Penmanship? — haven’t seen that word in a long time? Exchanging cursive script for printing is difficult. And, it has been unnecessary for 25 years to force anyone to learn prematurely. Just wait until eye-hand coordination has developed sufficiently.

Back in old days (before 1984), writing by hand was how even the longest compositions got done. Editing was horrible. Spelling was easy to get wrong. Typing onto paper was a bleak source of “failures”. But, the skill of touch typing has increased many times in value.

So . . . aren’t you teaching your children how to touch type? They can train themselves using game-like software. Lower case, upper case, numbers . . . all lie under the fingertips.

Teach the freedom I never had to say what I wanted — edit it, save it, re-work it later — the same advice applies to using spreadsheets to teach mathematics, including algebra. Take away the fear of having to be perfect in order to be “right.”

As Karl Popper said, “Let’s make mistakes as fast as possible.” Only errors, understood and corrected, can lead to understanding and finally to knowledge.

I’d like to point out that I often hear from moms who don’t think they’re cut out for homeschooling, but it’s a complex decision. Timing, finances, the child, the whole family – all these play into this choice. But, when it’s right, it’s right!

Janine´s last blog post..My WUSA 9 segment. How did I do?

blessings~

Jacque´s last blog post..COH #176: Some Things Moms Love

I don’t home school, though I’ve considered it from time to time. In the end, I always decide against it, simply because I fear I’m not cut out for it.

I remain concerned, because even though my son’s only in kindergarten I can see various things fall by the wayside for the sake of drilling on Dibels and teaching the test. And I realize that I’m going to have to continue to supplement both children’s educations through out their school years, just as I do now. The bullet point priorities you set out in the first post are a terrific guideline for me to keep in mind.

And I’m chuckling about “sloppy handwriting that he’d had drilled out of him in kindergarten!” I’m currently running that same drill. My 5-year-old is above standards in all areas except penmanship, where he’s not meeting the standard. My fault for letting it go this late into the year, but, man, this is no fun at all. I’d rather be reading with him.

I know, I know! No one ever promised me it was all going to be fun.

At any rate, outstanding post and an excellent reference. I appreciate all the hard work.