Rod & Staff's writing instruction

[Donna T.]

Can anyone tell me what you think of R&S's writing instruction? My son is in third grade. I am finding that using R&S English along with copywork and dictation is plenty for him at this time. I had thought we would use Classical Writing starting next year, but now I'm not so sure. He is doing very well with R&S. It seems like most everyone here who uses R&S for grammar uses something else for writing. I haven't seen any levels of R&S beyond Grade 4. Do the upper levels provide a complete writing program or do I really need to use something else?

Does R&S teach outlining?

Any info. would be appreciated! I really like R&S and it seems complete to me, but I haven't seen those upper levels.

[Kinsa]

We are up to level 6 in R&S and I find that it is enough, especially for my boys. Yes, it teaches outlining. For us, I really don't see a need to supplement.

[Carol in Cal.]

The poetry part is pretty bad--I would skip those if I were you, and read poetry to him that week or something like that.

I think that one of the reasons why so many people use other writing programs is that they use Rod and Staff behind grade level, so the writing is too easy to be complete for their children. I am one of those--DD is in 6th grade, and doing RS 5. I assign most of the RS writing lessons to her, but we also use Writing Strands, do subject area writing, creative writing, and a little Writer's Jungle and Writeshop.

[Rhondabee]

http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?p=66572#post66572

We did R&S 3 and 6 last year, and are doing 4th and 7th this year.

hth,
Rhonda

[Donna T.]

Thanks! That is all very helpful. I was able to find some sample pages of the upper level courses. I think I'll add in some Writer's Jungle when my son is older and stick with R&S rather than adding something like Classical Writing. Seems like the WJ free writes would be a nice addition.