Colleen in NS Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Is Volume 2 a book for logic stage writing? If so, do you have any time frame (like say, in the next four years, as ds is starting 5th grade next year :)) for when you hope this will be published? How about Volume 3 (rhetoric? publication timeframe?)? Did you mention elsewhere that the series is based on your writing CD? I took extensive notes on that CD (just in grammar stage so far - it was a learning curve for me!) and I'm wondering if the books would expand on what you talk about on the CD. If so, how? Finally, would you recommend your writing book series in ADDITION to R&S writing exercises, or instead of, or any combination of the two? If so, why and for what levels? Thanks so much! I'm trying to determine if I should purchase Volume 1 for any reason.....and of course, if I should purchase the others when they come out. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Wise Bauer Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Volume 2 will cover logic stage (5-8) and Volume 3 will cover high school (9-12). No pub schedule yet (sorry!). But you have good options available for logic and rhetoric-stage options--it's the development of those basic writing skills that I find REALLY lacking in writing programs. Yes, the books expand on the writing CD, giving much more detailed year-by-year breakdowns of what skills to teach when and how. The writing book needs a grammar program to go along w/it, but you wouldn't do the R&S writing (or any other writing program) along with it. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debra in CO Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Susan, It's probably somewhere that I've missed... but when is this writing book of yours supposed to be coming out? I know I will need it, and I want to set aside some tax refund money... Debra Mom of five, ages 1-10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkInTheBlue Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Where is volume 1 for writing? I don't see any such writing book at PeaceHillPress.com What am I missing? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Wise Bauer Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 and we'll have it up for preorder soon at Peace Hill Press. It's already for sale on Amazon, but you could always wait and order it from us! you'll get free shipping and more! I'll keep you posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Susan, If an 7th grader had weak witing skils, would you have them start in book 1 or book 2 anyhow? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkInTheBlue Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Haha...you're being funny. Of course I'll be waiting to order it from Peace Hill! :) I'm so excited. What ages/grade would you call Level 1 most for? What, if anything, would you recommend students have completed before beginning? We've been using R&S English for a few years. One more question to bug you with: you don't recommend using R&S for writing along with but R&S has SO much writing in its English. Do you prefer an alternative grammar for approximately 4th - 5th grade to go along with your new writing curriculum? Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debra in CO Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Thank you! And I'll be waiting until June! :) Debra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 So, Susan, if we are going to have a fifth grader next year - who's not that great a writer, could we start them in the first book? Or should we wait for the second book? I'm hesitant about trying Writing Strands with my younger son..... Thanks! (And when are you going to write a great logic series for us, by the way?) Regena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted January 23, 2008 Author Share Posted January 23, 2008 Volume 2 will cover logic stage (5-8) and Volume 3 will cover high school (9-12). No pub schedule yet (sorry!). But you have good options available for logic and rhetoric-stage options--it's the development of those basic writing skills that I find REALLY lacking in writing programs. Yes, the books expand on the writing CD, giving much more detailed year-by-year breakdowns of what skills to teach when and how. The writing book needs a grammar program to go along w/it, but you wouldn't do the R&S writing (or any other writing program) along with it. HTH So, do you think R&S writing exercises are still good options for logic/rhetoric stage, along with the recommendations on your writing CD/in the WTM? Or will your Volumes 2 and 3 be intended to replace that option? And, do you think that in grammar stage, if a student is using the methods outlined in your writing CD, that R&S writing exercises are NOT needed (I've been using them for 3rd and 4th grade)?? I'm probably going to buy all three books - that volume 1 if only for the essay you mentioned - but I'm sure I'll get a lot more out of it for my dd7, and to make sure I've covered everything for ds9. :) Thanks for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Wise Bauer Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Volume 1 is primarily narration work and copywork; Volume 2 is more advanced narration work and dictation. If your older student can 1) tell you what he wants to write, even if he can't get it down on paper, and 2) take 2-3 sentences at a time from dictation, he's probably past the skills being taught. does that make sense? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Wise Bauer Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Colleen.... volumes 2 & 3 will, eventually be an alternative to R&S writing...but if they're not ready by the time YOU are, Rod & Staff-- or Classical Writing, or IEW, or the other programs that we've recommended, would be absolutely fine. The thing is: I've still got to finish writing the history of the world. And I still feel that the grammar-stage skills are NOT well taught, whereas there are many more good resources available for the later stages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted January 23, 2008 Author Share Posted January 23, 2008 Colleen.... volumes 2 & 3 will, eventually be an alternative to R&S writing...but if they're not ready by the time YOU are, Rod & Staff-- or Classical Writing, or IEW, or the other programs that we've recommended, would be absolutely fine. The thing is: I've still got to finish writing the history of the world. And I still feel that the grammar-stage skills are NOT well taught, whereas there are many more good resources available for the later stages. OK, I get it - sounds like volumes 2 and 3 are far down the road, in favour of the history books over the next few years, and that volume 1 is filling a current urgent need. I'll just dig back into the writing CD this spring and take notes on logic stage and come back here with more questions, as needed, for all the experienced teachers-of-writing. Do you mind just answering the other question from my previous post - do you think a 3rd and 4th grader, who is doing the writing CD recs, needs to do the R&S writing exercises (we've been doing them, as we go through the R&S books)? Thanks for taking the time, and I promise this is the last question for now. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Thanks, Susan! Regena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A home for their hearts Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Did you mention elsewhere that the series is based on your writing CD? I think I'm a little out of the loop here, what writing CD is this? One more awesome thing I like about this new forum! SWB drops by!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Wise Bauer Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 if a third or fourth grader is doing regular narrations, writing those narrations down, and doing dictation, CONSCIENTIOUSLY, than I don't think you necessarily need to do the R&S writing as well. That can be a lot of fine motor work, especially for boys. SWB P.S. The writing CD, by the way, is at peacehillpress.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emmy Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Thanks for all the detail, the writing book sounds great - should be a good fit for my older 2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted January 23, 2008 Author Share Posted January 23, 2008 Thanks so much, Susan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted January 23, 2008 Author Share Posted January 23, 2008 What I meant was the R&S writing *lessons,* not ds writing out answers to all of the R&S grammar/writing lessons. We do most of R&S orally anyway, including the writing lessons, BECAUSE we do the dictation and narrations every week - with ds writing himself. I just wondered if you thought the 3rd and 4th grade R&S writing lesson concepts were even necessary if we are doing all the dictation and narrations. I have a feeling I can just go over the concepts of the writing lessons in 4th, without feeling like he has to write out the writing lesson activities. But I'll just look ahead into my R&S 5th TM to see how they cover these concepts that are in the 4th grade book - no need for you to answer again. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted January 23, 2008 Author Share Posted January 23, 2008 It's a CD that SWB had recorded, which lays out her outline of how to teach writing all through the grade levels. It's WONDERFUL!!! Practical, full of detail, full of the whys and hows of teaching writing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy loves Bud Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 I haven't seen this discussed elsewhere, though it probably has been, so sorry! Anyway, will FLL3 and the new writing program be appropriate for a third grader to do together, or would it be too much overlap? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Wise Bauer Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 FLL3 and the new writing program would be a perfect combo for a third grader--you'd just skip the optional dictations in FLL 3 so as not to overdo the handwriting. And Colleen--I was referring not to the writing out of the grammar exercises, but to the writing exercises that are interspersed. (We do about half of the grammar exercises orally anyway; don't know about you.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen in NS Posted January 23, 2008 Author Share Posted January 23, 2008 :oOoops, OK! My misunderstanding. I'm trying to piece together different "teaching writing" info. from these boards today. Currently we do all - not half - of the grammar exercises orally - I'm still a paranoid homeschooler, still want to make sure kids are getting what they need, but regularly tell oldest child that he will survive being my guinea pig (I'm an oldest child, too), LOL! (I really have eased up on a lot of things, though, heh heh):D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandy in Indy Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 The thing is: I've still got to finish writing the history of the world. Somehow this gives me the mental image of SWB sitting at a rock chiseling out the history of the world! (I must have been up way too late last night.) Will the writing program be available to preview at the Midwest Convention the end of March??? (Pretty please.) Hmmm...not sure why I can't get that quote to clip and still show up correctly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Queen_Zarga Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 They have some information up at Peace Hill Press, but no samples yet. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Wise Bauer Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 Sandy in Indy, Yeah. That's exactly how it feels. SWB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted January 24, 2008 Share Posted January 24, 2008 I'm so excited about these books!! This is the subject I feel the weakest teaching. I'll definately order from PHP! Thank you SWB! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllSmiles Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 nt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EvergreenEclecticAcademy Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Thanks for posting this! I've been anxiously awaiting the samples...off to check it out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 I just preorderd my copy! Thanks for posting this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori C- Texas Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 I am headed over there right now! How exciting! I have been waiting for this!:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Will samples of the workbooks be available soon? Are they required to use the program? What do the workbooks contain? Is the price correct for each workbook? Would this be appropriate to use with older (9 and 11 yrs) children with little writing training? And lastly, when will level 2 be ready? No pressure....:D I do realize a wonderful writing CD has been made that probably answers many of my questions. Unfortunately, I am hearing impaired so anything auditory like that is very difficult for me to use effectively. Would it be possible to purchase a transcript of the tape? Thank you so much for your time and books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 I am so drooling now for a copy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth in SW WA Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 I just pre-ordered -- thanks for the tip! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIN Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Is year 2, second grade? So, if I'm looking at it for writing for my 3rd grader next year it wouldn't work? I'm a little confused in looking at the samples as to what year it is for. But, the samples look really good, I just can't figure out for what grade it is used. :confused: Have you looked at it? Whaddya think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa B Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 I would say the first two samples are from the core book which covers grades one through four and the last sample is for workbook number 2 which would be 2nd grade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Novafan Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Wondering the same things. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue G in PA Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 When do you expect the 5-8th curriculum to be out? My oldest ds will be in 5th next year and dd in 7th (she's the one I'm most concerned about). Also, can I use Writing With Ease with a 3rd grader who hasn't really followed the copywork, narration, dictation method very strictly? TIA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Wise Bauer Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 young children progress at very different rates through acquiring the skills. The levels are roughly equivalent to grades, but reluctant writers may need to start at a lower level. Essentially: if your child can do copywork well, but struggles a bit with one to two sentence dictations, start with Level 2, if your child struggles with three to four sentence dictation and/or has difficulty with coherent, brief summaries, start with Level 3, if your (slightly older) child can think of what to write but can't get it on paper, start with Level 4. There are diagnostic tests in the Writing With Ease text to help you place your student. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIN Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Thanks for your reply. Will it be easy to use without a workbook, say for my 3rd grader next year? Or, should I just start with my 1st grader? I'm excited, I sent in my pre-order yesterday! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilovemy6kids Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Are they going to be ready by fall? With 6 kids at different levels workbooks really keep ME on track. Sheri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori in MS Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 I have a 5th grader who struggles with writing. Would Level 4 work for him? I read the 3 stages. I'm not sure how to get him ready for high school. I wonder if I could go through the steps and not take a whole year on each level? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Wise Bauer Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 In answer to the questions... it's DESIGNED to be used without the workbook, the workbook just reduces your prep time. And yes, IMO it would be perfect for a struggling fifth grader. SWB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIN Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 Great! Thanks again for your reply. I'm all for reducing my prep time, but it is good to know I can use the book for my 3rd grader without a workbook. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhondabee Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 In answer to the questions... it's DESIGNED to be used without the workbook, the workbook just reduces your prep time. And yes, IMO it would be perfect for a struggling fifth grader. SWB Could you define "struggling" a bit more concretely? My now-4th gr ds knows exactly what he wants to say. It is usually "more" rather than "less". However, he does not proof for spelling or capitalization or punctuation as he goes. And, since many of his sentences structures are more complex than what he's learned to punctuate via R&S-4, I help quite a bit with that. He does have a problem with run-ons. So, is that "struggling"? And, should I be helping him catch his errors as he writes - for example, his history narrations? Right now, I go over them with him the next day. (And he does catch some without my help.) Thanks for the sample! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pster Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 Another question - and maybe "I'm" just missing something..... but is FLL4 the bk that is designed to go with WWE? If I use WWE that would be great to have FLL mesh with it - but.... we are finishing up FLL2 and would only be starting FLL3 when we would be starting WWE..... will it still work out as well together? I am assuming this quote was talking about FLL4 just because it was written underneath it. from peacehillpress: First Language Lessons and Writing With Ease are designed to be used together. First Language Lessons covers grammar, punctuation, and mechanics; Writing With Ease covers actual writing skills. The two books are structured so that the exercises in Writing With Ease help to reinforce the concepts learned in First Language Lessons.ty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2boys Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 Are you going to have a booth at the HEAV convention, and if so, will WWE be available for purchase? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIN Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 Yes, Pster, from what I'm understanding here you would use FLL 3 with year 3 of the writing book. You have two separate books - grammar (FLL) and writing (WWE). WWE also has workbooks coming out - year 1 and year 2's workbooks will be out this summer. However, you can use WWE without the workbooks, like for our 3rd graders next year. :) Choices, choices!!! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules in MI Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 I'd like to pre-order the Writing with Ease text as well, but what workbook would go with it? Workbook 2? My son will be in 3rd grade. He can do copywork and dictation, a few sentences at a time as long as I read slowly. He is doing Character Quality Language Arts now, but I feel it is too much for him, esp. the writing. There hasn't been enough teaching HOW to write before requiring original composition pieces, IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina Duke Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 do you need both workbooks 1 and 2? I"m thinking about this for ds for Fall...K.. It sounds like workbooks 1 and 2 are for 1 years worth of work. Is that right?t thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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