Each lesson revolves around a theme of interest to children such as animals, friends, trains, colors, rhymes, and so on. Each of the ten lessons includes a series of eight repeating activity sets that are completed alongside a parent as a new writing concept – the lesson focus -- is introduced. Guided writing practice is included in each writing activity, and is accompanied by picture book reading, games, brainstorming, composition, editing, worksheets, publishing the writing (craft), and evaluating the students work. Though these may seem like daunting concepts, particularly for pre-writers, they are incredibly accessible and child-friendly, free of any feeling of intimidation on the part of the child or parent. The focus of the lessons move through such teaching concepts as title selection, punctuation, rhyming words, and ordering stories chronologically.
Lest the program sound overly structured, parents are free to customize it for their children and suggestions are given within the text. What I most appreciated is the option to ease pre-writers into writing activities through parental modeling and the gentle sharing of writing time together as a parent-child dyad. This is one of the key features that make WriteShop Primary such a blessing to parents seeking to tie all the loose threads of their literacy program together. These guided activities can see children through from pre-writing to confident writing skills.
My daughter adores this writing program, and so do I. The gentle nature, hands-on activities, professionally illustrated worksheets, and the opportunity to work with mom make an irresistible combination for her. As a teaching parent the ease of use, clear schedule and supply lists, and team-based approach to learning mark the program as a winner.
Available in both print format and as an e-book, the price difference is minimal, so unless shipping is exorbitantly expensive (as for international purchasers), the print edition is likely the most economical choice. Home printing costs for a 186-page book will likely render the slight difference in cost between the versions insignificant.
A downloadable scope and sequence, lesson sample, and worksheet sample are available online at the WriteShop website.
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