[daviddean]

Hi, one of my 8 year old private students is really struggling in his class at school with his writing. Originally he came to me for conversational practice and is now ahead of his class mates, which his mother is extremly thrilled about as he was lagging behind last year. However, his writing is really terrible, even he can't read anything he has written either in his native tongue (Turkish) or in English. I feel it is because the school enforces "joined up" writing before the students even know how to form letters correctly. If students do not wirte using joined up letters the teachers erase their work and make them re-write it!

Anyway now his mother wants me to get him to write everything he has been learning at school, numbers, colours, days of the week etc etc, he has ADD and most times seems like he isn't even listening. However, when we play a few games or do a little test he aces them.

My problem is how can I make him enjoy writing, I thought about using wordless books but am worried they may be too advanced for him yet.

All suggestions eagerly awaited and greatly received.

Thanks everyone,

Dave

[davebarrow]

Try Educational English Card Games.
I've found that their good at motivating reluctant learners.

Good Luck!

[daviddean]

Thanks Dave,

I wil take a look. I am using some software called "Tell me a story" the stdt can create a picture on my computer then print it out and I ask him to tell me all about it using as much English as possible, it's working so far and he is enjoying reading it back to me and we correct any mistakes together. Tell Me A Story Software - Write a Story Page - BillyBear4Kids.com