Copywork Errors

Hi, Jennifer –

Copywork is a little different animal than dictation. At first glance this seems to possibly be a lack-of-attention issue. I think I would do a couple of things to get that “rail” corrected. (Referring to “laying down the rails,” as Charlotte called laying good habits 🙂 )

1. Sit with each girl in turn and watch her as she copies. In that way you will be able to spot and correct any omissions or mistakes immediately. Cindy is right that we don’t want them to see misspelled words. Be careful not to make your presence a punishment. Rather, let your girls see your participation as a way to encourage and help them in their task. You’re on their side, and you’re going to work together.

2. Temporarily “back up” on the required copywork to fewer words/smaller portions. For example, when you sit down with daughter #1 to do her copywork, ask her how far she thinks she can go with no mistakes (which includes leaving out anything). Assure her that this isn’t a contest; you want her honest answer. “Don’t say three sentences if you don’t think you can do all three with zero mistakes. Are you sure?” Suggest smaller portions that will retrain that habit of attention; i.e., the lesson will be over before she loses attention. Then as that attention “muscle” gets stronger after a few days of shorter lessons, start gradually increasing the time/amount she copies.

Hopefully, the combination of your expectant, encouraging presence mixed with the retraining of that habit of attention will do the trick, and soon you’ll be able to assign the work as independent study again in the near future.

Hope this helps!