Friday's Good Read AND How to Survive Home Schooling

How to Survive Home Schooling

by Tara Tyler

As a mom of a teenager, I have it pretty easy. The boy is self-sufficient. And this allows me to do my work.
Write? I wish! I'm also a high school teacher. In my long career, I've taught, subbed, and tutored all ages, from Pre School through College. So I claim to know a thing or two about kids and educating them.

This online learning is T-O-U-G-H ! In addition to being new, glitchy, and experimental, the worst part is the kids have to manage themselves, with help from their parents depending on how old they are. And parents are figuring out how to take care of their families--do we have enough toilet paper?

So as I stress myself out trying to make this process as easy as possible for my students while still educating them to some degree, I'm giving out some free advice on...

How to Survive Home Schooling:
Make a Schedule. Kids need organization and structure. School was their routine. Now it's Saturday every day--sleep in late, play video games, eat junk, take a nap, live on social media. Mom found a spare minute to make them Do Lessons? Groan, whine, complain. It's hard to make them do things, but parents have to buck up and stick to the schedule. Once the routine is set, it will go much easier. (How do you think we teachers survive at school?)

Be Flexible. Now that you have a schedule, stick to it, but it isn't stone. As a teacher and a mom, I know how rough this situation is. I have loosened on deadlines and become more available for kids. It's okay if they don't get everything done all at once. If you see they're struggling, take a break. We all have to adjust to this craziness!

Rewards. I don't like to say bribes. And if you don't tell them up front--make it a surprise--it's more of a reward anyway. But bribery rewards like treats, a new video game, or some fun, messy activity you find online, can go a long way.

Hopefully you are safe and sane. If your family makes a stronger connection through all this, that's a bonus! Try to see the positives. I hope these simple guidelines can help reduce the stress of Online Learning.
Do you teach? How are you holding up?

PS - Free online books for any who ask!

Recently re-published, BEAST WORLD Series -- Teenage fantasy creatures in high school.

Broken Branch Falls ~~~ Cradle Rock ~~~ Windy Hollow

Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over the US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her husband and one boy left in the nest. She has two novel series, Pop Travel (sci-fi detective thrillers) and Beast World (fantasy adventures), plus her UnPrincess novella series where the maidens save themselves. She's a commended blogger, contributed to several anthologies, and to fit in all these projects, she economizes her time, aka the Lazy Housewife—someday she might write a book on that... Make every day an adventure!

How to find:

website: Tara Tyler Talks
twitter: @taratylertalks
facebook: Tara Tyler -
Author

Instagram: taratylertalks
newsletter: tara tyler news

Did You Know

Did you know, renowned pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. James Goodrich, who separated conjoined at the head twins, received part of his schooling at a community college and was a surfer? I am always proud to hear about folks who have made contributions to society that started out at a community college. Unfortunately, he has recently died from COVID19. RIP

Tuesday

You may have already seen this trailer. I saw it for the first time at Janie Junebug's and loved it. Hope you do too.


AND...
My first Iris to bloom this spring. And it just happens to be the one my daughter and SIL gave me for Mother's Day last year.

AND...The trees are blooming.

AND...
I saw in the writing community, some authors were giving away book reads to offset the stay-at-homes and folks who have lost their means of income. I thought this was a great idea and I'm jumping on the bandwagon. Apologies in advance for the areas where it's not offered as a freebie.

Order here

What's going on at your place? Trees blooming? Irises? Stay safe. Stay healthy.

Sunday Sales

On sale for $.99.

*Please check to make sure the price is in effect before you order.

Order here

"A desperate father searches for answers when his daughter begins seeing things no one else can see."

Order here

"A group of teenagers get superpowers and what do they do? Attempt to save the world, of course."

Order here

"As Sarah Miles drives down Eighteenth Street a stranger materializes in front of her car."
*On sale in U.S. and U.K.

Friday's Good Read

Released today! I've got my copy and can't wait to read it. It's free on KU and .99 to buy.

Short Blurb:

There’s only one way Harley Jenkins can save her job. She must convince Clay Briscoe to sell his family’s ranch. Clay Briscoe made one promise to his father: that he would keep the family property a working ranch. The first “no” is painless, but Harley is one of the most persistent people he’s ever met. The more he gets to know her, the harder he finds it to let her lose her job.

Long Blurb:

Four brothers, one ranch.
Can they save it in time?

There’s only one way Harley Jenkins can save her job. She must convince Clay Briscoe to sell his family's ranch. The land is in a growing area of Montana, and her land developer boss has his eye on it. But from the first meeting with Clay, it’s apparent he’s not going to make this deal easy.

Clay Briscoe made one promise to his father: that he would keep the family property a working ranch. The first “no” is painless, but Harley is one of the most persistent people he’s ever met. The more he gets to know her, the harder he finds it to let her lose her job.

As Harley spends more time on Cedar Tree Ranch, she begins to question whether saving her job is the right thing to do. How can she talk the brothers into doing something she’s not sure she believes in herself?

The Last Chance Ranch series is a sweet, clean contemporary western series filled with swoon-worthy heroes and a picturesque Montana setting.

Get it here.

Bio:

Macie St. James is a freelance content writer by day, romance author by night. Or maybe a mix of both at all times. When she's not dreaming up her next story, she can be found indulging her Happy Planner habit and snuggling with her pet dog, a spaniel mix. She lives in Nashville with her husband. Sign up for her newsletter for exclusives and news about future books: https://maciestjames.com/contact-me-2/

Did You Know

Did you know, Mary Ann Evans was one of the leading writers in the Victorian era and wrote under the pen name George Eliot? One of my favorite quotes by her: "It is never too late to be what you might have been."

IWSG Wednesday

The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

Thanks, as always, to Alex Cavanaugh, founder and Ninja Captain extraordinaire and our awesome co-hosts.

The IWSG monthly question can be found under the IWSG Sign-up tab on the Insecure Writer's Support Group Blog.

April 1 question - The IWSG’s focus is on our writers. Each month, from all over the globe, we are a united group sharing our insecurities, our troubles, and our pain. So, in this time when our world is in crisis with the covid-19 pandemic, our optional question this month is: how are things in your world? 

As many of you know, the stars have not beeen aligned in our family in the past few months, but I'm happy to report there are no new health issues and the fam is on the mend.  No COVID 19. Knock on wood. We're still standing! :)

AND...What I've been reading. 

HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL by Sherry Morris

Mountain girl joins secret service.

Several years back Chloe Lambert saved the president from drowning so when she comes down from the mountains and wants to join the secret service the president endorses her. Chloe’s new job brings her up close and personal to the first family, a ring of counterfeiters, a handsome agent and several madcap characters. Pure entertainment, especially for those that enjoy reads set in the 1940s. Order here.

THOUSAND DOLLAR PHARAOH by Sherry Morris

Zany suspense.

Chloe Lambert is a secret service agent on the trail of a counterfeiter who takes her to Egypt, England and then back to the U.S. Her character is reminiscent of Lucille Ball and brings levity to this 1940’s suspense novel. The author has captured the time period in both her language, setting and issues of the day. A fun read, especially for history buffs and those that enjoy humor sprinkled in with their romantic suspense. Order here. 

THE ADVENTURES OF HARRY PUTTER by Judy and Keith

A delightful romp on the green.

Evelyn is spoiled, rich and trash talks a lot of T and A. To balance the equation, she is also smart and has a gift for golf. Harry is poor but gifted and is determined to be a successful pro golfer. He’s a character that is likeable from the beginning. There is plenty of adventure and witty conversation to hold the readers interest. Golf lovers especially will enjoy this romp across the green. The authors’ knowledge of the game comes through in the story. Order here.

GABE’S GUARDIAN ANGEL By Beverly Stowe McClure

Short Blurb/Review. This story touches on two very real problems young people face today: bullying and suicide. It takes a tough subject and handles it in a positive, uplifting way. A must read for teens and tweens. 

Full review: Fifteen-year-old Gabe has his problems. He’s overweight and dyslexic. If that’s not enough, now he’s being bullied. 

Gabe is in a new school. His clumsiness and his dyslexia have made him self-conscious and he makes no attempt to gain friends. When he starts getting bullied and one of the tormenters suggests suicide, he takes the suggestion seriously.

That’s when his guardian angel steps in. He’s nothing like any celestial being Gabe has ever imagined. He has no wings and wears a straw hat and cowboy boots. With help from Charley—his angel—and his family, he begins to realize that not only is he someone that has a lot to offer others, but just maybe his bullies do as well.

The author has taken two difficult topics and turned them into a story with a positive message and a happy ending. A recommended read for teens, tweens and adults.  My favorite line: “Life is tough. So is our family.” Words to live by. Order here. 

ABOUT US by Elizabeth Seckman

Hayden Matthews is coming out of an abusive relationship and failed marriage. Cam Vorelli has loved her all his life. Unfortunately, it was his cousin she ended up marrying. But now that she’s free, maybe this will be a second chance for both of them.

In this story, as in her other books, the author nails her characters and their emotions. She leaves the reader feeling that that he/she could step into the pages and carry on a conversation with the protagonist and his/her associates. She takes a difficult subject—spousal abuse—and puts it in a perspective people can relate with. Order here.

BORN OF CHAOS by Jeff DeMarco
This book picks up where INTO ARMAGEDDON left off.  It’s a well-written thriller than crosses several genres including apocalyptic sci fi and military fiction. The author takes terrifying subjects and make them believable. Such as: Do scientists finally overextend themselves and create their own end? Do some religious fanatics get so focused on their cause they forget their humanity and destroy anything and anyone that doesn’t agree with them? Find the answers in this chilling, heavily researched thriller.

Warning. Like most military fiction there is violence. This is not a stand-alone. You will want to read the first book in the series before diving into this one. Order here.

Happy April Fools' Day.