Writers, teachers, parents...help!

[tikkipoo]

There is no crisis, just needing some advice. My DD8 has decided to wright her very first story. Now, I have read it all, but the part I have read has a lot of errors in it (of course). My question is, do I go over the paper with her to edit it, or do I just let it go? I am not a writer. Nor do I have the best grammer, so I don't know how much help I would be to her. What do you think?

 

[disney junky]

What you might want to do is go over it with her and prompt her to make changes if you see changes that need to be made. That way you are improving the piece as well as instructing her for correctness. Even ask the question, is there any way you can say this better? Have fun.

 

[Christine]

This is a joke, right??

 

[tikkipoo]

I am totally serious.

 

[Christine]

I am totally serious.

Okay then. I think if your DD is totally serious about putting out a story (i.e., getting it published or passing it around) it would do very well to sit down with her and help her edit it at her level. Look for the real glaring errors in spelling and punctuation. The stuff you are unsure of you can look up the rules on the internet or just skip it. Editing is part of writing and I think it would be helpful.

 

[golfgal]

The quickest way to crush her budding interest in writing is to start correcting what she does as a 8 year old. Just compliment her on the story and tell her you like that she likes to write stories for you.

My SIL is a long time English teacher and now middle school principal and her favorite assignments from her students were the free writing assignments that she never corrected, just read through them and they either got a checkmark for doing the assignment or a circle for not doing the assignment. It is a GREAT way to encourage kids to write when they don't have a fear of "doing" it right. There are other assignments out there to teach proper grammar, sentence structure, etc.

 

[tikkipoo]

The quickest way to crush her budding interest in writing is to start correcting what she does as a 8 year old. Just compliment her on the story and tell her you like that she likes to write stories for you.

My SIL is a long time English teacher and now middle school principal and her favorite assignments from her students were the free writing assignments that she never corrected, just read through them and they either got a checkmark for doing the assignment or a circle for not doing the assignment. It is a GREAT way to encourage kids to write when they don't have a fear of "doing" it right. There are other assignments out there to teach proper grammar, sentence structure, etc.

That's excactly what I was worried about.

 

[stinkerbell_&_Co]

Praise the story, overlook the mistakes, and you'll be encouraging a budding author.

She'll learn the correct punctuation, spelling, grammar as time goes on. I think it's wonderful she has a passion for writing at such a young age.

 

[golfgal]

She's 8, it will be fine if she doesn't write a perfectly structured story. My 6th graders are spending a lot of time learning to write stories this year, she will learn that in school later on as well.

 

[Frantasmic]

I don't think correcting the grammar will crush her spirit.

The problem with looking at stuff like that, if she does want to try to publish it, is to not put too much of yourself in the editing.

Grammar and spelling mistakes should be corrected. Major plot problems shouldn't.

Good luck.

 

[tikkipoo]

It was hilarious...she comes in after typing a while and says "Mommy, I've written 3 whole pages already!" So, after she goes to bed, I look at the story, and she has the font set to 34! Thank you all for the advice. Sometimes I just don't know which is the right choice to make. I wish the children came with a manual!

 

[phorsenuf]

The quickest way to crush her budding interest in writing is to start correcting what she does as a 8 year old. Just compliment her on the story and tell her you like that she likes to write stories for you.

My SIL is a long time English teacher and now middle school principal and her favorite assignments from her students were the free writing assignments that she never corrected, just read through them and they either got a checkmark for doing the assignment or a circle for not doing the assignment. It is a GREAT way to encourage kids to write when they don't have a fear of "doing" it right. There are other assignments out there to teach proper grammar, sentence structure, etc.

There is nothing wrong with pointing out mistakes like spelling and punctuation. It's our jobs as parents to help them learn. The last thing you want to do is for them to think a misspelled word is correct and than spell it that way all the time. Better to catch it early and nip things in the bud before it becomes habit.

As far as grammar and sentance structure as long as it flows then I say leave it be and get into the more complicated stuff later.

Is this for school or pleasure by the way?

 

[FreshTressa]

What I do is in between...I compliment profusely and then point out just a couple of the most glaring errors.

 

[tikkipoo]

There is nothing wrong with pointing out mistakes like spelling and punctuation. It's our jobs as parents to help them learn. The last thing you want to do is for them to think a misspelled word is correct and than spell it that way all the time. Better to catch it early and nip things in the bud before it becomes habit.

As far as grammar and sentance structure as long as it flows then I say leave it be and get into the more complicated stuff later.

Is this for school or pleasure by the way?

This is just for fun. Which thrills me. I am not a creative soul. I am so happy that she wants to write for fun...it was pure torture for me!

 

[mrsv98]

DD, 6 yo, writes stories all the time and I rarely if ever correct her. I am a former teacher and, at least at this young age, we kept creative writing and spelling/grammar separate. I will make a small suggestion here and there, DD likes to write "and then" stories but if she resists, I drop it.

She will learn plenty of the "rules" in school, leave the fun, home-based writing alone.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I have to agree with the teachers here!!!!

(OKAY everybody, don't pass out now... make a note of this )

She is 8 years old.... She has poured her heart and soul into this labor of love. She must be very happy and proud!!

Why on God's earth would anyone want to rain on her parade by treating an 8 year old's story like some kind of Senior English Lit. assignment???

This would be like taking a piece of artwork that a child worked and worked on, and then getting out the erasers and crayons to 'make improvements'.

OP, This is the kind of thing you save... your DD will no doubt remember this story... and remember it as perfectly written. I would love to see the look on her face a number of years from now, like when she graduates High School, when she sees it again, in all of it's ORIGINAL glory!!!!

 

[EEYOREMAMA]

I have to totally agree with Wishing On a star

I am a teacher and rate creativity above all else. Spelling and grammar will come in time. She will learn to use the tools for those, she will never again learn the enthusiasm and art of creation.

You can very gently help her use these tools, after you have praised her writing skills. Let it be her choice at this age. "Honey would you like help looking up some of these words?" Be happy with whatever her answer is. It will be a spontaneous answer and if she says no, she may come back with it as "original thought" in a day or two.

Be as proud of her as she is of herself and it will come back to you in spades. Encourage, encourage and encourage some more. That's one of the greatest life lessons we as parents, can give our children. There is enough on the outside to knock them down -- unfortunately, some may be teachers. So praise while you can and she will learn more about support, than you can possibly imagine.

 

[MrsPete]

I'm an English teacher. Here's how I approach my young daughters' writing:

First I read it and praise it highly: I love how the main character _____ . . . what a great detail you had here . . . how'd you ever think of ____? This lets the child know you're pleased with her work, and it encourages her to keep going.

Then I suggest that we "polish it" and make it even better. I offer constructive criticism: This word is spelled ____ . . . you could use more details here -- what if ______? This helps the child perfect her spelling, etc. and introduces her to the very important concept of editing.