiences we can ever have? The written word is an astonishing thing. You can become educated and entertained with a book, you can learn new skills, escape to another place, receive spiritual enlightenment, find friendship when you’re lonely — I can think of no other medium that can give us all these things. As … Continue reading →

The Lapbooking Series: An Introduction

I have considered for some time now, writing a series of blogs in homeschooling on the wonders of lapbooking. (If you are not sure what lapbooking is, check out his blog.) But you see, I’m a novice. My kids’ lapbooks don’t look as nice as Tammy Duby’s (from Tobin’s Lab). My twins are constantly interrupting the process, and I just haven’t quite gotten it all worked out. Then it occurred to me that this is kind of the point of lapbooking. It’s not supposed to be perfect. It’s supposed to be done as you go, and it’s supposed to reflect … Continue reading →