creekland Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 I'm wondering if anyone has tried/used any of these English courses: http://www.universalclass.com/i/course/writing-basics-101.htm My youngest wants to do our highest level English class at our high school next year, but was not recommended for the course due to his current writing skills. Therefore, we're very actively looking for something he can do (probably online) to boost his skills. It needs to be happening over the summer (or even now). Upon talking with his current English teacher, he needs to work on grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph writing. He actually does well on SAT writing (the multiple choice) scoring in the top 90 percentiles, but he needs to be able to go from recognizing what is correct to writing in a correct form. So, if others have suggestions, we're all ears. I looked at the Write at Home workshops, but those don't seem to have what we're looking for - they seem too specific - but maybe not? I like the sound of the courses in the link - and the price is extremely reasonable - but I'd love to know if anyone has had experience with them to know if they are as good as they sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildcat Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted March 12, 2013 Author Share Posted March 12, 2013 We don't have the time for a year long course since my guy is in ps and will have his 12th grade English in the fall. I'm looking for something over the summer. W@H workshops offered in the summer all seemed specific to one type of writing or SAT prep. I've been reading through other threads and Writeguide looks perfect (a specific tutor for a month or two at just $75/month if I'm remembering correctly). I'm now definitely leaning that way over the original link I provided as I think a one on one would be perfect - a one on one that isn't me, that is. He'll work for someone else. :glare: But yes, our guys appear to have the same issues. I'm glad to hear yours has improved his writing. It gives me hope! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildcat Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjmw1 Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 My daughter has taken and is currently enrolled in several classes on Universal Class. She gets prompt feedback on her assignments and enjoys the classes. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cave canem Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 Since you are looking to accomplish certain objectives in a short length of time, I would search the forum for opinions about writeguide. Some people (or one person?) found it didn't move along very quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jibaker103 Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 My son has enrolled in one of the Universal Class writing class and loves it. He can go at his own pace, has an assigned teacher to ask questions and get timely answers, and graded assignments and essays. It eliminates the mom factor and therefore he receives an honest forthright opinion on his writing ability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmichigan Posted March 16, 2013 Share Posted March 16, 2013 Since you are looking to accomplish certain objectives in a short length of time, I would search the forum for opinions about writeguide. Some people (or one person?) found it didn't move along very quickly. If you go with WriteGuide then I suggest you set up a specific plan with written goals and deadlines. I do this and they stay on a pretty tight schedule without problems. That might not be the case if you leave things open ended, or up to the consultant to determine. I send a list of assignments with deadlines each month with my first email, and then send rubrics for each assignment. I also have my DD start the assignment ahead of what I have sent the consultant so they aren't waiting around for her rough draft. We work one week ahead at home. As an example, in the last three weeks of March DD will do two brief literary essays and an approach paper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted March 17, 2013 Author Share Posted March 17, 2013 Thanks for the thoughts. It's good to know for both options. We're waiting on his essay score from the SAT and will decide from there what way we want to go (whether starting something now or this summer). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2three Posted March 18, 2013 Share Posted March 18, 2013 If you go with WriteGuide then I suggest you set up a specific plan with written goals and deadlines. I do this and they stay on a pretty tight schedule without problems. That might not be the case if you leave things open ended, or up to the consultant to determine. I send a list of assignments with deadlines each month with my first email, and then send rubrics for each assignment. I also have my DD start the assignment ahead of what I have sent the consultant so they aren't waiting around for her rough draft. We work one week ahead at home. As an example, in the last three weeks of March DD will do two brief literary essays and an approach paper. I was just wondering if you could recommend tutors from WriteGuide. We tried them a few years ago, but it was hit or miss with the tutors. Do you have someone that you have been happy with? TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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