Thank you for sharing your 5/6th grade plans, spinoff from that, help needed

[paulcindy]

I am copying and pasting my response from that thread in case it gets lost:)

Thank you for your willingness to share:):)

Yes, I am really stuck on this whole LA thing. I am scared to try CW Aesop. Not sure I have what it takes. I cannot afford IEW. Writing Strands although looks good, it is not what I am really looking for. MC looks really good and I am leaning towards that. WT2, I had and sold. UGGGHHH. Not sure about doing that again since there is no WT3. And again, might be afraid to jump into CW Homer.

I *like* the idea of MC(as it is close to IEW and I really liked IEW when my kids did a shirt co-op with it 2 years ago). I see that some people are using just the SWI levels of IEW, is that an option, or do I really need to buy the whole entire set of IEW? Or, can you just use there writing programs, Like IEW Lessons in History(I think that is what they are called)

WWE, ends and wish SWB had the 5-8 available in a year. If I knew for *sure* she would have WWE 5-8 ready by September 2010, I would use WWE.

So, {{{{{{{{{{{{{SIGH}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I know this much for sure anyways

TT Math Grade 6 with LOF Fractions
History Odyssey Level 2 Ancients(History, Literature)
CKE Earth and Space(Science)
Lively Latin Book 1


Stuck on Logic, and a LA program. I do not need a spelling program as she is an excellent speller, and will just do a word list per week. And I *think* Lively Latin will cover Vocabulary.

So, open to help???????????????????????????????????????????

I am a terrible decision maker!!

[mcconnellboys]

For logic, we used Mind Benders this year and some other logic puzzles. Ds just got hooked on Sudoku this weekend, too. Next year, I plan on doing informal logic using Thinking Toolbox and Fallacy Detective (one each semester).

[paulcindy]

Thanks Regina!!:001_smile:

[Sue in St Pete]

Okay, I'm probably no help to you, but this is what we've done:
Analytical Grammar - see review in this thread (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63660&highlight=analytical+grammar)
Write Shop - see review in this thread (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69938&highlight=write+shop)
Dandylion Logic Liftoff series, Mind Benders, Perplexors, Venn Perplexors, Grid Perplexors

The video aspect of IEW turned me off. I was too intimidated by CW to try it. Write Shop and Analytical Grammar are a nice combination because they both can be used for 6th-7th-8th. There is plenty of additional writing in HO.

[paulcindy]

Thank you Sue................Just one more thing to look at LOL........

:001_smile::001_smile::001_smile:

There are SO many people using CW, I figure it can't be that horrible if so many people like it and use it? But I am a person who needs hand holding. Which is why I liked WWE. SWB has everything scripted for you. LOL...

I only wish she would have her next one out in 2010. :tongue_smilie:

[TexasRachel]

We've been using IEW History Writing (whatever it's called) this year. So far, I like it. DD not so much, but that's on par for writing for her. We're switching to Rod & Staff for 6 b/c there's too much overlap in different courses in grammar and we need to streamline. We may keep up IEW History, but on a really slow speed.

DD didn't like WT or WS. I prefered WT. :shrugs:

I have DD using Perplexors b/c she's gone through all the Mind Benders B. We have Building Thinking Skills 1 that she's finishing up. (Leftover from a few years ago.) I may get another level for her because they seem to do a good job and have a wide course of different logic.

I'm really waiting for WTM3ed to come out in May till I buy more stuff for next year. What we have now should work until then.

[Shasta Mom]

We are using the Medieval History-based writing lessons (IEW) and I never looked at or bought the lectures. I feel that it's completely understandable, and was quite economical.....

[LaurieinCA]

Regarding IEW... we are using IEW SWI B and I think it is enough, especially if you are a fairly strong writer and feel confident that you can do a good critique of your child's writing ... I know that I would not make the time to watch all the TWSS videos. We are enjoying SWI B, and may even spring for the continuation course, if we can find a good deal on it.

[Kim in SouthGa]

For Logic, we are using Perplexors and the Dandylion Logic series...my 4th/5th dd has been doing Perplexors twice a week and Logic Countdown once a week all this year. Next year she will continue but do each book twice a week. When she finishes the Dandylion series (should be end of 6th), she'll do Fallacy Detective and Thinking Toolbox, then onto Art of Arguement, then Introduction to Logic. This is the route my oldest (7th) is on ...he is finished with the Dandylion, and is doing Perplexors twice a week and Fallacy Detective twice a week. He will finish Fallacy and Thinking Toolbox this summer and start Art of Arguement in the fall for 8th, then Intro. to Logic in the 9th grade.

I think it is really difficult to recommend a writing program. So much depends on the child. For instance, my oldest (12ds) has always struggled with writing. He can't figure out what to put on the page. He will read an entry from a history or science book and think he needs to include every detail and become overwhelmed. I have decided to bite the bullet and get IEW for him next year in hopes that the key word outlines will help with this. He also tends to make his writing somewhat boring, so the dressups should help too. My almost 10dd has never had writing problems. She loves it! She is currently writing a book in her spare time. I used FLL 3 with her then went into the BJU English series. Unless I see similar problems with her as she gets into more informational type writing, I will let her continue with BJU because she really likes it. My youngest (8ds) is still allergic to his pencil, so it is too soon to tell, but I imaginine he will follow in his brother's footsteps. He is going to use BJU English for 4th and possible 5th, then start Junior Analytical Grammar and IEW, followed by Analytical Grammar and IEW.
I am going to invest in a grading service for my oldest this year for at least a few of his papers, just to give me peace of mind.
Although Lively Latin covers a lot of vocab., I would also suggest Wordly Wise. It is cheap and painless and will help with test scores.:)

[JudoMom]

Have you looked at Imitations in Writing? We're doing this and then jumping into CW Homer (sometime in 2010). I really like CW and own Aesop. My ds9 did the first several lessons and enjoyed it until I had to drop it well over a year ago due to time constraints.

[Kim in SouthGa]

Oh, yes, I love Imitations in Writing! That would be great if you don't want to invest in IEW yet. I think I'll add that in for my dd as well! I forgot I even had it!