Comparisons of writing programs?

[Faithr]

I would love to see a comparison of the popular and newer writing programs out there. Before frequenting this board a few weeks ago, I had never heard of Writing Tales, Jump In Writing or that SWB had a new Writing Essentials program out. I thought I was sold on Writing Tales for my 4th grader next year, but now both Jump In and SWB's program look enticing. How is one to make such a decision?????:confused:

[ArwenA]

Can you find samples of theses curricula? If find that seeing a sample, thinking about DC learning style and what I'm looking for in a curriculum help me to choose what I want to use. Why do you like Writing Tales, Jump In and SWB's Writing Essentials?

[Kathie in VA]

I look at a few things:

Where the program is going from my current dc's grade to 12th grade. What types of writing is taught(narrations, dialogs, essays, reports, etc.)? How is it taught, what other LA skills are incorporated or not incorporated (which also makes me as myself which way I want it), does it encourage writing across the curriculum or is that part on me, etc. Also, what about help on the editing process? Does the program offer clear guidelines on what each paper should contain and how to grade it?

Then there are the general issues that apply to any subject:
cost, re-usability, help for multi student use, learning style, teaching style, time required to teach, time required for dc, and sometimes the statement of faith from the author IF it enters the curriculum. There is also the fun factor... will my kid enjoy this program or at least not hate it.

[siloam]

I would love to see a comparison of the popular and newer writing programs out there. Before frequenting this board a few weeks ago, I had never heard of Writing Tales, Jump In Writing or that SWB had a new Writing Essentials program out. I thought I was sold on Writing Tales for my 4th grader next year, but now both Jump In and SWB's program look enticing. How is one to make such a decision?????:confused:

My understanding, which may be wrong, is that Jump In Writing is for older students (isn't that the one Apologia carries?) and that if you want something that is step by step SWB will only have the lower grades out. The leaves you with Writing Tales, which is a full LA program as well as writing.

Heather

[Faithr]

Thanks! I went back and looked at all the programs and I still like Writing Tales the best! I seem to gravitate to all in one LA programs like LLATL and Classical Writing (I'm doing CW for the Older Beginner with my 12 yo and I really appreciate it's depth of learning and that it covers everything from vocabulary, spelling, grammar, literary analysis, writing). Writing Tales seems very similiar to CW except better organized. The one thing I do not like about CW is that you have to read through the program several times to even understand it (at least I found it hard to understand) and I'm forever flipping through different books which is annoying.

Thanks for your responses!