DIY Homeschooler

When it comes to writing ages and stages, we are frequently asked, “So what age range is your book for?” or “What is considered an older or younger writer?”

Table of Contents

• What’s In a Grade Level
• Avoiding Labels
• Uniqueness
• Stages
  • Prewriters
  • Younger Writers
  • Older Students
• Managing Those Ages and Stages
• The Natural Way
• Beechick Ideas

What’s In a Grade Level

Understandably, many homeschool moms begin with the textbook mindset where we purchase books geared for either the age or grade our child is currently in.

Being unique (in many ways) this was never our experience. For one example, at one point one child tested at college level writing and 8th grade math while entering 5th grade. And while that is a rather unusual experience, it did give us an advantage when it comes to educating at home: what matters is where your child is and starting there.

“Why — why,” said Elizabeth Ann, “I don’t know what I am at all. If I’m second-grade arithmetic and seventh-grade reading and third-grade spelling, what grade am I?”

Understood Betsy

Avoiding Labels

Avoiding labels does take courage. We have to have faith in something. Many put their faith in the textbook. Others the classroom teacher. We put our faith in the good Lord who created these little ones with His own design. I knew He knew what He intended. I just prayed to walk in step with His design for each of my unique children.

Forsaking Our Idols
Life is so much easier when we can fit things into nice tidy boxes. Avoiding labels and forsaking our idols.

Uniqueness

But your children are also unique…in their own way. And you are their unique mentor. So no matter where your children are…start there.

With this in mind, as we say in the introduction to our book Write Something Every Day:

This book is meant to be used by all ages (even the youngest as long as he is writing comfortably). Though written to the student, this is not a book you can just hand off to a younger child and expect him to work through independently. While that may be true for older students, younger students will need your input, guidance, mentoring, and assistance in modifying any lessons that do not fit their abilities. You may need to swap passages, narrow the assignment, or substitute another idea.

And that is where you come in. It is up to the tutor/mentor to understand where a child is and meet him there.

Stages

Prewriters

Prewriters are learning the alphabet and practicing handwriting. How do you know when he is ready to move on?

• Is he comfortable holding a pencil?
• Is he able to form letters without a struggle?
• Does he print legibly?
• Have a grasp on the English language?
• Produce complete sentences?
• Know how to use end punctuation marks?

If so, he is probably ready to really write. If not, these skills will need to be developed first or he will find the entire exercise overwhelming.

While he is developing these skills he can practice his prewriting skills using natural methods of oral narrating, memorizing, drawing stories.

16 Prewriting Activities
A lack of handwriting ability doesn’t have to deter us from laying a foundation on which to build a writing habit that will last our child a lifetime. 16 prewriting activities for inspiring the youngest writer.

Younger Writers

Once the above skills are developed, younger writers can begin to really learn to write starting with tracing, moving to copying, written narrations, booklet writing, dictation, writing from a model, and more.

8 Fun Writing Activities for Young Students
Writing activities for the younger student as he develops his mechanical skills.

Older Students

Finally, older students already know how to write. They spend their time honing and expanding their skills.

In this area will be:

• Covering the different forms of writing.
• Becoming their own editor.
• Understanding grammar.
• Writing research papers and reports.
• Developing logic skills (drawing conclusions or making summaries).

They had someone edit their work; now they become their own editors.

14 Forms of Writing for the Older Student: Complete Series
Once your students are accustomed to writing every day, it is a good idea to present them with a variety of writing challenges. These forms of writing each require something different from the student, and will help him develop his writing and thinking skills.

Managing Those Ages and Stages

Where your child is and how fast your child will move through these loosely defined stages depends on your child. But believe it, all children CAN write. No matter where they are in the process, if we start there with them and spend time working with them they will end up writing on their own — and most love it.

Here are a few ideas for encouraging that last part….

• Let them write about what they are interested in.
• Don’t give them ridiculous assignments that would drive any sane person barmy. (Summer vacation? Not much.)
• Ask! What are they interested in right now? What can they tell you about it?
• Keep the writing simple.

We had a time set aside for writing. Students could write what they wanted in that time. I would edit the work (gently at first). We would pick out a few spelling words to work on, encouraging an attention to spelling. I would have them tell me about (narrate) what they read, encouraging an attention to order, details, and storytelling.

10 Ways to Become a Better Editor of Your Child’s Writing
What if I don’t feel competent to edit my child’s writing? 10 ways to become a better editor.

The Natural Way

The natural way of writing is a challenge simply because it is so simple. We don’t trust it. Are they doing enough? If I keep on this path, how do I know they will end up knowing anything? or being able to do anything? But throwing a bunch of grammar texts at someone isn’t going to help them become a better writer. (Unless they are just that unique.)

Language Arts the Natural Way
This is one area where the curriculum can balloon out of control, exceeding not only our budget, but also our time — with spelling classes, vocabulary classes, grammar classes, writing classes, and Latin or a class or two covering Latin roots. Enter language arts the natural way!

Beechick Ideas

Below you’ll find many links to get you started. Most simply restate the above in more detail.

Ruth Beechick (my favorite mentor) used to say “Learn to write, write.” And I wholeheartedly agree. You’ll likely find her resources helpful, as well.

Beechick Basics
Dr. Beechick was a skilled teacher and curriculum developer who considered home the best place to learn. She also believed that parents didn’t give themselves enough credit for being great teachers!

You can do this. More importantly, your student can, too!

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Additional Resources

10 Ways to Use Notebooking: #4 Writing
From copying the alphabet to descriptive essays. The writing notebook was the essential.

16 Tips: Building a Better Writer
16 of our best tips to help you help your child develop his writing … the natural way.

Writing Index
All of our writing resources.

Write Something Every Day: 366 Pencil Sharpeners for Students of Writing
Our book will get you started. This huge 554-pg. resource provides carefully crafted writing prompts and challenges for each day. We use nearly 20 different forms of writing to keep the student engaged. Also included are writing instruction, tips for modifying assignments for “younger writers,” and other resources. Learn more.