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Do you grade written narrations?
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I am so excited right now. This week I tossed the language lessons workbook and the handwriting workbook. I increased my boys’ reading to 2 chapters a day (they are reading a G.A. Henty book or a Ballantyne book) and required half a page of written narration daily. One of my boys, the reluctant reader, is going to town on his narration. They are a full page (college ruled paper)! I told him he doesn’t have to make them that long, but he says it’s no fun unless he can include the exciting details! I am amazed!
I did notice though, that he doesn’t use an capitalization and only occasional periods. I did review with him capitalizing first word of every sentence (which he knows but doesn’t want to take the time to do) and periods. Mostly right now I’m just encouraging him.
My other son (they are both 11 yrs old), writes really small and only does 4-5 sentences at most with his narrations. I’m not sure how to encourage him?
I do have to say that reading Sonya’s article for the month of November in the planner book gave me the extra courage to use written narrations and to adapt it for my family. It is so freeing. I think I didn’t do it earlier because I don’t like to do things unless I can do them completely by the book, which my life doesn’t usually allow. It has been such a joy to see my sons reading, and then choosing to read during their free time. They love learning.
I went through a very insecure month last month after visiting the homes of several friends who’s children are enrolled in various classes and courses and use various, rigorous curriculum. I couldn’t handle that with our lifestyle. I see, though, that the tendency or temptation with these is to do things for the curriculum or class not out of joy. In focusing on reading, written narrations, math, etc… the kids are instinctively learning the same things the curriculums teach. Plus they are owning more of their learning. We chase rabbit trails of interest and visit the library at least once a week. It’s been such a pleasurable month!
I’m hoping to add back Spelling Wisdom and use it to address some of the issues with punctuation and grammar next month. Just would love some guidance with the written narrations.
Many Thanks,
Betty
Betty,
I think you’re boys are doing great for their ages! Keep up the good work.
With your son who doesn’t capitalize and is missing punctuation you know he knows how to use you could tell him that you expect to see those things properly handled in his narrations. If you are noticing that he still seems to be missing capital letters or punctuation then you could try pointing out one of those, say capitalization, and tell him that on the next narration you want him to be careful to capitalize the words that need it. When he seems to have mastered the capitalizing, then ask him to work on periods at the end of sentences. If you work on one thing at a time he shouldn’t be overwhelmed with all the mechanics of writing and should still be able to give a good narration.
Don’t be too discouraged that your other son doesn’t write as much. Focus on what he does get down in his narration. Does he get the main points? If so, just keep encouraging him to write as many details as he can. It is okay if you have a child who is short and to the point. Some children are like that, while others love to write and will go on and on. I have a son who is short and to the point. When he first started doing written narrations, they were always just a few sentences. Now, after much practice and some maturity, he writes much longer ones.
Hope that helps.
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