1. For Fuzzy, the Student Writing Intensive Level A  (SWI) is a 4-day DVD workshop for Grade 3-5 student.

The lessons present writing methods and models. For them both, doing it at their pace, relaxed, taken in small bites and wee steps worked well. So it was not as intensive as it should be yet it helped the children gain the boost that they need. We watched the sessions and did the exercises twice a week. Vibrant Bea (VB) completed the workshop and exercises last year and her writing skills have improved a lot. She is now more expressive and perhaps a more confident writer. Fuzzy started out this program with VB but has taken an even more relaxed pace since lap-n-note activities have come in between for him. Fuzzy thinks Andrew Pudewa is a very funny teacher and keeps the topics interesting and seem so easy. At present, Fuzzy is completing the final session but he targets to complete the whole level before we pack up for Egypt.

2.  For Vibrant Bea, the Reach for the Stars! Writing Workshop for Kids has definitely brought out the writer  in her...

This marvelous program is designed by published author Susan Marlow. I never thought I could find an excellent program that is free, fun... and yes, it is online. My daughter VB enjoys it very much. She also loves the challenge. She enjoys the prompts which stir her imagination and help her put them into words. And she loves the fact that finally her blog -  is growing and her list of friends, too. Need I say more?

VB's writings exercises can be read on her blog - Vera's City. Fuzzy is also taking up the challenge of going through this program after he finished the SWI. Of course, a blog for him will come with it.

Yes, these are writing programs but we never set our lapbooks and notebooks aside for our written narration as these still are a big part of our learning.. the CM way.