Copywork Simply stated, copywork is the process of copying words or a passage. While this exercise may seem simple and unimportant, copywork is a time-tested method for learning grammar, penmanship, and spelling. Subjects we use for copywork span anywhere from Bible verses, poems, hymns, literature, or sentences from our current topic(s) of study. One of our main goals in copywork is for students to read and write well-written passages. These passages provide excellent sentence structure that give students good and worthy ideas to think and meditate on.
Classroom Routine In third grade, students begin each day with copywork. This fall we are currently copying spelling words, Bible passages, select lines from a hymn, and a couple of definitions for some new words. The process students use in their approach to copywork is simple and systematic. First, they read the passage. Next, they carefully trace it and then write the sentence or passage in their own handwriting. The final step is for the students to check their own work, which focuses on reviewing the original text word by word.
Benefits Through the process of copywork, students learn to identify spelling errors, the correct use of capital letters, proper punctuation, and neatness. This learning exercise really becomes a cornerstone for good habits that lead to learning grammar. It also reinforces basic penmanship and classroom virtues, where we learn how to hold a pencil, use focused self-control, patience by taking our time, giving our best, and sitting up straight while we write. Don’t underestimate copywork, it really is a foundational practice!
