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Post by Nancy on Dec 9, 2009 1:22:59 GMT -5
I have noticed that my son produces better writing when we are sitting together, discussing the narrative. He seems to need to talk it through with someone. Today, he decided he had a good handle on the narrative (The Golden Apple, which he knows quite well), and he went off to write on his own. We had gone over the Theon's outline he completed the day before, and it was well-done. He really struggled to get his own words on paper today, retelling the narrative nearly verbatim, except for the paragraph he had worked on in the workbook, which he chose to use in his retelling. I realize that his familiarity with the story is part of the reason, but could it be that he needs me to be more involved, to be on hand to discuss each scene as he works through the writing process? Is that too much help? Should he be tackling the writing project on his own, without my help? He is a bright 12 year old, who has struggled with writing. So far, I've seen great improvement with CW, but I'm unsure of my role in guiding him through the writing process.
Thanks.
Nancy
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Post by Lene Mahler Jaqua on Dec 9, 2009 11:32:11 GMT -5
It would probably be a balance of both. He needs some guidance and encouragement, but it is OK to sit and talk through it too. Your goal is to get him independent, but a little at a time. I would suggest that one session, out of four, ideally should be with you, doing all the thinking for the writing project, but the three others are his, alone. But if he struggles to work alone, you may want to wean him off your help more slowly.
Lene
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Post by Nancy on Dec 9, 2009 16:04:51 GMT -5
Thank you, Lene. I appreciate the advice. He really wants to do it independently and seems confident when he sets out to write, but I do see a huge difference in his writing when we are working together. I was not sure if I was doing him a disservice by letting him discuss it with me. I think he really needs to hear his thoughts out loud. He can read his own writing and think it sounds good, but then if I read it to him, he seems better able to hear what sounds awkward or what is not well-developed. He also seems to write better, initially, if we discuss as he writes. So, I'll continue to work with him, and wean him slowly as you suggested. Thanks! Nancy It would probably be a balance of both. He needs some guidance and encouragement, but it is OK to sit and talk through it too. Your goal is to get him independent, but a little at a time. I would suggest that one session, out of four, ideally should be with you, doing all the thinking for the writing project, but the three others are his, alone. But if he struggles to work alone, you may want to wean him off your help more slowly. Lene |
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