Sunday 28 February 2016

Book-tuber of the month

Hi everyone

I am having trouble believing it is the end of February, but it is!  So, I had to search my subscription list for my choice of book tuber this month. 

And, here we have it.  Drum roll, please.  My choice for book tuber this month goes to Abookutopia.  She has a spark about her and she posts regularly.  Not only does she do what everyone else in be tubing world is doing, she ventures out into the big wide world to bookstores and Hogwarts.  Now, having just completed the Harry Potter series with my son, how can not look into how others are interpreting these stories.

Take a look in on abookutopia and see what she is offering the book world.  Good on you abookutopia keep tubing and bringing life to books for the teen audience. 

 
 
 
To all you other book tubers out there, let me know who you are by leaving a comment or a link below.  I would love to look into your channel and see what your are reading. 
 
 
Happy reading

Richelle

Wednesday 24 February 2016

The risk of falling

 

 
This is circulating the net at the moment, and I have chosen it as my worthy of repeating this week.  When I was a toddler, I was willing to fall and try again.  I didn't know the word determination, but I knew how to act the word.  Today, decades down the track, I struggle to take the chance of falling even just once. 

Thoughts of falling, failure, and what others think stop us from moving from our comfy seat.  The risk is too much, and we know it.  But, what do we know.  We don't take the chance to find out.  We live on 'what ifs' and presumptions.  What is it that moulds us this was, limiting experience, excitement and growth? 

I once fell, and someone picked me up,  I babbled, and someone helped me speak.  When I couldn't hear and understand, I was shown.  Now I am an adult, and I still have people in my life that would happily pick me up, encourage me and desire to see me achieve all life has to offer.  Some of these people picked me up when I two and they still remain beside me, yet crawling is easier.  Isn't it stupid how we learn so much but lose the ability to try, even with all that knowledge.  Even with the same people beside us, we refuse to stand up and try. 

Think about it.  What are you resisting that could be part of your future good.  I am glad I stood up and fell, stood up again and walked.  I will be glad tomorrow of that struggles from today, if I chose to be.

I thank the person who designed this quote.  It made me think and read between the lines, as the written word should do.



Happy Reading

Richelle


Sunday 21 February 2016

Excellence in Writing

 Teaching Writing: Structure and Style,
Second Edition (DVD Seminar, Workbook)

 
 


Hi everyone,

I had a busy weekend, so I didn't get the book finished that I am wanting to review for you all.  But, while I was teaching today I thought it would be good to let you know what my favourite writing curriculum is.  Excellence in Writing has the most workable writing curriculum I have found on the market.  There will be more out there and if you know of any that I should be using or reviewing, leave me a comment below. 

What I like the most about this product is the DVD seminars.  There is no lack in the resources available to enable anyone to teach writing to their students.  There are instructional DVDs that come with the addition of teacher and student manuals, stand-alone teacher and student work books, and unit workbooks that focus on several topic interests.

The main focus is imitation.  Taking great works and making keyword outlines.  Adding on to the outlines with additional dress-up vocabulary and grammar to imitate great pieces of writing.  The courses take students from K-college.  The high school and college materials are of immense value.  I invested in the Advanced Communications package before writing my first university paper, and I am glad I made the investment. 

If you want a writing curriculum that will develop both teacher and the student then I recommend you take time to click the link below and look at Excellence in Writing.  I have included below one of their video clips so you can get an idea of what they are offering.

Web link:

 
 
 
 


This is the Advanced Communication package that I found to be highly valuable for starting to write university papers, research and note taking.
 
 
I hope that some of you will find The Institute of Excellence in Writing beneficial for your writing students.  I have used many of their products and will continue as my students develop through their world of writing.
 
Happy reading and writing

Richelle

 


Tuesday 16 February 2016

For goodness sake, breathe!

 
Hi everyone,

Do you ever forget to breathe?  I use to live in a state of constant stress.  Now stress is good,  I can achieve more in such a state.  But, there has to be time to breathe and this is what I often felt I forgot to do. That was before I realised the importance of taking time to stop, even for just five minutes.

There needs to be time, to sit in silence.  It is in the quiet moments that we can slow our minds down and make sense of our thoughts and emotions.  To hear the deep inner strength that lingers below the doubt will enable one to make choices that will bring growth.  Yet, to live in constant anxiety about everything from yesterday, today and tomorrow; slowly the mind and character will be destroyed.

To achieve the things that will make a difference to your life and those around you, take the time to breathe.  I am not saying take a holiday.  Just a little time here and there.  Find five minutes to sit in silence, you might just find the strength to listen to... you.

Friday 12 February 2016

To teach a dyslexic

To Teach a Dyslexic
Author: Don McCabe
ISBN: 9781564000040

 
Hi Everyone
 
I bring to you today the story of Don McCabe.  I have only just discovered this boo, and had to have a copy.  I almost ate this book for breakfast, lunch and tea (metaphorically speaking).  It is such a good read; I recommend it to all who have struggling readers.  Beyond those of you that have struggling readers, I think you should just pick it up and be inspired.
 
This man was once a boy who struggled to spell 'shirt'. Instead, he wrote 'shit' and almost got laughed out of the room.  He went on to teach.  That was not enough, he fought an education system, in an effort to move them away from whole language teaching.  He went on to spend years studying the complete patterns of the English language and wrote his own program.
 
It always amazes me when I read about people who have defied the odds, battled setbacks and go on to achieve incredible things.  I read another book about a young man with dyslexia who defied the odds and became a millionaire only to write his on book about it.  Dyslexia does not need to be disability, yet I hear so many parents talking like it is.  It is a hurdle, I agree, but not one that can't be jumped if given the right mentors and coaching. 
 
Happy reading

Richelle

 
 
This was available from: AVKO.org, Book depository and Amazon
 
 
 
 

Tuesday 9 February 2016

Too much thinking going on!

 
 
Hi Everyone,

What's crowding your mind at the moment?  Is it worthy of making a reality or is it just a waste of brain space?  I have far too much to think about at the moment, and it is all important.  It all fits in with my values, so it brings me joy and peace.  I have exams next week, and they are my last!  I am coming to the end of my studies that have taken much of my time for many years now.  It is a season that I can see the end of, and I can see the beginning of the next season as it transfers from one to the next. 

Normally exams, work and life would stress me.  Not today.  I have found that when I place my values in line with my thoughts and daily events, it is easier to cope.  By asking if my stress and thoughts line up with my top values for life, I can decide what is important for my time.  I can say no easier, a word I never used to be able to use.  I felt condemned when I said no to anyone and would worry.  Why?  In reality, no one else cared what I thought while my thoughts and worries robbed me.  They robbed me of joy, peace and time to laugh with my family.  In the essence of it, I made my thoughts a reality. 

So this quote holds a special meaning.  What you think of most you will seek to make a reality.  Know don't get me wrong, I know I don't have control over other people or some situations in my life.  But, I do have the choice of how to react and feel.  I have the choice of what to think, and no-one can take that away from me.  I can become empowered by my thoughts or an emotional wreck.  By checking if my thoughts, dreams and passions line up with my values, I can make clearer choices.  These choices can make my internal thoughts, external reality.

What are your values?  What are you thinking and dwelling on in that mind of yours?  You are worth every bit as much, and more, than the people you see living joyful, fulfilling lives around you.  Take time to breathe and dwell on the inner thoughts you want to make a reality.  How can you make them happen?  Dream, believe, seek and find... Then give a little away to make someone happy.
 
 
Leave me a comment about what your reading a the moment.  I love hearing what is being read out there in the big wide world.
 
Happy reading

Richelle

 
Disclaimer:  I can't take credit for the picture it was sent to me by a friend.  It is my 'Worthy of Repeating' for this week. 

Thursday 4 February 2016

Better with Age: The Ultimate Guide to Brain Training

Better with Age: The Ultimate Guide to Brain Training
Author: Phyllis Strupp
ISBN: 978-0-9746727-1-7

I was extremely excited to get a copy of this book to review.  I have a fascination with how the brain so able to adapt and learn.  So when I looked at the description, I knew I needed to add it to my 'to read' list.

This book is a self-help book, for those who are middle-aged up.  Now that doesn't count the young people out.  The motto is 'use it or lose it'.  We all know that is true for the rest of our body, but the unseen organ called the brain is no different.  In fact, is should be our number one concern.  We live in a time of high pressure and stress.  We have all the world at our fingertips but should we neglect our precious brain.  Before I started studying Education, I had no idea of the capabilities of our minds.  As I near the end of my degree, I have become more and more interest in our potential as human beings.

This book tackles our abilities from the perspective that we need to help ourselves, especially as we age.  Science now knows we can keep learning and strengthening our brains right through life.  I have to agree as I see elderly people who are vibrant.  When I question them, most have kept learning and held on to their hope and dreams.   They have continued to 'help themselves' while continuing to grow.  This book offers insight into continued growth and redevelopment of the brain.  It is not a book of crossword puzzles and mind benders.  It is a book of genuine growth and continued development. 

The author offers insight into brain diseases like Alzheimer's and brain injuries.  There is a scientific insight into this amazing part our body that we often neglect.  I enjoyed the science incorporation in the book along with the examples of people who have defied the odds and restructured their brains to continue life to the fullest.

This book is for everyone.  It is aimed at the more mature age groups, but I differ on this idea and would encourage all ages to read this and take on board some of the ideas presented.  You are never too young to take care of your mind, after all, it makes your body move, digest, love, and speak.  Start looking after the most important part of your body today.  A good starting point will be reading this book; it's easy to devour and just as easy to start following the principles within.

Check out Phyllis Strupp's web site at http://phyllisstrupp.com/  There you will find the links to her book and information about Phyllis.



Description:

One more day


Hi Everyone

Scroll down and you will find my review for this book.  I got to read this before the publishing release date, thanks to Netgalley and the publisher supplying me with a copy.

Well, it is now available to everyone from Amazon. Follow this link and get yourself a copy http://www.amazon.com/One-More-Day-Kelly-Simmons/dp/1492618640/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454619019&sr=8-1&keywords=one+more+day 

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book in advance.  All the best to Kelly Simmons with her future novels. 


Blurb:

Don't turn away
No one wants to be the mother whose child disappears. It's unthinkable, the stuff of nightmares. But when she turns her back to pay a parking meter, Carrie Morgan becomes that mother. Ben is gone, and more than a year later, it's clear that he is never coming back.

Until he does...for just twenty-four hours, before once again vanishing from his crib without a trace. Rumors start to circulate through Carrie's small town. Whispers that she's seeing things. That her alibi doesn't quite add up.

Her husband and friends start to think she's crazy. The police start to think she's guilty. As the investigation heats up, Carrie must decide what to share, and why. Because the crime is about to be solved... and her secret revealed.

Happy reading

Richelle