SCM Discussion Forum

1. 

   stonemomof4
   Member

   A little background: Even though I'm not doing Year/Grade 1 with my 6 year old yet (starting in the fall), he's had writing practice this year. Not my preference, but he was in a special needs program with our base (military) school due to some delays he has/had. Part of getting physical therapy required he take a special education class in which he was taught reading and writing. He did this once a week.  So when we did it at home (which was rarely) I did require as close to perfect execution as he could manage.

   Now that I'm planning next year, I'm wondering about the approach I'd planned. I was going to have him practice each letter individually--both upper and lower case--and once perfect execution was reached, have him move into copywork. But not until he'd managed each letter on its own. But now I'm not so sure. I looked at the discussion of copywork on amblesideonline.org, and also saw that copywork (not "penmanship") was part of the SCM curriculum. So I'm wondering if I should start with simple words, sentences, etc instead as his practice.

   What is your opinion, and what have you done? Thanks all!
   Tanya

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
2. 

   IrieMomma
   Member

   It's always been my understanding that copywork does start with the methoed you described ~ letters first, moving toward small words, moving towards small sentences, moving toward the copywork most people think of (verses, quotes, etc.).  I think if you looked closer on Ambleside and here on SCM, that is what they would recommend.  I would say to definitely follow your original plan.  He may "master" the letters quickly and you can move onto the other things ... or he may not.  Allow him time.  There's no rush!  Believe me.  My 8 1/2 year old daughter writes perfectly fine, and will write when it's of her own accord, but doesn't like copywork ... unless it's quite short.  Remember, Charlotte Mason doesn't recommend written narrations until they are about 10 ... so, there's no need to rush the writing/copywork! 

   Many blessings on your new journey!

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
3. 

   Noelene
   Member

   Also just want to point out that it's better to start with capital letters first because they are easier for the child to write before moving on to lowercase letters.  We use Handwriting Without Tears, it uses a multi-sensory approach which was perfect for my kinesthetic son! He built his own letters using wooden pieces, wrote on their small blackboard, as well as many other ideas to introduce writing gently using all the senses.  As far as I remember, I also read in 'Hearing and Reading, Telling and Writing' that CM also recommended starting on a chalkboard/whiteboard first and letters in the sand etc.  In fact, it's worth reading this from SCM, as it has a whole chapter on writing lessons. It's been a huge help to me so far!

    

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
4. 

   stonemomof4
   Member

   Actually, the lady he was working with introduced me to HWT, she used it with him at the start. I like it. I am aware of all the ways to teach the writing part, I just wasn't sure whether to focus on one letter a day/week, or start with small words to copy, or what. Like I said, he's already been writing this year, but without the emphasis on perfect that I would have done had I started on home. He had to see this teacher, and she started him. In her opinion he's writing very well for his age (I have in hand a page he did for her of the whole alphabet both big and small letters, as well as numbers). In my opinion I know it would be better had I done it my way on my own. So I can't undo what he's already learned, I can just move forward expecting perfect execution. Thanks for the help! :)

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
5. 

   Noelene
   Member

   I can just share what we have been/are doing and what I've read on SCM.  We actually did HWT Pre-K when he was about 5, since he was trying to write on his own.  Very gentle.  We just did one letter a day, it was only capitals & practicing for those ie. lines, squares, circles etc. Lots of colouring too.  

   After that we moved onto HWT K which reviewed capitals first then moved onto lowercase letters.  During the review of capitals, they introduced 3-letter words to copy, only 4 on a page.  Also, we did only one letter a day, not using any extra practice on separate paper, just what was in the book.  The lessons were probably 3mins long. With the lowercase letters, short words were also introduced during the book, as well as 3-word sentences, using the letters that had already been learned.

   My son is now 6,5 and we will be starting HWT 1 soon, which focuses on lowercase printing, but more words and slightly longer sentences will be introduced during it.  My son has also been doing Sonlight Language Arts K, which has daily copywork.  However, I have noticed that he 'forgets' how to write some of the letters so I'm looking forward to using HWT again to give him a chance to review each letter individually and practice it. 

   Having said all that I did not know about CM during this time so although I tried to get him to execute his letters as best he could, I cannot say it was 'perfect execution'.  I have seen his writing improve so much though since we started. My point is that it seems words and very short sentences are introduced soon after letters have been practiced and are not kept until the child is writing perfectly.  How 'perfect' can a six year old boy write?

   In SCM's H&R,T&W, it says "...letters should be formed into words as soon as possible for the child to copy. The goal is to write the word once without a mistake."

   So, you could possibly have him start with reviewing his letters, both capitals and lowercase, but after a few, introduce easy words using those same letters he has reviewed and is familiar with, and that he is copying 'perfectly'.  And slowly move to short sentences.  Or if he has mastered the individual letters and is getting bored, then move onto words & sentences. I think the main thing is to keep it short and move at the child's pace. 

   

    

    

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post

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