Marcia Miller's Reflections & Resources

‘Reading’ Archives

Time, Attachment, and Gifts from My Mother

Time, Attachment, and Gifts from My Mother

My recent post about seasonal changes, along with Mother’s Day, reminded me of my mom, and how much I’ve missed her lately. Seven years ago, during the last month of her life, we were able to take care of her in our home when she needed us the most. It was [Read More]

Winter Reading for Snowy Days

Winter Reading for Snowy Days

While watching the beginnings of some snowfall yesterday with a few families with young children, I noticed how mesmerized the kids were by the beautiful snowflakes.  This reminded me of one of our favorite winter books, Snowflake Bentley, by Jacqueline Briggs Martin.  [Read More]

One Thing Leads to Another

One Thing Leads to Another

Yesterday, while Ben was reading a book called Born to Run, he read something about molasses, about a runner who liked using molasses instead of other sweeteners. We talked about it briefly, about various sweeteners, how people’s tastes have changed over time, and [Read More]

A Collection of Fairy Tales

A Collection of Fairy Tales

Over the years, we enjoyed a wonderful collection of children’s fairy tales. We read traditional tales, newer versions from favorite authors, and variants from different countries. The more we read, the more we were able to find various retellings, often with plot [Read More]

Predictable Books for Emergent Readers

Predictable Books for Emergent Readers

Predictable books are delightful for reading aloud together, and they’re great for emergent readers as they’re learning to read.  Here are some of our favorites: Over in the Meadow by Ezra Jack Keats Benny’s Pennies by Pat Brisson Rosie’s Walk by [Read More]

Series Books for Young Readers

Series Books for Young Readers

There is a great variety of children’s literature available today, so as children are learning to read, there’s no reason to give up quality of content just to gain simpler texts for young readers to enjoy.  There are many easy reader series books now that are [Read More]

Children’s Books

Children’s Books

Picture Books with Patterned Writing, Repetitive Language and Predictable Text Over the years, we’ve loved reading children’s picture books filled with patterned writing,  repetitive language, or predictable text.  These might include alphabet books, counting [Read More]

Lewis and Clark

Lewis and Clark

When Ben was about nine, we went with friends to an IMAX film about Lewis and Clark at the local science center. It was a great film, and we wanted to know more.  We became fascinated with learning everything we could about the lives of Meriwether Lewis and William [Read More]

Math and Literature

Math and Literature

When Ben was younger, I loved reading aloud to him.  We enjoyed all kinds of good children’s literature.  Reading together was a sweet way to spend time together, to learn new things, and to enjoy good stories. At some point, I became familiar with books that [Read More]

Early Reading vs. Later Reading

Early Reading vs. Later Reading

Here’s a great article summarizing some newly published research about children learning to read at various ages:  Research Finds No Advantage In Learning To Read from Age Five.  It’s worth reading.  I thought these were a couple of the best quotes: [Read More]

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Recent Posts

Fire Station Field Trip!

Fire Station Field Trip!

After many years of sharing a variety of outings and field trips with our son, Ben, when he was younger, it was great [Read More]

Hoorah!

Hoorah!

This summer, Ben participated in a two-month intensive fire service training academy through the Getchell Fire [Read More]

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

It’s a lovely new year, with many new days and months to create new adventures for yourself, your family, and [Read More]

Smart, curious, alert, observant…

Smart, curious, alert, observant…

I once again came across this wonderful quote from John Holt, and thought it deserved sharing: “What makes people [Read More]

Create Your Own Graduation Party

Create Your Own Graduation Party

Reilly, Sarah, Ben, Taylor, Tanner After years and years of homeschooling together, five families from our local [Read More]

Hard Work & Recognition

Hard Work & Recognition

Sometimes people question the ideas of unschooling because they wonder how kids will learn to work hard if [Read More]

A Day at North Bend Fire Training Academy

A Day at North Bend Fire Training Academy

Ben has been participating in a fire service technology class for the past couple years at the Fire District 1 [Read More]

Traveling Adventures

Traveling Adventures

“And when the kids are old enough, we’re gonna teach them to fly…” Thank you, Dave Matthews. [Read More]

18 Years

18 Years

My sweet son, Ben, turned 18 a little over a month ago. I’ve been thinking about what a pleasure it has been to [Read More]

Not Back To School Camp!

Not Back To School Camp!

At the end of August, when most teens are getting ready for school, Ben and a few of his lucky friends are happily [Read More]