warriormom Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 This year, my son attends a private classical Christian school. He is doing very well. Next year, he will be going to public school for 1st grade. The public school is a good one ( my husband is friends with the principal). One of my concerns academically about next year is writing. In his school now they practice writing through dictation and handwriting exercises. Next year, he will need to do creative writing and understand the writing process. Any recommendation for a good Program to help my son catch up with creative writing? Blog? Free program? I am just not sure how I am supposed to teach him to go through the writing process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momling Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 I wouldn't worry about any of this if I were you. There is an incredible variation in skill levels among first-graders. Some will be able to read, some won't. Some will be able to write legibly or able to spell, most won't. The creative writing process is not something which students will need to have mastered. I'd be surprised if they were taught anything about the writing process at all in kindergarten. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warriormom Posted March 18, 2012 Author Share Posted March 18, 2012 In my son's school, they have journals, writing process posted....even writing on the computer. Creative writing is a big part of kindergarten at my sons school. Anyone have experience with Write Shop A? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truebluexf Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 Kindergartners do creative writing now? What is going on???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warriormom Posted March 18, 2012 Author Share Posted March 18, 2012 Yes, they teach writing with invented spelling. I guess to teach them early so they can learn to enjoy it.....or with the 5 paragraph essay in mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momling Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 If you are concerned, why don't you go and observe the current kindergarten class (to see where the other students are) and to talk with the first grade teachers (to see what they expect out of their incoming first graders). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warriormom Posted March 18, 2012 Author Share Posted March 18, 2012 (edited) This is just the difference between whole word and classical. I totally agree with classical which is Learning how to write through dictation of great book passages. I am not excited about my son going to public school. In whole word, they want them to get over the fear of writing and just learn the process without worrying about the mechanics (spelling, grammar etc.) I agree that learning the writing process before all of the rest is putting the cart before the horse. I just want to see if I can start working with him this summer on writing so that his first introduction will not be foreign ( and he will not feel far behind). The "he will be fine answer" is not what I am looking for. I am asking for a recommendation for blog, website or program. I have seen the writing, and it is mildly impressive since they work on writing on a daily basis. Edited March 18, 2012 by cabreban Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommamia Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 Kindergartners do creative writing now? What is going on???? :iagree::001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ekfk Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 You could try Spectrum Writing Grade 1. The focus of Spectrum Writing is largely on creative writing, so it may help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom22ns Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 My kids were both in public school at that age. Kindergarten writing was draw a picture and write a story about it (maybe 2 sentences - and I use that term lightly). Whatever they made in art or did as a project, they would write about it. I wouldn't worry at all about this, but if it really stresses you, then have him journal over the summer. Each day he should write in his journal, either what he has done, what he wants to do or just anything he is thinking about. A few sentences per day. Journaling is VERY popular in public school. My kids got nothing out of it, but they did it every day K-4 <sigh>. Anyway, it isn't something that takes learning. It is just putting thoughts on paper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristinannie Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 This is the reason why Americans are such horrible spellers. I don't think you are going to find many homeschoolers who agree with this approach. I don't think you have to do anything to prepare a child for 1st grade in PS when they did kindergarten in a classical school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warriormom Posted March 18, 2012 Author Share Posted March 18, 2012 You could try Spectrum Writing Grade 1. The focus of Spectrum Writing is largely on creative writing, so it may help. Woohoo...I just picked that workbook up new at Goodwill for .75 . I know I am probably working myself up, but I would like to be the one who exposes my son to writing since the feelings of dread can stay with you when you feel behind. (yes, part of my hang ups with my public schools) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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