Quote:
Originally Posted by DewDropInn
"Parent's choice" means YOUR choice? Why? (Curious as to your reasoning.)
I should have said this earlier:
Children will grow to HATE writing if they are forced to write. They should be encouraged to write as a form of self expression. Why are you making them write book reports? How about having them write stories about their day? Or creating fictional stories? You can help them with their spelling and punctuation without having them write book reports. Which teaches nothing but formula writing. They'll learn that in school.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DewDropInn
The message I was trying to get across is that parents should encourage their children's creative writing.
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I would like to add that children will also grow to HATE reading if they are made to write a book report on every book. My son started reading at age 2 because he loved words and books. However, by the end of 3rd grade he hated reading because every book he read (at school or at home) had to have a written book report to prove he read it. Writing book reports taught my son that reading was not a pleasure anymore.
Once I began homeschooling him the book reports stopped. Well, I should say the written reports stopped. We both read for pleasure and shared what we read. We also both read what pleases us.
As for his writing skills. He surpassed me (at the same age) years ago. Our favorite book to hone those skills has been (and still is) our trusty Webster's Dictionary. He really wanted to understand punctuation and the dictionary has a terrific section that explains them all.
I agree with Dew: creative writing is a much better way to get kids to write. We all write more when we control the subject.
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