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I am wondering if I should be using a writing program for my 10 year old son who is on the 4th grade level in LA. If so, which one is recommended and how often should I use it? Every day or a couple of days a week? He is doing Bigger with extensions, but we haven't been doing any dictations. Thanks!

(P.S. We use a different LA program than R&S too).

Are you doing the suggested follow-ups with him for the extensions (written summary twice a week, oral narration twice a week, drawing with a caption once a week)? The written summaries would provide additional writing practice. He is also getting a good deal of writing since he is doing DITHOR 4/5 already. Since you are doing different grammar, if you wanted more writing instruction you could also add Igniting Your Writing book 1. If you were instead doing Rod and Staff level 3 or 4 for grammar along with DITHOR 4/5, you probably wouldn't need to add anything at all, since Rod and Staff 3 and 4 include some writing as well. Are you also using a different spelling, since you are not doing dictation? Dictation also encompasses a lot of different language arts skills, which Carrie detailed in another post.

I just want to second Igniting Your Writing if you indeed want an additional writing program. You can see a sample at Currclick. It is fun, flexible, and not at all overwhelming.

My 4th graders are doing Bigger, along with Rod & Staff 3. For writing, we have just started using Writer's Express.

I agree with Lourdes - if he is doing the extension follow-ups and R & S English, I don't think he'd need any additional writing. If he is not, you can either start having him do them, or you can add Igniting Your Writing 1, the basic level. I think the extension follow-ups and R & S English would probably be better preparation for the writing coming in PHFHG, but Igniting Your Writing is a good writing program otherwise too. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie