Where life and
learning have meet
My love of language was born in family relationships. At a young age, weekly library trips with my mother yielded cardboard boxes full of books that were read and reread. My father, a public educator, took me along to his classroom. I was decades younger than his students, but given the opportunity to participate in his co-learning style of teaching. My grandmother welcomed me into her writing experiences as she wrote words with paper and pen, cut them apart, and pasted them together again to create self-published books she subsequently printed and sold in independent bookstores. My childhood was rich in literacy experiences.
It was also rich in place. I grew up in a chautauqua - a town that combines religious observation, summer education, recreation, and cultural opportunities. Attending lectures by Harvard professors or the chaplain of the week at age twelve was commonplace for me. The topics didn’t matter. I was drawn to thinkers and the words they shared.
Life’s journey brought marriage, eight children, and now a growing number of grandchildren. I see repeatedly how literacy shapes our family. I relish the private monthly book club that I share with my husband. I consider it a privilege to select the books my homeschool students read. Literacy practices rooted in relationships is being passed to the next generation. Sitting side-by-side reading to a grandchild or being trusted to read the stories they write brings me the greatest delight.
Naturally reading is high on my list of enjoyable activities. I pursue quiet walks outdoors, love visiting National Parks and historic sites, and am usually still reheating the morning’s coffee come late afternoon. I am a life long learner. My recent attention directed towards acquiring skills in hand quilting.
I love Jesus. My relationship with him is the footing I have built my life on. Do I reflect him perfectly at every opportunity? No. Which daily confirms my need of his forgiveness, grace, and faithfulness.
Welcome again to this small corner of the world where I share my journey.
The approach
behind my work
My approach views AAC, literacy, and family-centered language acquisition as interconnected tools. My goal in sharing my experiences is to help children communicate, learn, and participate fully in their homes, schools, and communities.
Every journey deserves a voice and every voice deserves opportunities for learning.
Continue the conversation.
Explore my writing, listen to conversations and presentations, or learn more about opportunities to connect.