TEACHING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

The topic of communication is a loaded one. So many different aspects of communication come to mind: speaking, acting, and writing are all means of communicating. Of course, at The Write Journey, we actively teach communication through writing, but many people don’t realize that we also focus on teaching and modeling quality verbal communication. In fact, this is one of our Core Values:

● Communication with Civility-The Write Journey educators model and teach communication skills, including voicing ideas responsibly and listening actively.

As students discuss their novels together in class, they observe and experience quality verbal communication. Think about it. Where can you go or with whom can you meet where you feel safe sharing your ideas, experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and understanding of a topic? Sadly, few places exist that offer honest conversation and dialogue. Imagine how important it is for students to be able to practice communication skills with their peers; this is preparation for real life! That cannot be overstated. As responsible parents and teachers, we do well to provide opportunities for lively discussions in our homes and classrooms. We practice in these ways:

● Discuss a book in depth. Talking about the characters is very safe; whereas talking about one’s personal life may be intimidating.

●  Learn to be great question askers. This skill requires practice. The more we practice asking quality questions, the better we develop the skill.

●  Model active listening. This means asking clarifying questions and repeating information to make sure we understand others accurately.

●  Practice disagreeing and giving reasons why, without becoming emotional. Learn to validate other ideas and perspectives. Make an effort to NOT feel personally attacked when someone disagrees with you.

●  Communicate to gain understanding, not simply to demand agreement. In real life, we must often agree to disagree. Fighting with our words rarely, if ever, accomplishes anything positive.

I hope you keep working on engaging in “Communication with Civility” in your homes and classes. Of course your children are always welcome in our Reading and Writing Classes where we practice learning how to be great communicators both verbally and in writing.

STARTING STRONG

Be encouraged. The first month of the school year is complete. You did it. Your children did it. I remember the energy and excitement (and sometimes the apprehension) that filled our hearts and minds as each new school year began. “Starting strong”. What does that mean anyway? Most likely, it means something different for each of us:

•  From following a strict routine to creating a relaxed atmosphere

•  From maintaining checklists to keep us on task to going with the flow as much as

  possible

•  From focusing on academics to focusing on socialization

• From loving what we’re doing to pulling our hair out in frustration

Chances are we have all experienced each sway of the pendulum at some time . . . perhaps even within a 24 hour period! So what does starting strong mean?

Perhaps it means intentionally choosing our perspective:

•  The big picture vs. a single day (whether terrific or terrible)

•  Character vs. accomplishments

•  Finding joy vs. allowing criticism

• Speaking life vs. nagging and complaining

“The big picture”, “character”, “finding joy”, “speaking life”. You get the idea. If you got off track with what it means to “start strong”, perhaps you are encouraged to rethink what it means for you and your family. Trust your heart, and make some adjustments if you need to. It’s not too late to “start strong”.

SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES

I’m not sure how you feel about that title: Seizing Opportunities. The thought alone may overwhelm you, or it may excite you. I’m well aware that we all live at a different place on the spectrum of how much activity works well for us and our families. Some of us find stimulation and energy in staying very busy; others of us require alone time and simpler schedules. Either need is valid.

“Seizing Opportunities” means taking a bit of time to have an honest conversation with yourself about what you need to bring positive thoughts and energy to the beginning of this new school year. Whether homeschooling is something brand new to you or something very familiar to you, you will benefit from taking a few hours to assess what’s ahead: Opportunities . . . to do more . . . or to do less. With insightful wisdom and intentional choices, we can set ourselves and our families up for a solid start to the new school year.

Opportunities come in the form of resources, instructional classes, extra curricular activities, support groups, and on and on. In fact, we at The Write Journey have some amazing opportunities to partner with you to bring educational support to both you and your children. The question is: “Which opportunities benefit your family, and which opportunities hinder your family?” Stated another way, “ Which opportunities speak life into your family?” Consider your responses to these questions:

• How many family members find pleasure in this task or activity?

• How much time are we spending away from home vs. at home?

•  Is this event or activity stressing the budget?

• Do we enjoy a peaceful atmosphere at home, or is there constant chaos and

  tension getting to the next place or the next task?

• Do we understand the importance of BALANCE in our weekly schedule?

These are just a few questions that can help you discern which opportunities will benefit your family and which opportunities put stress on your family. Some opportunities simply need to be saved for another time or season; others bring a welcome relief.

At The Write Journey we create opportunities to partner with families to bring support and encouragement. When the time is right, we look forward to partnering with you and your educational community in whatever way we can.

Speaking life, Kris

SETTING US UP FOR SUCCESS THIS SUMMER

Summer is in full swing, so why do I feel a bit of panic in my soul? Perhaps you know what I’m talking about. This is the time to sleep a little more, plan FUN outings with friends, play, create, relax . . . enjoy life. So why the unrest? I imagine there are many possible explanations, but for me, that “feeling” often brings an opportunity to pause and consider my choices. In particular, choices about what to set my mind upon.

Like most busy moms (and women in general), I appreciate a break from routine. And summer brings that break: a welcome change. While extremes like complete freedom and spontaneity, or extreme planning and scheduling, will likely set us up for disappointment, setting our minds on reasonable expectations for these fun summer months reflects wisdom. Sounds good, but what does that mean practically? Consider setting your mind on these thoughts this summer:

I’m intentionally seeking balance in each day

• Some rest and some work

•  Something new and something familiar

•  Time together with family and friends, and time alone

•  A lot of praise and affirmation, along with some correction and discipline

  (as needed)

•  Tasty treats and healthy meals

•  Toys and nature

•  Getting dirty and washing off

• A plan . . . with some flexibility built in

Setting our minds on balance helps to reign in our expectations. Consider one true statement that you would like to be able to make at the end of this summer season:

• “We feel refreshed.”

• “We created some awesome memories.”

• “We finished that project.”

•  “We enjoyed the outdoors.”

• “We visited a new place.”

• “We loved each other well.”

  Now plan accordingly. Attempting to do it all brings those feelings of panic. Even halfway into the summer, we can assess our expectations and desires, and intentionally seek balance every day, as we choose what to set our minds upon.

  Speaking life, Kris

EVEN IN A CRAZY WORLD I CAN FIND PEACE

With so much around us seemingly spinning out of control, what can we do to stay encouraged, hopeful, and energetic? We can speak life! This doesn’t mean we ignore realities, but it does mean that we get to choose how we will process those realities. Will we allow ourselves to become consumed with the chaos and confusion? Or will we swing the pendulum the opposite direction and choose to ignore hard realities and pretend they aren’t happening? No. But what do we do? How do we speak life into challenging realities? Together, let’s give it a try:

•  Today I give thanks for _____________________.

•  When I feel anxious, I will pray.

•  When I have a need, I will ask for help. (Send me a message!)

•  I will breathe deeply and slowly . . . with a smile on my face.

•  I will give my loved ones a big bear hug.

•  I give myself permission to enjoy a treat today.

  (That ALWAYS makes me feel better!)

•  I will take time to step outside and breathe the fresh warm air and embrace

  nature.

  Say it, then do it. I’m praying that these small words and actions will shift your thoughts and your heart . . . that you will find hope and peace, even in the midst of the craziness around us.

  While these encouragements aren’t novel or profound, they are simple reminders about what helps to get us through challenges. Never hesitate to reach out to a friend or a professional (or even send me a message) if your heart is so heavy you are beginning to feel desperate. Oftentimes, simple reminders to look up and speak life are what we need to shift our heart and mind, but sometimes those simple reminders are not enough. As we travel the homeschool journey together, I invite you to drop me a note. I’d love to hear from you.

  I believe in you. You are a strong human. You love your family well. Your humble service speaks far more than any school lessons could teach. You’ve got this. One day at a time is enough. You and Jesus make a great team. You’re not alone. You are loved.

  Speaking life,
  Kris krisspeakslife@gmail.com