Realization about following up reading with writing

[LynnH]

As a long time HOD user you would think I would have a good grasp on the purpose of certain things like written narrations. I have understood that if you know you have a written narration then you engage your brain in a different way and that retelling in writing shows how much the student understood or remembered, but I realized something else this week. In years past I have always read the history and lit books during the summer. I look at the plans that go along with the readings and may even think to myself the answers to questions posed or think about how I would write a narration, but then when my son reads the book I find myself not remembering what I read. This has been especially true of the lit books. I remember the story and the basic facts and major events, but I find myself looking for an online cliff notes to refresh my memory on the details. This year for the literature, in preparation for the American History 1 guide, I am doing things differently. I read the assigned pages and then I am retelling in writing the chapters I read. I also am looking at the lit journal questions and addressing it myself, just to see how I would answer it. What I have found is that just by putting pen to paper and making myself really stop and think that I am remembering the book much better. The funny thing is I am making these notes to help me remember when the time comes for him to read the book, but I am remembering things so well due to this process that I may not need my notes.

I have heard people say that there is too many writing assignments in the HOD high school guides and due to my son's dysgraphia we do sometimes discuss instead of write, but I am realizing that real learning and remembering is aided by the process of written narrations and things like the literature journaling that is in the high school guides. I don't remember near as well when I just discuss things and I have noticed my son doesn't either.

And as an aside, as a mom you don't have to pre-read the books. It is helpful, but I know many moms don't have time for that. There are notes in many of the books that give good ideas of the plot. This is just something I do because my son struggles with understanding of higher level literature and sometimes gets things mixed up in his written and oral narrations. He has missed major points of the plot before so this is just so I can figure out if he understands things. However I will say that this year in the World History guide he has surprised me with how much he has understood and he has read some really challenging books. Again proof of how effective the plans are.

[LovingJesus]

Thank you so much for sharing Lynn and blessing us with your realization!

It was so helpful to read of the benefits that you are finding in doing the written narrations yourself.

Thank you!

[Nealewill]

Lynn,

Thank you so much for sharing. I love reading all the things you share. They are so helpful to me and really inspiring. Thanks for the tip!