Word Banks

Emerging writers need a little help.  My 10-year-old gives wonderful, descriptive oral narrations, but usually blanches when faced with a written assignment.  She often grabs a paper and pencil to scribble important keywords down while I read to her.  This is not exactly a Charlotte Mason technique.  Ms. Mason recommended the child learn to listen attentively during the reading to gain a thorough knowledge of the story, but those keywords give my child some reassurance.

She wants to remember all those facts!  And she battles with spelling.  So we use word banks.  Our nifty white tile, whiteboard marker and sponge makes for quick and easy writing.

We worked together.  This time she told me what to write.  Next time, she will write her own words.  With a quick check of the spelling, she is armed with her facts — and the words are correct!  Now she writes sentences using her key words.  This is still tedious work for her, but I am sure that, before long, she will write with greater ease and confidence.

This assignment was simple ~

1. Step-by-step instructions.
2. One sentence per instruction.
3. Space to illustrate the instruction.

And, with the help of the word bank, she wrote this all by herself.  Note: I did not focus on her handwriting, grammar, tenses or word choices.  She would be overwhelmed at this stage.  I just wanted her to capture her thoughts and ideas and put them logically on paper.  She was happy and I was delighted.

Writing develops — Start simply with words.  Add to their meanings.  Use them in sentences. Place thoughts in sequence. Add descriptive words and details.  Keep sentences short and simple.  Indicate new thoughts with paragraphs.

Written work follows oral work.  Talk about the concepts.  Enjoy yourselves together, laugh, have fun.  Keep the writing to a manageable length.  If your child loses her joy, if tears threaten, ease the pressure and limit the amount expected.  Gently encourage your child to finish a bit more the next session.

Encourage them with specific recognition of positives – “Look at all these wonderfully descriptive words!” or “Wow, that is an excellent way to start your story!”  or “You have explained these ideas so clearly!”

Other similar easy written assignments could be ~

• Start with just words and add adjectives/ synonyms/ antonyms
• Give clues to find/ do something
• Tell me what happened and what will happen next
• Compare 2 things – use columns
• Write the main ideas of story in 4 story blocks
• Make lists of items
• Write a letter – thank you/ tell someone about an outing
• Write a journal entry
• Create a recipe
• Make up a story – write just the beginning opening paragraph
• Give someone directions
• Describe an object and its uses
• Write someone’s opinion/ thoughts about something
• Fill in comic strip blocks and add the dialogue
• Write a short play with 2 characters

What tips and advice so you have that helps your emerging writer?  Please share in the comments.

Blessings, Nadene