I have tips on how to choose writing curriculum for struggling writers. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips.
Let’s look at some of the possible reasons for your struggling writer.
And how to choose a curriculum to address those needs so that they can succeed.
Math and writing are the two subjects that most homeschool families say cause the most grief on a daily basis.
Writing can be a challenging skill for many students, but it is an essential skill for success in school and beyond.
Struggling writers will need extra support to develop their writing skills.
UNDERSTANDING THE WRITING PROCESS
Writing is a complex process that involves many skills and brain functions, including:
- Conceptualization
- Fine motor skills
- Language processing
- Spatial perception
- Working memory
- Organization.
- Orthographic coding
There are many reasons why a child could be struggling with writing.
For example, it could be a lack of understanding of grammar and structure, poor grasp on vocabulary, writer’s block, lack of ideas, and lack of interest in the subject or topic.
But sometimes it is more than a child who isn’t trying or needs a little extra lesson in grammar, creative writing, or vocabulary.
HOW TO CHOOSE WRITING CURRICULUM FOR STRUGGLING WRITERS
For example, it can be a learning disability.
Children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia or dysgraphia may have difficulty with reading, writing, and spelling. They may also have trouble with memory and organization.
Dysgraphia is a neurological condition where someone has difficulty turning their thoughts into written language for their age and ability.
And to think even with consistent exposure to adequate instruction and education.
It is very common to come hand in hand with adhd, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, selective language impairment, and developmental coordination disorder.
Symptoms of dysgraphia can include:
- Difficulty forming letters and words.
- Poor handwriting.
- Difficulty with spelling.
- Difficulty organizing thoughts on paper
- Slow writing speed.
- Lack of fine motor coordination in general.
- Avoiding writing activities.
Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects how a person reads, writes, and spells. It is caused by differences in the brain that impact how language is processed.
People with dyslexia are often bright and creative, but they may struggle with traditional methods of teaching.
This obviously makes writing a challenge!
Here are some of the common symptoms of dyslexia:
- Poor handwriting
- Difficulty with reading, writing, and spelling
- Slow and labored reading
- Difficulty sounding out words
- Confusing letters and words
- Difficulty with rhyming
- Difficulty with following directions
MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS
- Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison)
- Faith-Neutral Homeschool Grammar and Writing Program
- 3 Ways to Choose the BEST Writing Curriculum (for a Growing Homeschool Family)
- Why It Is Hard to Teach Homeschooled Kids Writing But Not Impossible
- Homeschool Writing Program For Middle and High School Students
- The Best Writing Tools For Students: Improve Their Writing Efficiency
Writing Curriculum For Struggling Writers
Are you looking for a writing curriculum for struggling writers when it's more than just a lack of effort and interest in writing?
Dyslexia Games by Thinking Tree breaks it down to the very basics and takes the approach of using logic and puzzle games to “trigger” the "artistic" right side of the brain into reading and writing.
Intelligent children, while they want to be obedient, often have a hard time writing if they don't find the topic relevant to their life or just plain interesting. I love to customize each part of a child's homeschool curriculum to their unique personality and interests when possible.
This includes handwriting, creative writing,grammar lessons and all other parts of solid writing instruction.
For handwriting here are many workbooks that are topic specific like Cursive With The Hobbit, Anne of Green Gables and more.
Growing With Grammar lets children work independently to improve grammar skills, it is easy to check for parents, and can be incorporated 3 times a week.
We have used Mad Libs many times over the years to make learning parts of speech fun and yes just downright silly. It really helps the lessons stick with repetitiveness and creates a core memory too with all the laughter.
Word Ladders are a fun daily practice tool to boost reading, vocabulary, spelling & phonics skills. A sheet a day also helps with critical thinking and decoding skills which will give them confidence and in turn help with writing.
A word of the day calendar for kids is something fun for them to look forward to each morning while building their reading and vocabulary skills.
I love how The Good and The Beautiful Creative Writing incorporates creative writing exercises in a simple and non overwhelming way. Created for grades 3-8 it covers a wide age range and teaches skills like adding sensory descriptions, generating ideas, using gestures to show emotion, creating engaging characters and plots, writing dialogue, overcoming writer’s block, and much more! The notebook contains five sections: Descriptive Writing Practice, Writing Exercises,Story Starters,Poetry, and Full Stories.
It may just be that your child is struggling with print or cursive writing and is so focused on getting that right they are struggling with getting their thoughts down on paper.
Give them confidence in their writing with a curriculum that helps them develop the skill.
Handwriting Without Tears has been a staple for many families for years for good reason, for its structured format, multisensory approach, and engaging activities.
It is intended for Pre-K through 5th grade but I think it would still have benefits in the older grades for a child that needs more handwriting instruction, their books cover print and cursive instruction.
Leave a Reply