These are all great suggestions already!
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
I found I could not do laundry during vocabulary times either, countrymom - thanks for the laugh there - I too am always trying to work laundry in somehow.
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
But NOT during vocabulary - you are so right.
I looked back at my oldest ds's vocabulary cards and was appalled. His first vocabulary cards had itty-bitty stick people in the middle, were in black and white, and were pretty messy.
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
My oldest ds now just finished Missions to Modern Marvels, and has impeccably neat work. I share this to encourage you!
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
With HOD, skills are built gradually through the years, and though the start may not be pretty, the finish is worth it.
A few tips for vocabulary - start with 1 card and do it well. Quality over quantity.
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Sit by ds and help him find the words - if in a big dictionary, use post-it notes to section it off for him to copy the definition from the 'sea of words' more easily.
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Or, use an Ipad, an app on an Iphone, or anything else that works well for ds.
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Help him make a plan and jot it on a markerboard if need be. For example, quickly talk through what he'll draw and sketch it quickly on the markerboard. Jot on the markerboard the sentence he makes up. Section off the definition and put lines on the markerboard to show where it will go. Often times, dc have trouble putting it all together. Modeling the layout has helped our dc.
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Last, clip along with it. Accept what he does and try to gradually work up to 2 cards if possible. Finally, maybe try the other format mentioned in the "Introduction" of the guide. Rather than index cards, maybe give the notebook a try. Switching it up may be good! As far as doing 3 at the close of PHFHG, that was my suggestion, and it is totally a personal preference, not an HOD suggestion.
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
I just try to build endurance and skill level at the close of a guide to bolster for the next guide. It is NOT totally necessary, nor is it even good if dc are too pushed by it. My middle ds, for example, did only 2 vocabulary cards and then 3 towards the end of PHFHG. But, his vocabulary cards were BEAUTIFUL! He put in more effort in a few, and that build 'endurance and skill' for him. My oldest ds did FAST, yet well done, vocab cards. He did 3 at the end of Bigger Hearts, and 4 at the end of PHFHG. This was a way to build 'endurance and skill' for him in this area. So, be flexible, follow your ds's needs, and he'll be just fine!!!!
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
HTH!
In Christ,
Julie