Do any of YOU do copywork?

[Luanne]

I know it suggests you have children do this. I was curious as to the benefits of doing this. Some of you who are following my posts will hopefully understand why I am asking this (or thinking about doing this myself).

Thanks,
Luanne

[frogpond1]

It is a great thing to do!

[Cadam]

I practice my handwriting frequently, mostly because I want it to be nice and find it entertaining.

[Alana in Canada]

I find this interesting. When I was in about grade five, I think, I decided I wanted to have beautiful handwriting. I don't remember why! I experimented with a "round" hand, a straight hand. I even went through a backward slant for a while!

I finally settled on a style--and I remember going through the process of re-thinking how to do each letter so that I could write quickly. I also re-thought how to do my capitals. As a result, I form my letters differently in some cases than the books tell you too ((My capital B is unique!))--but no one knew--well, no one that is until I was trying to teach my children! I had to re-learn how to do it "properly" so now my handwriting is all messed up!

Copywork, though, is more than penmanship. It is analysing the structure of the language of the passage you are copying. It is spelling and punctuation.

I love what Benjamin Franklin had to say about teaching himself to write. I found an account of it in the "background" of the first few sample pages of Imitations in Writing, Aesop. It's a pdf file. I hope the link works.
http://www.logosschool.com/materials/pdf/C080%20Aesop's%20Fables.pdf

I think it is an absolutely wonderful idea, Luanne. You will learn so much from it!

[Julie in GA]

I had to copy out all selections for copywork and memory work for my dc, and I did it on the appropriate manuscript paper for each one's grade level. I had to make sure my lettering fit the ZB model, so I did end up changing the way I formed several letters.

It was good for me!
:)

[Rhesa]

Since we've finished book B of GDI, I've been writing out sentences for my son. I'm attempting to match the script, which has been quite a stretch for me!

[Susie in MS]

I have done copy work in the past to memorize scripture and to practice hand writing. I find it fun and need to do it more often.

[Karenciavo]

I keep a commonplace book (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonplace).

[Beth in Central TX]

I have a commonplace notebook too.

[elegantlion]

Both my son and I are doing GW Rules of civility this year.

[WendyK]

I have always had nice handwriting and I don't mind writing. I don't really do copy work though. And when I have to write on that special lined paper that my 6 year old uses, I feel like tearing out my hair. It is very difficult to use that paper!

[cajun.classical]

I keep a commonplace book (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonplace).

I keep a commonplace book as well. I keep my notebook and pen with me when I read.

[Testimony]

I copy my child's copywork before he copies it. Does that count?

Karen
www.homeschoolblogger.com/testimony