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HELP! With My Nine-Year Old???? Questions about Writing and Copywork answered by Cindy Rushton

HELP! With My Nine-Year Old????

Questions about Writing and Copywork answered by Cindy Rushton

Hi Jennifer!

Great questions! I will try to help some here...

 

Quote:

Originally posted by JenniferW I have a 9 year old boy, 4th grade. We have always homeschooled. We are really struggling with finding something that works for Handwriting and Spelling. Both of these subjects are difficult for him. We tend to have much frustration and fighting over both. I do not want our homeschool experience to be full of strife. I want it to be enjoyable.

Jennifer, this is such a precious age. I wish I could tell you how common this is for this age student. They are learning SO MUCH during this time. Most of them get sooo frustrated because they just want to be really good, really quick. This is just hard, hard work!

 

I think we just might have some great ideas that will really work well for him!

 

Quote:

Originally posted by JenniferW First question, do you use manuscript, italic or the traditional cursive handwriting in your copywork? He HATES writing anything at this point. We have been trying cursive for the last year.

Why not go back to printing with him? Sounds like you know that the real shift in his frustrations began with cursive. If it makes you feel better, my son (now graduated and writing professionally as a ministry) did not learn cursive until he was ELEVEN! Yes, you read right. I could explain some of the hindrances and reasons why, but the fun thing to tell you is how he learned--he was needing to know how to sign his name in cursive for his first "book signing" as an author. He came to me and said, "MOM! I need to know how to sign my name in cursive!" We sat down for FIVE MINUTES and he learned the basics and never looked back. It was easy! No pressure! No stress!

 

It sounds as though you are really most concerned with his frustrations, right? Well then, why not let him print for now and develop a love for learning again? Make his lessons easy and quick. Try to find things for him to copy that are along the lines of his personal interests. Make a notebook on things that he is interested in. Let this time be a healing time. Then, as he gets older, God will open the doors wide open for him to use this cursive a bit more naturally! I PROMISE!

 

Quote:

Originally posted by JenniferW Secondly, how do you teach Spelling through simply copywork? I need something with the spelling rules, etc. to teach this subject. Yet, I have tried a variety of programs and just can't seem to find something that works.

Don't worry about Spelling at this time. He will absorb much of this on his own as he copies and it will be much more natural and easy that way. Go back to those old paths. They truly work. Try it out for a while. Don't buy anything at this time. Then, make a note to look at how he improves in just 6 months...a year. You may never buy a book for spelling--I didn't!

 

Quote:

Originally posted by JenniferW Third, could you repost the COPYWORK article or direct me to it. I could not seem to find it on the site.

I will post it again on my blog. Great idea! I will do that with these questions.

Hope you enjoy!

 

See the blog here: http://www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/CindyRushton

 

Hope you enjoy!

 

Quote:

Originally posted by JenniferW Thanks for your input. I really need to try something totally different. Blessings, Jennifer

Jennifer, you are going to love it! I pray a rich blessing on you and your family! DO keep us posted! AND...ask any questions that you may have along the way. I am happy to help!

Love,
Cindy

 

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