Homeschool English--Getting Your Six Year Old Writing

There are different types of writing that we can expect from our children.

Write me a story- This is a difficult (almost an impossible task for a 6 year old). They do not have the spelling skills to pull together a story. They may also find that they have no idea what you are really asking them to do.

Dictation and Copywork- This skill is much easier for the children. With copywork they just have to copy each of the words. Copywork has many benefits. Use good quality copywork. Many handwriting books ask the child to copy a silly sentence while practicing their technique --what a wasted opportunity! Copywork is more than just bending lines nicely. It should develop good technical skills whilst using fine literature. Quality copywork has children practice their handwriting technique while writing literature from great authors with excellent technique. Copy work has been used for centuries and is tried-and-tested. Copy work is also useful in teaching spelling, memorisation and dictation. Dictation is a more advanced skill and I wouldn't bother yet.

Narration- This is when the child tells you in their own words what has been read to them. It is the backbone of the Charlotte Mason technique. From six years old you do it all orally and at about 10 you can get them to write them down.

Spelling list- I have never done spelling lists or tests in my 8 years of homeschooling and my two oldest are pretty good spellers. We just use dictation and teach words along the way. With my now nine year old resistant writer I just keep pressing forward slowly.

Reading Aloud- Keep on reading to them.

When to start worrying?

Do not worry at six if he is not ready for much writing, do not worry at seven, do not worry at eight either. Just keep pressing forward a little at a time. Eventually you get a breakthrough.

Other Options to Make a Record of Learning When They Don't Write

Writing and worksheets are often a way for us to feel like we did something today. Just having a conversation can seem like nothing to us. There is no record of it,apart from writing down our conversations (who wants to do that).

I have found other ways to get a record of learning that has fairly good compliance but involves no writing for them. We do nature journaling and notebooking work. Firstly I prime the canvas. I give them something to think/write about. I read from a good book on the topic we are about to make a notebook entry on. I get them inspired. Now sometimes I still have trouble but most times not. After the reading they make a picture entry. Then I get them to tell me what to write about the picture. The amazing detail that they can portray shows they have been listening and understanding our topic.

I just love Emma Serl's approach to teaching Language lessons for young children. It is gentle and has lots of conversation lessons that inspire before they are required to do some writing. Hope that helps, Michelle