When I began homeschooling I researched tons of curriculum. Language arts, math, science, you name it, I researched it. We found curriculum we liked and began our homeschool journey. Fast forward a few years and we are still homeschooling, and still using some great curriculum.
But, I missed something. In all my researching, in all my teaching, there was an important area of homeschooling that I missed. What was it?
WRITING
I didn’t even realize I had missed it until my daughter took a creative writing course in 4H. At that point I realized how lacking her writing skills were. You see, I had assumed that the basics would be taught in her Language Arts course. I assumed she would just “know” how to write.
But… I was wrong. So, I began researching writing programs. I began gathering up information that would help me make the right choice when it came to a writing program for my children.
What to Look For in a Writing Program
When looking for a writing program I knew what I wanted, and I believe no matter who you are you are going to want these things out of a writing program.
- The first was that it offered step by step instruction and clear directions. Both for me and my children.
- I wanted to be able to use the program for multiple children with different learning styles
- Does the program lay a good foundation?
- Is the building process taught?
- Is it fun for kids and not just busy work?
- Is self-editing taught?
I found four writing programs that consistently received great reviews, met my list requirements and seemed to turn out happy customers.
Write shop is a program that not only teaches your children how to write but teaches YOU how to TEACH writing. It helps introduce and review the building blocks of the writing process. Write shop offers programs for all grades from Kindergarten through high school.
Essentials in Writing is a video based homeschool writing and grammar curriculum. Students will learn how to communicate with readers through written language and become confident writers. This is great for those looking for an independent program, or those who struggle teaching grammar and writing.
Institute for Excellence in Writing
IEW users say the program is easy to use, and provides step by step instruction. Children enjoy going through the program and have fun while writing. The program is flexible and spans a wide variety of ages.
Brave Writer expresses that their goal is designed to enhance the parent-child relationship through the teaching of writing and for writing to become a safe playground instead of an intimidating foreign country. Brave Writer does this through products and classes that lead you through all the steps from thought–origination to published writing.
If your homeschool child has not been through a formal writing program I highly recommend any of the above programs. When choosing a program for your child it is important to look through reviews, examine the curriculum, and see how or if it will meet your child’s needs. I am confident that at least one of these great writing curriculums will work for you and your child.
Author Bio: Misty Bailey is the wife to Roger, and mom to three active kids. She shares her struggles with time management, becoming unglued, homeschooling and finding joy in the everyday moments on her blog Joy in the Journey.
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