Writing concern

[GinainMD]

Hello all! I have a writing question. We are currently using Beyond with dds 1and 2. We are also doing Rod and Staff 2 with both. They do a lovely job with their copywork and also seem to grasp R&S well. They have in the past had to recopy a paragraph from R&S and correct it and did fine with that but recently they had to write their own paragraph from scratch and didn't do as well. I tried to explain what this paragraph should look like but we haven't come across any formal instruction for paragraph writing yet in R&S. So, should I be worried, should I take a few days to teach paragraphs or is this something that will be taught later on down the road. TIA

[pjdobro]

We are currently doing R&S3. We are about 3/4 of the way through and recently we started talking about paragraphs and what constitutes a good paragraph, i.e. topic sentence with the main idea and then supporting sentences. I wouldn't worry too much about the paragraph writing just yet. It will be covered more later.

[3sweeties]

I agree...I wouldn't worry too much about it. I did teach DS (and have to still remind him from time to time) that a paragraph is always indented and to start a new one when you begin a new idea (he hasn't needed to do more than one very much at all so far). We are on Lesson 50 in R&S 3 and it hasn't gotten into more paragraph instruction yet. I'm pretty sure R&S 2 touches on paragraph writing towards the end...

[blessedmomof4]

Just wanted to reassure you that the progression of skills in writing in HOD does not rest in R&S grammar alone, but in all the language arts taught in the HOD guides. Oral narration prepares for written narration. By Preparing, your child will learn to write 3 to 5 sentence narrations, and that increases steadily in the guides to follow. Copywork and dictation also work to help children internalize good writing. CTC introduces formal writing instruction through Write With the Best, and RTR has the Medieval History Based Writing Lessons. As for R&S grammar, it also progresses to more formal writing instruction. My 11 year old is working on R&S 5, and in lesson 48 or 49 learned to take notes and write a paragragh based on reference materials. She wrote a very good one, about 12 sentences long! As I recall, R&S introduces each grammar and writing concept early on, and builds on them in the subsequent books, just like HOD does in every subject area. Hope that helps!