Talk me into Write with the Best

[Busymomma1]

Hi,
We will be using CTC next fall with my dd, and I am struggling over choosing a writing program. I heard a "popular" conference speaker talk about her writing program for middle graders, and I was sold on it. But then again, it seems like it would add a lot of work into our days. I like how WWB would be scheduled only 2 days per week, and it looks a bit more gentle.

So, given that, those of you who have used WWB Vol 1, how did you like it? Why was this chosen over the many other writing programs out there? If there is already a thread on this, please direct me. But since the title Write with the Best contains common words, it's challenging to do a search on it.

I would LOVE for my dd to do the guide as written. I've tweaked too much over the years (yes, we've done all the programs from LHFHG on, and I've tweaked every one. I think I'm finally ready to let go and have her do it as written). But I want to be convinced on this one!

Thanks for any input!

[LynnH]

My ds really thrived with WWTB. He was a struggling writer at that time and it went step by step enough that it really built up his confidence. The instructions in WWTB combined with the ones Carrie adds in the guide really made it easy to teach. He enjoyed the assignments. Carrie carefully looks at how much writing is required in Rod and Staff English and then balances it with the writing program so that it isn't overwhelming to the dc. She also alternates the type of writing covered each year. In CTC you do WWTB which is more descriptive writing modeled after great works, then in RTR you do Medieval Writing lessons by IEW which is more formulaic writing. In Rev to Rev Exciting World of Creative Writing is used so the focus goes to Creative Writing and short stories, and then in MTMM she schedules WWTB vol 2. Each year the skills build on the previous ones learned. So much thought goes in to the writing programs and building the skills each year.

[Busymomma1]

Thanks, LynnH! That really helps for me to see "the plan" laid out for writing. I think I will go with WWTB b/c there will be that balance you spoke of in each day, as well as good preparation for the next guides. I know that when I've tweaked and substituted, I ended up skipping boxes at times, and I want that to stop! My dc are getting tired of school, and I have a sneaking suspicion it will go better next year if I let my dd do the guide as written. Also, I think I've got my 2 younger boys placed well in the right guides, too. We've been combining all along, and I've been fighting doing separate guides. But it's just gotten to the place that my oldest needs to take off on her own. And the boys won't be "pushed" beyond their abilities, either. I'm looking for it to go more smoothly as a result. And this "writing thing" is just one more piece of the puzzle!

Thanks!