4Real Forums: How Much Writing?

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Topic: How Much Writing?

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AnaB
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Joined: April 12 2005
Location: Florida
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Posted: June 16 2009 at 5:54pm \| IP Logged

Hi There,

I have felt the Lord really calling us to simplify our homeschooling more and allow more room for self directed learning, though we are still very much a CM friendly homeschool. But I'm really praying over what we do and trying to discern how much of it is contrived.

One area I have trouble with is writing. In the past I have used the Queen's Language Lesson books (after PLL and ILL). These have worked fine, though I don't think the kids are REALLY learning. It's more busywork for them. They don't mind it. But I'm wondering at what age should I be requiring more formal writing? My children's ages are 13, 11, 11, and 5. Of course, I'm more concerned with the older 3 children.

I've looked at different writing programs like IEW and it seems great, but way out of our budget. I also don't know that I would have the time to treat writing as it's own subject (part of my desire to simplify). I have Bravewriter Writer's Jungle and though I love alot about it, I had a hard time trying to flesh it out into our homeschooling. I also have Story Starters and keep meaning to use this but some of the stories have just not inspired my 11 yr old twin boys.

They will be working on handwriting this coming year as theirs is atrocious. I may be using Spelling Wisdom again with them for that. They also write and illustrate a written narration for history each day, which focuses more on summarizing the facts. They do enjoy this.

I read about families that never required formal writing from their children but just lived a life that inspired writing from their children and I would love to have that but have no clue how to get it. When do you expect formal writing (like essays and reports) and how much? Or is it even necessary?

Help!

Blessings,
Betty

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His By Grace, AnaB blessed WIFE to Jeff and mama to 4 blessings!

Meredith
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Joined: Feb 08 2005
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Posted: June 16 2009 at 9:39pm \| IP Logged

Ana, have you looked at Lingua Mater by Hillside Education. I have been using it with my dd (now 13) for the past two years and it is a beautlful grammar and writing program. Let me know if you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them.

Many blessings,

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Meredith
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Lara Sauer
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Joined: June 15 2007
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Posted: June 17 2009 at 8:33am \| IP Logged

I agree with Meredith. I really love Lingua Mater and feel that it provides a wonderful foundation for mature writing. You can work through this with your children in 6-7th grade, or have them work through it independently by 8th grade.

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bfarmmom
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Joined: Oct 12 2006
Location: Kentucky
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Posted: June 17 2009 at 9:57am \| IP Logged

I am also going to super simplify for our upcoming year. Writing is going to be our main focus this year. Have you looked into IEW theme based writing books They are cheaper than the whole program. Has anyone used just these? We are going to try these this year. I have not decided which one though.

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Kirsten
ds13,dd12,dd10,ds7,dd6, dd 4, ds 2
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