Write Shop Junior Book D {Review}

For me, writing is exploration; and most of the time, I’m surprised where the journey takes me. Jack Dann

Writing is a chore for my 9-year-old. She would much rather draw, sing, narrate…anything but write. It’s not that she isn’t creative; she just doesn’t  like the act of writing. As a homeschooling mother I worry the most about writing.  I have been praying about what to use for writing.  When I found out we were going to review Write Shop, I jumped for joy… OK. I didn’t jump literally…

After receiving this program and using it…WOW! I am so blessed to be able to use this with my child!

Product Reviewed:  Write Shop Junior D, PDF Version

The PDF package included:

• Teacher’s Guide e-Book

  The teacher’s book includes instructions for planning daily lessons, writing samples, step-by-step instructions for teaching as well as additional games and exercises.

  

  • Student Activity e-Book
    The student activity book is actually 2-packs-in-1. It includes the activity worksheets AND the Level 1 Fold-n-Go^TM Grammar Pack.

  Student Worksheet Pack: Activity pages your child will need to complete portions of each lesson. These worksheets introduce your child to writing skills such as brainstorming and self-editing. The Worksheet Pack contains:

  • Pre-writing activities
  • Skill Builders
  • Journal prompt pages
  • Brainstorming worksheets/graphic organizers
  • Reading log forms
  • Self-editing checklists
  • Evaluation Charts

  Level 1 Fold-N-Go™ Grammar Pack: Fun reference tools with simple exercises that introduce or review grammar rules and essential writing skills. Printed on brightly colored paper, pages are assembled inside a file folder to form 10 large flipbooks, one for each lesson in Book D.

  • Punctuation Marks
  • Self-editing
  • Nouns
  • Pronouns
  • Verbs
  • Adjectives
  • Adverbs
  • Prepositions
  • Capitalization
  • References

   

  

• Time-Saver Pack e-Book
  
  This pack is optional for the parent/teacher who want pre-made props and activities featured throughout Book D.

Our Experience

When I received the PDF files I was a little overwhelmed.  I did not realize how teacher-intensive this program could be.  The PDF e-Book file is a single PDF file separated into sub-files (1 per lesson).  This allowed me to print lessons as needed.

I also printed and created all 10 grammar folders before starting.  Personally, I don’t recommend doing this.  My daughter does not like them…it’s hard not to take it personally after all the work I did. 

The introduction section is a wealth of information.  I called it “my writing brain”.  It includes the following items that I found helpful:

• Sample schedule plans.  I am a newer homeschooler and still have not mastered the art of creating a workable schedule.  The standard plan for a family is a 3-week schedule.  This allows a family to finish 1 lesson every 3 weeks with 2 days off every week.  I LOVE this feature!  Can I just say THANK YOU! As a busy mom, this made using the program EASY!
• Writing Center Ideas.  The idea of creating a writing center in my home never occurred to me.  We have since created a writing area that includes writing implements, paper, dictionary and thesaurus.  This has been instrumental in getting my children to write on their own.
• List of Supplies Needed.  It’s incredibly frustrating to start a lesson only to discover I don’t have the necessary items.  Having a centralized list helped to make sure writing occurred without a last-minute run to the store.  This includes an overall list and a lesson-specific list.  A+ on this one!
• Thorough Instructions.  What more can I say about this?  After reading the introduction I felt confident enough to start the program with my daughter.

We were able to work on Lesson 1 for this review.  Unfortunately our 3-weeks extended into about 4 weeks because I spent one week out of town for a family emergency.  Fortunately, we are going to continue with this program for the rest of the year.

The focus in Lesson 1 was writing a letter with correct punctuation.  I started the lesson with both girls (9 & 11) but my 11-year-old quickly opted out.  She is my eager writer and spending time with simple activities was not her thing.

It was a blessing in disguise.  Being able to work one-on-one with my 9-year-old was rewarding.  I was able to keep her engaged, push her when she needed…give her a reprieve when she needed…tailor the program to fit her needs.

Some samples from our work.

My daughter enjoyed creating the robot.  I was happy to see her translate this simple hands-on project into real writing later on.

One evening my daughter ran into my room.

“MOM, look…I have my birthday invitation done!”  “Really…it’s May.  Your Birthday is in AUGUST! “

But to be honest…I was thrilled.  Yes, it’s a simple invitation.  But she wrote something. On her own.  With no nagging from mom. And she was beyond proud of herself.  I call that successful.

And do you want to know the BEST thing?  She still complains about writing…but I find her writing all over the place now.  In her room. In the car.  In her journal.  She just finished writing a play with her sister.  The spark has been ignited…

Overall Thoughts

Bear and I recommend this product for the 3-5th grade reluctant writer.  Bear says “Boys will like the dinosaurs and robots.”

We may not have followed the instructions step-by-step as written. However, that is the amazing thing about this program; it can be tailored to fit the learner.

I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE one to spend the money and get the PRINT version.  Using the PDF version was a little overwhelming for me.

About Write Shop

• In Our Write Minds, Blog: http://www.writeshop.com/blog/
• Website: http://www.writeshop.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriteShop
• Meet Kim!  http://www.writeshop.com/blog/about-kim/
• Using WriteShop on an iPad by Amanda Pelser

Write Shop Products Available

• Write Shop Primary (Grades K-3)
• Write Shop Junior (Grades 4-6)
• Write Shop (Grades 6-12)

You can purchase WriteShop Junior products from their website.

Print Edition

• Teacher’s Guide – $39.95.  Must buy the Activity Pack.
• Activity Pack – $39.95.  (1 PER CHILD)
• Time Saver Pack (optional) – $13.95

e-Book Edition

• Teacher’s Guide – $34.95. Must buy the Activity Pack.
• Activity Pack – $29.95. (1 PER CHILD)
• Time Saver Pack (optional) – $13.95

Just for You:  15% off any WriteShop Primary and Junior products in the WriteShop store (including e-books) using coupon code CREW15 at checkout. Offer valid through June 15, 2012.

Read what my fellow Crew Members are saying about this curriculum!

Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.