Oral vs. Written

[Heather in GA]

Hello,

My daughter is beginning 5th grade, and after completing MP 4 I'm wondering if I'm requiring enough written answers. We go through CS II, literature, and Famous Men orally, and then I assign 2-3 per subject for her to go back and write in answers. She is filling in all answers for Insects. She can write well if I require IEW dress-ups (which I do for Narrative), but her student guide answers are very bare-bones. Thoughts?

Thank you!
Heather

[Colomama]

I would say, instead of having her go back and write two to three answers afterwards....I would have her write those answers immediately as you go through the guide. Work with her to come up with a good, acceptable answer together. Then, have her write that answer. I would say move towards the goal of having her write more answers by the end of 5th.

[carriede]

Your daughter sounds like my son, who just finished 5th. "Yes, that's technically correct, but tell me MORE!" I'm actually having him pause CC to do a few IEW units in order to learn to elaborate.

Also, if I ask for an answer orally, it's a COMPLETELY different answer than what he writes. He seems to want to physically write the least amount possible.

That said, the AMOUNT of writing sounds okay, but you'll have to push a little and model more complete answers. You won't be the only one!

[KF2000]

Heather,
I think the fact that you are asking this question is a sign that your instincts are pushing you in the right direction...and we are just here to confirm that it's a good idea. So...YEP! It's a good idea!

What you are seeing is that the requirements you had for this past year have served her well (because I don't sense any angst in your question), but that it's time to raise the bar and expect more. This is what we have to keep doing all the way through. It's always fine to start at a point that is comfortable for your kids, but it's not fine to leave them there too long...you want to move them out of that comfort zone because that is how they learn and grow. It always causes some growing pains, but it is always worth it in order to make progress. Kudos to you for recognizing the need to up the ante; you're doing great!

AMDG,
Sarah

[Heather in GA]

Thank you for all the tips and encouragement!