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Hello! This next year will be our second year with HOD and my oldest (DS13) will be in 9th grade. He did Rev to Rev this past year, but I'm going to skip him ahead to WG for 9th grade for a variety of reasons (e.g. the skills in WG fit him better--I probably should have started him in MtMM this past year--,he needs the challenge, and I don't want to figure out how to beef up MTMM). However, he is a very reluctant and fairly poor writer. The narrations this year have been a huge help, but he still needs a lot of improvement! I am wondering if the EIW Grade 10 suggested for WG will be too overwhelming for him? Anyone have experience with using this curriculum for a reluctant/poor writer?

Thanks!

I think EIW would be perfect for him. It starts very gentle with assignments of writing different types of sentences, then it moves on to paragraphs of various types, then to essays. As high school writing programs go it is probably one of the gentler ones at least as far as not moving too fast. Just know that overall there is a lot more writing in WG than in Rev to Rev.

Oh that's good to know! Would you suggest Level 10 or 9? Looking at the EIW webpage, it suggests putting a child at grade level (even if he's not writing at grade level). Would level 10 be too much?

If it were me, I would probably use the grade 10. Carrie has scheduled these write programs the way she has for a reason. And everything is very balanced out according to those assignments. A lot of time the writing in high school programs don't necessarily get harder, they just are different from year to year. So doing grade 10 next year probably doesn't necessarily build specifically on grade 9. It might have some stuff that builds on the previous level but it will also have a ton that is very different.

Thanks for the response! I just don't know...

I like your name Coffeegal - in fact, I feel like having another coffee right now because of it! We did WG last year, and it is a terrific guide! That being said, a second peek at the placement chart to be sure ds can handle the writing portion overall may be a good idea. It is true, this is the time to ponder skipping a guide if ever there is one. The verge of high school is a time to rethink placement with fresh eyes. So, I think that is a good idea. I'm just worried about the writing. There is a jump between RevtoRev and WG in writing, as well as in time allotments for the day. So, it is something worth double-checking. Here are a few links that may help...

Placement chart for MTMM:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

Placement chart for WG:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-yo ... school.php

Choosing RevtoRev or MTMM for high school or bumping up to World Geography guide for high school by Carrie:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13690&p=97830#p97830

Three High School Paths within HOD by Carrie:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8208&p=59681

Also, here are some pics of our ds doing the WG last year, so you can get a visual idea of the writing in WG...
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=14525
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=14543
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=14608
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=14648
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=14712
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=14813
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=14948
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=14884

HTH - but be sure to share your thoughts when you get the chance! It helps not only you but others, and we love to help here!

In Christ,
Julie

Thank you so much, Julie! Those examples really helped and it made me realize that he does belong in WG. The main reason I'm bumping him up to WG is that his skill level for all the areas lines up well with WG, except for writing. He'll be much more engaged in the schoolwork if it is challenging to him. However. The writing is really the sticking point, but after researching EIW and reading your posts on a few of those links, I really do think that program will work for him. It seems gentle and progressive, both of which he needs!

Do you have any idea, though, Julie, if the Level 9 is greatly different from Level 10? I may just contact EIW directly and ask them!

Thank you again! And after we're into it a little next year, I'll make sure and post so it can help others in this same boat!

I spoke with Matthew Stephens at convention this year and the way he explained it to me was, you can skip 9 and do 10, you can do 9 and skip 10, but he doesn't recommend skipping 9 and 10 and jumping to 11. That being said, he also referred me back to Carrie for specific questions on how it's scheduled in the guide, and what year I should use since this will be our first year in HOD.
Blessings!
Dorinda

I have heard Matthew say the same thing in reference to EIW that Dorinda did. So, I'd do Gr. 10, and I think he'll be fine! I'm glad to have been of some help! I think you and your ds will love WG!

In Christ,
Julie

Thank you Dorinda and Julie! That really put my mind at ease! Level 10 it is!