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HELPFUL HINT: This solution should be used in conunction with the Writer and the Writing Process.
So many colleges and employers are singing the blues about the poor academic skills of the labor force that I have decided to post this solution to remediate and accelerate writing skills.
WHERE TO BEGIN?
Begin by getting the student on a contract. First he/she must
agree to the practice. How often, when, how many days a week,
how many words, reward, etc...? See Contracts
the put your child in charge of winning.
The beginning of writing is mastering the alphabet (upper and lower case) and the cardinal numbers, zero through nine. It is unreasonable to expect a person who isn't fluent with the mechanics of forming letters to be able to write - even with a word processor.
The teacher will need a stopwatch. The students need paper and sharpened pencils or pens and one-inch three-ring binders in which to store their work. (Binders should be gray, or some other light color, so that the teacher may write the student's name on both spine and cover for easy identification).
The entire upper and lower-case alphabet and numbers need to be clearly posted at the front of the room. Since this is not a "penmanship" class, the emphasis should not be on script writing (that can come later), but on block printing.
NEXT
- Find a book she likes
- Have her copy, copy, copy; perhaps 1 to 25 words copied earns point (or something). If needed, begin with individual letters.
- Only point out areas of excellence (make no corrections - self correction works best)
- Reward immediately
- Especially at beginning, limit yourself to five minutes, then ten, work up to fifteen, but leave her wanting more
- Remind her of time of next meeting as agreed in contract. Make sure you are there with all materials. Keep notebook of all copying. Twenty pages copied (or something) earns extra reward. One inch binder filled with copying earns additional reward.
- ONLY USE Dixon Ticonderoga #2 pencils, well sharpened by you. Don't erase, keep on going. Cross out if she must, but keep on going. Stay on task. Erasing and sharpening pencils take people off task. (I'm sure you've noticed)
- If contract not working, renegotiate
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