1st week in TOG-Writing Aids Question

[MrsMurphy]

We finished our first day yesterday with TOG Year 1, Unit 1. And guess what? No fog! It went smooth and was enjoyed by myself and my children (8, 6, 5, & younger).

But I am confused about the Writing Aids. I did not purchase it because after looking on the Bookshelf and somewhat through the forums, I was unable to find a good explanation of how Writing Aids fits in with the curriculum. Is this just another writing program, independent of the history teaching? Or does it tie in with the history to help reinforce it? Maybe I missed something somewhere??

Thank you,
Linda

[Guinever]

Dear Linda,
Writing Aids is a writing program which contains all levels (meaning 1st-12th grade so you don't have to buy a new level each year.) You could use any writing program with your Tapestry, but WA is written by Marcia specifically for TOG, and yet it is also a reference book that could be used with another curriculum as well.

You have your unit plan. Did you notice the writing assignments on the "red pages?" These assignments have to do with what you are learning in history or literature. You can use the Writing Aids handbook to teach your children how to do the different types of writing that are assigned each week. WA also comes with a CD that has diagrams to print off for your students to use (as well as a whole bunch of other stuff on it too).

I love my writing aids handbook

[MrsMurphy]

Guinever,

Up til now I had only looked at week 1 of the Writing Aids and didn't see any correlation to the history. But now that I look beyond that I can see how it does tie in with the history to help reinforce what's being taught.

Thank you for your patient response, that helps a lot.

I'll put Writing Aids on my "to buy" list.

PS. I looked at your web page a little. We are also all for Ron Paul! He is truly the only candidate that is a friend of the homeschooler. ALL the others want more government intervention in the schooling of our children, but not him. He wants LESS!!!

[deannatoby]

I'm just doing Level 2 with WA, and I wanted to add that I am very pleased, and have very high hopes for what my children will learn in regards to writing techniques. I'm so pleased with it.

And...all my children can say, "Ron Paul Revolution give us back our Constitution!" WE went to the RP rallies in Concord, NH, during the primary. Pretty exciting for us!

Deanna