What are your rules about a writing surface?

[Guest]

By that I mean - what are your rules when it comes to where your kids do their written work? Do they need to be at a hard surface/table? Are they allowed to sprawl out on the floor or the couch? Just thinking about this. :)

[HS Mom in NC]

As long as they're not disturbing anyone and they can do their work neatly, they can do what they like. It's usually a combination of things: table, couch, floor.

[MomatHWTK]

They are absolutely not allowed to write on the walls with a Sharpie (anymore).

[regentrude]

No rules, other than that they must write on paper (or type in the computer).

Some writing happens at the table - some on the floor, on the bed, with a book as surface on the lap...

[Ellie]

For extended writing, it's at a table/desk. For everything else, schlepping around on the floor or on the sofa or legs hanging over the arm of a chair is fine. :-)

[Guest]

They are absolutely not allowed to write on the walls with a Sharpie (anymore).

 

 

HA!

 

For extended writing, it's at a table/desk. For everything else, schlepping around on the floor or on the sofa or legs hanging over the arm of a chair is fine. :-)

 

 

Great, this is what I'm thinking of relaxing to. :)

[trudence1]

As long as they work dilegently and their work is neat, I allow most anywhere. My youngest tends to end up at the kitchen table most of the time because he can't write neatly if he is not. At least he can't write neatly enough for me to accept as a final draft.

[julikins]

For handwriting practice, they must be at the table. All other subjects, they must be where I can see them. That's about it.

[Dahliarw]

A clipboard is a great tool for writing. One of my best classes in PS was my 7th grade language arts course. All we did was write, all year, and we could sit anywhere in the classroom to do so. It was great! (This was pre-laptop, etc - we only typed final drafts!).

[momma2three]

DD is a beginning writer, so I like to encourage good handwriting posture. She has to do her copywork at the kitchen table, sitting in her chair, which is just the right height. Most other schoolwork we do in the living room or sitting on the bed with a tray table for her to write on.

[threedogfarm]

Written work at our house must be done at the kitchen table (where we do school) or at their desk (project center) in the living room. As they get older and more responsible I'll allow it them to do it at the desk in their room. I just cannot imagine my children's work being that neat if it's done on the couch. HOWEVER, reading can be (and is) done anywhere and everywhere.

 

That being said, I don't think it's ever come up that they can or should do it somewhere other than a table/desk.

[texasmama]

No rules. They can do it anywhere they like.

[Farrar]

Anywhere you like... until you whine. Then you have to sit up and have a hard surface.

[Wabi Sabi]

Gotta have a hard surface, but a clipboard on the couch will work just as well as the table for my kids.

[happymomofboys]

We are couch-schoolers :D so I bought lap desks for my kids. Works great!

[PachiSusan]

No rule unless the teacher can't read her writing.

[boscopup]

"Handwriting" is done at the desk, but everything else is wherever, as long as I can read it. My middle son, who is still learning to write, must write at a desk. But his only writing *is* handwriting. ;) My 3rd grader can do workbooks and things anywhere. And actually, he has done handwriting in the van sometimes, so even that isn't a hard and fast rule, but I prefer him to sit at the desk for handwriting. It's only one page.

[Walking-Iris]

No rules. When they are first learning to write I try to have them sit at a little child sized card table so they can have feet planted on the ground and a good height for their arm. But usually once they master how to write they do their work wherever. My oldest does most of his work sitting cross legged on the couch with a lap desk. He likes to do math at the kitchen table so he can sprawl out and have room for the books. He likes to listen to read alouds etc on a bed. My Kinder likes to do his work laying on his belly on the rug.

 

I've been adding in a Montessori element with place mats. But really I let them work where they're comfortable. If where they are is causing some serious messy writing I ask them to move to the table.

[Katiebug_1976]

I require my kids to sit at the table or desk for handwriting, but it's their choice for everything else (couch, floor, etc.) as long as it is done neatly/readable and with a good attitude. Then the attitudes go south, I send them to the table for everything! Usually a day or two of "table" school and their back in line and can be "comfortable" again. :thumbup:

[K&Rs Mom]

I've given up on the rules as long as it comes out legible. I do make clipboards available, and suggest a book underneath if they're on the carpet.

[MinivanMom]

It has never occurred to me to have rules about where my kids could write. They do all their schoolwork at the kitchen table, but that's mostly for convenience. They are free to write anywhere in the house as long as they don't write or draw on walls or couches. Our one "rule" is that the big kids are only supposed to leave pencils in their rooms. They are supposed to keep markers and pens in their school drawers downstairs when they aren't using them, because I don't want the little kids to find them and draw on the walls.