Handwriting Curriculum
All children need to learn how to write, that is obvious, but are all handwriting curriculums the same? I would venture to say no. Sure they will all teach a child how to form their letters and can be used to encourage them to write neatly, but is that all there is to it? I believe that in all we do, we should be focusing on the Lord and His activity in our lives, even when learning things as simple as how to form letters.
While children are practicing their writing, talk about the gift of being able to read and write. A gift that has been used to teach others of God’s love. While children are practicing what better thing for them to practice with than the words of scripture or the catechism?
Here are some curriculums that use scripture and the catechism to teach handwriting and that we have enjoyed using.
Memoria Press Copy Books
Classically Cursive Series
A Reason for Writing
Posted in Curriculum, Homeschooling
May 1st, 2007 at 7:39 pm
I had such a difficult time learning to read and write, I was thinking about starting my son of early. Both my husband I have learning disabilities, and even though I had a sahm who devoted hours and hours to teaching me, I was 7 before I could read. What do you suggest I do, and when should I start?
May 1st, 2007 at 11:17 pm
First off I would say to relax a bit and not to push things. Especially if your child is young. My one daughter was never even formally taught her ABCs until she was 7 (we were too busy w/ our dyslexic child) but she is reading VERY well! If you begin to notice signs of a learning disability as you teach your child you might want to consider having him tested so you know what you are dealing with and can address it. I will be posting some resources for learning disabilities probably later today or tomorrow, that might be helpful to you if you are concerned about it.
In the meantime you can read my earlier posts on learnign disabilities here.
May 2nd, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Back in the dark ages, when I was in college (School of Education) I remember being taught that children would learn to read sometime between the ages of 4 and 7 and that researchers really didn’t know what triggered the learning. They did know that the environment was important — Parents that read (both to self and the child), books and magazines available to kids, and easy access to printed material. (Note no mention of school rooms or government supplied teachers!)
I remember asking then, if that is the case why do schools teach reading the way they do? Never got a good answer.
Remember you know your child better than anyone — so if you see a problem and need help get it — the point of my comment is that we often assume that all children will learn to read at the same time, and that simply is not the case.
May 2nd, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Karayiozi~ you made some very good points that I would like to second!
Parents know their children best, reading to them and having printed material available is very important, and not to assume every child will learn to read at the same time, ALL children are different!
Thank you for your comments!!!