Search Results for: blog learning to spell through dictation

Help for the Spelling Challenged Student

When started homeschooling my kids I found most spelling workbooks used the same system of giving the student a list of words followed by a few short lessons. While this is enough for many students to learn without difficulty other students need additional reinforcement. My daughter is one of those students who requires additional creativity to stimulate her visual and tactile mind. I have found success with a weekly lesson plan I developed for my daughter. Monday On Mondays I hand out the new list of spelling words. First, each spelling word is said and spelled aloud. Next, the student … Continue reading →

Learning to Spell Through Dictation

Dictation is the process where the parent speaks while the child transcribes exactly what the parent is saying. This is a method used by, but not limited to those who follow the Charlotte Mason approach to home schooling. Dictation is primarily used to reinforce grammar and spelling skills. This is an effective method if done correctly and consistently. For the purpose of this blog I will focus on how dictation can be used to master spelling. The first step is to choose a passage from your child’s reading, the Bible, a Hymn, etc. to use for dictation. Give your child … Continue reading →

Time Again for the Homeschool Portfolio

  What is a Homeschool Portfolio? A homeschool portfolio is a window into your child’s homeschool experience, achievements, and academic progress, throughout the school year. There are more then on way to keep a portfolio but I will list the core items you will need. However, always check your state laws, homeschool co-ops, and with the evaluator, on what materials are required. The Basic Supplies 3 ring binder {3 inches or more thick} dividers page protectors Sharpies computer paper to print out basic forms samples of your child’s work photos {optional} Forms to Provide Attendance Form: List of Curriculum and … Continue reading →

Masterly Inactivity: Go Play!

The demands placed on children today to learn and perform can cause quite a bit of stress. While I encourage a challenging environment and think nothing ill of competition, especially when engaged with oneself, there is a time to play. Children learn through play and express what they have learned through play. Masterly inactivity is when a parent steps back and allows the child the freedom to play within boundaries. Every mom needs time to relax and step out of the front of the classroom as much as every child needs time to play. What is Masterly Inactivity? Masterly inactivity … Continue reading →

Amish Themed Copywork

Those who incorporate a Charlotte Mason method use copywork daily. As I have stated in another article, copywork is can be used to teach a variety of lessons such as sentence formation and memorization. Many times, I am contacted by new homeschooling moms or moms who do not take a Charlotte Mason approach yet want to add in copywork for ideas. So, I thought it may be fun and useful to give some copywork ideas for those interested. Sometimes I assign copywork by theme. I have used hymns, poems, famous quotes, math rules, and grammar rules and so on, as … Continue reading →

Habit Training: A Charlotte Mason Principle

“Perhaps it is not too much to say, that ninety-nine out of a hundred lost lives lie at the door of parents who took no pains to deliver them from sloth, from sensual appetites, from willfulness, no pains to fortify them with the habits of a good life.” Charlotte Mason Charlotte Mason spoke quite a bit about forming habits in your children. From physical to moral to character, Charlotte Mason felt instilling habits was vitally important to the raising of a child. In fact, at the heart of the Charlotte Mason method is habit training. The lack of habit training … Continue reading →

Understanding Charlotte Mason Vocabulary C-E

In previous posts, I and other homeschool bloggers here at families.com have discussed our experiences with charlotte mason curriculum. In my last post, I supplied Charlotte Mason Vocabulary for the letters A & B. This article will cover the letters C-E. Copywork: Copywork is the tool used to help students learn. It teaches children excellent penmanship from an early age. It helps them to learn and memorize facts. It also helps to improve spelling and vocabulary. Copywork begins as early as six years old and as the student ages leads to written Narration, Composition, and Creative Writing. Curriculum: Charlotte Mason … Continue reading →