Writing programs for 5th grader who doesn't like writing?

[Michelle T]

I'm going to be looking for a new writing program to start in January, and would love to get some ideas to begin researching. I'm looking for:

a writing program for a boy on roughly 5th grade level, who is NOT good at writing.

NOT IEW - already bought and sold this one

Secular, preferably

Prefer something laid out and easy to teach - I'm not good at coming up with stuff on my own.

Suggestions?
Michelle T

[jensway]

You might want to look at Jump In.
http://www.pennywiselearning.com/Apologia-Jump-In-Set.html

[Shannon831]

I started my completely writing resistant dd out with Writing Tales 2 last year (second semester of 5th grade). I am so, SO pleased with her writing right now. We're about 2/3 through the program and I am seeing some great work come from her. At first, I wasn't sure if we were going to get anywhere with it, but she's really taking off now. I wouldn't say she loves writing, but she is taking pride in her work and that is really coming through in her attitude.

That said, I have no idea where we're going from here. Sigh.

[angela&4boys]

Have you considered Writing Strands? My writing-phobic 11yo ds started Level 3 this year. He is doing well with it and enjoys the author's humor. (I know some parents/children don't appreciate it.) I like the detailed examples, no-fluff, and small-steps approach.

I don't know if you own or have access to The WTM, but their recommendation for using it was convincing enough for us to give it a try... thorough, instruction thru the highschool level, user-friendly, and economical. They also mention the fact that some children just don't jive (paraphrasing of course;)) with IEW and the approach with WS is often a good alternative.

[periwinkle]

It is secular, easy to teach, and targeted at reluctant or struggling writers.

Writing Skills (http://www.epsbooks.com/dynamic/catalog/book.asp?subject=66S&subjectdesc=Process+%26+Skills&series=2561M&seriesdesc=Writing+Skills+2nd+Edition&seriesParent=2561M&seriesparentdescription=&altIsbn=2565&altIsbndesc=Writing+Skills+Book+1)

[Jen3boys]

My boys are enjoying Wordsmith Apprentice. They're still in the first third of the book, so I don't know yet how much it will actually improve their writing skills, but they do ask to do it every day. It's inspired them to make their own family newsletter on the computer. They appreciate the humor, and I don't have to spend any planning time with the book before hand. :)

[Shari]

Have you seen this thread? The poster got a lot of good replies:

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65183

I followed TWTM suggestions for Writing Strands, and we are having success for the first time ever. I started with WE Book 3 for a 5th grade reluctant and 3rd average writers.

[Sheila in OK]

Another vote for Writing Tales. I'm using Level Two with my 5th grader and she's really doing well with it.

[mcconnellboys]

I will be starting WordSmith Apprentice shortly with my fifth grader, too. (I've been doing some other miscellaneous things with him first, such as outlining practice, summarizing practice, etc.) I also have the Writing Strands 3 book which I may start in if he finishes WS App. before the end of the year.

[ga girl]

My ds is in 5th grade and really struggles with writing - the physical act, as well as the mental act. Writing Tales 2 has been wonderful! I don't know what we'll do next year as there is no WT3!

Connie

[training5]

Jump In is what we are going to try here. We DETESTED Writing Strands. Boring, hard to see the point of what we were doing. Big loser for us.