I recently purchased YR2 Redesign and WA. One reason for switching to TOG was the integrated writing componant. My ds was a reluctant reader and even more reluctant writer. He tied the two together, so I laid off the writing with him. He now reads voraciously. I really want us to start at the beginning--to work systematically through the program. I also have a new 1st-grader who will be starting as well. I am planning on starting TOG with Unit 2 as we have spent this past year in the Middle Ages with another curriculum. In looking at the WA assignments it seems I should go back and start with the assignments from Unit 1 ie build word banks. This will somewhat defeat my purpose of going with TOG . . .and I am not sure about handling all that with just starting the program. I am now thinking of taking the next few weeks and working through those early lessons before starting Unit 2. Can anyone advise me? My ds is 10--finishing 4th grade, dd is 6 about to start 1st. TIA Wendy

Hey, Wendy

Given your kids' ages, I would start right where Unit 2 opens. You can choose any level... and any projects, therefore. From your post, I'd think that you have all of Year 2 in hand. If that's so, go onto the Loom (online) and look for the Writing Level summaries. Look hard at the skills that have been covered. All we have done is to look at the basic components of good writing: sentences, paragraphs, and joining paragraphs, plus introduced some of our graphic organizers. Because we do so much writing in each quarter, and because the start of a school year is a busy time, we soft-peddle writing in Unit 1 of each plan. This makes it easy to catch up while still going forward! As you start with whatever is recommended for Week 11, focus ALSO on strong sentences. Then, in Week 12, focus on the elements of a strong paragraph, etc. Since you have Writing Aids, this is doubly easy: simply look up "Prewriting" or "The Writing Process," "Sentences," and "Paragraphs" and seek to introduce these elements into whatever types of assignments you are following in the regular plan of Year 2.

HTH!