Dawn K Homeschool

I never took the time to upload some of the boys' writing assignments for the course we have been using this year from the Institute for Excellence in Writing -- Student Writing Intensive A. So, here they are! First are Ben's from the assignments "Our First President" and "The Donkey and His Driver." Next are Nathan's from the assignments "Our First President" and "Peter the Great."

We have been moving slowly -- too slowly -- through our writing course this year. On the bright side, we have been diligent in all other areas. Here is Ben's -- 5th Grade Here is Nathan's -- 6th Grade .  

Below are the boys' versions of the Institute for Excellence in Writing assignments "The Boy Who Cried Wolf."  Both Ben and Nathan modified the original story to their fancies.

We are still using IEW's writing lessons, but we skipped some weeks.  I thought I would post the last three assignments the boys have completed.  I am very proud of their progress.  Ben, especially, has shown such improvement with Andrew Pudewa's program!  Below are their assignments for "Pearls," "The Boy and the Nuts," and "The Cock and the Eagle." These are Ben's samples: These are Nathan's samples:

I finally chose a writing program that excites me -- Student Writing Intensive -- Level A  by the Institute for Excellence in Writing.  Both the boys adore Andrew Pudewa! Nathan is a natural writer who could use some practice in more expository writing, while Ben is a reluctant writer very much in need of a highly-structured writing program.  While Nathan works nearly independently, I am next to Ben every step of the way.  I thought I would share our first two writing assignments with my readers.  Below are the assignments "Sea Snakes," "Tarantulas," and "Pillbugs." Ben's Nathan's

My son, Nathan, has been begging me for a thesaurus.  I donated ours years ago because it was never used.  They are just so bulky, and if you are a bibliophile or homeschooler, you know how precious bookshelf space is.    Michael Clay Thompson of Royal Fireworks Press recommended buying an electronic thesaurus. I bought  Sharp Electronics PW-E550 Electronic Dictionary , and Nathan has been using it regularly.  He has taken it in the van with him, into restaurants, and used it when typing on Microsoft Word.  It also contains a dictionary which is a bonus!  I like the fact that it is small and super portable -- it can be brought into the kitchen for writing class, back to his room during his creative writing time, or even in a restaurant without much hassle.