Can Anyone tell me more about Jump In Writing?

[Janice Lyn]

Hello,

Still searching for a less expensive way to teach writing to my daughter who will be going into grade 7 next year. We've tried writing for fun, Writing Strands, Understanding Writing and even resorted to Time4Learning Online for a few months..

I'd like to purchase IEW, but cannot at this time. I am planning on purchasing it and using it when she will be ready for the student C for highschool.

Any opinions on Jump In from Apologia? She really needs motivation and something that she can see success from right away.

I'd love to hear anyones experiences with this and if you used the teacher manual and how long you utilized the course if so.

Thanks so much!
Janice

[5wolfcubs]

I'm really considering this for my oldest for next year.
I searched the boards for some threads:
Choices, Choices (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?p=79947&highlight=jump+writing#post79947)
Combine Writing (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8135&highlight=jump+writing)
Writing Favorites (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3242&highlight=jump+writing)
Recommend for Writing (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=792&highlight=jump+writing)

Like the posters in the above, I like the fun & independence aspects and don't like the controversial topics. :)
I haven't bought it yet...

[Antonia]

We tried Writing Strands, Classical Writing and others, but this seems to be the most straight-forward and clearly written for kids. Son has produced some nice essays using it. Be aware it does have some strong biases on certain issues (I am thinking specifically about abortion, which seems to pop up way more often than is necessary, imo). Have you looked at the samples on Apologia's site?

[Michelle T]

as I wasn't sure which I wanted to go with. I'm still not positive, but I'm starting to lean towards Jump In.

While IEW certainly looks good for many kids, I feel sure my DS would be strongly resistant to how structured it is, and the emphasis on rewriting notes.

Jump In is written to the student, and is fairly entertaining. The directions are broken down into small increments, and appear very clear.

I am somewhat disgusted by the level of political proselytizing in Jump In, and expect if we do use it, I'll be going through with a black pen and crossing out whatever bothers me. There are a couple examples that aren't even logical, just so that they make their point about the evils of abortion. My DS doesn't even know what an abortion is, and I certainly don't want to have to explain it just to do a writing assignment.

I sure wish there was something like Jump In, but without the preaching. Still, even though it bothers me, I do think I can edit those parts.
Michelle T

[Janice Lyn]

Thanks. I feel the same way and I tend to like christian content as we are christians. However, I don't think the topic of abortion belongs in the middle of a writing curriculum and particurlarly for this age! That is best for parents to teach about during a time they choose appropriate.

Hmmmm.....

leaning toward Jump In now and IEW later in age, however, just for ease and a funner program as my daughter's chin is on the floor at this point.

Janice