TaraTheLiberator: Maxwell Composition

[hollyhock]

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for recommending Maxwell's writing books. You might remember my post on the high school board about the transition to original writing. I think these books are exactly what I need to bridge the gap with my son. I've started him on School Composition and after the first lesson today, he wrote a very nice 3 paragraphs! I was thrilled.

 

Also, out of curiosity, I wanted to ask you what you are planning to use with your daughter after Writing in English. I think I recall you saying that she is nearly finished it?

 

Thanks again!

[Haiku]

I'm so glad it is helpful for you! The books have been a real blessing to us. I wonder whether Mr. Maxwell ever imagined that his books would endure for so long.

 

I had been planning to use Lively Art of Writing followed by Writing with a Thesis. Now I am considering going with Oak Meadow English just because I would like someone else to schedule it all for me, but if I don't I'll do the LAoW/WwaT combo. I also have a book called Breakfast on Mars that has lots of fun, non-formulaic essays by authors of children's/YA books that my dd has been enjoying quite a bit (as have I).

[birchbark]

 I also have a book called Breakfast on Mars that has lots of fun, non-formulaic essays by authors of children's/YA books that my dd has been enjoying quite a bit (as have I).

 

Thank you for this. I have been looking for a collection of example essays for ages!

[hollyhock]

I thought of another question, if you don't mind. Did you find Writing in English to be redundant after doing School Composition? They look very similar to me. What are the differences? What does Writing in English teach that School Composition doesn't? Thank you!

[Haiku]

I think that School Composition focuses more on forms and Writing in English focuses more on style.

 

So while you may be doing things in WiE that look like things you did in SC, the focus of the lesson is different, if that makes sense.

[lisabees]

Tara - I have looked at Breakfast on Mars on Amazon a few times.  Is there another book you would recommend?  I don't like the idea of reading all silly, fun essays.  I recently bought WWAT for my 10th grader.  I think I would prefer something in between for the 7th grader.

 

BTW, Ruth in NZ uses NY Times Room for Debate.  On first glance, it looks like a worthy resource.  I may use it for both girls!

Edited January 25, 2016 by lisabees

[Haiku]

I have The Norton Reader on my Amazon wish list, but I haven't seen it live yet.

 

I like Breakfast on Mars because it shows my daughter that essays don't have to be formulaic or stuffy. We're not really using for study, just for enjoyment.