Mrs. Kim Rankin:  Homeschool Conference Speaker and Workshop Leader Details

Using the Writer's Notebook to Foster Student Writing
The writer’s notebook is not a diary or journal, it's a springboard for great student writing. As inexpensive as a $1 composition book, it is the tool real writers have used for centuries. A writer’s notebook allows students to brainstorm topics, play with words, practice revision strategies, and test out new genres. Kim will explain how to launch the writer’s notebook, and how the notebook can encourage more writing in your homeschool.
 

Veteran homeschool mom Kim Rankin understands the skills young people need to acquire as they take on real-world challenges. A typical day may find Kim helping one son begin his college path through duel-enrollment, talking with another about his company’s tax liability, guiding another son as he creates a Boy Scout Troop library, and grabbing lunch with a daughter-in-law.

Kim and her husband Rich Rankin share 23 years of marriage and seven children -  two from Rich’s first marriage and five from their own - resulting in extensive experience in parenting a blended family. They have been homeschooling for eighteen years. With six boys and one girl, they’ve experienced plenty of tumbles and stitches. Their family circle was broadened three years ago by caring for an elderly parent in their home. Two recent marriages added a daughter- and a son-in-law to the team.  They have celebrated the joy of six graduation ceremonies for their children: four high school and two college commencements.

Seeking to continue the lifelong path of learning that inspires her approach to homeschool, Kim has recently returned to college herself.  She will complete her Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Certificate in Professional Writing in May, 2012.  Whether writing a research paper for her class, helping an older child with a resume, or reviewing an Eagle Scout project report with her teen, daily writing brings Kim immense joy.