Writing input

[BakersDozen]

OK, I figure I should have posted this before I bought a writing program however since I've only bought one program (so far) I figure if I find something else that may work better it's OK.

 

My older 3dc are amazing writers. (I would say that even if they weren't my dc. ;)) I have not used a formal writing program with them since they were in 3rd grade and I took them through the Paragraph Book series. I invested an enormous amount of $ on a set from IEW that we used for about 4 weeks until my dc begged me to do something else. So from there I just came up with my own writing assignments: take a simple child's storybook and rewrite it, write a poem about the painting above our fireplace (those turned out so well I thought about sending their work in to a local contest). They can outline very well, do key word outlines, rewrite work, summarize, etc. So I don't have struggling writers. I would like a more formal writing program from here on out, however, simply because the less I have to come up with on my own the better. I can't have something that is teacher-intensive which is why I have balked at even looking at some of the programs mentioned on this board. I want something fun yet not remedial. I can't afford more IEW material and after our first experience with it don't know that I want to even consider IEW again.

 

Any suggestions before I go off the deep end and buy more writing programs? For the record, I just bought Jump In and was eyeing Write Shop or WordSmith. My goal was to use this next year to nail down paragraphs and then focus on essays and research papers.

[Matryoshka]

How about MCT materials? Advanced Academic Writing or Essay Voyage? I love the look of both of these.

[teacalm]

I would look at Put That in Writing by Barrett (normally $65 I think but I saw one for sale on the wtm board for $25) for your 13 yr old and even your 11 yr old. It is not for remedial writing. There is also the inexpensive Lively Art of Writing by Payne.

[Stacy in NJ]

It's written directly to the student. SWB recommends it in TWTM. You can use it for several grade levels at the same time, keeping your kiddos working on the same projects.

 

Here's a link: http://www.writingstrands.com/writing-strands-3.asp

 

If you have a copy of TWTM, re-read Susan's recommendation.

 

I also like their book Evaluating Writing for the teacher.

[kckamy]

My daughter has completed Writing Tales 1 and most of Writing Tales 2. She will be in 4th grade this fall and we plan to finish Writing Tales 2 and Wordsmith.

 

For 5th grade I am planning on using CQLA (Character Quality Language Arts) or we might just use their Meaningful Composition book. I have done a lot of research on this curriculum and really like what they have to offer. This program can definitely be student led once you get past early elementary levels.

[Jane]

I have not used a formal writing program with them since they were in 3rd grade and I took them through the Paragraph Book series.

 

Could you provide a link? I would love to take a look at this series for my younger schoolers.

 

Thanks!