HI, I’M Val Robb
Welcome! I’m so grateful you’re here!
If you are a homeschooling parent who wants to strengthen relationships with your children while growing their writing skills, you are in the right place.
Have you discovered that each child needs something different in their learning journey? Do you have children who seem allergic to the thought of picking up a pencil? Or maybe you have enthusiastic writers and sometimes it’s a challenge to guide and extend them.
While I LOVE words and writing, I also know from experience that teaching writing can be a challenge.
One of my children avoided writing because he preferred to be outdoors exploring. Another was a perfectionist who feared taking writing risks. And then there was my dyslexic child who struggled intensely with spelling.
Where are they now?
All have graduated from high school and are using their writing skills to pursue a wide range of interests and careers.
One who said she hated writing got her masters in elementary teaching. My most reluctant writer recently finished his master’s thesis on the topic of modern slavery. And the son with dyslexia completed an education degree in early childhood.
Best of all, they all enjoy writing, and I’m friends with each one.
My four girls and two boys were homeschooled through their whole education – apart from dipping into Chinese and Canadian schools very briefly while we lived in each place. Moving around the world together stretched us and forged our relationships.
Having recently completed my homeschooling journey after 25 years, I know what it’s like to try to juggle children, subjects, and housework, often in the midst of moving house or facing other transitions. No easy task! Guiding our children in writing can often feel daunting.
Writing is a life skill – not just another school subject. My goal is to help you become a powerful encourager as you mentor your children in writing. I want you to create treasured memories as you enjoy writing together. I want you and your children to have FUN!
Over the years, I spent many hours hunting down resources to spark my children’s interest in writing and to find solutions to various writing dilemmas.
I want to save you time by sharing inspiring writing ideas, pointing you to helpful resources, and offering workshops and individual consultations.
A few things about me:
- I trained as an elementary school teacher in Canada where I met my Kiwi husband.
- After teaching English to immigrant children for nearly two years, I left that to teach my own children at home.
- I have moved internationally 11 times, always with children in tow.
- I love Jesus. He’s been my anchor and ‘home’ through all those moves.
- Currently based in Auckland, I have taught writing workshops for parents and classes for children on three continents as our family has lived in Canada, China, America and New Zealand.
- I call myself “directionally challenged” and I’m the last person you’d want in your front seat in a new city. And don’t get me to back your car!
- Deep conversations with friends give me joy, especially when we add chocolate and a cup of tea.
- I love walking in nature, writing, playing word games, and reading.
- I taught our children that “books are our friends.” I always have multiple volumes on the go and take a big stack with me on holidays. Ebooks are not the same!
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How Can I Help?
I hope the ideas in my blog posts spark some inspiration. If you have questions or would like more support, I would love to hear from you.