Son's History Written Narrations & WWTB

[chillin'inandover]

I just wanted to share that my son in CTC finished his written narration in 30 minutes. He has struggled with this area for 2 years. He really dislikes day 4 written narration but has continued to complete each week in Preparing, my own curriculum last year, and now in CTC unit 9. Originally he took about 90 minutes and today it was only 30 minutes! He said, "That wasn't so bad, only 30 minutes." I love HOD gentle approach to written narration through the years. Some of my son's struggles have been writing cursive, remaining focused, remembering what he was going to write, and starting a sentence. What has helped my son is really enjoying the readings from Story of the Ancient World and doing so independently; having a cursive cheat sheet; the leading questions; and excellent instruction through the years. Next week will be another challenge as I see the sentence starter for history written narration won't be there but he still has the questions.
This summer I used a program for struggling writers to improve their handwriting and that has also made a difference. Even an old OT can learn a few tricks and techniques. Hadn't realized my ds wrote his letters the wrong way-clockwise rather than counterclockwise either.
I want to encourage others that may have struggling students that there is hope and to just patiently press on.
I have used many writing programs in the 12 years of hs and WE are really enjoying Write With the Best. It is a culmination of all his skills learned. He is writing so much better, enjoying using a thesaurus (too many likes in his paragraph), and pleased with his results. I have been typing the paragraph up and he added a picture to his writing so it looks polished and worthy of publication. All this from my son who has disliked and struggled with writing. My dd who have graduated from hs have loved writing but I confess that I have not been gifted in this area. Using WWTB has equipped me to teach my struggling learner. Who knows maybe he may love writing some day too!
Thank you to all the wonderful ladies who have offered suggestions on the message board (Julie and others). Thank you Carrie for such a wonderful program. Tammy

[my3sons]

Tammy - this was such an inspiration to read! I am glad to hear of the progress your ds has made through the years with writing. You have been very diligent in encouraging him and being in tune to what he needs. Patience is a difficult trait for me. My youngest ds is just learning to write letters and words, and it is not his thing like it was his brothers. It was good to read your post here today about your dd and your ds to remind myself that writing comes with its own timetable for each child, and it may not be the same for one as it is for another. We too are just starting WWTB with Riley, and I am very thankful for its guidance for ME as his teacher. We are doing WWTB 2 with Wyatt, and it has been interesting to be doing them both at the same time. I have been glad for the years between WWTB 1 and WWTB 2 in HOD, as it gave my oldest ds needed time to grow in this area.

Your ds has made great progress with his written narrations, and I have full confidence he will continue to do so. One thing we did for Wyatt for a "starter" idea when the starter in CTC was gone was to have him just answer the first question given as a sentence starter. The blank page is always most intimidating at the start, but once a sentence is down on paper, things begin to flow a little more smoothly. Thank you so much for sharing about your ds's growth in writing! I know without a doubt it will be an encouragement to many others.

In Christ,
Julie

[TrueGRIT]