Y4 dd hates writting is staring to write did 1 page for homework but the spelling and punctuation is terrible should I worry?

[lexcat]

At the start of term we sruggled over an hour to manage 3 very well written sentences. Suddenly over the last few weeks she's starting to be a little more positive about writing. Managed a page of homework and she was so pleased with herself.

She's an avid reader and does well in spelling tests plus she understands the rule of the punctuation. My thoughts were how can you practice spelling and punctuation if you don't write so was thinking as her confidants grow and she writes more it will all fall into place. Then a friend pointed out the her bad spelling and punctuation and got me worried.

So frightened of putting her off writing but at the same time what to help her as best I can.

Your friend pointed it out? That was helpful. I know lots of people on here think children's work should be slathered in red ink from the outset, but you're right - she won't improve unless she does write, so let her get on with it for now, and give her loads of praise.

If she's doing well in tests and understands the principles of punctuation, she should get there in time. Perhaps speak to her teacher about how much intervention she would recommend.

I do strongly believe that children should learn to spell and punctuate and I do correct mine now, but you have to give them a chance to make mistakes and gain a bit of confidence.

I suggest you let her write without criticism, except perhaps limited repeated mistakes, and in the context of telling her how brilliant she is. You know her best, and will know the extent to which you can tactfully correct. If it gets to a stage where you are worried, speak to the teacher and explain as you have done here.

I agree - if she is just starting to write that needs encouraging and nurturing - too much correction will only put her off at this stage. Maybe ask her to read it to you to see if she can spot where full stops should be, but only in the context of 'I want to hear you read your wonderful writing to me.'

encourage her as much as you can... but don't let her get into too many bad habits with spelling and punctuation.
When ds2 was a infant, the school encouraged him to get his thoughts down on paper and never corrected his handwriting, spelling, punctuation. Now in yr 4 he has the most dreadful bad habits that are proving a nightmare to correct.

Thanks for the advice hoping to see teacher after the 1/2 term so will talk to her. Will be interesting to see if she's also started to write at school. Nice to hear she not out of the norm as I have alwayes thought a bright able child should be able to expess her self on paper by the age of 8.

Inghouls if she was younger and only just learning to write and spell it's different, but like your ds she is Yr4 and can write, spell and use the correct punctuation but she will write only about 2-3 lines. Therefore do you still think I should correct her when she finally is getting her thoughts down on paper and the spelling and punctuation gone out the

Interesting parallel with this thread

As she is only just beginning to 'get into' writing at the moment ,I wouldn't, tempting though it may be,point out her errors.Give it another term to build up her confidence.