Write Shop ~ Primary C

 


Although I love to write, I was a little afraid of teaching my kids how to write. I don't know exactly what I was afraid of, but I knew I wanted to teach them and that they might love writing too once they got started. But how to start?

 Last year our portfolio reviewer told me they should be writing stories on their own and making up characters, plots, etc. this year. They do that all the time, I said, they play imaginative games and act out plays every day. She said they need to also be able to write them down. Sigh. They do not love actually writing things down.

When I was offered the chance to review Write Shop I had high hopes of finally figuring out how to get them started with writing down all those creative stories they make up in their little minds. I chose Write Shop Primary C because it is recommended for 2nd and 3rd graders. The website states that level C teaches students to write simple stories, articles, and reports "with parent help". It seemed like a great starting point, so we just dove right in.

Lessons are short, so the kids never felt overwhelmed at any time. The limit is about 15 minutes. The book contains 30 lessons. Each lesson has 8 activities. If you use the standard 3 week plan you complete a lesson every 3 weeks, and will complete the book in one school year. A 2 week and 1 week plan are also given if you want to go faster or have an advanced student.

River and Brae asked to do these lessons, they enjoyed learning how to put their thoughts down on paper. Because of the short time slot each day they often asked to write a little longer, which I let them do. Last weekend we visited my Dad. A neighbor girl came over to play with them and they decided to write and act out a play for us. I was so proud!! They even gave the 3 year old a part to learn. I hope to see more plays over the summer, and of course I am video recording them. :0)

Here is a sample sheet from the Activity Pack. These are from lesson 1, you can see how simple and quick a lesson can go, but yet they learned so much just from picking apart a nursery rhyme.

 


The teacher manual (sample below) walks you step by step through each lesson and even gives narratives so you know what to say so the kids understand. I found it VERY helpful! I will add that this is a very teacher involved program. You have to be actively engaged in the teaching and helping to guide the child through the lessons. If you are a hands on teacher then this will work great for you. If you are expecting worksheets to do most of the teaching this may not be the right program for you. Advanced preparation is needed for many lessons. Nothing major, but it does require you to read ahead and sometimes make something ahead of time, like the story wheel shown below.

 

I personally enjoy the time we have spent writing together, and Ill treasure these first stories always. I plan on continuing with Write Shop through the summer, the kids voted a strong YES to that suggestion!

Write Shop Primary C is available in a spiral bound print version for $32.95 or in PDF form for $28.95. The Activity Set Worksheet Pack is available in print version for $4.95 or in PDF form for $4.50. The worksheet packs are reproducible for use with more than one child in your family.

Through June 15th, 2012 you get a 15% discount on any Write Shop Primary or Junior product by using the code CREW15 during checkout!

Read what other members of The Homeschool Crew though about Write Shop products!



Disclaimer ~ We received this product at no charge in exchange for an honest review after using it in our homeschool as a part of The Homeschool Crew. No other compensation was given. All opinions expressed here are my own.