Half-speed MtMM for a 6th grader

[my3sons]

We enjoyed both WWTB and Medieval History-Based Writing lessons. One of my favorite things about the writing programs that Carrie chooses is that they are different each year. This makes for a varied approach to teaching writing, and many different styles and approaches are used over the span of the guides. Of course, students would each say they preferred a different one to another, having different favorites through the years. More than likely, their favorites are the programs that use styles/approaches that they are already quite good at implementing, and subsequently, they prefer them. Therefore, I've always found it almost more important to do the programs that are less of a preference for them, as they generally are teaching skills they need to improve upon. They have found something to enjoy in every writing program they have done, and I have seen progress in their writing each year due to their diligence.

WWTB is an excellent writing program, and it definitely used higher level skills. It includes units on writing descriptive paragraphs (by describing an object, by describing a place, and by describing a character). It also includes units on writing a dialogue, writing a fable, writing a friendly letter, and writing poetry in rhyming verse. Write with the Best uses classic works of literature for students to use as a model for their own writing. In answer to your question, yes, it is easier to do WWTB Vol. 2 if dc have done WWTB Vol. 1.

Medieval-History Based Writing Lessons are scheduled 3 times weekly with units on writing from key word outlines, summarizing references, research reports, formal essay and report writing, narrative stories, literary critiques, creative essay writing with thesis, and the super-essay. Outlining is taught formally through Rod and Staff and key word outlining is taught through Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons. Vocabulary cards are also included within Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons. This too is an excellent writing program.

Students come to HOD at all different times in their life. Some from the beginning, some in the middle, and some at the end. When coming to HOD at the time your dd is, it is most important to place her in the guide that fits her best overall according to the placement chart, and then simply do the writing program planned in that guide. Carrie carefully chooses each writing program after countless hours of research, and she has a set of criteria that is too lengthy to describe in full here. But, I will say, the writing program chosen coincides with the level of writing in the rest of the guide. It also is scheduled at a pace and at a length of time that partners well with the rest of the writing/LA in the guide (i.e. R & S English, number/times/style/length of written narrations, etc.).

For these reasons, along with the fact that the Medieval History Based Writing Lessons coincide with the history being studied in RTR, I would use Medieval History Based Writing Lessons. I would also be sure to be doing R & S English alongside it, as this teaches different writing skills that are also necessary. When your dd does WWTB 2 later, you can just help her more as needed. I hope this helps as you determine what to do.

In Christ,
Julie

[Homeschooln2qts]

Thanks so much again, Julie and everyone else. I really appreciate your help! I've decided to just move her up to Res to Ref and will just have her do Medieval Based Writing Lessons as scheduled in the guide along with continuing on with where she's at in R and S English and we'll deal with WWTB II when she gets there I feel lots of peace in my heart about this now. I do love and appreciate this board so much. Thanks again, ladies!