We’ve used various things, trying to find the right fit. Part of that search was for a ds w/ dysgraphia, so there’s been a lot of looking and trying.
The ds that used more of Essentials has used Level B of IEW and some writing instruction in his English. He started at a private school that used ABeka for K and 1rst, ps in 2nd (joke), home for 3-6th using various English texts for grammar and writing, ps in 7th (long story, still a joke), IEW in 8th plus some. We started MFW AHL but he really needs a LOT more help. That’s where having the forms to follow has been a HUGE boost!
I found that level B of IEW was just doing Key Word Outlines and then rewriting the paragraphs. So, really not much writing instruction from the beginning. Don’t get me wrong, knowing how to take notes and write a paragraph w/ those notes is a plus, and will help him w/ the research paper later on, but to spend a whole yr doing that over and over again w/out much other writing instruction wasn’t what I was looking for. Goodness, that sounded bad. There WAS instruction on how to improve the paragraphs and make better sentences w/in them. So, that part was good, but not quite what I was looking for. “Dress ups” are great but easy to add to any writing fairly quickly, not to spend a whole yr. Anyway. It was good for what it did.
Personally, I don’t like to do much formal writing instruction at the younger ages/grades. (I’ve learned w/ my older boys.) I also think it tends to be overkill, like doing grammar over and over and over. Besides, most of what they are asked to write is creative writing, w/ one or two exceptions. AND, they need something to write about. I like the CM approach MUCH more. I like letting them talk and write what they want. My younger 2 have been on that path more than the older boys. My dd loves to do copywork. My youngest ds just doesn’t want to have to write. LOL
I do have one or two other ideas up my sleeve, but we’ll see.
