More direction needed for Language Arts for 7/8th grader

[cherryblossom]

Currently we are working through R&S 7th for grammar and writing, Word Web for vocabulary, Spelling Power, and Progeny Press guides for literature. I'm trying to decide what to use next year. I definitely want to continue w/ R&S for grammar (uncertain whether we'll continue w/ writing exercises), Word Web, and Spelling Power. I need to find something for literature and writing. I was considering Lightning Lit because I thought it combined both lit and writing. Just not sure how easy it is to implement. I need to make a decision fairly quickly. I'm looking for something that is not too labor intensive on my part and something that will help my dd apply what she's learned to her writing in other subject areas. When I posted earlier, people suggested IEW, Put it in Writing, & Write Source. I also thought that perhaps Writing Strands might be an option for writing instruction. Looking at what I listed above for the rest of our language arts, what would you do? As I said, I lack something for literature AND writing. I'm just having a difficult time reaching a decision on this. I truly appreciate your insight and wisdom. :)

[Laura Corin]

I like LL for literature, but it really only has writing prompts. If you feel the need of a writing course, then that would have to be on top. LL is very easy to implement, and Calvin works mostly independently of me.

Laura

[cherryblossom]

nt

[Beth in Central TX]

I've yet to find a program that integrates literature and writing instruction. That's why I'm doing Omnibus I and Homer B with my 7th grader next year.

If you want to try LL, then you could probably supplement that program with The Lively Art of Writing: http://www.amazon.com/Lively-Art-Writing-Mentor/dp/0451627121/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204906768&sr=8-1

You can look through the book on-line to see if it will meet your needs. HTH!

[Beth in Central TX]

Here's another resource for literature study: http://www.curriculumconnection.net/teachingclassics.htm

[Dayle in Guatemala]

Lightning Literature and Writing Strands. I have had no problem implementing them into our day. It's been actually really easy and enjoyable. Lightning Lit. has some good writing assignments in it and you could choose from several, or assign more than one depending on what you want to do. We also use Writing Strands which has worked well with LL. Hope this helps.