Those of you who use Writing Strands...

[momof2boys]

I was wondering what you use in addition to Writing Strands, if anything?
What do you use for Grammar instruction? do you add any other writing programs to the WS, and if so what?
Thanks,
gloria

[kewb]

We use Growing With Grammar with Writing Strands.

[brendafromtenn]

At the last minute, I decided to use Writing Stands this year with my kids. (Have used IEW and TOG writing assignments and WTM narrations in the past.)

5th grader(boy) is using Writing Strands 3 with Rod and Staff Grammar. (Yes, we are doing the writing portions in this book. But not on the same days that we have a writing strands assignment.:001_smile:) Periodically, I have him write a history narration too, as described in the WTM, but presently we are working on outlining, as we are working through SOTW4 with him this year.

9th grader(girl) is using Writing Strands 5 and we are seeing incredible progress from her. (Reluctant writer...)I am also asking her to do history papers periodically. This week she is writing on a Civil War figure of her choosing. She will be writing on Clara Barton. She is also doing Analytical Grammar. We are about to finish the book. We started this last year. And we will do the review book, when done.

In between our lit books study using TOG, I am sticking in some Christian Light "light units". (IE: Light unit followed by Red Badge of Courage and Huck Finn= 1 quarter of work. ) The "light units" also include Creative writing. So, she is getting writing from Writing Strands, Light units, and some history writing. I just try to alternate assignments so that things do not get BORING, and so that she is writing something EVERY WEEK.

11th grader(boy) is going to use Writing Expostion of Writing Strands. He is preparing for a Dual Enrollment Writing Comp class next year. He is also finishing Analytical Grammar and doing Light Unit creative writing. He has written TOG essays for years. So, he is much more comfortable in his writing abilities, but still has some work to do to get ready for this class. (Mainly needs to write quicker....) We started Jensen's Format writing with him this past August, but I really think he wants to work on more STYLE this year, instead of FORMAT. So we are switching to Writing Exposition....

Got to get off the computer.....

Hope that helps!

Brenda:001_smile:

[rwjx2khsmj]

My dd (13) and dd (10) are using Writing Strands. For grammar we use R&S and for spelling we use Spelling Power. They are also doing some outlining and writing for history and for science. I feel like the Writing Strands is a great counter point for the R&S. It focuses on a style and technique for writing while R&S makes sure they have to tools to use.

[momof2boys]

Thanks for the replies.
Gloria

[mcconnellboys]

We use Abeka for grammar and do some of their writing exercises, though not all. We also occasionally have writing work associated with other workbooks. For instance right now, we're using a Literary Genres workbook and my son is doing some writing in association with that, as well as with an outlining workbook.