I guess I must’ve lucked-out when it came to my daughter learning to read, because it seems to have come so easily for her… and for me, as her mom/teacher. But when it boils down to learning how to write her words, she has refused most of the time. My solution to this problem? I take it easy on her, and don’t dare try and force it.
Instead, I assess her mood in the morning…then decide what we’ll do to fit some learning into our day. When it comes to writing, though…I have to be somewhat sneaky with how I present a lesson. Most of the time, we work out of work books; I like Bendon Work Books the best. However…this past week, I hit a creative writing break-through. I was jumping for joy!
Last week I had tried encouraging my daughter to write a letter to her Grandma, and for the most part…she did. Though I had to write a few words for her to copy; so I couldn’t consider that a complete success. I didn’t mention it to my little’one, and tried not to let it bother me.
But, yesterday…after she finished her usual practice of writing her full name –which we do everyday…since her last name is posing a challenge for her– I nonchalantly handed her a piece of manila writing paper from her tablet, gave her one of her brand new sparkly pencils with ‘creative creature’ eraser, and introduced the fun of writing words she spies (Word ‘I Spy’!) throughout her room. And, Lo’ and behold…it worked! She was quietly and calmly writing for the better part of an hour. I was beside myself with joy, so I snapped a few pics. How could I resist?! She was so into her work, she didn’t even notice me there at first. Either way, I realized we hit a milestone in my Nixi’s introduction to creative writing.
And for those of you who have faced similar learning curves with your child — whether home schooled or not — I hope this helps in some way, for you and your child/children to move forward with a more zen approach to knowledge and learning. Sometimes it just takes a bit of time to figure out what works…and what doesn’t.
*Happy Learning Leads to a Lifetime of Knowledge* *Feed the Relaxed Mind*
Forty Something Parents 