Halcyon Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 looking for online writing courses for a reasonably proficient rising 8th grade boy. I know of Write@home and time4teaching. Reviews? Others? Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twinkletoesmomma Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 We are loving attuneup.com 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted February 12, 2015 Author Share Posted February 12, 2015 thank you !!! haven't heard of that one, will definitely check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lostinabook Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 My rising 8th grader is going to be taking Young Writer's Workshop at The Harvey Center. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kathy_overman Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 We are enjoying WTM Writing with Skill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homefree3 Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 My 11yr 6th grader is enjoying WWS online also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted February 14, 2015 Author Share Posted February 14, 2015 can you tell me more about attuneup? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmos Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 You might also consider WriteGuide. It's like a personal tutor to work with your child. There are daily assignments and daily interaction with the tutor. You can make your own assignments or let the tutor create them. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted February 14, 2015 Author Share Posted February 14, 2015 You might also consider WriteGuide. It's like a personal tutor to work with your child. There are daily assignments and daily interaction with the tutor. You can make your own assignments or let the tutor create them. oMG. How is it that i have never heard of this? this looks PERFECT. thank you!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 I know that both G3 and Gifted Homeschoolers Online sometimes have writing courses. And there's Brave Writer. I have a feeling none of those will be what you're looking for though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted February 14, 2015 Author Share Posted February 14, 2015 we just signed up for a one month session of Write Guide. I will post back as to how it goes. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmos Posted February 14, 2015 Share Posted February 14, 2015 we just signed up for a one month session of Write Guide. I will post back as to how it goes. We did a month with them too, just to see what it was like. Someone on this board uses WriteGuide and has posted reviews before, which you could probably search for. I'm sure a lot depends on the particular tutor you end up with. Apparently some tutors are more academically focused than others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted February 14, 2015 Author Share Posted February 14, 2015 Great. I will see what the month is like--i like that it allows us some flexibility in general. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie of KY Posted February 15, 2015 Share Posted February 15, 2015 We are enjoying Brave Writer classes. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valley Girl Posted February 15, 2015 Share Posted February 15, 2015 we just signed up for a one month session of Write Guide. I will post back as to how it goes. Please do! I'm looking at outsourcing some classes next year, and this one sounds wonderful. (My DS isn't ready for the rigor of the writing class his enrichment program offers. An individual program would be ideal.) I'd really appreciate hearing your take on WriteGuide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted February 15, 2015 Author Share Posted February 15, 2015 I know that both G3 and Gifted Homeschoolers Online sometimes have writing courses. And there's Brave Writer. I have a feeling none of those will be what you're looking for though. Havent seen Gifted HOmeschoolers before. thanks! i have looked at the otehr two and neither are quite what i am looking for. Surprise surprise ;) Bravewriter is too touchy-feely for my systematic ds12, although i have the main book and have read it a lot. DS wants an online group class, but not sure how effective that will be for writing, although it might be good for him to see how other kids write, how they approach projects etc. --which is why we will likely try attuneup (which is Christian, I know, but hopefully a dealable amount--I am Christian, but we prefer secular materials). Writeguide starts on Tuesday, so will post back on our thoughts. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pen Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 I looked at the Writeguide site, and it reminds be of Bravewriter online, but with a lot more feedback from the teacher in the sample they show. I am interested in knowing if the samples they show are an accurate representation of how much input the teacher is giving. I guess BW allowed multiple submissions from a student on one day, and perhaps a help of a whole group to see work of others and maybe to be inspiring, but at least from the samples I was impressed by how very much the Writeguide teachers had written to the students. If that seems accurate, I may have ds try it too later in the year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted February 18, 2015 Author Share Posted February 18, 2015 okay we're signed up for writeguide and attuneup. we'll see how they go! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pen Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Okay, so, you've been (ah, I mean ds has been doing it) for 2 days, I am craving a report! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted February 20, 2015 Author Share Posted February 20, 2015 So far it's going well. I mean, there has only been 2 communications between teacher and DS. DS is working on a report on Guantanamo Bay, and the teacher gave him some ideas and DS followed them and then sent back a revision. We haven't heard back from the teacher yet, although normaly we do by 11 am. My only concern is that it will be slow going, given all the back and forth. We'll see. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happycc Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 How is Attuneup going? We are in it with you guys if you are doing Essay Practitioner. We are reading History of Medicine and the kids are writing essays using that text. I have been very happy with Attuneup. Been using it for two years now. Next year I am not sure what to do for the fall. I have one child not ready to do Time Capsule again and the other two are beyond Time Capsule. I am thinking of Excellence in Literature Intro to Lit and having Amy Tanaka grade the papers. I will check out Writeguide now. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drum1019 Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 We are also enjoying Attuneup. Amy's feedback is excellent and I like that she sends a ruberic with the papers. My DD is enjoying the readings and she is writing, writing and writing. Final papers are due this week! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pen Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Halcyon, Any new updates? How is the quality of the feedback he is getting? And does the sample showing how a writing project on Writeguide might go fit what is actually happening? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pen Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 We are also enjoying Attuneup. Amy's feedback is excellent and I like that she sends a ruberic with the papers. My DD is enjoying the readings and she is writing, writing and writing. Final papers are due this week! If Attuneup allows it and if your daughter is willing, could you give some examples of writing and feedback received? I'd really like to see some of both that and Writeguide to be able to compare with what we got from Bravewriter! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted March 1, 2015 Author Share Posted March 1, 2015 So far, writeguide is not a fit for my son. It's only been a week, however, so take what i say with a grain of salt. The feedback has not been specific enough for my son, just things like "reorder your sentences" and "bring in more detail". My son n eeds a bit more instruction than that. We start AttuneUp this week and I am hoping it wil be better for him. In addition, the frequency with which we receive feedback is off--he sends something and then doesn't hear back for a couple of days--it's annoying and slow and he has barely completed one paragraph in a week via this method. We will not be continuing after this month. Will update on AttuneUp after the next week or two. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwik Posted March 3, 2015 Share Posted March 3, 2015 Please do. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pen Posted March 3, 2015 Share Posted March 3, 2015 So far, writeguide is not a fit for my son. It's only been a week, however, so take what i say with a grain of salt. The feedback has not been specific enough for my son, just things like "reorder your sentences" and "bring in more detail". My son n eeds a bit more instruction than that. We start AttuneUp this week and I am hoping it wil be better for him. In addition, the frequency with which we receive feedback is off--he sends something and then doesn't hear back for a couple of days--it's annoying and slow and he has barely completed one paragraph in a week via this method. We will not be continuing after this month. Will update on AttuneUp after the next week or two. I thought the program promised one daily (or at least Mon -Fri daily) response. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted March 3, 2015 Author Share Posted March 3, 2015 Okay we started attuneup yesterday, so i will give feedback so far and then in a week or so. So far the approach is a much better fit for my son--i really like it (granted it's only been a couple of days, but I can tell already that the format will be better for my son). He has to write an outline today--so that was a good exercise for him and he learned a lot. I really like the countdown clock at the top of the dashboard telling you how much time you have left to do an assignment--this is important for my son as he tends to "forget" to do things and this is a great reminder. Also, there is a nice bit of cameraderie between the students--also important for my son. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blessed3x Posted March 3, 2015 Share Posted March 3, 2015 We are enjoying Brave Writer classes. We are getting ready to start our second class with Brave Writer next week. :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dad4two Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 Okay we started attuneup yesterday, so i will give feedback so far and then in a week or so. So far the approach is a much better fit for my son--i really like it (granted it's only been a couple of days, but I can tell already that the format will be better for my son). He has to write an outline today--so that was a good exercise for him and he learned a lot. I really like the countdown clock at the top of the dashboard telling you how much time you have left to do an assignment--this is important for my son as he tends to "forget" to do things and this is a great reminder. Also, there is a nice bit of cameraderie between the students--also important for my son. Hello How is it going with attuneup, I am looking for online option for 7th and 4th graders. Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted March 12, 2015 Author Share Posted March 12, 2015 so far he is loving it. I mean, loving it. After the live class I asked how it went, and he said "I had a GREAT time." :huh: 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dereksurfs Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 so far he is loving it. I mean, loving it. After the live class I asked how it went, and he said "I had a GREAT time." :huh: Wait, what??? I thought you said somewhere that writing was not really his thing? So what gives, Halcyon? Seriously, is she really that good a teacher or..? :bigear: :bigear: I am asking specifically because I just can't imagine ds13 saying he loves *any* writing class. :001_unsure: :sleep: 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted March 12, 2015 Author Share Posted March 12, 2015 Wait, what??? I thought you said somewhere that writing was not really his thing? So what gives, Halcyon? Seriously, is she really that good a teacher or..? :bigear: :bigear: I am asking specifically because I just can't imagine ds13 saying he loves *any* writing class. :001_unsure: :sleep: Yep, writing is not his thing. He doesn't HATE it, but would never choose to do it, and tends to rush through every assignment using the absolute least possible number of words possible. What he likes: 1) the teacher is kind but supportive 2) the live class is fun, interactive and enjoyable 3) the assignments are piecemeal and doable, with clear expectations and explicit directions, with great feedback from the teacher each step of the way. 4) my son works well with clear, step-wise directions. Rather than "write an essay comparing your dog to your cat" for example (not one of the assignments!!) he does better with instructions that explicitly require him to write a clear outline, which is then critiqued, then three body paragrapsh, each of which is then critiqued and improved, etc. "Chunks" of work at a time -- he doesn't do well with an amorphous assignment (which a natural writer would be fine with, but for a child like him doesn't work). He is learning HOW to approach a seemingly broad topic (for example, write about 3 major medical inventions) in a doable manner--she breaks it down. This was obviously the component I was missing in my teaching him; writing comes naturally to me so I didn't "get" that he needed more explicit instruction, and truthfully, I didn't "get" that I was intuitively making an outline in my head when I wrote, and that he doesn't do that naturally. So there ya go. :) 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 is it secular? 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted March 12, 2015 Author Share Posted March 12, 2015 No it is not, but it is not overly religious, There is a prayer at the beginning, and discussion of God in terms of certain topics, but nothing my son has felt was overt or pushy or invasive. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dereksurfs Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Thanks, Halcyon. It sounds like something which definitely helps many reluctant writers. The external feedback is something which I also like the sound of very much. So far that has been my wife's role exclusively. I think it would be good to get some of that from an outside party to validate many of the things which she has been doing. But as you've mentioned in another thread it may be too light for a 9th grader after completing WWS I & II. He has learned a lot with WWS. That said, I'm wondering if she can somewhat tailor the course to the individual student's strengths/weaknesses? Maybe demanding a bit more from a more advanced student? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happycc Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Ok...we have been with Amy Tanaka of Attuneup for about two years and right now we are doing Essay Practitioner. Example of my daughters writing 5 paragraph essay (first two paragraph) She is 13yrs old, 7th grade: * means Amy's feedback What exactly is a doctor? Can he cure you from any illness? How do you become a physician. A physician can help many people. Physicians are people who have completed at least eight years of college and medical school and live their lives to help others get well again. At the end of this essay, you will know what a doctor is, how they help people, and how they became a doctor. A doctor is someone who has devoted their life to assisting others. Most doctors help their patient in a hospital, a large building specifically built to house people who need medical attention, and full of supplies needed to aid the patients. A hospital ows medicine, plenty of beds and an abundance of physicians specialized in different fields. However,those who are very frail and sick can get a visit from a doctor at their home. Physicians can prescribe medicine and perform procedures. They try their best, but sometimes there is not a lot they can do. Although doctors are able to save many*, they cannot save everyone from terrible diseases or injuries. In conclusion, physicians devote their lives to helping others. * Amy's Tanaka response: *many what ? needs clarification *Great Key 15 pts -A 100% 10 pts -B 90% 5 pts-C 80% O pts-D 70% Explanation +1 =no issues 0=1 issue -1=2+ issues Phase 7 Definition Essay/ Final Draft Content +1 cleary answers questions (essay, paragraph, sub-questions) +1 strong, clear thesis +1 relevant, quality information and insights +1 smooth and logical development +1 Effection introduction and conclusion paragraphs Style +1 precise, vivid, and natural sounding vocabulary +1 varied sentence syntax +1 smooth transitions and flow +1 engaging and professional writing voice 0 clear writing Mechanics (Missing Title :(..please remember!) -1 applied comments on rough draft +1 correct grammar +1 correct punctuality, spelling, and capitalization +1 correct formatting +1 follows outline total points 12 final grade A 94% Do you want me to type up more of my daughter's essay? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happycc Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Another essay from the other twin: * means comments from Amy. The Amazing Human Nervous System The nervous system is an amazing system in our body. Without it, we could not move or live. It includes many parts such as our brain. Our nervous system also includes the spinal cord. The main elements of the human body system are the central and peripheral nervous systems. By the end of this essay, you will know more about the human nervous system. ..................skipping to the conclusion paragraph as it is a five page essay The peripheral and central nervous system help with movement, tasting and feeling. Your brain, which is included in the central nervous system, can receive and send information to the different parts of the body. Neurons are the cells that actually run the messages back and forth in the body. The nervous system is a miraculous component in the human body. *(Good) Neurons and nerves are essential for life (and are amazing in how thy work)*a bit awkward. Although lifting your arm to throw something may seem easy, it really is a complex process that happens inside your nervous system. The elements of the human nervous system are the peripheral and central nervous systems which include more than one billion neurons. I believe the kids are given one or two days to write this essay. Correct if I am wrong for those of you also taking the course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happycc Posted March 18, 2015 Share Posted March 18, 2015 Dereksurfs: I recommend you contact Amy and tell her exactly what you want. She takes suggestions seriously. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happycc Posted March 20, 2015 Share Posted March 20, 2015 How is Attuneup going? My girls have been writing, writing, writing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted March 26, 2015 Author Share Posted March 26, 2015 He is LOVING it. I am really surprised. He is doing better than I expected--still learning that he needs to keep track of deadlines etc but he really enjoys the class, and the assignments have inspired some really interesting conversations! We are definitely going to continue. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dereksurfs Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 He is LOVING it. I am really surprised. He is doing better than I expected--still learning that he needs to keep track of deadlines etc but he really enjoys the class, and the assignments have inspired some really interesting conversations! We are definitely going to continue. Halcyon, that's really great to hear! I wasn't sure if this was just a 'honeymoon phase' at first before things got more demanding. It sounds like you've found a good fit for him. I bet you are glad you tried a variety of programs now. Learning to work with deadlines, quizzes, tests and other academic expectations from an outside teacher has been great for ds13 at WHA this year. He really rose to the occasion, though not without struggle and stretching. I've been telling him that kids in High School have to normally juggle six classes concurrently with six different teachers and associated assignments. Next year for 9th grade we will be outsourcing 3-4 courses. So it will give him a new opportunities to learn to juggle more outside classes while working on his time management skills. Kids are sometimes more adaptable than we might expect. Change is just such a normal part of their life that I think they take it more in stride than adults sometimes do. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happycc Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 My twins are liking it and says it is a lot of work but they have been in her classes for two years now. They like the discussions too. It would be great if the kids could get each others emails or skype info and stay in contact with each other somehow. It was fun last year the kids got to a picture of themselves and their interests. That was fun! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted March 27, 2015 Author Share Posted March 27, 2015 Derek-that's it absolutely. We have been emphasizing how in high school he will have multiple classes with multiple deadlines and a higher work load. We still haven't figured out the best way to help him remember all his deadlines. We have tried iTouch apps, a day calendar, google calendar and he just doesn't check or use them. Today I am going to Office Depot to get a GIANT wall calendar that we will put in a prominent place in the living room. Each Sunday evening, I am going to have him write this weeks' deadlines and assignments on it in bright marker, a different color for each class. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know. I may start a new thread! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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