I am an attorney, but I have worked in government for 22 years. The majority of my work has been in research and writing, so I have a very practical knowledge of governmental operations, constitutional law, and how to communicate about those topics. My work has required clear, concise, well organized, and grammatically correct use of the English language.

I adopted two academically challenged children from the child welfare system more than 20 years ago, and am now parenting a mildly developmentally delayed grandchild. I have therefore had considerable hands on experience in helping students learn spelling, reading, writing, and social studies topics over a number of years. When my son was assigned a research paper in junior high he was amazed when I led him through finding sources, organizing notes, and writing a final paper, exclaiming, "Wow Mom, you're good at this!" He thought passing required constitution tests would be impossible until I coached him on the essentials.

Students learn best by doing. Practice in necessary to become proficient at any endeavor, and practice is best done when it is made enjoyable. Depending upon the topic, that may involve role playing, reading or researching a topic of special interest to the particular student, or finding a way to make a game of learning facts.