Final draft this week

Emily just finished the final draft on her paper for this week's writing assignment....I proof it, help her when she gets stuck, and try to lead her to the proper tools when she can't think of anything to write.  I did not understand this method at all when we got started and it is not EVER the way I would have taught her to write so I am thankful that we are both learning.  The basis is this....The book gives a long 2 paragraph story to read, the student is to make key word outline using the three most important words in each sentence.  Then the student is the write their own paragraphs in their own words using the key words.  They have to then "dress it up" using things like strong verbs, quality adjectives, a very short sentence, "ly" openers, who/which clauses, vocabulary words, alliteration, prepostional opener, and "ly" words.  They have to have a clincher sentence at the end and no banned words.  It is hard (banned word).  Emily was not doing this last year but she is gaining so much.  She may not be able to do the entire thing on her own, but she is getting there and I'm amazed at what she has learned and what she notices now when reading and writing!

I'm so proud that I am posting her writing from this week!  I think it is pretty darn good!

The Hardships of Colonial Medicine


Back in the early days in America, it was difficult to take care of the sick. Minor illnesses could turn perilous quickly. Some of the medicines used to treat illnesses tasted vile and some tasted flavorful. Mothers successfully figured out how to make homemade remedies. In the font of each house, they kept herb gardens. Thankfully, the medicines cured almost everything. The herbs were to make cuts heal, bones heal, and fevers disappear. St. John's Wart, which appeared to drive evil spirits away, was one of the most common among herbs used. According to early records, colonial people crushed fried toads into powder to make tea. This remedy was not unusual. Today, we cannot fathom using the same remedies as they did in Colonial times.


In Colonial times very few doctors had training. Medical schools did not exist. Doctors were greatly esteemed by members of the community. New young doctors learned from their elders. Doctors, who attended most every birth and funeral, did not profit well. It was imperative that doctors hold other jobs to earn money to live. Before the revolutionary war, not all towns had doctors. Sadly, dishonest people would falsely proclaim to be doctors and sell fake medicines. Unlike today's doctors, Colonial doctors were not as skilled and had very little scientific training to care for the sick.