School Bound
Writing well for the web
January 19, 2007
...online readers scan material in an attempt to quickly determine if it's relevant to them. This suggests that we should make our online documents as "scan friendly" as possible.
Material written for print, though, often starts with an introduction and builds slowly towards the main argument. Conclusions and recommendations are usually placed at the end... read "Writing well for the web"...
More Tips for Better Writing: Hyphens
January 10, 2007
Your readers judge you on the way you write.
This applies whether you're writing advertising copy, a college or business report, a web site, or the next great novel; and it is these judgments that will determine the success or failure of your venture...
...Good, solid writing skills are necessary whether you're writing for business, college or fiction. In this article, I'm going to look at a frequently misunderstood area: hyphens... read "More Tips for Better Writing: Hyphens"...
Teaching Your Kids About Money
January 05, 2007
You need to decide when you give your children money and why. Some parents prefer to give a regular allowance with no association with getting chores done, etc. Others have a set rate given provided chores are done, while still others have a set rate per chore completed. There’s no right or wrong way, but you do need to be clear on when your kids get money. Don’t forget to consider ways in which your kids may earn extra money... read "Teaching Your Kids About Money"...
Lunch-the Frugal Way!
October 13, 2006
It seems that school starts earlier every year. So it's time to start thinking about what to put in those school lunches every morning... read "Lunch-the Frugal Way!"...
Why Does Homework Cause So Much Grief?
October 11, 2006
Does homework cause tension in your house? Is the sense of frustration becoming too much to take? If so, you are not alone. Everyday, I receive calls and emails from parents who are fed up with the homework battles. Most parents wonder with exasperation, “Why does homework cause such a major problem!?” In order to answer that question, it is important to consider many factors... read "Why Does Homework Cause So Much Grief?"...
Writing: Is It A Skill, Craft, Or Gift?
October 09, 2006
There are many different types of writers. Those who prefer to compose in long-hand or can only write on an old-fashioned manual typewriter. Those who write to music, demand complete silence, or create best surrounded by noise. You have the writers who must plan and outline before they can begin and those who find even talking about a project before it is drafted can stifle their creativity. But one of the most controversial divisions among writers is about whether writing is a skill, craft, or gift.... read "Writing: Is It A Skill, Craft, Or Gift?"...
Teaching Your Child To Save
July 14, 2005
It's hard to know how to teach our children the value of a dollar. When they start getting allowance and growing up - they seem to want to buy it all. There are some ways we can help them appreciate how much they have, while learning to spend on only necessary items... read "Teaching Your Child To Save"...
SAT or ACT?
July 13, 2005
There are two major college entrance examinations administered in the United States today: the SAT and the ACT. Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are designed to allow college admissions officers to judge all students by a common measurement. Scores on these tests can compensate for differences in high school curriculum, grade inflation, and quality of teaching. In addition, they serve as a reliable predictor of how you will perform academically in your freshman year of college... read "SAT or ACT?"...
Application Do's and Don'ts
July 12, 2005
Do yourself a favor: Before you send in your application, proofread! Nothing will make admissions officers dump your application in the reject pile faster than a sloppy, illegible or error-ridden application... read "Application Do's and Don'ts"...
Editing Made Easy
July 08, 2005
After spending so much of your time and effort in producing what you have so far, it would seem a shame to rush things at this crucial stage in your manuscript's life. Once the first draft is done, almost every writer realizes that an edit or partial rewrite is going to be a necessary task... read "Editing Made Easy"...
Tips for Effectively Communicating Through Email
July 01, 2005
...Here are a few tips to enhance your email communications that will save you time, increase your effectiveness, and make you appear much more professional... read "Tips for Effectively Communicating Through Email"...
The Ten Habits of Highly Effective Speakers
June 05, 2005
Successful speakers do not do all the right things all the time. They often take risks and risk bombing. But all top speakers take daily action, to move towards their goals with many adjustments. Here are ten ways to be a highly effective speaker... read "The Ten Habits of Highly Effective Speakers"...
E-mail 101: The Dos and Don'ts
June 04, 2005
Writing e-mails is still communicating. Both the recipient and the language still deserve your respect... read "E-mail 101: The Dos and Don'ts"...
Computer Classes in Spanish; Clases de Computación en Español
May 15, 2005
Did you know that the Houston Public Library offers free computer classes in English and Spanish? Here's a list of classes to get you started... read "Computer Classes in Spanish; Clases de Computación en Español"...
Choosing an Effective Title
March 23, 2005
It may seem trivial to tell you to choose a good title for your next written work, but the importance of this task should not be underestimated. A good title may be the difference between a reader choosing to look at your work or passing over it... read "Choosing an Effective Title"...
The Road to College
March 23, 2005
For many students, the college admissions process starts in the fall of their junior year, when they take either the PSAT or other preliminary standardized tests, and doesn't let up until December of their senior year, when most applications are submitted. Before you enter the admissions frenzy, or before you turn in those applications, get an overview of the whole process... read "The Road to College"...
10 Tips For Better Writing
February 25, 2005
...the standard of your writing has always been important. Today, though, more than ever before, FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT. We are bombarded by the written word in its many forms -- books, pamphlets, magazines, signs, e-mail, web sites and many other media... the following list of tips should help you to avoid some of the most common slip-ups read "10 Tips For Better Writing"...
Great Reads for your Kids
December 22, 2004
Looking for some great books for your kids? Try the Texas Bluebonnet Award (TBA) for a place to start. Then look for these at your library, your local bookstore or online... read "Great Reads for your Kids"...