Writing For Reluctant Writers
Not every student is the next Shakespeare, Hemingway, or Rowling but each child does have something inside of them that can be brought to life through writing. The problem is that many children do not like to write or think that they can’t write. They are more concerned with how long the piece of writing has to be. I know as a mom and teacher, I’ve dreaded that question. Before the assignment has even begun, “How many paragraphs does this have to be?” <insert eyeroll> How many of you have heard that before? Do you want something that will help you with your writing curriculum and stop your students from asking that dreaded question? If you teach writing with WriteShop in your homeschool, you will see results from even the most unwilling writers.
What Is WriteShop?
WriteShop is a writing program that can help even the most reluctant writers achieve great success. It is a step by step program that teaches the basic building blocks of writing to children of all ages. The program got it starts from two parents who were looking for a curriculum for their boys who were struggling with writing. They could not find what they were looking for, so they ended up created it and WriteShop was born. WriteShop is guidance and encouragement for both the parent and the child to help bring up confident writers. Writing should be something that is enjoyed and this program is set up to help students find their voice in writing and the writing process.
WriteShop I & II
I ordered WriteShop I for my students which is best for middle school grades and provides a good solid foundation for writing. My students are very reluctant writers and many of them struggle with learning disabilities. I am always on the look-out for something that will help them gain confidence in their learning. I wanted to see if this would help.
When you order the WriteShop I series, you will receive a softcover, looseleaf paper text. The text has lessons that improve descriptive, narrative and informative writing. Students use a variety of skills such as brainstorming, drafting, editing and revising. For example, in unit one, descriptive writing, there are seven lessons all together to help the students get a grasp on that concept. The workbook models what their drafts should look like so the students have a visual. All of these skills are an essential part of the writing process and WriteShop has done a wonderful job of putting together each lesson. WriteShop I gives a solid writing foundation.
Once your child has moved on from WriteShop I, they can head on to WriteShop II which covers more advanced writing concepts. You can purchase the books separately or in a bundle that gives you a teacher’s guide. I love having teachers guide to help me through the day and give me the step by step directions to help my children along the way.
What’s Included
The text includes 16 lessons with directions written to the student. I, for one, think that this is important. It shows the student that this course is about them and not the teacher/parent. The lessons are creative and offer supplemental material to reinforce the necessary writing skills. Rubrics are also available for grading compositions. One of my favorite features of the WriteShop student workbook is the word list in the back of the workbook. The list gives students options for different words when writing about character traits, expressions, weak words, colors, textures, and so much more. It truly is a resource in itself.
The Teacher’s Manual for WriteShop I & II includes
In addition to the wonderful lessons provided in WriteShop I, a teacher manual is also available for purchase. Parents can find a full Scope and Sequence of how things should be taught, although most complete WriteShop I prior to moving onto WriteShop II.
What you will find in the Teacher’s Manual
- Clearly outlined teacher lesson plans
- Instructions for many lesson exercises that are NOT found in the student workbook
- Tips for editing, evaluating, and grading student compositions (including edited examples of actual student work)
- Suggestions for addressing problem areas
- Instructions for using student and teacher checklists
- Answer keys to Skill Builders and pre-writing activities
- Extensive appendix offering hundreds of ideas for lesson expansion, persuasive essay topics, creative fiction, projects, and writing across the curriculum
What Else is Available
WriteShop has many items that are available for the homeschool family. Here are some products you may be interested in.
- WriteShop Primary (Books A, B, C) Focus on K-3rd grades
- WriteShop Junior (Books D, E, F) Focus on 4-6th Grades
- Placement Test to help determine which level your child needs to start
- Mega Pack Printables
- Gratitude Journals
After using WriteShop I with my own students, I would highly recommend it to anyone who is having trouble incorporating a writing program in their homeschool. It truly takes to pain out of teaching writing for the parent and the frustrations of learning to write from the student. Get your copy today by visiting the WriteShop website.
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