We have used First Language Lessons and Writing with Ease levels 1 and 2. I have really liked both books (by Susan Wise Bauer) and they are gentle on the kids as well as producing the desired skills. I don’t have my students do the dictation work in First Language Lessons as this is a bit redundant if you use the books together. Also, if you would like your younger students to be doing and learning about creative writing you eaither need to supplement or this is not the curriculum for you. These books follow the classical model which does not have them doing this in the early grammar stage.
Thank you very much for responding! I did buy First Language Lessons for next year and it really looks good!