On Connect The Thoughts, Spelling and Grammar

    

Spelling with CTT is usually handled per the Spelling Program , which can be had for free here on currclick.

Essentially, make a list of words the student spells wrong AS THE STUDENT WRITES. These are words the stduent wants to use, so they're not foreign or arbitrary, as are all spelling pre-prepared lists. Select ten (I try to stick to words that violate one or two spelling rules). Let the student work through those ten words in any way you see fit to learn the spelling. I don't advise many "rules" be used. The more a student reads and writes, the better their spelling will become as a rule. (Mine used to be awful!!! I still make spelling errors as some of you have noticed...) Verbally check out the student on the list of ten words after they've had some time to work through them and learn them. If they get one wrong, place it on the next list to be tried again. If the spelling is very bad, do this twice a week instead of once.

CTT does not cover grammar in its Creative Writing Program , and for very compelling reasons. We want a student to simply create, create, create, and we provide the student many tools to feed that creation...but NO criticism. This is very key. None, whatsoever. This includes correction of use of words, or spelling. (Spelling is handled after the fact via the above-described spelling program.)

I knew a nice set of parents I interviewed once, who explained to me that their son was a brilliant author, had written the first part of a novel, and then stopoped cold suddenly. I asked "did you help him?" "Oh, yes", the mom replied. "With ideas, and grammar, and spelling..." Of course, this is exactly why he stopped writing. He created writing projects for the same reason we all create...to receive praise, acceptance, attention, to create an effect on others. Their reaction, unintentionally, denied their son everything he desired as a writer, and he stopped. I suggested they go home and "eat crow", apologize to the son and beg him to write again, and when he did write, do nothing but read his work, understand it, AND ADMIRE IT. (I don't know if they did this.)

Honestly, the world is a tough place for artists of all kinds, and is rejection-happy. A developing student who loves writing should write, write, write, and receive little or nothing but admiration! The world will critique their work plenty, as they grow into the world. Also, in over 30 years of teaching, I've yet to see a student's use of language (written and spoken) not improve as they wrote and read more. The trick is to get them writing...stopping them is too easy.

If you're concerned about grammar, I know of several good outside courses, and would happily recommend them. Contact me here .

     Steven Horwich
     Connect The Thoughts