I received this letter a while back and wanted to share it here:
I’ve been using the Writing Course for over a year now with my 15yo.
I’m wondering if I should go through it with my 10yo yet or not. How did
you determine at what age your children were ready for it? I wouldn’t
want to move forward to soon, like I did when my 15yo son was younger,
pushing him until he hated writing all together (luckily the Writing
Course has taken away the fear that I, most likely, was responsible for
). With my 10yo son, I’ve been very laid back; He has only done
copy work for writing & oral narrations (CM methods) up until this point.
He’s also around a 3rd grade reading level. I’d love to hear your
thoughts Fred, or others on where I should proceed with him from here.Thanks!
Heather
So, here was my response to Heather:
Heather,
Thanks for the question!
I have seen 9 year olds do well, but it is with those who love to write.
The Writing Course is a new course each time you work through it, so
there is no harm if you keep that in mind.Jody likes to make a transition from copy work to writing by having the
child tell stories (or whatever) and the parent writes them down. It
allows you to show some principles and have a little fun. Of course, it
doesn’t have to be long each time.You also might have your son write for a while before taking the course
(allows for some experience before interacting with the principles).At the least, I’d go through The Writing Course once before he turns 12
for sure…and again…if you don’t obsess on it, next week is find too!Too double-sided?
Grace,
Fred
Thoughts? Questions? Comments?
