When Did You Last Teach AND Evaluate a Writing Assignment?

But words are things, and a small drop of ink, falling like dew upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.

-Lord Byron

Over the years, I have discussed many issues with parents about teaching and evaluating their children's writing. I have often joked that I am going to write a book called, "Confessions of a Homeschool Mom: My kids never write!" Parents, in moments of true heartfelt struggles, have shared stories of a year of writing that went ungraded, going through an entire school year without giving a writing assignment and only using workbooks because they don't feel confident evaluating writing. I have only compassion because I have been in the same boat, not with writing, but with high school math.

Teaching Textbooks saved my homeschool reputation. :) It all started when my oldest child, Ally, needed to take Geometry. We had previously used Bob Jones curriculum for Algebra and I felt very confident teaching that math subject. However, I only succeeded in Geometry in high school because the teacher used the exact same proofs on the test that she covered from the text. I have, or had, a wonderful memory so I did well, at least according to test scores. However, I left high school never really understanding proofs. So, one day, I was grading my daughter's work based on the key in the Geometry book and her proof was different from the answer. However, looking at it, I realized that in my limited understanding, it made sense. Confused, I contacted a homeschool father, who was also an engineer and good friend, and asked him about the issue. He had me read the proof, approved it and explained that there was more than one correct path for that proof. I truly panicked. How could I evaluate Ally's math work if I didn't understand it myself? After trying to teach myself Geometry again, scouring the textbook hoping that something had been retained from high school, I sadly gave up. It was not much later when a friend introduced me to Teaching Textbooks which included DVDs where the professor fully mapped out the solutions. Now, I am not promoting Teaching Textbooks beyond my own personal experience, and it saved me at the time. I had to turn over my children's high school mathematical education to someone who was an expert. I was grateful to have the option!  During those days of struggle, I often put off grading Ally's math work. Although it wasn't fair to her, it reminded me of what I considered to be a great weakness in my own education and I didn't want to face it on a daily basis. My procrastination, of course, made the days that I caught up on grading absolutely miserable.

About a year ago, I considered going back to college and getting a degree in mathematics. It still bothers me that a part of my high school education left a gap in my knowledge. After prayer and consideration, I realized that I was just trying to soothe my own pride by proving I could do it. God spoke to me and encouraged me to focus on the gifts He has given me and not on where I feel deficient.

If you're inconsistent with teaching and evaluating writing with your children, it may be from your own fear  or reminder of a personal educational gap. Sadly, your inconsistency may be the way you pass on that gap to your children. None of us go into homeschooling planning on sharing our weaknesses with our children, but for most of us, those weaknesses become glaring as we teach. That's okay. We all have academic weaknesses. That's why I teach writing. Many moms express the relief that they feel from having someone who is actually a writer teaching their children. Removing that stress can be life changing and allow you to focus on those areas that you enjoy teaching and where you excel.

Whether you utilize Classes by Beth, another educational source or teach writing yourself, I strongly urge you to find a way for your children to write consistently. It's also vital for them to receive specific feedback on their writing so they don't develop poor habits that they could carry throughout their lives.  Viewing writing as a life skill and not as a subject in school may help you remember the importance of our children expressing themselves effectively through the written word.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about your children's writing progress or teaching writing.

With God's blessings,