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Does my daughter need writing instruction now?

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2011 6:37 am
by FiveLittlePeaches
I've been thinking about this for a few months now and I'd like some opinions please.

I've been combining my three oldest since we started HOD, so this is our third year. We're in unit 11 of Bigger. My oldest daughter (9 turning 10 this fall) has been writing for the last several months. She loves to write poetry, and short stories. She just finished a long story that's over 20 pages in length. It's a little silly, but it's full of action and suspense and the story propells forward until the end. I even noticed that she wrote a simile in her story, and told her I was quite impressed. A couple of days ago she did a fantastic job writing a book report on a missionary for Awana. She loves to play with words. She says she wants to be a "wroet and a piter" (poet/writer) when she grows up. She is doing R&S level 3, and has no problem with grammar.

A couple of times I have let her read the history assignment, and do a written narration. She seems to like this very much. Not a bad situation!!! :D :D :D

Should I just leave well enough alone and let her write to her hearts content? I mean, I would do that anyway. I guess I'm concerned about getting her on the proper track for writing instruction. Maybe that's not a big deal since she seems to be naturally inclined.

Would she benefit from doing the writing instructions from Preparing?

Thank you for your thoughts.

Re: Does my daughter need writing instruction now?

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2011 6:44 am
by Gwenny
My opinion: just let her write to her heart's content. Letting her do the written narrations if she wants is good, but don't start making it a requirement. I wouldn't necessarily turn her writing into a curriculum. She'll get to the other writing curriculum soon enough. :)

Nancy

Re: Does my daughter need writing instruction now?

Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2011 9:46 am
by pjdobro
I agree to let her have fun with it. It sounds like she is a natural. If she really wants more, you could consider the Igniting Your Writing program that Carrie recommends for those just doing DITHR: http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into ... ations.php How wonderful that she loves to write! :D

Re: Does my daughter need writing instruction now?

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 8:54 am
by FiveLittlePeaches
Pjdobro,

Thanks for the suggestion about Igniting your Writing. I thought I knew the HOD website so well! I didn't realize IYW was recommended.

Sometimes I just get this sinking feeling that this isn't going to work, and that I'm holding my daughter back just to combine her with her sisters. It really is a struggle for me. Again, thank you for the suggestion.

Re: Does my daughter need writing instruction now?

Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 9:59 am
by blessedmomof4
FiveLittlePeaches wrote:Pjdobro,

Thanks for the suggestion about Igniting your Writing. I thought I knew the HOD website so well! I didn't realize IYW was recommended.

Sometimes I just get this sinking feeling that this isn't going to work, and that I'm holding my daughter back just to combine her with her sisters. It really is a struggle for me. Again, thank you for the suggestion.
Since there is a lot of writing covered in the HOD guides, IYW is available for those who are doing DITHOR but not doing an HOD guide, but I'm sure it could be added for a child who truly needed more challenge than the HOD guide he or she is currently in :D