7 Reasons WriteShop is My Favorite Homeschool Writing Curriculum
I earn a commission from products purchased through links in this post.
It can be overwhelming trying to choose the best homeschool writing curriculum for your family. There are quite a few options on the market . . . which is great . . . but it also makes it hard to decide which one is best for your family.
Every family is unique and has different needs and wants. What works for someone else might not work for you. It is important to decide what curriculum features are important to you. One of the great things about homeschooling is that we get to call the shots. We have the flexibility to do what works best for our kids.
There are a few factors to consider when selecting the best homeschool writing curriculum for your family:
- Price (it doesn’t do any good to fall in love with a curriculum that doesn’t fit in your budget)
- Learning style
- Teaching style
I have a favorite homeschool writing curriculum that I love. It has helped my children improve their writing over the past few years. Check out why I love WriteShop and see if these things would help you teach writing.
7 Reasons WriteShop is My Favorite Homeschool Writing Curriculum
We have used the WriteShop curriculum for the past 4 years and absolutely love it.
1. WriteShop has detailed teacher’s guides
A well-thought-out teacher’s guide can make teaching so much easier!
The WriteShop teacher’s guides contain:
- 3 suggested schedules
- list of required and optional supplies all in one place (I like to buy anything we will need over the summer so it is ready to go during the school year).
- recommended book list
- guidance on how to teach each type of lesson (reading log, pre-writing, model and teach, skill builders, journal writing practice, brainstorming, the writing project, editing and revising, and publishing)
- lesson objectives
- suggested scripts
Don’t let the detailed guide overwhelm you!
It is laid out in a very organized manner. Read through the guidance on how to teach each type of lesson before teaching the first unit, and you will be a natural at it in no time.
2. The suggested pacing is flexible
I love when homeschool curricula acknowledge that each family is different.
This homeschool writing curriculum teacher’s guide offers 3 suggested pacing schedules. Following any of them will pretty much guarantee that you finish the entire curriculum in one school year, as it is intended.
Schedule 1 – Write 3 days a week, for 3 weeks to finish a writing unit
Schedule 2 – Teach writing each day for 2 weeks to finish a writing unit
Schedule 3 – This schedule was created for parents teaching children across multiple WriteShop levels. The book lays it all out so that you don’t go crazy trying to teach everyone everything all at once.
The suggested schedules list exactly what to do each day, but the pacing is flexible, allowing for real life.
3. Hands-on activities are included in the homeschool writing curriculum
I’m a big fan of teaching through hands-on activities. It keeps kids of all ages engaged and learning.
WriteShop Primary and Junior each include at least one project per unit. There are also games and puzzles to accompany each unit. Don’t worry that you will need to go out and buy more games and puzzles. They are included in the activity pack for each level.
4. Levels are thoughtfully named
Not every child will progress through a homeschool writing curriculum (or any curriculum for that matter) at the same speed. It can be frustrating and disheartening for a child to be in third grade but see that they are using a first-grade book.
There should be no guilt or shame in meeting your child where they are!
WriteShop levels are labeled A – F (elementary – middle) and I and II (middle – high school). This simple labeling change can make a huge difference in kids feeling comfortable with the book in front of them.
5. A placement test is available
Have you ever been conflicted about which curriculum level to purchase for your child? I have! I ended up spending a ton of time reading every review I could find, comparing the syllabi, and ultimately guessing.
WriteShop makes choosing the appropriate level easy with their online placement test. Parents can quickly answer a few questions and see the best level for their child.
6. The homeschool writing curriculum is available instantly
I love that WriteShop offers printed AND digital material. I am usually a fan of printed books, but sometimes I need a new level right away. The digital bundles are incredibly convenient when I don’t have time to wait for shipping.
The digital products are also a bit cheaper than the printed books. They cost less to produce, so the savings are passed on to you!
Take a peek at the WriteShop shop and see all the products available!
7. The WriteShop community is helpful
I have found the WriteShop community to be incredibly helpful. There is a private Facebook group for everyone to ask questions and share ideas.
There is always great advice from people who actually use this homeschool writing curriculum in their homeschool or co-op. The founder of the curriculum was originally very active in the group, but Demme Learning purchased WriteShop a few years ago.
Keep reading . . .
The Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum Options Compared
Frequently Asked Questions About WriteShop
How to Set Up WriteShop Junior
Using WriteShop I to Teach Middle School Writing