Brindee Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 My dd, my ds and I are poor writers, so I am wanting to focus on writing next year. I feel bad I've let this go this long, and need help working on a good fit for them. My ds15 is doing BJU English (not his strong point, so he'll be doing 8th grade level). I just ordered Write Shop. Would that be too much writing? DD just turned 12 and will be in 7th grade next year. I just ordered Language Lessons for the Elementary Child 2 for her for next year. I haven't tried anything like that. She's been doing R&S, one level behind her actual grade level, and sort of struggled with it this year. Is she at a point to do Write Shop, or would something like "Jump In" be better? I am willing to listen to other possibilities as well, though I need programs that hold the teacher's hand as well as the students hands! Thankyou very much for any help you may be able to give me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine State Sue Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Hi Brindee, We are using Write Shop 1 & 2 for 6th-7th-8th. I imagine that you would want to cover the material faster, but I'm not sure. It is not difficult to complete Write Shop 1 in a year and Write Shop 2 in a year. In fact, that is what they recommend for the average 7th-9th grader and 10th/11th grader that needs a beginning to intermediate level. Covering them both in 1 year would make for a lot of work. Write Shop 1 has 16 lessons. We take 2 weeks to do a lesson. Most of the lessons only involve writing 1 paragraph. They teach how to brainstorm, practices a paragraph, then write a paragraph with several revisions. Write Shop has worked very well for us. The detailed teacher's manual has helped me to teach what is not a strong subject for me. The detailed instructions for the student has helped my son learn how to add description and variety to his writing. Note that we do not do any of the copywork/dictation that they recommend. I think I did a survey of Write Shop users on the board when we started and no one did. I don't know anything about BJU English or Jump In. We use Analytical Grammar for 6th-7th-8th, and there is a semester (or less) of work per year, so it has combined well with Write Shop. Good luck! Feel free to email me if you need any guidance. The TM is overwhelming at first. But, everything you need (and more) is right there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brindee Posted April 20, 2009 Author Share Posted April 20, 2009 Thankyou so much Sue! I just may e-mail you until I get my feet on the ground with it! :) I appreciate your willingness to help!:hurray::thumbup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in CA Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 I personally do not like BJU's writing assignments from 7th-up. After 6th grade, BJU no longer holds your hand through each assignment, and quite frankly, I need constant hand holding. :D I'm sure any of the writing programs mentioned will do the job. What you need to find is the program that YOU feel comfortable with and know will get done each day. I know that no matter how wonderful a program is, if I don't like the set-up or the TM or whatever...I will consistently let it slide. :tongue_smilie: Have you looked at IEW? http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/index.php?q=catalog At least with IEW you could get the Student Writing Intensives which come with DVDs that teach your child (and you), step by step. I have used the IEW Student Writing Intensive C and it was a great relief to have Mr. Pudewa teaching my boys. He does a great job, and the IEW method is wonderful. You could use the B level with both children. Of course, you have already ordered some curricula, and you may be very happy with what you have chosen. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brindee Posted April 20, 2009 Author Share Posted April 20, 2009 I haven't used IEW, though I've been tempted a few times. I keep all suggestions in mind, and research them, so I definitely appreciate your thoughts and help! Thankyou!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DB in NJ Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 Brindee, I answered you on the high school board :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brindee Posted April 20, 2009 Author Share Posted April 20, 2009 Thanks so much DB, I saw it (and I think I answered it)! I've learned from the answers people have shared, and appreciate it immensely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine State Sue Posted April 20, 2009 Share Posted April 20, 2009 I forgot to say that using Write Shop with both kids at the same time is a great idea. I always dreaded doing the practice paragraph because I had to help. Your situation, 3 heads, is better than my situation, 2 heads. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brindee Posted April 20, 2009 Author Share Posted April 20, 2009 I forgot to say that using Write Shop with both kids at the same time is a great idea. I always dreaded doing the practice paragraph because I had to help. Your situation, 3 heads, is better than my situation, 2 heads. ;) :001_smile: Thanks, good to know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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