Writing Tales Versus Classical Writing

[GretaLynne]

I'm thinking of using one of these two programs with my dd next year for 3rd grade. The programs seem similar, so I'm having a hard time figuring out what the differences are, and the advantages and disadvantages of one versus the other.

Thanks for any help.

Edited to add: I forgot to ask about Imitation in Writing -- more confusion!!!!

[Melissa in CA]

Writing Tales is very pick-up-and-go. I researched both it and CW and liked it better for that very reason. I don't want to have to study up on a program before being able to teach it. With Writing Tales you open and go...very simple.

I have Imitation in Writing; Aesops Fables. I don't know what other books they now have and what ages they are for, but I would never use this one with a 3rd grader. Plus it doesn't include any type of grammar...just some vocab. I would chose WT first, CW second and IIW last. ;)

[GretaLynne]

Thank you, this is very helpful. I love pick-up-and-go! :D

[KIN]

I'm planning on WT 1, WT 2 and then WT 3 (if it's out) and moving to CW after that. WT looks really open and go with some fun exercises.

[OhElizabeth]

I think it's helpful if a dc starting WT/CW can already comfortably write their own narration, something WTM lists as a 2nd grade skill but which comes for different dc at different ages. The Imitations in Writing books can be helpful at that stage as a way to get them more comfortable with basic retellings, but after that I'd put them into CW/WT, as it is more sophisticated and includes more.

As far as CW vs. WT, WT is just plain more fun, but both are fine. WT is going to include games, activities, songs for some of the memorization, and is literally FUN. CW is fine content-wise, have used it too. It tends to come across a little more heavy and overwhelm people, which WT doesn't. WT includes enough grammar that you wouldn't HAVE to do more on top of it but not so much as to preclude doing more, kwim? We're doing SG with it, but FLL3, GWG, or any basic program would be plenty do-able on top of WT. WT will also have you doing some really basic lit analysis with the stories (plot, characters, climax, etc.), which fits with some of the goals you stated.

I really think you can't go wrong with WT.

[TracyR]

I haven't looked into the Creative Writing . But I just ordered Writing Tales and it looks exactly like what we need here . It has activities , games , and everything is just put together .

[Linda...inOwasso]

We're going to use Imitation in Writing Aesop's Fables first semester and Fairy Tales second semester. We don't need the extra grammar because our grammar program is very thorough. I bought WT and then sold it because after reviewing the book... I thought it would bore me to tears. You can make Imitation in Writing as difficult as you need --- add in a few IEW dress-up requirements as you go along, etc.... I think it's an excellent choice.

[GretaLynne]

Writing Tales is sounding wonderful! My dd is more into science and math, so a writing program that is fun is definitely going to be better for catching her interest. Thank you all very much for your help! I'm sold on WT. :001_smile:

[tuckabella]

This is also a help to me. I think I need to look into Writing Tales...Thanks!