All the different online writing classes???

[Emma]

Can we compare the many online writing classes and their differences? I know there is Bravewriter, Write At Home, Write Guide, and I know I'm missing another one...
I really want an online writing class for my upcoming 8th grade dd. I just don't know which one...

[specialmama]

:lurk5:

[Moira in MA]

There are many choices. I have used both Bravewriter and Scholars Online successfully with my girls but have read reviews of others that sound as if they'd have worked just as well.

I'd suggest that you classify the classes you're considering by:

format (live interaction/message board/etc.),
duration (I suggest a short course for a first class -- you can do anything for 6weeks but a year is tough),
cost,
content (poetry/essay/freewriting/etc)
timing (is it convenient to *your* schedule)

After you match your list against your goals and your dd's desires you'll be in a better position to make a decision that is right for her.

HTH
~Moira

[Emma]

Maybe if I narrowed down the differenct choices, it would be easier????

format (live interaction/message board/etc.) one on one interaction
duration (I suggest a short course for a first class -- you can do anything for 6weeks but a year is tough) 6 weeks would be a great start
cost ???
content essays, maybe a short research paper, beginning lit. analysis, something that is already assigned in her current curriculum, but I'm not opposed to having a teacher chosen topic either.
timing Teacher set deadline, email work in, teacher responds and dd makes corrections. Nothing that says,"You must be here online at such and such time." We don't have that type of lifestyle right now with our crazy schedule.

Does that help narrow things down at all?? Can anyone point me in the right direction? This decision is making my brain hurt. :tongue_smilie:

[Kendall]

Are you wanting something for this summer? Laurel Tree tutorials classes fit your description except for the timing(the course we took was a year), but I think she has some summer classes. I don't know what the class for 8th graders is like but my son took the high school course and it was great for him. Do an advanced search here on the high school board for laurel in the subject and that should bring the threads up.

here is the website:

http://lt-tutorials.schools.officelive.com/default.aspx

[King's Kid]

Another one is Home 2 Teach which I read about yesterday. Here's the link: http://www.home2teach.com/

My 14dd is just finishing up a Write at Home Essay 1 course and I think it's been a good experience for her to be getting feedback from someone besides me. The course is around 8 weeks and was $149 whereas the home2teach 6-week Essay courses are only $75 and they have a one hour on-line class each week. I'm looking into that one and will keep an eye on this thread for any other possibilities. Since finances are tight for us lately, cost will need to enter into the equation. :(

[Leonor]

What about www.writingassessment.com (http://www.writingassessment.com) with Cindy Marsh?
She has 6 week tutorials.

[Pamela H in Texas]

Emma, my daughter did WriteGuide. It made a huge difference for her. I was going to go with WriteGuide but after checking out Home2Teach, I think it'll be a better match for ds. I want something more systematic for him. But the Home2Teach does have a weekly class meeting.

[Emma]

HUGE thanks to everyone for their thoughts! I'm really going to look into WriteGuide and Home to Teach again. thanks so much!