Took the plunge… ordered the One Year Adventure Novel writing curriculum for Haniya. She’s not old enough by their guidelines, but she’s plenty ready for it! The girl has been writing stories for awhile and she needs direction. I’m really excited about this program. The website offers a free DVD demo disc with two sample lessons and it is done well. Free samples are great, aren’t they?
Not doing Sonlight will allow more time for each of the kids to pursue their educational passions. Haniya’s passion is definitely writing and communication. So, Haniya, if you’re reading this… go on over to the One Year Novel site and just see if it is something you’d like to do. 
Okay, Mama!
I think it’s cool, Mama!!
Love, Haniya
I knew you would like it, Haniya. I can’t wait until you get started! Love, Mama
Wardah and Haniya,
How are you liking the One Year Adventure Novel? Has the grade level recommendation been right? Would you need formal writing instruction before using this, or is it good for anyone who has a passion for writing? Does it take much of your time, Wardeh? I sent for the free sample DVD, but there is nothing better than advice from someone who has used it. Please tell me about it.
Thanks,
Kelli
Kelli, I believe the program is very good. Would you like to borrow the beginning instruction DVDs? You wouldn’t need formal instruction, but you would need to be at a high school level in terms of being able to keep up with the writing assignments. For the first semester, it is all planning, in detail. The second semester, the student writes one chapter per week (12 total) — but we can’t keep up with this, and that’s okay. It doesn’t take much of my time.
Haniya watches the lesson on the DVD, reads the textbook, completes the assigment (whether workbook and/or actual writing). I check it over (hopefully) to see whether I think she’s grasped it and completed the assigment well. There is a message board for the students to interact with one another and ask the teacher (Mr. Schwauber) questions. He’s very available; Haniya has asked him several questions and she’s made good friends there, even though she is younger than the others. I would be happy to loan you some of the DVDs for a couple weeks. The demo DVD should give you a good feel for it, though.
Hope this helps! Love, Wardeh
I think it’s awesome!
I haven’t had really any previous writing instruction before, and I’m doing fine with it. It’s challenging, and asks pretty tough questions sometimes, but, it’s really great.
Haniya
My son is only 10 1/2 years old and is very interested in this curriculum. How did it go using it with a younger child? Thanks so much. I can’t afford to invest this kind of money and it not work.
Penny, My daughter has done very well and learned very much! I’m glad we did it when we did because she is a writer and spends much time writing and everything she learned through the course helped her to learn good writing habits. Much better to learn those young for an aspiring writer than to have to undo ineffective writing habits! Have you requested the free DVD? That might help you evaluate the teaching style and first lessons.