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opinions of bravewriter, WriteGuide, etc.
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I am looking into using an online writing class for my kids.
My 15yo dd is a good writer, but I see potential that needs guidance. All I seem to be able to do is look at her paper, know that it needs some polishing, but that is as far as I can help. I could use a different eye to come in and say, “What are you trying to convey here?” “This is nice, but too wordy; sum it up.” “Can you elaborate on how the music made you feel?” etc.
And then on the other end of the see-saw is my 13yo son who believes that it is twaddle. His writing is lacking and it takes him forever to complete his lessons.
I am wondering if a writing class/tutor would get the ink flowing for him. Then he will see that there is not only a purpose to writing but that it can be a useful tool and actually enjoyable.
I have looked at
Brave Writer
WriteGuide
Write At Home
Home2Teach
and Time4Writing
What is/are your experience, opinions, advice?
or should I just forgo the online option and get an awesome writing curriculum?
My non-writer dd16 really likes the Brave Writer Help for Highschool. I have definitely seen an improvement in her writing and she doesn’t hate composition class.
Hidden Jewel,
Just checking — is your daughter taking the class on line or is she just using the book?
She is just using the book. (I got it at Homeschool Buyers Club when it was 50%.) But I like the idea of on online class.
That’s nice to know. I really like the idea of Writer’s Jungle, but have a hard time implementing it. I’ve heard that the Help for High School is more student-directed which I need right now. I didn’t want to do the on-line thing because my kids just don’t like the idea much and I’d rather not spend the money.
Is Brave Writer for the parent or the student? I am looking over the pages at the website and it seems to be an instructor’s guide.
Will I need to read the lesson and then present it to my student? Is it a “turkey dinner”? (a turkey dinner is my way of saying lots of time, prep work, lesson planning, gathering/making materials, etc. and then the lesson is completed in one sitting and the student didn’t gather much from it.)
Bravewriter’s elementary guide is for the parent. It is more about learning the theory. The high school one is written to the student.
I bought The Writers Jungle. It’s a guide written to mom and you implement your own plan. At the time (few years ago) she sent a weekly e-mail with tips. I liked what the book had to say. However, I’m terrible with curriculums like that. I need more open and go, preferably written to the student. I’m not familiar with the high school helps. I imagine the class would be helpful.
I like the “turkey dinner” analogy, though I wouldn’t categorize Brave Writer that way. It is actually described as the “Bravewriter lifestyle” and I do think it is very CM in its approach. She emphasizes bringing out what the child has to say, she emphasizes poetry and narration, and listening to your child. In BW she explains her philosophy and then teaches the parent how to teach writing. It really is excellent, imo, but takes time to learn how to use. Also, I’d never pay full price for it. It’s not THAT good! I bought it through the Homeschool Buyer’s Coop for half.
I have noticed that BW does seem to flow with CM (signed up for the daily tips and there is talk of dictation, narration, poetry time, etc.). I am not going to go with a BW class though. I just can’t pay ~$200 for a one month class.
Homeschool Buyer’s Coop has the PDF on sale today, and I am tumbling it over in my head.
If it is a springboard thingy then it might work for me. Similar to a recipe that I can tweak as desired.
I relate to what momto2blessings says.
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