Writing program for 3rd-graders?
-
playschool
- Posts: 222
- Joined: Mon Oct 20, 2008 6:55 pm
Writing program for 3rd-graders?
I've noticed on other homeschooling boards that many people start using a formal writing (not penmanship) program in 3rd grade? Have you found this necessary when using HOD? Do those of you with 3rd graders use Igniting Your Writing as in the catalog or is that for the older children in HOD? Just wondering, I want to make sure I am covering all of my basis. BTW, we will hopefully be using Bigger Hearts next year for this particular child. Thanks!
Re: Writing program for 3rd-graders?
playschool,
Igniting Your Writing is best used for grades 4 on up, so we wouldn't recommend that along with Bigger Hearts unless you have an older student. Rod and Staff English covers the basics of writing very well. In English 2, which is scheduled in Bigger, the writing lessons all come in the final units of the book. This is due to the fact that's it's important to have grammar, usage, and punctuation skills firmly in place before beginning much formal writing instruction.
Throughout Bigger Hearts we utilize writing in daily copywork through Scriptures, notebooking pages in history and in science, the grammar lessons and poetry copywork (if you choose to use it), and the science lab sheets. We also schedule cursive handwriting and have writing within Drawn into the Heart of Reading, once kiddos get to a more independent level of reading.
Starting with Preparing Hearts and English 3, more solid writing instruction occurs. Then, as you move into Creation to Christ, the writing steps up even more to include Write with the Best, along with Rod and Staff (and continuation of other writing forms as well).
Blessings,
Carrie
Igniting Your Writing is best used for grades 4 on up, so we wouldn't recommend that along with Bigger Hearts unless you have an older student. Rod and Staff English covers the basics of writing very well. In English 2, which is scheduled in Bigger, the writing lessons all come in the final units of the book. This is due to the fact that's it's important to have grammar, usage, and punctuation skills firmly in place before beginning much formal writing instruction.
Throughout Bigger Hearts we utilize writing in daily copywork through Scriptures, notebooking pages in history and in science, the grammar lessons and poetry copywork (if you choose to use it), and the science lab sheets. We also schedule cursive handwriting and have writing within Drawn into the Heart of Reading, once kiddos get to a more independent level of reading.
Starting with Preparing Hearts and English 3, more solid writing instruction occurs. Then, as you move into Creation to Christ, the writing steps up even more to include Write with the Best, along with Rod and Staff (and continuation of other writing forms as well).
Blessings,
Carrie
-
playschool
- Posts: 222
- Joined: Mon Oct 20, 2008 6:55 pm
Re: Writing program for 3rd-graders?
Thanks Carrie! I did not think it was necessary for the 3rd grade in HOD. I did not want to add too much more to my "homeschool plate" next fall. I am, however, looking forward to starting Bigger w/him. Thanks!