Subject: Newsletter: Learning Environment, LIncoln Letter, Sharing Joy, and more

The Everyday Educator
13 February 2013

In this issue...
  • Letter from Janice: Sharing a bit of joy
  • On the Blog: Virginia Home Education Month Display at Rockville Library
    and Great Education Quotes
  • Article: Limiting Negative Input Creates a Healthy Learning Atmosphere
  • Classics-Based Writing Lesson: Abraham Lincoln's Letter to Mrs. Bixby
  • Resource Focus: Conquer the Test! SAT* Prep Workshop download
  • Contests and awards for students
  • Plan a BTC Essay Workshop with Janice
  • Subscription information: Make changes here!

In teaching you cannot see the fruit of a day's work. 
It is invisible & remains so, maybe for twenty years.  
Jacques Barzun

Dear Friend,

When you're 100 years old, will you still enjoy chocolate? 

I hope so. The photo at left is of my grandmother, celebrating her 100th birthday last Saturday. She was thrilled to receive a box of her favorite chocolates from an old friend. She's still receiving cards and letters, and enjoys each of them. She'd misplaced her glasses the day of her birthday, but was still able to read and enjoy her cards. 
I'm thankful for her presence in my life. She and my grandfather adopted me as a newborn and raised me as their own, and I'm grateful. Although there were stressful moments during the caregiving years, the love we have shared has been a blessing through it all. We're thankful that she's been here to meet our first two grandchildren, Imogen and Ira. And of course, there has to be a photo of the grandchildren too;-).

It's been busy at my desk. I'm updating things, adding context resources to the Excellence-In-Literature.com website, preparing for conferences, and more. I feel a bit overwhelmed at times, as I'm sure you do, but I came across some encouraging reminders in the 2/10 Jesus Calling devotional: 

"Trust me enough to spend ample time with Me, pushing back the demands of the day . . . You will find that you can accomplish more in less time, after you have given yourself to Me in rich communion. As you align yourself with My perspective, you can sort out what is important and what is not. Don't fall into the trap of being constantly on the go. Many, many things people do in my My Name have no value in My kingdom . . ." One of the included verses was Psalm 32:8, below. I have found this to be true, and hope you find those thoughts encouraging as well.


Blessings,

Janice Campbell
Everyday-Education.com

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; 
I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 (ESV)
New at the Blog
Be sure to check out the photos of the Virginia Home Education Month Display at Rockville Library and all the Great Education Quotes now posted at the Taking Time for Things that Matter blog. Enjoy!
From the Archives

There are many valid reasons for living a quiet and peaceable life, but it’s particularly important for homeschooling families. Fear and stress short-circuit the learning process, and noise, all by itself, has been proven to dramatically increase stress and reduce the ability to think clearly (visit the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse for detailed information). 

If your goal is to create a home where learning happens, it’s a good idea to limit noise, particularly negative noise. Continue reading...
This month's Classics-Based Writing lesson 
at Schoolhouse Teachers 

In honor of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, this month’s lesson features one of the most famous letters written by an American president. It is a condolence letter to a bereaved widow on the death of her sons during the Civil War. It is brief, but its skillful use of noble ideas and measured cadences makes it profound and powerful. As you study this outstanding example of clarity in thought and writing, I hope you’ll learn lessons you can apply, not just in letters of comfort, but in all your writing.
Resource Focus for February
Conquer the Test! SAT* Prep Workshop
What does it take to score high on the SAT*? Listen to this
3+ hour workshop with Janice Campbell of Everyday Education and find out! You’ll learn:
  • Test-Taking Skills
  • Problem-Solving Techniques
  • Secret Strategies for Guessing Knowledgeably
    Visit this link to learn more and download the workshop

Entrepreneurship is a viable alternative to college as well as a great way of funding it.

Thinking about a...
Home Business?

Independent learners often become entrepreneurs -- it seems that the same character traits that lead some to pursue non-traditional education are the same traits that allow them to enjoy working from home. Homeschool families can start home businesses!
Events and Contests
Although we aren't able to screen all the contests that come across our desks, we are sharing them here so you'll be able to check them out yourself. Contests can be a useful motivational tool, so be sure to check them out!
John Randolph Foundation Scholarships
Through the generosity of individuals, local businesses and corporate
foundations, John Randolph Foundation is proud to offer the following
scholarships to local students and teachers.
The National Children's Book of the Year Award Contest is open to anyone who is interested in being a published children's book author.  Last year, we received more than 1,000 entries in the contest and saw some really great manuscripts!  If you would like more information about the National Book Award Contest, call the NAESP Foundation at 800-386-2377 or download an entry form here.
Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program

Nominate a young volunteer, age 6-18, who has made a difference in your community. Top winners each receive a 10K scholarship for higher education. Nominations are accepted February 1- March 15, 2013.
Ladimer Creative Writing Contest
Creative Writing Contests for high school junior and seniors.
Ladimer.com is especially excited to offer young writers the opportunity to showcase their creative talent. Visit the website for a list of contest opportunities.

National Student Writing Contest
This is the FREE national, monthly writing contest hosted by StageofLife.com.
February Writing Contest PromptWhy can't you turn away from your favorite TV show?

Are your students intimidated by the SAT* essay?  Unnerved at the thought of 
essay questions on college exams?
Don't be!
Now scheduling
Beat-the-Clock Essay Workshops
for  Feb. 2013

 This 4-hour writing workshop is designed for high school and advanced intermediate-school students (and for parents who want to improve their own writing and evaluation skills). The workshop includes a helpful 30-page handbook full of helpful tips on essay writing.  
     We will be planning some workshops in the Richmond, VA area but Janice can also travel to your location. We'll be glad to help you plan this event and you can also find information about hosting a workshop at the website.
     Please visit this link for more details on the recommended class size, costs and other planning information.  Online registrations can be made available to your group.  Janice is also available to speak to your group on a wide range of topics.  Visit the Everyday-Education.com website for her list of available topics.  Email her assistant Ann at cornerdeskva@gmail.com get started planning your event.

Visit the website! www.Everyday-Education.com

Have you "liked" the Excellence in Literature page on Facebook yet? We'd love to connect with you there!

Be sure to check the Taking Time for Things that Matter blog for weekly (usually) updates. www.Janice-Campbell.com

You'll find posts on entrepreneurship, microbusiness, and marketing at Do What Matters, Make it Pay. www.DoingWhatMatters.com

If you haven't yet seen the new Excellence in Literature website, I think you'll enjoy it. If you're using the curriculum, you'll find that we've hosted many of the context resources on the site, organized by level so you can easily find them. Even if you're not using EIL, you'll find good resources for literature and history study, including source documents, poetry, and more. I hope the new site makes using EIL even simpler!

If you work with words, or want to, you need to get "The Edge: Success Strategies for People Who Work With Words," a free newsletter from the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors at www.NAIWE.com.

*SAT, CLEP, AP, and PSAT/NMSQT are registered trademarks of the College Board and/or National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which are were not involved with the production of this email.

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