Variety in writing is the spice of life!
We are new to Heart of Dakota (HOD). I appreciate, Carrie, how you share the reasons behind HOD’s choices. This lack of explanation in other programs we’ve used prior to HOD is (partially) why we quit using them. Anyway, I see HOD uses a variety of writing programs each year. I was wondering about the benefits of using different writing sources each year.
We used (and greatly enjoyed) Write with the Best Volume I this year in Creation to Christ. Looking ahead, I see IEW, The Exciting World of Creative Writing, EIW, and In Their Sandals. Why did you choose to use a variety of writing programs? Why didn’t you choose one writing program to use for successive years? Also, when using the Medieval Writing Lessons will I need to go through IEW’s training? Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
“Ms. Please Share the Reasons Behind HOD’s Variety of Writing Programs”
Dear “Ms. Please Share the Reasons Behind HOD’s Variety of Writing Programs,”
This past thread will be of some help in showing that the formal writing programs scheduled within HOD are just one piece of the writing across the curriculum that students are doing in the HOD guide. This also means that the goals for what we are looking for in a writing program change from year-to-year as part of the whole picture of writing skills taught within each HOD guide.
Writing has a definite progression of skills.
Writing has a definite progression of skills and certain types of writing that are easier to accomplish than others. So, we keep this in mind as we move through the guides. Various writing programs also have different strengths. Different writing programs appeal to different types of learners. This is something that should not be overlooked. Can you imagine if all of our great writers had been exposed to only one particular writing “program” that they all were required to use year after year? Would it produce as much variety as we see in great writing, or could it instead feel stifling to some writers?
Writing is a highly creative and personal process.
It’s important to remember that writing is a highly creative and personal process.  While it does have certain skills that need to be taught, it also requires much more individual expression and output. Thus, it requires a different approach than subjects like math or English, where a certain set of skills are taught and an exacting output is required. In math and English it makes perfect sense to stay the course with a single program, yet in writing it is true that “variety is the spice of life” (and the spice of writing)!
 A variety of writing experiences and writing approaches with steady skill progression creates a strong writer.
Having the freedom to choose among the different writing programs available, let’s us take advantage of the strengths within each program. It also provides students with a variety of writing experiences and writing approaches, yet maintains solid skill progression when integrated with the writing across the curriculum scheduled in the HOD guide. Our approach also allows us to be better balanced in seeing the writing program as just one piece of the HOD puzzle each year.
My response toward the end of this thread about Resurrection to Reformation’s IEW writing should give you the answer you are seeking.
Blessings,
Carrie
