Magazine
English on the Internet-- with Laurel Tree Tutorials... developed by a homeschool grad!
Rebekah Randolph, 2/12/2010
Mrs. Rebekah Randolph, owner and instructor of Laurel Tree Tutorials, was homeschooled K-12 and graduated with a PHAA diploma. Rebekah then earned her B.A. in English from Hillsdale College, where she graduated summa cum laude and as a member of the honors program. She worked as a teacher’s assistant for Debra Bell and as a writing tutor at Hillsdale before launching her own online English classes in 2006. Since then, she has enjoyed working with homeschooled students all over the United States—and even some abroad! Rebekah lives in Millersville, Pennsylvania with her husband (and their large library).

Laurel Tree Tutorials was created to meet a marked need in the homeschooling community: too few writing classes. As I interacted with homeschooled high school students, I realized the weakness of their composition skills and how much they were missing as a result. No matter what you choose as your career, whether businessman or engineer or homemaker, you will probably need to write. In this “Information Age,” the ability to communicate clearly is a huge advantage in college, in the workplace, and at home.
So in 2006 , I started offering online composition classes for homeschooled high schoolers. My students came from all over the country, thanks to the flexibility of online learning. Word spread about Laurel Tree Tutorials and I soon expanded my course list, adding literature to writing and reaching out to younger students as well. I now offer a variety of writing and literature classes for grades 6-12.
It is incredible to see how much interaction goes on between students, and how much Laurel Tree Tutorials is able to offer due to modern technology. For example, literature classes rely on instant messaging to create discussions between students and instructor. Online forums provide a way to review peers’ work and talk about anything under the sun. And of course, email lets us communicate quickly, whether it’s to send out study guides, explain difficult points, or submit homework.
I have had the privilege of interacting with some very talented individuals through the years. We have covered topics from proper punctuation to heroism! No matter their level, I have loved refining my students’ skills, discussing the important ideas of literature with them, and preparing them for whatever lies ahead.
For more information on Laurel Tree Tutorials and a complete class list, please visit the tutorial website (http://lt-tutorials.schools.officelive.com).
To request an application or to inquire further about a class listed on the website, please contact Mrs. Randolph directly (laurel.tree.tutorials@gmail.com).
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