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Looking for some insight. I'm starting dd (9yo/4gr) in the fall with BHFHG. Should I be concerned that there is no writing program? Working through the guides, my dd wouldn't start a writing program until CTC which will be 6th grade for her. I'm considering using WordSmith Apprentice in the fall. If anyone had used another writing program, any advice would be greatly appreciated (we are new to homeschooling, piecing things together to finish out this year). Thanks!

Welcome to HOD! It's been such a blessing in our lives, I'm sure you'll find that to be so for you next year! I've read that HOD recommends Igniting Your Writing--if you feel it's needed. Honestly, though, I don't think you'll be doing her a disservice by not including a formal program at this stage in the game. There is writing incorporated in the guide-Science notebooking, History Notebooking, dictation, grammar (as much as you choose to do written vs. orally), and, if she's not already done it, cursive handwriting. My dd had already done cursive with Beyond, so in Bigger I had her do copywork a couple of days a week-Bible verses, or poetry. If your daughter places in Bigger in the other areas, I don't feel that you need to worry about a lack of handwriting right now. That will come soon enough, there's no reason to push it, IMHO. These guides gradually build a child up to those skills, by the discussions that you'll have, and literary analysis, so that by the time you get to creative writing in CTC they are well prepared to do it. HTH!!

ETA: Perhaps I should add that I've not actually gone through the upper guides, so I'm sure someone who's had more experience with HOD will chime in to tell you how prepared their kids were for that writing in CTC

Never copied a link before, but I'll try. Here's a great list for the writing required in Bigger:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=11504#p83433

Thanks for your input! I know there is a lot of "writing" in Bigger, I guess I was concerned about creative writing, book reports and things of that nature. I will have my first homeschool review in May. I will get an idea of what my state/county is looking for then. Appreciate your advice!