The kids have finished Wordsmith.  I asked them what they thought of the program and was met with mediocre enthusiasm.  They requested that I switch back to Journal writing using journal prompts, so beginning next week that will again be our creative writing class.  We had been doing this in the past but I thought that they needed a more formal program.  I think I was wrong.  They used to love writing in their journals.  When I switched to another method they became overwhelmed with the mechanics.  They get plenty of that in their other Language Arts subjects.  I want writing to lean more on the creative thinking side.  I have created a calendar of writing prompts for them to follow.  I have also been mulling over the idea of having them post a few of their assignments to their totally neglected blogs.  I’d love to start a writing ring just for kids, something like Blogger Friend School, but don’t know if anyone would be interested.  Just thinking out loud here.  Love to have your feedback about this.