A few posts ago I shared a writing tip you
could use in your homeschool. Since that time I was once again
reminded how important it is to let our children have some ownership
over their writing topics. Let me share my story....
A week ago my son listened to IEW Student Writing
dvd for his assignment. He needed to research a person and write
a 5-paragraph paper. In the back of my mind I thought it would be
great if he wrote about one of the early church fathers. We were
studying the end of the Roman civilization and it would help him
remember one of them well. Besides, he could read one of the
books that we didn't have time to read in history. Of course, he
wasn't very interested in those men.
I could tell his disinterest as we talked about his topic. So, we
started talking baseball. He had just finished reading a
biography of Derek Jeter, so I suggested doing his paper on
Jeter. He didn't complain and even told me of 2 other sources he
could use. (He had to use a minimum of 3 sources and only one
could be internet.)
It was decided. He would write about Derek Jeter.
This week he has slowly found intereting and important information
about Jeter. Today we found 3 topics about Derek Jeter.
Next week, he will outline his paper and begin writing.
Believe me, I have a much happier son because he is writing about
someone he likes, not someone Mom told him to research. I know
his paper will be much better, just because he has an interest in his
topic.
Do you let your kids take leadership (& ownership) in their writing
topics? If not, why not? Next week, discuss an assignment
and THEN let your kids choose their OWN TOPIC. They will be so
glad you did and you will be glad when you read their finished paper!
Kerry
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