Jen500 Posted September 6, 2009 Share Posted September 6, 2009 We're just finishing Wordsmith Apprentice--the boys liked it, but I didn't feel it had enough actual writing in the first 2/3 of the book, so I had to add more writing assignments. I don't know what to use after we finish WA. I own these- IEW US History based lessons (vol 1)-my dc would like the topic, but I don't like all the checklists, and references to dress-ups and banned words. So I'm undecided. Writing Strands-my dc haven't liked this in the past. Paragraph Town- I'm not sure I can implement this. Any suggestions? We have grammar covered. I prefer secular. I've looked at TWTM suggestions and I'm just getting overwhelmed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen500 Posted September 6, 2009 Author Share Posted September 6, 2009 :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyBC Posted September 6, 2009 Share Posted September 6, 2009 After Wordsmith Apprentice, we went onto an IEW theme-based book, so that would get my vote. As far as dress-ups and banned words, any good writing program will work on word choices - selecting quality adjectives, adverbs, etc. When I felt like the checklist didn't suit us for any reason, I got out a pencil and a ruler and crossed out the ones I wasn't going to require. The idea behind IEW is to get the student so comfortable with quality structure and style that it becomes natural. It's normal to feel artificial at first. And as the ultimate editor in your home, if you want to adjust the pacing or requirements... DO! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen500 Posted September 6, 2009 Author Share Posted September 6, 2009 Thanks for your input, Kathy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithfamily5 Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Have you looked at WriteShop? We're using it this year. So far, it's been great. Here's the curriculum's website: www.writeshop.com Do a search on these forums for Write Shop. Look for "Sue in St. Pete". She has a great review that she often links to. HTH, Patty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calandalsmom Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 We are doing IEW. Not sure why you do not like the checklists, but I have found them helpful. I LOVE the banned word list. My ds completed Wordsmith Apprentice and consistantly used the same 3 adjectives thru out the whole book- stupid, great and fun.;) So the banned words list has opened up his horizons (along with the portable walls which have synonyms on them.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peek a Boo Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Have you looked at WriteShop? We're using it this year. So far, it's been great. Here's the curriculum's website: www.writeshop.com Do a search on these forums for Write Shop. Look for "Sue in St. Pete". She has a great review that she often links to. HTH, Patty :iagree: love WS! plenty of pro-active word lists, and there's a checklist for each assignment. It does include a few vague references to God, but can very easily be used secularly, i think. [we're pretty sensitive to too much doctrinal stuff in our curriculum.] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen500 Posted September 7, 2009 Author Share Posted September 7, 2009 Have you looked at WriteShop? We're using it this year. So far, it's been great. :iagree: love WS! No, I haven't looked at WriteShop, but I will!! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen500 Posted September 7, 2009 Author Share Posted September 7, 2009 We are doing IEW. Not sure why you do not like the checklists, but I have found them helpful. I LOVE the banned word list. My ds completed Wordsmith Apprentice and consistantly used the same 3 adjectives thru out the whole book- stupid, great and fun.;) So the banned words list has opened up his horizons (along with the portable walls which have synonyms on them.) I don't think my dc have a problem coming up with descriptive words on their own....so I don't want to make an issue out of the banned words list. (Hmmm...maybe I just don't like checklists that aren't my own ;);)) Glad the approach is working for your son! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine State Sue Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Here's my review of Write Shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.