I lead a co-op and used the American History Text this year and was very pleased.

For me, the most appealing aspect of the "topic" based writing programs is that they generally coincide with something that I'm already teaching. Therefore, although the writing may be a new aspect of my History lesson, the material still parallels with a subject we're covering. And, although the writing assignments don't always correspond with my lesson plans, they either reinforce something we've already covered or they introduce something yet to come.

One of my favorite parts of the American History program is the way vocabulary is introduced and integrated into the writing. It is great! Another favorite, yet very challenging concept was the idea of eliminating "to be" verbs. Wow! Very difficult, but it made an incredible difference in the kids' writings.

We struggled in only one portion of the program --- the Preamble, the Constitution and the significance of the American Flag -- all close together. Most fifth graders have heard of the constitution but don't fully understand it. The preamble in particular is a very complex concept. And I don't believe that 10- and 11-year-olds have fully developed an ability to emotionally attach themselves or comprehend--well, much of anything, much less the American flag.

We had to stop and specifically cover these topics before the kids were truly able to write about them. Unfortunately, I knew we missed the boat when my son said, "I'm just going to write, that when I see an American flag, I feel proud to be an American and I think of what my forefathers sacrifice for me."

"Wow! You're pretty amazing. Is that how you really feel every time you see a flag?"

"No, not really, but that would be the easiest thing to write. Besides and it would make a good poem."

I guess I need to buy the Character packet next!

~Kathy~
Co-op Leader