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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Not sure if this fits here but I was just thinking about how to help my son.  8 th grader, great reader but terrible writer.  We have a great relationship but he does not want me to teach or coach him.  Should I look for a writing tutor, a writing program on-line?  He hates to write and I am worried about him because writing is a life skill.  So far, his grades are good but it is because we sit with him, edit, make him do webs, etc.

My dh bith tell him that writing is a skill, craft and you have to work at it.  He will always do the least amount possible, make no connections between ideas, use elementary language ( he has a great vocabulary.) I have been thinking about this all semester so timely post.[/quote]

For online programs, I might take a look at [b]Institute for Excellence in Writing[/b]'s online writing class Level B for Grades 6–8/ages 11-13. More information here (http://iew.com/events-classes/online-classes/online-class-information). This program teaches an [i]extremely[/i] structured writing method especially at first when students are new to the program, so it might be good for a reluctant writer who hasn't yet learned to use writing strategies consistently . The method forces students to make specific conscious decisions about word choice, so that might address your vocabulary concerns. The method taught by this program lends itself well to the five paragraph essay style of writing emphasized in school because it teaches students to write from a carefully created outline.

I have heard some criticism of the program so it might not be right for everyone. A common complaint is that the method it teaches is too structured and removes the creativity from the writing process. I personally think this is good at the elementary level because I want my kids to learn the basics and have a strong foundation in writing skills before they start trying to embellish and experiment with "creative" writing, and I think it might be good for a reluctant writer who is older, like your son. Some parents say that it reduced their student's enjoyment of writing, but this was always with a kid who already loved to write, so I'm not sure how it would apply in your case. Finally, I have heard that the class is too expensive, or that it is not convenient that there is only one after school course offered since the program is mainly geared towards homeschoolers. YMMV, so definitely look into it and decide based on what works for your family/your son, but when I saw your post I thought this program might fit what you were looking for so I wanted to mention it.

Hope this helps.[/quote]

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