Writing question

[my2kidsmom]

:DWhen I am planning for next year, there always seems to be one subject that I gets me stuck. This year, I guess it is writing.

DD is going in the 4th grade. She is about 30 lessons into R&S 4 English and will finish SWO D in a couple of weeks. I think I want to start a writing program with her. We have WS 2 that we started using a couple of years ago and did not really like it. (Maybe she was too young--or something--I just didn't really like it)

I am open to any suggestions. I was wondering if anyone has used any of the following and what they think about them:
**The Write Stuff Adventure
**Write with the Best
**Write source
**Complete Writing Lessons Middle Grades
**Wordsmith Apprentice
**Writing Stretchers

Can you tell that I got my RR catalog in and have finished going through it? :D


TIA for your help.

[Lori D.]

Wordsmith Apprentice
Successfully used this with my boys, with the older one not really liking to write, and the younger one who has learning issues and really struggles with writing (on top of not really liking to write). They enjoyed the 1-page "comics" that introduce each section; they learned about newspapers; they didn't mind the actual writing! It was a very gentle way to move them from being "writing phobic" (lol) to not minding picking up a pencil.

Extremely gentle; takes less than a full school year.
Very informal instruction (in writing tone).
Has both exercises and writing assignments.
Written to the student; mostly done independently.
Covers all 4 types of writing (descriptive, narrative, expository, persuasive) in the fun theme of being a "cub reporter" and writing for the various departments of a newspaper.

- See the table of contents and 3 sample pages at:
www.christianbook.com
(intro pages into the program; not as typical of the program as a whole)

- See the table of contents and 1 different sample page at:
www.rainbowresource.com
(a more typical page than the 3 above, in my opinion)

- See yet another typical sample page at:
http://www.writeshop.com/wordsmithsample3.htm

- See yet another typical sample page at:
http://www.commonsensepress.com/lessons/modif.htm



Complete Writing Lessons for the Middle Grades
Not so much a complete writing program -- but a WIDE variety of writing assignment types to use from time to time as a break from your regular writing program. IMO, both the Primary Grades and Middle Grades books can easily be used with 2nd-6th grade students. A lot of good literary elements, and a wide variety of types of writing, are covered in these books. A good supplement to a spine writing program -- at least, that's how we used these.

- www.amazon.com has the table of contents and 4 sample pages for the Primary Grades version; that will give you a feel for Majorie Frank's style and the types of assignments in both books

- www.rainbowresource.com lists a good selection of what is covered in each of the 2 books in the written descriptions.


NOT trying to sell you anything, BUT -- if you decide you're interested, I am done with the 2 Majorie Franks books above, so feel free to email me if you might like to buy these used as a set: neferlla@hotmail.com BEST of luck in finding the what works for your family! Warmest regards, Lori D.

[OhElizabeth]

I noticed Writing Tales was not on your list. Have you considered it? It would be GREAT for your dd for next year!!

[my2kidsmom]

Can you tell me about Writing Tales. I'm not familiar with it. (You're not making my decision any easier...:p)

[training5]

her website is great. www.writing-tales.com I haven't used it but I have looked at it/considered it.

[jail warden]

It looks like a gentle approach, but a thorough program. I'm excited to start it!

[BizyPenguin]

My 5th grader is using BJ writing with great success. I reviewed BJ writing on my blog. Just click on "curriculum reviews". (I can't remember, but it might be under 'Bob Jones English') HTH!