Educational handwriting practice - idioms in a foreign language

[Joan in Geneva]

I think handwriting is one of those areas that can more easily be overlooked at home, esp when we let our children use the computer to write essays. Recently I was comparing the handwriting of my daughter's friend with that of my daughter and realized that my daughter was not getting enough practice to be able to write paragraphs really fluidly and speedily on her Swiss exams.

So we're working once again on handwriting. In looking back through her work in 1st to 4th grade, I realized that part of the problem was that she didn't get that much instruction with slanted whole word script.

So I have added handwriting into the schedule again and found a book of French idioms to copy. (I write it out for her and she copies on the line below). Now we're both learning something from this exercise - which is always nice.

Joan

[CleoQc]

Ooh! I'd be interested in your book of French idioms!

As for handwriting, I gave my DS tons of instructions and he still can't read. I gave my daughter almost none, and her handwriting is beautiful.

[Joan in Geneva]

A Guide to French Idioms (http://www.amazon.com/Guide-French-Idioms-J-Lupson/dp/0844215023/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301412863&sr=8-1) - used price of .01 is good. When I bought it new at Borders it was $6.99.

It has the corresponding English idiom (as long as there is one - which seems to be always, though I haven't looked at every one carefully).

My daughter's handwriting used to be a lot better but since she has to write more and faster, it has steadily gone downhill. In the German part of Switzerland, I believe they give handwriting lessons even in Jr. Hi...

Joan

[enviromommy]

I would also LOVE to see the book of French idioms!

Handwriting is an interesting issue in bilingual education, because it's so cultural. French cursive is so different from English cursive that my students have trouble reading it - when, for example, their textbook has a letter from one person to another, written in cursive. I also try to use French cursive when I write on the board, because it seems culturally incorrect to use my typical American handwriting.

At home, we also have an issue with the kids always wanting to use the computer to type things. My DS9 has beautiful handwriting but won't use it, and my daughter has more problematic handwriting but won't practice it!

[Lune]

Handwriting is an interesting issue in bilingual education, because it's so cultural.

:iagree:

DD (11) uses French cursive when she writes in French and print when she writes in English.

[enviromommy]

A Guide to French Idioms (http://www.amazon.com/Guide-French-Idioms-J-Lupson/dp/0844215023/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301412863&sr=8-1) - used price of .01 is good. When I bought it new at Borders it was $6.99.

It has the corresponding English idiom (as long as there is one - which seems to be always, though I haven't looked at every one carefully).

My daughter's handwriting used to be a lot better but since she has to write more and faster, it has steadily gone downhill. In the German part of Switzerland, I believe they give handwriting lessons even in Jr. Hi...

Joan

Ok, I'm very suspicious of anyone who would sell a book for one cent. What gives? And on the other hand, why is it $38 new if it costs $6.99 at borders? So weird.

I glanced at the first sample page on Amazon, and thought it was hilarious that the first example was "donner carte blanche à quelqu'un," which they translate as "give someone a free hand." Um, last time I checked, we just said "give someone carte blanche." :lol:

[Joan in Geneva]

Ok, I'm very suspicious of anyone who would sell a book for one cent. What gives? And on the other hand, why is it $38 new if it costs $6.99 at borders? So weird.

I glanced at the first sample page on Amazon, and thought it was hilarious that the first example was "donner carte blanche à quelqu'un," which they translate as "give someone a free hand." Um, last time I checked, we just said "give someone carte blanche." :lol:

I've bought a bunch of books for .01 already - probably not from those exact sellers. I think the people want to get rid of the book to someone who wants it. Maybe they make a dollar on the shipping.

I put the price I paid so people would know not to spend $38. I think there might be high sellers since it is out of print, or they are trying to increase the value of their stock. If you use Amazon a lot, you'll sometimes see books at $99, even when others are selling for a lot less, and I presume it is some kind of manipulation of their company's worth. (If someone really knows why - I'm curious too.)

As for "carte blanche", the book was originally published in the UK, so you will probably find other English translations that aren't quite what you would say in the US.

Handwriting is an interesting issue in bilingual education, because it's so cultural. French cursive is so different from English cursive that my students have trouble reading it - when, for example, their textbook has a letter from one person to another, written in cursive. I also try to use French cursive when I write on the board, because it seems culturally incorrect to use my typical American handwriting.

That must impress your children and get their attention.

We were so impressed by the French handwriting when we came, that my oldest wanted to learn it. It turned out to be a real mistake since he then went into the Swiss school where they write quite differently (cross between Getty-Dubay and French) and he has ADD so has real issues with handwriting - altogether a disaster! I still like to look at it though. It looks so exotic. :001_smile:

It is interesting that in the end, the handwriting of doctors here looks just as bad as the handwriting of doctors in the US - usually almost completely illegible.

Joan

[loesje22000]

I like this idea so much!!!
I hope I can find German-Dutch and French - Dutch Idioms, also for myself ;)

[SwordedHip]

Great tip. Thank you so much. I just bought the 0.01 version of Like New book. :001_smile: