6 In Homeschooling

A Review Of WriteShop 1 & 2

I’m one of those homeschooling mamas that hears, “WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!” when I think about using a pre-made, detailed curriculum. So, when I was approached to try Write Shop, I was a little reluctant.

 

I wasn’t sure what I would be getting myself (or my son) into, but I told myself – either it will work, or it won’t. Well, I’m happy to tell you that it is working! With this subject being one of our son’s advanced areas, I am actually quite impressed that it is offering him a challenge, but not too much to make him cry.

 

A motto I’ve adopted when it comes to homeschooling is – no tears, ALL CHEERS! This couldn’t be more true when choosing a curriculum to use for teaching your child of any grade level. One of the biggest hurdles to jump when it comes to homeschooling is being confident in choosing what you know is best for your children – especially when it comes to curriculum.

 

I recommend to always take their learning style(s) and personal needs into consideration. Also, don’t be afraid to deviate from the path always traveled. Sometimes a good textbook-style curriculum may suffice, whereas for other subjects journaling and notebooking are best.

 

When it came to an English-Language Arts curriculum, I chose to use Write Shop I & II because it helps with developing a strong writing foundation. As a writer myself, this is a super important concept that I want my children to learn and know.

 

WriteShop I is designed for grades 6-10 while WriteShop II is ideal for students in grades 8-12.

 

 

This writing program is:

  • clear
  • concise
  • focuses on developing a strong paragraph
  • has a wide-range of writing activities
  • focuses on teaching how to refine work (A++)
  • helps parents know exactly what to teach
  • guides parents in evaluating their child’s work

 

These are key skills I want to teach my children and they are all wrapped up in Write Shop I & II. Something else worth noting is the flexibility this program offers. I mention in this video that I like knowing what to do, but not being tied down to having to do it on certain days. There is a mapped out plan for parents who do like to have it laid out; however, we have found ourselves completing several exercises in one day and taking a day or two longer with others.

 

Regardless of what we choose, we can stay on track because the student assignments are organized in the student workbook by lesson number. The teacher’s manual lines up with that as well. I also love the fact that the set comes with a teacher’s manual, a student workbook, AND a copying and dictation exercise booklet PLUS The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation!

 

I’m actually glad that I took the leap of faith and said, “Sure I’ll try it!” because now I can tell you that if you’re reluctant to purchasing a curriculum or aren’t sure where to start – when it comes to ELA, I highly recommend Write Shop! If you’re not sure where to start, I recommend checking our their samples. You can click and download immediately to see what you’d be getting before you buy. Double win!

 

CHIME IN: What is your favorite English-Language Arts curriculum? Why?

 

 

 

Michelle Huddleston is a lifestyle blogger, curriculum resource creator, international speaker, and co-owner of one of the fastest growing virtual schools for homeschoolers – Huddleston Academy. She is passionate about building a community where homeschooling moms can have reliable tools, resources, and support all just a click away. Michelle would love to connect with you! She can be found on FacebookInstagramPinterest, and YouTube!

 

 

 

You Might Also Like

6 Comments

  • Reply
    Lindsay Smith
    June 5, 2019 at 8:43 am

    I’ve never heard of Write Shop before so this was a great review! Sounds like a great program!

  • Reply
    Kenzi
    June 5, 2019 at 3:35 pm

    I haven’t heard of write shop but definitely recommending it to my home school mom friends!

    P.S. I always wanted to be home schooled as a kid I HATED traditional school I feel like it really sucked the life out of me so kudos to you

  • Reply
    Jalisa Harris
    June 5, 2019 at 8:19 pm

    I’ve never heard of this before. This is such a great program.

  • Reply
    Sandra
    June 5, 2019 at 9:20 pm

    I’m also a huge fan of WriteShop! After touring all the writing options at a local homeschool convention, I was definitely most impressed with this curriculum!

  • Reply
    Marla
    June 8, 2019 at 11:58 am

    I love a program that is structured and yet allows the flexibility needed to tailor it to your students own learning pace. Sounds like this program fits that need.

  • Reply
    Penny
    June 10, 2019 at 4:18 pm

    Writing can be a pull-your-hair-out experience for a homeschool mom. I’m glad to see this! I’m especially happy about the strong emphasis on paragraph development.

  • Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.