a few notes on improving kids writing

Just for me, notes from an article aimed at kids in school, here's what I thought I could use:

What can parents do to help their children develop writing skills?

No. 1, teach kids to write because they have something to say, not because it's a dull chore. You don't tell kids to read because the teacher says so, but because they love Harry Potter. Use journals and letters to get kids to write outside the classroom. In this summer of scaled-down vacations — all the greater opportunity to emulate travel logs like those of Lewis and Clark — it's a great opportunity to have kids write for the right reasons.

Also, don't dismiss the importance of handwriting to help kids slow down and think.

What's the most common misconception parents have about teaching kids to write?

Some parents think it's too 20th century, but writing remains extremely important. Our colleges are spending $30 billion a year on writing training. Kids need to be able to write, and the failure to write is hurting kids.

Another misconception — by some teachers too — is that nonfiction is boring, not exciting, but this underestimates the intellectual power of kids.

What's the hardest thing about teaching kids to write?

Loving them enough to make them do things again, to give them feedback that's honest and accurate. Way too many teachers and parents don't have the heart to make kids do things again.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Schoolwork Accomplished:
Leanna:
*Silent Reading-Harry Potter,
*Outdoor Play
*Girl Scouts meeting-read a story, filled out worksheets, and played tag . 
*The Long Winter Lapbook-all parts are now finished, we just need to put it together
*We read through China info and listed what parts of that lapbook need to be finished to put it together.
*General discussion of expectations for the end of homeschooling and a few things for next year.


Boys-outdoor play with themselves and with Hope.  Harry was over tonight

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Schoolwork Accomplished:
Leanna:
*We read from China and Leanna took notes.
*Outdoor play
* The Middle Ages: Unit 20.  Also did computer research for this.
*Computer Play on PopTropica.
*Work on The Long Winter Lapbook
*We read until the end of the Long Winter!
*She attempted to draw a picture of the tire swing but wasn't satisfied with the results.


*Justin- 2 pages of DK math workbook, outdoor play, computer play
*Timothy-outdoor play, computer play

Monday, May 21, 2012

Schoolwork Accomplished:
Leanna:
*We read from Area, Distance, and Volume by Navin Sullivan and started some math journaling about perimeter and circumference.
*Outdoor play with the newly installed tire swing.
*Silent Reading-Finished A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time by Mary Pope Osbourne
and finished My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier. 
Also started The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
*The Middle Ages: Unit 18

Friday, May 18, 2012

Schoolwork Accomplished:
Leanna:
*She finished her research and report on Raglan castle and read it aloud to me, Grammy, and Aunt Laura.
*Just about completed the strawberry lapbook on her own.  (She says it's done but it needs a bit of finishing).  
*Outdoor walk with Grammy
*Silent Reading-Harry Potter,
*Read the new American Girl Magazine
*Lifeskills-inspired by room organizing/decorating ideas in the magazine, she organized her brothers to all clean off their dressers.
*Computer play on PopTropica.
*She helped her Dad set up the mini Greenhouse, making labels to record what was planted where in it too. 

*Justin-I read to him-Lucia and the Light by Phyllis Root, and three My First Little House Books-Winter Days in the Big Woods, Summertime in the Big Woods, and Going West all by Harper Collins.Outdoor play. 
*Timothy-we watched the Liberty's Kids episode about Valley Forge. Outdoor play.
*Jacob-we worked on the letters in his name and how to hold a pencil.   We also talked about what shapes to use to draw a person and he drew a pirate.