We are new to TOG this year (starting with Y2)and are trying to decide what writing program to use. We have been looking into both "Write at Home" and "Institute for Excellence in Writing" as possibilities, but would be interested in hearing about other programs people might have used.


We are planning on placing our DS's (11yrs and 9yrs)at the Upper Grammar and Dialectic. Both boys are voracious readers, but they have had little/no formal experience with writing.


I would love to hear about what other people have used and what you liked or didn't like about the program.

Thanks so much for your input.

Shannon

Shannon,

Are you aware that TOG includes a full writing program?

Marcia,
I was under the impression the the Writing Aids was not a step-by step guide for the mechanics of writing, but more of a resource for ideas. My kids go into vanish mode at the mere mention of writing, and I am admittedly nervous about teaching it. I admit I was looking for a bit of hand holding for me, and small step-by-step instructions for them, so that none of us gets over-whelmed or discouraged.

I should tell you that though I have looked at the web-site for info about Writing AIds, I am still waiting to receive my TOG materials.

Shannon

Hi Shannon,

We use Writing Aids with Tapestry and love it! We struggled with writing until we purchased Writing Aids. My children needed the step by step instructions too. That is what Writing Aids does so well. The red pages in your year plan give you ideas for what to write about, but the Writing Aids supplement tells you how to do the writing assignment. In addition, they offer grading rubrics, writing samples, graphic organizers and step by step instructions written to the student. It's well done and very easy to use!

There are free samples of the Writing Aids on the Tapestry website. Click on the sample called Go to Egypt or Sail to the New World and then look for the samples for Writing Aids. This will give you a good example of how it works.

Blessings,
Eia

We have used Writing Aids this year and have really profited from it! There is a huge variety of genres, unlike other things I have used. Plus, you don't have to figure out how to tie in some other program with the reading that you are doing. Writing Aids is already planned out for you, usually with topics from the actual reading you do for that week. My 2nd and 3rd graders had never written before this year, and have done wonderfully.
That being said, I love many of the skills taught by IEW. I use a lot of their principles with Writing Aids, but I wouldn't replace Writing Aids w/some other program.
HTH

quote:

Originally posted by cascomom:
Marcia,
I was under the impression the the Writing Aids was not a step-by step guide for the mechanics of writing, but more of a resource for ideas. My kids go into vanish mode at the mere mention of writing, and I am admittedly nervous about teaching it. I admit I was looking for a bit of hand holding for me, and small step-by-step instructions for them, so that none of us gets over-whelmed or discouraged.

I should tell you that though I have looked at the web-site for info about Writing AIds, I am still waiting to receive my TOG materials.

Shannon

Well, our composition program, that includes assignments in TOG and Writing Aids as a "how to write" manual for moms and students is NOT a Grammar program, if that's what you mean by mechanics. If you want step by step instruction to completing various genres of writing assignments, and ideas for topics on which to write, for grades K-12, our writing program should serve you well. If you are talking about Grammar, we recommend and sell the Easy Grammar books.