Writing program for an adult?

[JeanM]

My kids are still young (ages 8 and 6), but I'm worried about my own writing skills (or lack thereof). I would really like to be more confident in instructing and correcting their writing. I also would like to improve my own writing for possible professional reasons. I'm embarrassed to say that even though I have a Ph.D. in my field, I have learned at least a few things from going through "Growing with Grammar" with my 8 yo. Very sad! :(

 

I figure I'd better start now so I can get a head start.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks,

Jean

[Kendall]

These books have been helpful to me. I think if I actually did some writing while reading through them, my writing would improve! As it is they are helping me to learn more about the process and do a better job of helping my children.

 

Writing to the Point by Kerrigan

The Lively Art of Writing by Payne

Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student by Corbett

Lost Tools of Writing

Classical Writing series and message boards

 

Lost Tools of Writing(I don't have the newest edition) explained some of the things(especially invention) from Classical Rhetoric in a incremental easier-to-apply way.

 

The first two books gave me a quick big picture view of writing an essay, but I keep coming back to needing the invention skills explained in LTOW. Classical Rhetoric also gave a big picture view but not quickly.

 

I wish I had done what you are doing-starting self education before it is needed!

 

HTH,

Kendall

[Beth in TN]

I purchased Teaching Writing, Style & Structure to help me teach my dd and found that it helped me tremendously in my own writing. Since you are starting when your dc are young you will probably find great success using the program.

[Jan P.]

I like the New Oxford Guide to Writing.

 

http://tinyurl.com/2rtdw4

 

You can see a sample at the link above.

 

HTH,

[Quiver0f10]

I am actually considering enrolling in a few writing courses in order to teach me how to write better and therefore teach my children.

[JeanM]

Sorry, I'm still figuring out this new board format. I'm not sure how best to reply to individual messages.

 

Thanks for the all of the great suggestions!

 

Now I have to decide which to choose. Money is an issue, although maybe once if we get a big tax refund we could afford some of the more expensive programs. I also really like the idea of investing in a program that my children will eventually use.

 

Kendall, I'm looking at the books you recommended. The "Lost Tools of Writing" sounds like a great program. Do you need the whole program or can you just buy the teacher's guide and get most of the benefit?

 

Jan P., I didn't see a an actual sample of the book at the Amazon site. Did I miss it somehow?

 

Quiver0f10, which writing courses are you considering? Maybe I can sign up too!

 

Thanks everyone!

Jean

[jfallon]

I've recomended MY Access Home Edition (for whom I work) in other threads for teaching children to write. We also have writing instruction programs for adults learners as well including MY Access College Edition and MY Access Professional Edition. We also have writing enhancement software called CorrectEnglish that is more of an everyday writing tool that guides and instructs you as you are righting versus providing actual courses as MY Access does.

 

You can read more about them here: http://www.vantagelearning.com/home/ and here: www.correctenglish.com, or contact me directly with any questions you may have. jfallon@vantage.com

[schmittgirlz]

IEW is a great resource for both parent and child. In addition to Teaching Writing with Structure and Style, the student workshops and continuation courses are invaluable for all parties. If you need to review correct grammar usage, Put That in Writing: Mastering the Paragraph effectively combines grammar and writing instruction.

 

HTH!

 

Clare