Writing Curriculum

What are some good curricula for middle and high school other than IEW? I'd love IEW but it is out of my budget. We've focused a lot on grammar, and I'd like to see more actual writing from my kids.

 

There are 2 programs put out by Analytical Grammar, one for writing reports and one for writing something else (braindead right now lol). They are cheap and look awesome!

 

Classical Writing is supposed to be pretty good. I haven't tried it though.

 

I've only used a couple of the lower grades but Essentials In Writing has all grade levels.

 

What about Writing Strands?

 

Writing strands we like it, we used it a couple back but ds really enjoyed it then, Iwould use it again now that he is older and he would like it still

 

We tried Writing Strands a couple of years ago, but we did not like it.

 

I've gotta say, IEW IS pricy, but it IS ALSO worth it!!!! And it holds it's value, too.

But, I have to find what i used with my son, it was called "Writing for Boys" or something like that. He loved it! Bwaaahaaahaaa!!!! he's doing IEW next year b/c I was able to borrow it.

Do you know anyone who you could borrow it from?

 

Also, joining or participating in a spelling bee can help. Can work wonders in the long term, I reckon.

 

Why is teaching writing so difficult? I feel like I'm the meanest mom in the world when I ask my kids to write something! Glad to read some good ideas here!

 

I think it is worse when they are teens and give you attitude about writing things they enjoyed as kids...

 

You can always look for it used. Remember it also has great resale value so if you get it used you will probably get full money back for the DVDs the following year and all you would need to buy are the handouts (if your DVD set does not have the CD-ROM with the printables on it.)

 

I have only looked for it used. It's still pricey!