Charlotte Mason's views on Writing…..

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  • January 2, 2010 at 4:13 pm
    mommy25
    Member

    Does anyone know what CM’s views are on writing? Is the extent of the writing instruction done through copywork/dictation? I see in the SCC curriculum guide that the formal essay is suggested in 11th and 12th grade. But their are not suggestions for instruction in teaching the essay. And what about outlining and note taking and forming paragraphs and just how to organize your thoughts to get ready to write?

    Did Charlotte teach all grade levels or just elementary levels?

    My 5th and 8th graders can write narrations; they have also done a lot of copywork. But when asked to write something on their own, or to write on their own initiative, they will produce writing which has no paragraph breaks and sometimes the details are not organized and put together the correct way.

    I am considering using the Writing Strands program to help polish up some these skills.

    Any suggestions or input?

    Thanks!

    January 2, 2010 at 4:50 pm
    Beth Covalt
    Participant

    Hi.  I have battled the same concerns about writing.  I look forward to other responses that you may get to this question. 

    My understanding is that CM used only narrations for writing.   I have been gradually working with my two oldest (7th grade) on structure while trying not to stiffle the flow of their narrations.   They, too, have not grasped paragraph form, unity, or coherence, and we have used Writing Strands, with which I not been pleased.  It does little to help in the areas you have mentioned.  (Hope this helps a little.)

    I remember writing complete essays by 8th grade in my own education; however, with CM, we are making a choice to educate in a different way.  I wonder:  Do we continue to trust to the philosophy in this area, or do we augment it?

    January 2, 2010 at 5:06 pm
    mommy25
    Member

    Out of curiosity – at what level did you start in Writing Strands and how far did you make it through the different levels?

    I don’t remember any writing instruction in school!! I feel like I have learned to write better by reading and then applying what I see in writing via emails and posts on forums! Wink

     

    January 2, 2010 at 6:57 pm
    mommy25
    Member

    Here is a good discussion on writing…..

    http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/confused-about-the-writing-in-scm

    January 5, 2010 at 11:36 pm
    Beth Covalt
    Participant

    Sorry to fade on you for a few days.  I made it through three levels in WS with two of my kids, completing two full levels and only getting through half of the third.  Thanks for the link.  Going over to read right now. 

    January 6, 2010 at 1:26 am
    missceegee
    Participant

    I have WIN (Writing in Narrative), the full program. I have only used book A and B, but I love the simplicity of it. Book B is geared to elementary ages and focuses on the 4-7 sentence simple stories to teach structure. You can see it hear – http://www.asktheleaders.com/winsale.htm

    It is an inexpensive, but impressive program. I know many who love IEW and Writing Strands, but I needed simple. 

    Just an idea.

    Chtistie

    January 14, 2010 at 9:22 am
    Jimmie
    Member

    I want to pass on a helpful (I think) link.

    http://writefromhistory.com/files/Ebook_Charlotte_Mason_Writing_Plan2.pdf

    It includes some CM quotes and a very helpful chart for writing skills 1-6.

    A 5th grader should be learning how to write a good paragraph. By 8th grade, a student should be writing essays. I like the Evan Moor books for the intermediate grades. They would probably be too basic for an 8th grader.

    January 14, 2010 at 1:50 pm
    Scherger5
    Participant

    Jimmie,

    Thank you so much for that very helpful link. 

    Heather

    January 14, 2010 at 5:53 pm
    mommy25
    Member

    Thank you, Jimmie! This is a great resource. Smile

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