We use rod and staff english, and I haven't used CLE. I actually let my boys use the textbook AS a workbook (!) as often as possible, if we aren't doing it orally. They aren't that expensive.....(can be if you have lots of kids I guess) Most things they can underline or circle the answer the exercise is looking for, if they have to write a sentence or diagram I have them do that on paper. This cuts down on the overwhelmed feeling they could get, it feels so much more doable when you just have to indicate somehow you know the answer. I understand the struggle getting them to write. My kids don't work independently, but I would guess it would work if you kept them accountable. Maybe you could start each time with the 5 review questions from the teachers guide that start each lesson so you could gauge their retention/understanding.