What writing program does this?

[Cadam]

I need something very basic, maybe even just a guide for me. I want ds to learn basic report writing, the pursuasive essay, compare and contrast essay exc. I know I am not remembering all of the kinds of things he needs to learn and much of this can wait since he is only 10 yo but I would like a path to follow.

We washed out of WS and CW. Mostly I think it was due to him having to write fiction. He doesn't want to read fiction very much and he sure doesn't want to be "creative" but I know there are basic types of reports and essays he needs to know how to construct. Working up to a basic 5 paragraph essay in the next year is probably fine, but after that we will need more to prepare him for High School and University studies.

[Kim in Appalachia]

using it, you know you're covering the basics.

If you just want a guide, Writers INC is nice. It gives you all the types of writing, and samples. You have to plan when to teach/assign them.

I've also used IEW. Using their theme-based material makes it easy to use them. IEW handles creative writing is more "non-creative" way.

HTH

[Stacy in NJ]

Here's a link to Builder Books http://www.bbhomeschoolcatalog.com/grammar.html . Scroll about half way down and look for Writing Step by Step by Mary Lou Ward. This is a format writing program using simple boxes to construct first paragraphs then papers. It's written to the parent so instruction is required. I think this is a great program for reluctant, stuggling to put words on paper, kind of kids. It tells them exactly how to organize for pre-writing, then gives very specific instruction for constructing a paragraph, and eventually a paper. I would caution that the simple writing style they encourage is, well, simple, but for an inexperienced writer sometimes a straight forward format is best initially to build confidence.

After this I think you could transfer into Jensen's Format Writing in 7 or 8th grade. Jensen's also teaches straight forward expository writing (not creative).

Writing Step by Step is a 65 page book and costs $10.95.

[HiddenJewel]

Perhaps look at Jump In from Apologia.