Over the years I have used a vast variety of writing curricula, I have to say Writing Tales by Amy Olsen is my favorite to date. Her approach is fun, creative, classic, and the kids don't mind doing the assignments.
The program is based on the classic 12 levels of writing from the Greeks known as Progymnasmata. The theory behind this big word is that students learn great writing from imitating well written classic models. Olsen uses excerpts from Aesop's Fables, James Baldwin, and the like as a basis for model to be copied.
Writing Tales is fairly comprhensive in that it covers grammar, puncuation, vocabulary, and spelling in addition to writing. Additionally, there is copy work, giving it a bit a of Charlotte Mason flair as well.
Writing Tales is available in levels 1 and 2, both laid out in a similar fashion making it easy to transition from level 1 to level 2. The consumable student workbook for level 1 is $19.95 and the teacher guide $24.94. Level 2 runs $24.95 for the student workbook and $32.95 for the instructor guide.
The basic structure of both levels works like this:
Day 1, read the story, discuss details of plot, main character, theme, and have the child give an oral summary
Day 2, copy work and grammar
Day 3, vocab and writing based on the vocabulary words
Day 4, review and practice grammar concepts
Day 5, write a rough draft retell of the story
The following week looks similar to the first and lead up to a final draft of the retell where the child is to add creative flair to their original story.
This curriculum is very well laid out and easy to follow. One of my favorite features of the curricula is that in level two kids have the opportunity to sketch out some of their story ideas during the rough draft giving them yet another creative outlet.
Suffice to say this is a fantastic writing curriculum that does more than teach writing. It is broken down into doable lessons with clear directions from the teacher guide, and my kids have enjoyed her fresh approach to teaching writing. I highly recommend Writing Tales, my youngest will get the opportunity to use both levels and a I am tickled about that.
http://writing-tales.com/ will get you to the web site where you can look at a good representation of the materials.
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