The main purpose of this work (combining photos of family growth and reading literacy comments) was to enlist interested and talented young men and women to consider the education field as a career. I think there is an especially critical need for young men in reading education, married or unmarried, at the elementary level. Elementary grades K-5 are critical.

Reading literacy starts with the parents reading out loud to their child at the preschool ages. It is to the advantage of young families to do this. Also, church membership is a step in the right direction and definitely associated with reading development and literacy. This electronic book of 25 pages discusses the importance of community involvement, careers, and reading development.

This third e-book of mine serves as an invitation to the world of future educators and readers. It is baptized with tons of paper and ink, with lots of student to challenge -- even a Mr. Super Duper Microsoft! Thirty-six years ago, the author received his M.S. in Education from Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana.

In retrospect, the author is grateful for having had the opportunity, while attending his undergraduate university, to be an advisor with his elder sister to a JHS Fellowship Group. We found that building self-esteem and trust was especially valuable at that stage of growth.

The author believes the "milieu" (educational environment) is important in developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. They all combine and go together, although learned sometimes separately. For example, if one can find a comfortable place to snuggle up to a novel, poetry, whatever, quietness without many distractions is helpful. In the author’s personal experience, working on merit badges at home or camp was like attending a private or more individual school. When he rose or advanced through the ranks while attending JHS in Manitowoc, he also developed his study skills and habits. Leisure time reading, youth activities during and after school, plus teenage work experiences were important tools of learning!

Messenger of Transformation

A storm is off the coastal shore. In the midst of dark
clouds and sun, flies a seagull bound for shore.
A messenger of hope for those who are cast at sea – A
symbol of peace and light during the midst of storm,
a bird of flight.
It flies forward and points the way for the daybreak of a new dawn.

The Great Bird Above

Oh majestic birds of wonder – Glide with me and soar beyond the mountain peaks.
Lift my spirits with your sight and bring me back to the earth’s crust safely.
Abide with care and kindness knowing that you’re special to me.
Ode to Captain of the Helm
Over hill, over dale, while my Red Rover purrs about. With the Lord in my heart and hand on the wheel, the sunshine lights the forward path.
Lead on oh knighted driver and look on thy neighbor as one special enroute – with a bluebird on your shoulder.

A Mouse on the Scene

Mickey, the Camelot Cat, visits the Holiday Jamestown Caper with Captain John Smith. Halloween has just passed.
Mickey, somewhat the Noble Knight from Nottingham, came in by American ship to visit John Smith near ’76. He was guided by a flock of honking geese near Canada at night, and day by shore with a seafaring seagull.
It looks as if a pilgrim’s Thanksgiving was soon to pass, table all prepared, with or without the Indian Maiden Pocahontas. Winter frost was near – pumpkins ready for harvest.