Big Buckin' Longhorn Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 I've tried to do a search, but the words are too common and I just come up with a lot of miscellaneous stuff. It looks pretty good. My son and I have struggled with writing from day one. He doesn't write very well, and I don't grade and/or teach writing very well. It's a disaster! I wish I could afford to outsource writing, but I just can't, so I'm looking for something I can really do at home. Anyway . . . I'm open to suggestions. Anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtsmamtj Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Currently going through it with my daughter. My situation is almost identical to yours. So far it seems to be going well. I have started asking around to find someone to read my dd's paragraphs and then essays and give us feedback. HTH T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Put That in Writing didn't work too well without a LOT of modification for average writing DS, and it wasn't a fit at all for struggling writer DS. Here are several past threads on PTIW with a variety of reviews and experiences; the first thread has my more extensive review of PTIW. 9th grade writing: Jensen's Format Writing or Put That in Writing http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84933&highlight=put+writing Put That in Writing, Jensen's, IEW, Warriner's, or Writeshop for 9th? http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11672&highlight=put+writing Please help me sort through these writing programs http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11399&highlight=PTIW We went with Jump In for 8th grade (I know of 2 ladies on this board who used it with 9th graders this past year), which helped struggling writer DS think about what to say, how to organize his thoughts, and how to include supporting details/facts/examples. (Using the key word outline technique from IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) has also helped him a lot.) However, I see from your signature that your DS is 16yo, so he may find Jump In too young for him (it's geared for grades 5-8). Two other writing programs to consider, which are gentle, specific and step-by-step: - Mastering Composition (level 8+, and level 12) = http://www.tfths.com/samples.php#comp (also available at http://www.rainbowresource.com'>http://www.rainbowresource.com'>http://www.rainbowresource.com'>http://www.rainbowresource.com) - Stack the Deck writing program (Stack the Deck and Fan the Deck levels) = http://www.stackthedeck.com/ (see samples at http://www.rainbowresource.com) BEST of luck in finding what works for your struggling writer! Warmest regards, Lori D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julieofsardis Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Try your search for PTIW instead, you should come up with lots of info. We used this for 7th grade, but I think it could easily be used through 10th grade at least. We only got through 14 lessons. We went back and redid the same 14 lessons the second semester. Although at the time, the program was a godsend, I don't think I'd be inclined to use it again. It taught ME a lot about how to teach writing, but the actual writing assignments were not very well thought out. For instance, one lesson was about lawn maintenance. It was not easy to change the subject matter because of the helps that were given. My dd doesn't know a thing about lawn maintenance and so it was hard for her to complete the assignment. Another one was on describing the family car. Again, my dd doesn't know the first thing about engines and what-not. I finally had to change the assignments to better suit our needs. It would be a great self-education tool, but I'd find something else for the student. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grace is Sufficient Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 My son used it in 8th and 9th grade... We started it near the end of 8th grade, and got through just under half the book. We saw such improvement in his writing that we started over in 9th and redid all the lessons again, and went on to finish the curriculum. (I'm referring to PTIW 1, btw.) HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Buckin' Longhorn Posted July 14, 2009 Author Share Posted July 14, 2009 Thanks so much for the recommendations. I really needed them. Also thanks for the tips on searching for previous threads. I was going about it all wrong and not getting anywhere :lol:. I'm off to think! Uggghhh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIch elle Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 [quote name=Julieofsardis;1069289 We used this for 7th grade' date=' but I think it could easily be used through 10th grade at least. We only got through 14 lessons. We went back and redid the same 14 lessons the second semester. Although at the time, the program was a godsend, I don't think I'd be inclined to use it again. It taught ME a lot about how to teach writing, but the actual writing assignments were not very well thought out. For instance, one lesson was about lawn maintenance. It was not easy to change the subject matter because of the helps that were given. My dd doesn't know a thing about lawn maintenance and so it was hard for her to complete the assignment. Another one was on describing the family car. Again, my dd doesn't know the first thing about engines and what-not. I finally had to change the assignments to better suit our needs. It would be a great self-education tool, but I'd find something else for the student. :iagree: Same things happened with my then 7th grader! We did up to lesson 15 then dropped it and PROMPTLY sold it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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