Writing Tales

[awanama]

I'm wanting to know how much writing my dd should be doing before starting Writing Tales 1. I am considering using this with her for next year.

Thanks!

[Karie]

My son started this in 3rd grade. Prior to that in 2nd, he was doing copywork, dictation, and narration. If your child can do narrations, he/she should be fine with WT. I love WT!

[awanama]

Thanks Karie,
My dd is a little behind in writing and she is just starting copywork. I'm hoping to have her up to dictation and doing some narrations by the end of the year. Now you have given us a goal for the rest of this year!

[momtolgd]

So they need to be comfortable writing their own narrations to start WT 1? I was planning on that for next fall, but DS isn't writing narrations on his own yet, and I'm not sure he'll be at that point yet by september...hmmm, may have to consider pushing WT back a few months.

[Tina in WA]

Ok, I just typed something up and it disappeared. I guess this new board will take some time getting used to. :)

I just wanted to say that IMHO your child does not need to be able to write out their own narrations in order to use WT. Even the book talks about this. Just have them tell you their narration and you can write it down for them. Of course the goal is to have them write it down eventually, but don't postpone the book because you don't think they can do it because they aren't writing as much as you would like them to, etc.

My son is a late writer and this is exactly what we are doing. He is really enjoying this book. He has a BIG imagination and enjoys creating his own stories. I am happy we are doing this.

Even if you have your child write the 1st sentence and you complete the rest, etc. It would be worth it. ;)

HTH~Tina

[Karie]

Let me clarify what I meant. The child doesn't need to be able to WRITE out his own narrations, but he should be able to DO a narration. If the ability to retell stories back isn't very good, then I would wait because that is what Writing Tales is all about-retelling the story. They don't have to be able to write it themselves. BUT....It makes a lot more work for the parent if your child can't write it out themselves.

My ds is in 3rd grade, and by this age, he needs to be working on writing because it is developing his hand motor skills. I also let ds type his final product on the computer. I think his spelling and punctuation (including when to use quotations) has improved tremendously because he is doing this himself.

So, all that to say, yes, you can do WT if your child needs help writing, but I think your child will get a LOT more out of it if he can do the writing himself.

JMO

[stephanie]

My ds9 is in 3rd and my dd7 is in 2nd. Neither of them are real great at writing right now, but I accomodate it for them. They are both very reluctant writers so they can narrate to me and I may write half of it down while they write the other. Also, I have them write the most important details of the story down. It's not exactly what WT wants you to do, but it's a start for them. I hope that helps a bit!

[momtolgd]

Thank you for the further clarification of that. So if DS isn't quite ready to write it all out himself, we can still start WT1 in the fall...that is good to know. A lot can change between now and then, but at this point I don't see him being able to write it all out by September.

That gives me a goal to work for as well though...try to get him moving in that direction. Although I wasn't the OP, this post has helped me out...thank you. :)

[stephanie]

You are very welcome!

[Tina in WA]

You're welcome.

And like Karie, I also let my son type out his final draft. He really enjoys this part of it.