Oct. 17, 2006 - A Review of The Writing Tales Curriculum
My son has a writing program called Writing Tales by Amy Hastings Olsen. I must say that I was a little nervous teaching my son how to write. The funny thing is my son loves writing. This curriculum has turned out to be the family favorite. Why, you might ask? One major reason is you know your child likes it when he changes the theme songs of his favorite show to "Writing Tales."
If you know the theme song to Veggie Tales, sing this song to the tune: Writing Taaaales, Writing Taaales, Writing Taaaales, WRITING TALES!! Whenever it is time to take out the lesson, my two sons sing this in unison. I know it sounds strange, but you can't make this stuff up. I never would have thought to sing a song to it. If you would like, I will give you the rest of the verses. I just want to tell you that is how much my son loves this writing program.
Now, my testimony! This program is so user friendly. Ms. Olsen does an outstanding job of simplifying instructions and directions. She gives little helps and games in the appendix to get the child engaged in the lessons. For example, I had to make these cards that said, "questions, commands, statement, and exclamations." I would read a type of sentence and my son had to run to the correct card. My younger son wanted to play. There are other games, but we got really silly with this one. I like that in the appendix there is a write up of the story. I copy it, cut it up, and scramble it and have my son try to put it in order.
On the odd weeks, we read the new story and go over the new grammar lesson. On the even weeks, it is more of a review of the previous week, but the child can make a few changes to their rewrite of the story. So, the child gets to add their own creative touch. The story that I submitted in the previous article is a sample.
Overall, my son likes it because it is fun and keeps his interest. I like it because of the ease to implement the lessons. It starts off simple, but gets more challenging. It is definitely a classical approach to writing with alittle twist. It is similar to Classical Writing in some of its ideas. I would recommend for third grade and up.
Ms. Olsen emailed me recently to tell me that she is writing part II to Writing Tales. If anyone wants more information about the book, you can email me or I can give you her email address.
Soli Deo Gloria
Comments
Oct. 18, 2006 - Review
Posted by Writingtales
Dear friend, you are so kind! And I am thrilled that you are enjoying Writing Tales. If anyone is interested, they can go to the website-in-progress (still in its infancy stage, but soon to have much more information posted) - www.olsen-books.com. Soon you will be able to order directly from that site, but for now, to order, go to www.lulu.com and search for "amy olsen".
Oct. 20, 2006 - Hey! Amy!
Posted by Testimony
I just want to suggest that you go on the Well Trained Mind boards. I have to admit those mothers are crazy about education. They do waaaaaaaaaaay too much. Most of those mom would be interested in this writing program. Many moms ask "how can I find a writing program for my third grader?" I would suggest that you answer them with your writing program. Answer questions other moms have about different curricula and whenever writing comes up, throw out yours. There is a woman named Ria. That is what she did for her science program. She created a science curriculum that follows the Well Trained Mind. So, you have people on the boards that would be highly interested. Try it! Hey! You never know!
Oct. 25, 2006 - Sounds like a winner
Posted by BarbaraFrank
That's a good review! It sounds like you've found something that works for your son. Isn't that a good feeling? I wish I'd known about that program when my kids were younger, because it sounds like fun.
If you want to continue reviewing homeschool books on your blog, I'd be happy to send you my eBook so you can review it. Just let me know :)
Take care,
Barb
Oct. 27, 2006 - Yes!
Posted by Testimony
I definitely would love to do it!
