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Angel
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| Posted: April 22 2009 at 3:16pm | IP Logged
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I have finally admitted the need to use an actual printed writing curriculum with my 12 yo ds. I have resisted writing curricula for a long time, because -- as a fiction writer -- most of them have always seemed to me like they can only turn OFF kids' desire to write. (I've always hated writing prompts.) But none of my relaxed methods seems to help my ds, who has a few special needs complicating matters.
1. He has a spelling disability. It goes beyond mere bad spelling. I've finally broken down and gotten him an electric dictionary/spell checker to use when writing by hand. The spelling slows him down.
2. He has sequencing difficulties. This means he can't usually figure out how to start, and has problems planning what he's going to write. I bought Inspiration visual outlining software for him, which helps, but sequencing still gives him problems.
3. He has a very low tolerance for frustration and a very high need for creativity. His interests can be rather narrow at any given time, but he has little patience for what lies outside those interests. (Currently science fiction, fantasy, ancient history, science - particularly astronomy, earth science, evolutionary biology).
So, given all these characterisics, can anyone recommend a writing curriculm to me? I need something that teaches decent sequencing/planning skills but that also allows for a great deal of creativity and *possibly* a subject matter connection. Whenever I look at writing curriculum online, I always end up feeling completely indecisive -- so, please, tell me what I should do! 
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Angela
Mom to 9, 7 boys and 2 girls
Three Plus Two
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italianalaskan
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| Posted: April 22 2009 at 3:55pm | IP Logged
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I would suggest Brave Writer. Here is the link: http://www.bravewriter.com
I purchased her program not too long ago and my 7th grader loves the opportunity to creativity the program suggests. Check out the web site, the blog and the free samples.
Big thumbs up from my 6 grade ds.
Simona
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Erin
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| Posted: April 22 2009 at 6:42pm | IP Logged
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Angela
Have you looked at One Year Adventure Novel?
I emailed and requested a Demo Disc and am very, very tempted. It takes you through, step by step to write the novel and ds loved the visual presentation.
I'm also seriously pondering IEW. A toss up between to two. Like you I have put off for so long buying something even though I knew I needed to. I'm waiting for the IEW sample disc to arrive, oh and I'm impressed with their money back guarantee.
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Erin
Faith Filled Days
Seven Little Australians
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Amanda
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| Posted: April 22 2009 at 7:50pm | IP Logged
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Angela,
My son's issues are similar (though not exactly the same), and I'm looking for something, too. One thing I'm considering is word prediction software to make typing easier for him--have you looked at that?
I know this doesn't answer your question (I seem to be posting a lot of related-but-not-quite-on-target messages lately, sorry), but thought it might possibly be helpful, to go along with Inspiration, etc.
As far as sequencing/structure goes, we have had some success with The Four Square Writing Method. It really breaks down prewriting and research into manageable bits, and helps with organizing/sequencing. It's also somewhat visual, which helps my very visual son.
Amanda
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Martha
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| Posted: April 22 2009 at 8:42pm | IP Logged
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hmmm
How to Write the Novel Way maybe?
I wonder how it compares to 1 year adventure novel?
anyone else know?
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Martha
mama to 7 boys & 4 girls
Yes, they're all ours!
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sarahb
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| Posted: April 23 2009 at 7:58am | IP Logged
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Your son sounds exactly like mine. Eerily so.
We do All About Spelling for the phonetic processing issue. I haven't seen it directly impact his non spelling work YET. I hope to see that as we progress.
My son did a 2 hr seminar with Mr Pudewa of IEW and Im convinced that is the way to go. In the seminar he produced a highly creative piece the likes of which we have never seen in our home school.
From IEW, Im going to buy Student Writing Intensive B and All Things Fun and Fascinating.
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Angel
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| Posted: April 23 2009 at 3:04pm | IP Logged
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Erin - I hadn't looked at One Year Adventure Novel yet. It does look tempting, particularly for a creative type. (I think I would have loved it as a teenager.) And I took a good hard look at IEW again. Previously I think I had gotten lost in links to supplemental products, and it makes more sense now that I have gotten back to the beginning. I think I like IEW for nonfiction, which is really what my ds has the most trouble writing... but of course writing a novel WOULD probably be more immediately appealing. And then again, writing fiction IS different than writing an essay or an article or a research paper. I think novel-writing skills definitely transfer in terms of style and clarity and grammar -- good writing is good writing -- but the structure of an essay or an article or a research paper can really only be learned (IMO) by writing an essay or an article or a research paper. My ds would much rather *only* write about stuff he's made up (although he doesn't really do that in story-form either), but... seems like it would be good for him to be a little more versatile. I guess it all boils down to, where's a good starting point?
I think I'm leaning more toward IEW at the moment. The price of IEW, though -- eek! But maybe I should just bite the bullet, since I could also use IEW with my younger kids, too.
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Angela
Mom to 9, 7 boys and 2 girls
Three Plus Two
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12stars
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| Posted: April 30 2009 at 5:23pm | IP Logged
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I just finished watching the One Year Adeventure Novel demo CD and the curriculum looks amazing.
It takes the student from the beginning to the end. They get to think through the whole thought process and are able to finish their writing to the end. My DD loves to write but she can never finish her creative stories, or she runs out of ideas.
I will be reading more into the program, but just thought of sharing what I saw. It is 199.00, but I think this is neat tool for those students that love to write.
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Claudia in Southern California
Wife to George,
Mom to DD 14, DD 10, DD 7, DS 4, DS 2, 1 in heaven, and now due 5/11.
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: April 30 2009 at 7:01pm | IP Logged
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We have the One Year Adventure Novel Curriculum and ds is about halfway through it.(I joke with him that at this rate he is doing the "Ten Year Adventure Novel", but since he is doing it entirely of his own volition I can't really complain!LOL!) He likes it a lot. And it really is as good as it sounds.
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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4Real Forums : Language Arts Come Alive
Topic: 7th grade writing for reluctant writer?
