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Hi, I hope everyone is having a great day. I am writing to ask for wisdom about keeping my 5th grader up to speed writing if we decide to use Preparing this year. He is finishing Beginning Wisely, dictation level 2 (I will bump him up to level 4 because he is capable), and Drawn Into the Heart of Reading. I try to come up with activities that he enjoys writing so as not to squash his love for it. Thanks for your input.

ds 10 yo completed Little, Beyond, Bigger; would like to start CTC in the fall but may go with Preparing
dd 8yo completed Little Hearts, Beyond, and Bigger, Preparing in the fall at her own pace.
dd 6yo Little Hands, will start beyond in 2nd grade and will enjoy science and history books with mom.
ds 3yo will start Little Hands in kindergarten

I actually think doing the writing as in Preparing is plenty. He will be creating a once a week written narration. And then there is a weekly writing activity corresponding to the poetry. Finally, there are writing assignments in the R&S book. That would be 2-3 writing activities per week. IMHO, that is plenty for a 5th grader Even this year with CTC for my oldest, they do schedule write with the best twice a week. However, they aren't always physically writing. Sometimes they are analyzing something that is written.

So....if you choose Preparing for your 5th grader, then I would just have that child complete the LA as scheduled. It is very balanced and your child will grow in their writing abilities.

Thank you for your advice. I guess the insecurities about writing sometime avail me but I am thankful for your sweet wisdom. Have a blessed day!
Melissa