I'm wondering if there would be too much confusion if I were to buy Writing Aids instead of Write Source to use with my TOG 3?

Will I find the assignments and explanations?
(such as a Scavenger hunt) in writing aids?
I hate to buy Writing Aids this year and then buy Writing Aids when we get to Redesigned.
Will there be an index to find the exact titles of assignments?

Thanks!

I would buy Writing Aids.

Assignments are found in TOG 3. Explanations are found in Writing Aids. To use, you find the assignment in TOG 3 and then look up that topic in Writing Aids. Writing Aids includes directions for the teacher, the student, sample writing assignments, graphic organizers for pre-writing, and grading rubrics.

Here is how I break down the writing assignment each week:

Before the week begins, I

• look at the objectives for the level I'm teaching in TOG
• read the instructions and topics for the week in TOG
• look up the topics in Writing Aids
• read the teacher instructions
• print out the talking points (student instructions)
• decide which graphic organizers are needed and print them
• decide which days I need to work with dc on their assignment

On the first day of the week, I

• go over the instructions and topics for the week with dc
• give them the talking points and discuss the assignment
• give them any graphic organizers they may need
• tell them what I expect each day

On the second day of the week, I check dc's progress, make suggestions, re-teach, etc.

And so forth...

We used the beta version of Writing Aids last year along with Classic TOG 1. I didn't have any problems coordinating the Classic assignments with Writing Aids, and we all found the assignments and rubrics in Writing Aids to be much more helpful than those in the Write Source handbooks.

HTH!

Wow, thank you for the detailed helped. I was planning on purchasing the hardcopy book when released. Do you know how I will be able to print out such papers as you describe as "graphic organizers"? I am thinking they must be part of the online access to WRiting Aids.

I think all the printable pages will be on the CD that comes with the book.

HTH!

Thank you for your help. I shall watch for the availability and get one quick!