April 13, 2012 § Leave a comment
Counterpane is rife with subtle practices that escape the observer, yet are pivotal to our success with students. Children in every community of learners write freely, thoughts untethered by concern for spelling or grammar. It is the uninterrupted flow of thought onto paper that captures the spirit of the individual. Creative writing at Counterpane is not to be compromised by the critical, corrective mark of a teacher. As the child is ready, he or she will select writings that will be developed through all the proofing stages to final drafts. It is in this process that the child is given the tools – spelling, grammar, etc., – needed to bring a work through proofing to completion. One’s thoughts are the most precious gift one has to give to the world. Great writers do not stop the free flow of thought to check on spelling. The thought would be gone, lost forever. Let your child write, encourage your child to write…however, do not get between your child and his or her written expression.
If you would like to see how this translates as the student progresses, please consider attending the “Writers Café” offered at the end of each quarter. You will see where this subtle, very well considered practice leads – to a confident, articulate, expressive student.