Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

All across America, homeschoolers are excelling in a wide variety of areas. Join Home School Legal Defense Association President Mike Smith on this week's Home School Heartbeat, as he talks with just a few of these young achievers.

Mike Smith:


Today I'm talking to Rachel Shafer, winner of the National Endowment for the Humanities essay contest on the Gettysburg Address. Rachel, what sparked your interest in the contest's theme?


Rachel Shafer:


Well, the history that surrounds the Gettysburg Address is something that really came alive for me when our family studied the Civil War together. And we were able to read books out loud as a family and even to visit some Civil War battle sites. But the reason that I really love the Gettysburg Address is that it puts forth such inspiring ideas in a way that's very simple and very beautiful as well.


Mike:


Well, that's great, Rachel. Do you have any advice for our young writers out there?


Rachel:


I think it's important to care about your topic. And so it's good to take the time to think before you write so that you can have ideas that are worth sharing and that you want to share. Also, in terms of learning what good style is and what good writing is, I think it's helpful just to read a lot and to read good authors. And I found that it was helpful when I was writing my essay to read it out loud so I could see whether what I had worked or not.


Mike:


Thank you, Rachel. That's very helpful. We appreciate you joining us today. And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.