Story Starters

Carrie,

We used this book last year and half of the previous year before last.  It was a huge hit with my then 10 yr old dd.  It really encouraged her writing and she looked forward to it.  Now she is writing a lot on her own.

If I were you, I might pick up some living books from the library that are  not part of this years lesson plans and just read an interesting beginning and then stop somewhere full of suspense.  It would work best with short stories I suppose, but you might be able to do the same with certain chapters.  I know when we read the Chronicles of Narnia books; the chapter always left one hanging and wanting more.  Those types of chapters or short stories are perfect for story starters.  Another book like that was Carry On Mr. Bowditch.  If you read short stories, you’ll have to pick a great place to start and then let them come up with the conclusion.

For what it is worth, the Story Starters is worth the money and one of my best purchases over the years.  So, when you can get a copy; I would do so.  You might check on http://www.vegsource.com too.  They have homeschool curriculum boards For Sale/Trade.  You might find a copy inexpensively there.  The stories in Story Starters are wholesome, but not boring.  In fact, I believe a boy might really enjoy a lot of them.  My daughter avoided a few b/c they looked too scary, adventurous, whatever.

Hope this helps.

In Christ, Bridget