Why can I not find a good writing program ?

[TracyR]

I just wish I could find an easy to use , inexpensive writing program that would take me step by step on how to teach the writing process. Writing is not my oldest's strong point and she just struggles with the whole process . I've read reviews on here and Homeschool reviews and can't seem to find what it is I'm looking for .
We use Calvert but I donot like how they teach writing at all . Its so scattered and it just doesn't work for her at all . It never has .
I've heard alot of good things about IEW . But its way out of our budget . Can anyone suggest anything that is affordable , easy to teach ? My daughter is in the 4th grade .

[hsmom]

I bought this book/workbook http://rainbowresource.com/product/Exciting+World+of+Creative+Writing/003764/1205801945-1949425, for my son who is going to be in the 5th grade next year. He is not that good at writing either. I just got done reading through this the other day and this book is awesome. Also it is a great price, so if it doesn't work you did not waste to much money.

[one l michele]

We love IEW. $159 may seem like a big initial investment, but the TWSS is all you really need to teach through high school and it's non consumable. Also watch for it on the for sale board. 2 months ago my 2nd grader hated writing, it's now one of his favorites and actually asks to do it. I wasn't planning on starting my middle (6) with writing until 2nd and he's technically a K'er this year, but he has begged to learn the IEW way and has been writing a paragraph a day.

[MIch elle]

in Amercian History (http://www.logosschool.com/materials/shop/item.asp?itemid=35) by Logos School? If you continue with Calvert 5 this would fit. If not try IEW Ancient History Based Writing Lessons or SWB new Writing with Ease (http://www.peacehillpress.com/).

[ConnieB]

Can you wait until May? Susan Wise Bauer has a new writing program coming out, but I think the release date is not until May? You can get details on peacehillpress.com

[TracyR]

Yes. I was just looking at this program and it looks wonderful ! I think this maybe just what we need. I could use this with both of my daughters at the same time .
I may get the book Joanna suggested to . See if it would be helpful ,,, if not for my daughter , hey for me .

[Elm in NJ]

At the moment, I have
IEW
Imitation in Writing
Writing Strands
Classical Aesop B(sold A, bought A ,sold A and bought B)
Classical Composition Fable
Just Write
Writing Skills
KS2 English Sat Busters
Paragraph writing series
and the list goes on, I kid you not. Just mention it and I either have it or have had it at one time or another.
So I have given up. I realise I cannot do it. It is not fair on me or the kids. My eldest is now doing Home2teach. The other 3 will do narrations, copywork and dictation until I outsource their writing also. I have accepted defeat. Writing seems to be the only subject that I can curriculum hop in an instant. So no more buying anymore curriculum. I was considering both Write shop and Jump in for this year to add to my list.

Elmeryl (who lacks confidence in teaching writing)

[Linda...inOwasso]

I highly recommend Imitations in Writing ($25 per book on the logos school website.) However, you can usually find it much cheaper used on the sale boards or ebay.

It is basically IEW without the price tag.

[Cadam]

I am going with Susan's book for my younger one, I just wish she had the next book out for my rising 6th grader. :svengo:

[Donna T.]

Have you looked at Understanding Writing? I am going to start this next year with my then first and fourth graders. It is a very thorough plan for teaching a complete writing course of study. I have done alot of research on it.

The table of contents is available for view at Rainbow Resource Center. If you look at that, you will realize how thorough it is. It starts with the very basics of how to construct a sentence and goes all the way through high school with lessons on essays, book reports, etc. It covers all the types of writing.

It is a Christian program. You wouldn't want to consider it if you are not open to that.

[pixelroper]

I know several families who love it, price is reasonable, and written to the student. I have a copy of Evaluating Writing (from Writing Strands author) that I refer to often. We use Classical Writing, it is a good fit for us and I'm a huge fan of Harvey's Grammar. I prefer Classical Writing because it combines grammar & spelling. I know some complain it hasn't any creative writing, I have found my dd just writes her own stories when she gets an idea (I was shocked the first time she presented one of her creations, carefully proofread).

[BizyPenguin]

I just wish I could find an easy to use , inexpensive writing program that would take me step by step on how to teach the writing process. Writing is not my oldest's strong point and she just struggles with the whole process . I've read reviews on here and Homeschool reviews and can't seem to find what it is I'm looking for .
We use Calvert but I donot like how they teach writing at all . Its so scattered and it just doesn't work for her at all . It never has .
I've heard alot of good things about IEW . But its way out of our budget . Can anyone suggest anything that is affordable , easy to teach ? My daughter is in the 4th grade .

I reviewed this on my blog quite thoroughly. Click "Curriculum Reviews" and scroll down to Bob Jones English. HTH!

[Christine]

At the moment, I have
IEW
Imitation in Writing
Writing Strands
Classical Aesop B(sold A, bought A ,sold A and bought B)
Classical Composition Fable
Just Write
Writing Skills
KS2 English Sat Busters
Paragraph writing series
and the list goes on, I kid you not. Just mention it and I either have it or have had it at one time or another.
So I have given up. I realise I cannot do it. It is not fair on me or the kids. My eldest is now doing Home2teach. The other 3 will do narrations, copywork and dictation until I outsource their writing also. I have accepted defeat. Writing seems to be the only subject that I can curriculum hop in an instant. So no more buying anymore curriculum. I was considering both Write shop and Jump in for this year to add to my list.

Elmeryl (who lacks confidence in teaching writing)

OH! Finally, I don't feel so bad!

I have local homeschoolers coming to me, so they can review products for free before deciding which to buy!

I am starting to feel more confident in my abilities though. . .so I'm pushing on, instead of outsourcing.

[Colleen in NS]

I just wish I could find an easy to use , inexpensive writing program that would take me step by step on how to teach the writing process. Writing is not my oldest's strong point and she just struggles with the whole process . I've read reviews on here and Homeschool reviews and can't seem to find what it is I'm looking for .
We use Calvert but I donot like how they teach writing at all . Its so scattered and it just doesn't work for her at all . It never has .
I've heard alot of good things about IEW . But its way out of our budget . Can anyone suggest anything that is affordable , easy to teach ? My daughter is in the 4th grade .

An excellent explanation of the writing process, from grades 1 to 12, is found on SWB's Writing Without Fear CD. This $5 CD did more for my understanding of the writing process than anything I've ever read. It and TWTM also led me to a few writing programs to choose from (IEW, R&S, or Writing Strands). I chose R&S because it IS cheap, contains grammar, and is thorough in both writing and grammar.

SWB's Writing With Ease book series is supposed to replace her previous writing recommendations, but so far, only the grammar stage book is due out soon (I have a 4th grader, too, and desperately wish the logic stage book was coming out, LOL!). But I have confidence in her previous writing program/method recommendations. They've worked wonderfully for us so far!

hth

[Pegasus]

I'd like to recommend EPS Writing Skills. This is what is finally working for us, after trying several different things. I've decided that writing is just something that you have to DO, every day, if possible, and wait until it starts to click.

Pegasus

[Julie in GA]

One reason this is hard to find, is that writing is so much more than just a process. A truly good writing program also has to enable a student to develop the foundation necessary for good writing. This would include vocabulary building, reading quality literature and imitating it, and applied grammar. This is why I absolutely love Classical Writing. At first, it may not seem like anything more than imitative writing, but as you go through it, you will find your dc really learning to write.

However, if you want something more streamlined, and less expensive, there some good resources from EPS. Have you checked their website? Here's a link to their writing stuff:

Educators Publishing Service (http://www.epsbooks.com/dynamic/catalog/subject.asp?subject=66S)

[kortney in AL]

Just today I purchased Writing Tales (after hearing some ladies mention it on this board). I'm getting this for my 5th grader. As of this year we have used: Imitations in Writing, Writing Trails, and most recently - Just Write. And that's just for one child! We were working together on one of the exercises today in Just Write and I thought I was going to start crying. He just can't come up with things like supporting information to go with the topic sentence. So . . . we're going to try again with something new!

[Tami in CA]

It uses concepts from IEW, but it is all completely laid out for you. You might want to look into it. They have levels for elementary, middle school and high school. I will try to link it here.
Blessings,
Tami

http://www.tfths.com/comp.php

[jfallon]

I recently recommended MY Access Home Edition in another thread (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15143). As I posted there as well, I do work for MY Access.

While it guides the student through the writing process and helps them with revision plans and feedback, it also provides tools for parents to help them teach writing. We also send a monthly newsletter via email and host a community site, both of which are designed for parents rather than students to help them teach writing and give them ideas and strategies to keep their children motivated as they learn.

You can read more here: http://www.vantagelearning.com/home/products/mahome/

[Beth in Central TX]

I highly recommend Imitations in Writing ($25 per book on the logos school website.) However, you can usually find it much cheaper used on the sale boards or ebay.

It is basically IEW without the price tag.

If I didn't like Classical Writing so much, then I would probably be using the Imitations in Writing program followed by Put That In Writing. I would recommend CW, but it really doesn't fit into any of your guidelines listed in the original post.

[mom2abcd]

Have you looked at Understanding Writing? I am going to start this next year with my then first and fourth graders. It is a very thorough plan for teaching a complete writing course of study. I have done alot of research on it.

The table of contents is available for view at Rainbow Resource Center. If you look at that, you will realize how thorough it is. It starts with the very basics of how to construct a sentence and goes all the way through high school with lessons on essays, book reports, etc. It covers all the types of writing.

It is a Christian program. You wouldn't want to consider it if you are not open to that.


Understanding Writing is what I was going to recommend. Everything is laid out in a daily format by level. No stress! Plus what a great *value*! It has levels for elementary through high school.