Copywork-Perfect Execution?

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  • February 4, 2014 at 4:33 pm
    TreasuresFromHeaven
    Participant

    My son is 9 and has been doing copywork for several years.  We started with cursive.  I have not always done the way Miss Mason has suggested.  But I am trying to fine tune that some more.  For copywork, he will copying 2-3 sentences and if there are mistakes or it is sloppy, I will have him redo that.  I usually give him 4 mistakes (which he corrects) before I have him write the whole thing over because there are usually numerous mistakes.

    On another thread, someone suggested sitting with him and watching him closely.  Any other suggestions?

    Also, what do I do about the others subjects he has to do that include writing?  Aside from copywork, he may have a couple things to write for grammar or Latin?  I know I can’t let him do perfect execution for copywork and then slack off for other subjects.  I am pulling my hair out with the writing he has to do and then it being sloppy all the time.  And I know he is highly frustrated as well.  It is a recipe for disaster right now.

    Any suggestions?

    Thanks

    February 4, 2014 at 5:38 pm
    Tristan
    Participant

    I may be the only one, but we do not aim for perfect execution.  We aim for best effort in copywork.  In everything else that they write the point of the assignment is not handwriting so I do not worry about how neat or messy their writing is, so long as it is readable.  An example, for a written narration in history I would ignore handwriting.  What I’m interested in with that assignment is the narration itself. 

     

    And in a writing assignment we don’t worry about handwriting neatness until the final copy, and in many cases that final copy is going to be typed.  The goal of a writing assignment, to me, is to get your thoughts organized and shared.  Were I to require perfect execution on a final copy my children would write much shorter stories, reports, and papers so they would not have to write as much. 

     

    Make sense?  Thoughts?

    February 4, 2014 at 5:48 pm
    TailorMade
    Participant

    I wholeheartedly agree with Tristan!  My only other suggestion is to discuss that the copywork is necessary to provide opportunity for improvement in this area.  His best effort is the goal with noted improvement over time.  Have him tell you which letters, words, sentences demonstrate his best effort and why.  I’ve noticed that when my children know that I will ask them to point these out to me, they try to “beat” their best.  I only do this with copywork consistently, but I do ask them to notice it in other subjects, too.  Every once in a while, I’ll tell them that I’m going to check for best numbers, or neatest problem worked in math.  They are to choose one before going over it with me.  Of course, my daughter wants to point out several examples.  My son tends to have to search for his in math, especially with no warning.  But, he does do a better job IF he knows I’m going to “spot check” that day.

    Final copy for writing assignments is a good idea, too.  My son is working on keyboarding now, so that has eliminated quite a bit of his handwriting opportunities.  It’s also lessened his frustration level during the day.

    February 4, 2014 at 6:03 pm
    LindseyD
    Participant

    I have my children (8.5 and 10) do copywork for a set time period, not a set number of words or sentences. I set the timer for 5 mintues, and they are expected to give their best effort and full attention as well as aim for perfect execution for the ENTIRE time. I have emphasized over and over that I don’t care if they only write one word in the entire 5 minutes, as long as they gave it their full attention, tried their best, and wrote as perfectly as they could. 

    Dd8.5 isn’t doing any other written assignments at this time, other than math. I allow ds10 to type his dictation and written narration, so his 5 minutes of copywork is the only writing he does most days. This works well for all of us.

    February 5, 2014 at 5:40 am
    Wings2fly
    Participant

    Adding to what TailorMade said, I have them circle letters that need improvement (every few weeks or so) and I give them example letters to trace and then write a few, stressing correct formation over quantity. They practice those letters for a few days until they have improved, while also keeping up with copywork assigned.

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