Manda Panda helps me tutor!

Panda Bear

This week, for my tutoring lesson, I decided to create something special for my student to read. I bought some panda-themed paper and wrote her a letter from "Manda Panda" using words she knew or was learning. I put the letter in an envelope, addressed it to the young lady and placed a pretend stamp on it. She was so amazed that Manda Panda knew her address and couldn't wait to read the letter! This is a fun way to get your reluctant reader to practice reading.


One warning - don't give your child the letter until after the lesson! Once she read the letter, she lost her motivation!

Tutoring

I started tutoring in the month of June and LOVE IT! I've been working with a woman who is re-entering the workforce and needs to learn how to run a computer. We set up her new computer, got her email running, got her on the Internet and Facebook, and now we’re learning about Windows 7.

I’m also working with a young lady on her algebra skills. She needs to pass the EOI test to graduate high school. I’ve had to brush up on algebra, as I haven’t had it for five years, but it’s coming back!

I’m also working with a very young girl who is learning to read. It was so exciting to see her read her very first book! That was special, indeed!

I am so excited that I’m getting to use my interests and skills to teach instead of working in an office! 

Rob's Ranch is online!

You can read my latest article about Rob's Ranch on the Oklahoma Living magazine website.

Click on the digital magazine and scroll to page 12: Rob's Ranch: Where Hope Begins.   

Exchange Students

This month, I'm working on an article about exchange students in Oklahoma. I loved this assignment! I got to interview students from China, Italy, Spain and Montenegro. It was so fun hearing about their adventures in the United States and learning something about their culture at the same time.

They shared some of the fun things they did, what they learned here and how they interacted with their host families. You won't want to miss this one! 

Look for Exchanging Cultures in Oklahoma Living Magazine in August 2012. I made the cover!

April Writing Project

In April, I traveled to Purcell, Oklahoma, to interview the staff and residents of Rob's Ranch for an article that will be published in June issue of Oklahoma Living Magazine.

I was really impressed with this organization. They provide a long-term treatment program for men with alcohol and drug addiction. If you know someone who needs help, I highly recommend this organization.

I'll post a link to the article when it's available.

New Article-Retirement: Time to Ham it Up!

My latest article, Retirement: Time to Ham it Up, was published in the May 2012 issue of Oklahoma Living Magazine.

You can read the entire issue on the company's website (May 2012 issue, page 30-31) or just my story on my website. 

What Books Do At Night!