Fun Is the Word of the Day!

Using Write Shop Primary Level C

WriteShop Primary is an exciting, parent-guided writing curriculum with daily, easy-to-implement activities.

WriteShop Primary is an engaging and enjoyable age-appropriate way to approach writing … With such an assortment of creative ideas and teaching aids such as the imaginative pointers, editing buddies, secret files, publishing crafts, etc.
WriteShop has accomplished motivating a reluctant writer quite successfully … WriteShop Primary’s gradual and oh-so-gentle program has been ideal for a boy who’d much rather do science experiments or math calculations, than to sit down to write.
Patricia, Raising a Self-Reliant Child

WriteShop Primary uses hands-on activities to teach the concepts of the writing process at the very simplest level. It’s perfect for pre-writers as well as beginning and developing writers.

Watch Your Young Writers Blossom!

WriteShop Primary’s creative activities produce ideas and smiles! When you start teaching simple writing skills at a young age, children are less likely to fear and hate writing later on—and when fun replaces fear, their confidence will blossom.

Lessons are divided into Activity Sets to fully cover a topic without hurrying the child. Lots of examples make teaching easy for you. Each Activity Set includes time for you to model and teach writing in a relaxed, nonthreatening way.

Even at this young age, children can learn that writing is a process made up of several steps:

Planning. Familiar topics, simple graphic organizers, and gentle parent guidance help unlock your child’s creative ideas.

Writing. Children who can’t write independently yet are encouraged to dictate their stories to you. Writing assignments grow from 3- to 5-sentences in WriteShop Primary Book A to simple paragraphs and stories in Book B and Book C. Lessons build incrementally, and as children grow in skill and confidence, they are encouraged to become more independent writers, as they are able.

Editing. From the very beginning, children learn that editing is a natural part of writing. At the Primary level, most editing is done orally with guidance from you—in a gentle, encouraging way that focuses on the positive.

WriteShop Primary Features:

•No-pressure activities that eliminate stress
•Incremental lessons that build slowly
•Multisensory appeal for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners
•Picture book suggestions for each lesson
•Crafty publishing ideas children love
•Oral activities for kids who aren’t reading or writing yet
•Simple scripts to help parents model and teach new skills
•Smaller Steps and Flying Higher that adjust writing to child’s level of ability
•Spelling practice games in Book B and Book C
•Flexible schedules
•Parent tips to help struggling writers
•Effective for students who learn with difficulty

I’ve used lots of writing programs in my 18 years of homeschooling, but WriteShop Primary C worked the best for me. Not only is it well laid out on a weekly basis, it covers a wide spectrum of writing tasks. There are enough activities to include fun and challenge. The material is presented in such a way as to inspire creativity on my part for new ways to teach and motivate my boys.
Katie, New York

You know this is a good product when your reluctant writer asks, “Mom, when are we going to write another story?” My son has always struggled with writing and I’m confident he would tell you he actually hates to write … Because of the assistance and ideas I found from Write Shop, my son has ENJOYED writing creative stories, and I am tearing up as I type this.
Nikki, Joy in the Journey

I have enjoyed watching my son grow in his writing and, most of all, find joy in the process. I found that my involvement, the slow guided approach to writing, and all the fun creative activities really made this curriculum a success for us.
Leah, Pondering from My Heart

WriteShop Primary Book C introduces the steps of the writing process through engaging activities, crafts, and picture books. As with earlier WriteShop Primary levels, children who are reluctant or not able to write on their own are encouraged to dictate their stories and ideas to you. As their skills develop, they will begin to gain both confidence and independence. For more advanced students, extra challenges appear throughout each lesson to promote stronger writing habits.

Successful writing results from purposeful instruction. WriteShop Primary has been created with parent-and-child partnership in mind, so plan to work together with your student through each step of the program building stronger writing habits.

You will also need Activity Pack Level C.

By the end of Book C, children will have learned to plan, create, and publish simple stories with parent help. They will:

• Plan the main ingredients of a story before beginning to write
• Learn to ask who, what, when, where, why?
• Use different graphic organizers to plan a story
• Write entries in a personal journal
• Describe an object, a person, and a place
• Write a nonfiction article
• Write a book report
• Learn to use research to write a short report
• “Publish” stories through projects or crafts

Other skills introduced in Book C include

• Using standard spelling
• Identifying describing words
• Using a simple self-editing checklist
• Summarizing contents of familiar books
• Collecting research facts about a specific topic
• Using computer publishing software

For more information, see:
Book C sample lesson

My 2nd grade daughter, who has always loved to write, feels like she has gotten much better at writing paragraphs. I would agree with her! She’s never lacked confidence, but just needed some guidance and this program has helped her tremendously. She loved all the activities, especially the mystery lesson. She loved this program so much that she has been writing paragraphs on her own during her free time!
Beth, South Carolina

The beauty of this program is that the point is to simply encourage this young writer to just write. As we trekked through the lessons it was delightful to see Ana begin to bud with enthusiasm over how she was beginning to pull these stories together.
Callie, Mama’s Coffee Shop

WriteShop Primary Book C includes the following lessons:

Lesson 1: Planning the Story
Lesson 2: Writing a Mystery
Lesson 3: Self-Editing
Lesson 4: Journal Writing
Lesson 5: Describing a Thing
Lesson 6: Describing a Person
Lesson 7: Describing a Place
Lesson 8: Writing a Book Report
Lesson 9: Writing a Simple Report (no research needed)
Lesson 10: Writing a Simple Research Report

Working three days a week, you will typically finish one lesson in three weeks. Each lesson includes pre-writing games, story planning (brainstorming), story writing (with help as needed), simple editing, and publishing the story in craft form.

In Book C, children will:

• Gain confidence using the writing process
• Plan the main ingredients of a story before beginning to write
• Learn to ask Who, What, When, Where, and Why? in order to add story details
• Organize story details
• Learn to keep a personal journal
• Practice descriptive writing
• Write a nonfiction article
• Learn to write a simple report
• Self-edit their own work
• Publish stories through projects or crafts

Other Key Writing Concepts:

• Practicing telling time to know when a story takes place
  
• Identifying describing words
  
• Summarizing contents of familiar books
  
• Collecting research facts about a specific topic
  
• Checking own work for correct spelling and punctuation
  
• Using standard spelling.
  
• Using self-editing tools

WriteShop Primary Book C Activity and Project Examples:

• Time capsule
• Willy Worm Word Wall
• Spinner spelling game
• Honey bee pointer
• Graphic organizer kite
• Venn diagram
• Glyphs
• Using Internet resources
• Top-secret detective file
• Story scroll
• Book about my family
• Travel poster
• 3-panel story board

WriteShop Primary activities use materials and supplies that most families already have on hand.

Writing was often my son’s first choice of schoolwork for the day. The difference in the length and complexity of his stories was astounding. WriteShop Primary is very complete and would be a good choice for a parent with no prior teaching experience.
Rebecca, California

FREE Shipping on ALL Write Shop orders! We want to help homeschool families save a little money.

Free Shipping includes Media Mail shipping. If you would like priority shipping, you can add $5.50 to your payment and send us an email requesting priority shipping (2-3 business days) – info @ curriculumconnection.net

=======================

Choose a Level | WriteShop Primary

WriteShop Primary is a parent-led writing curriculum for children in grades K-3. This guide will help you choose the best starting level for your child.

Caution: Don’t Choose a Level That’s Too Young

Each WriteShop Primary level teaches specific skills within a range of ages, making it easier to choose the very best place to begin the program. However, age and skill are not the only factors. Your child’s reasoning skills, emotional maturity, and ability to express ideas orally are also important considerations. So before you decide on a level, make sure to look at the big picture!

Start at the level that best fits your child’s thinking skills, not his writing skills. A child’s ability to physically write things down often lags behind his intellect and vocabulary. For example, placing risks losing their interest.

Books B and C are a better fit for most 7- and 8-year-olds—even if they haven’t had much writing experience. Here’s why:

WRITESHOP PRIMARY BOOK A

Target: Kindergarten & 1st grade (and immature 2nd graders)

• Book A includes very simple concepts and artwork that appeal to little learners.
• Reading and writing skills are NOT required; all work may be done orally.
• Older children with special needs or extreme reluctance to writing may also find success with the gentle pace—as long as they are not put off by thechildish worksheet illustrations.

If your child can do a number of these things already, consider choosing Book B instead.

See a Book A lesson sample

WRITESHOP PRIMARY BOOK B

Target: 1st & 2nd grade (or reluctant 3rd)

• Book B is a great middle-of-the-road choice when a child hasn’t had much prior writing experience. Children can dictate ideas and stories to you if their physical writing skills are still emerging. As long as they have ideas in their head and can share them orally, that’s all the skill they need to begin Book B.
• 9- and 10-year-olds with special needs may also find success with Book B if they aren’t bothered by the simplicity of the worksheet illustrations.

Start with Book B if your 6- to 8-year-old is not yet able to:

Use graphic organizers to plan a story

• Include a beginning, middle, and end in his story
• Identify or use paragraph form and indentation
• Figure out how to add more details to a story
• Organize a story to include a problem and its solution
• Choose story endings
• Write or dictate a friendly letter
• Write or dictate about something that has happened to him
• Retell nursery rhymes and fairy tales in his own words
• Identify the parts of a friendly letter
• Identify words that rhyme
• Use standard spelling tools such as a dictionary

If your child can do a number of these things already, consider choosing Book C instead.

See a Book B lesson sample

WriteShop Primary Book C

Target: 2nd & 3rd grade

• Book C is a good option for children who are functioning well at grade level.
• It is also a fine choice for advanced or highly verbal 3rd graders, though stronger writers might prefer WriteShop Junior Book D.
• Remember that concepts from earlier levels (such as using paragraph form and including beginning, middle, and end) will be retaught or reviewed in all future books.

Start with Book C if your 7- to 9-year-old is not yet able to:

Ask who, what, when, where, and why? in order to add story details

• Organize story details
• Plan the main ingredients of a story before beginning to write
• Write entries in a personal journal
• Use descriptive words in his writing
• Write a short nonfiction article
• Summarize the contents of familiar books
• Collect research facts about a specific topic
• Write a simple, short report with introduction, body, and closing
• Use standard spelling
• Check his own work for correct spelling and punctuation

See a Book C lesson sample

If your child can do a number of these things already, consider choosing WriteShop Junior Book D instead.

Write Shop Primary A has worked out perfectly because it is a gentle yet detailed approach to introducing writing … I love how the questions get more advanced and increase in number very gradually throughout the course … This will be our permanent writing curriculum for Anna, and also for her younger brother Caleb who is six.
Amy, Homeschool Encouragement

WriteShop is an excellent program that provides a lot of scaffolding and structure for young writers … This program may be a good fit for you, especially if you are hesitant to teach writing to your children.
Annie, The Moffatt Girls

Write Shop Primary FAQ

What makes WriteShop Primary unique?

WriteShop Primary is able to teach even the youngest child how to plan and write (or dictate) a simple story. Because the hands-on games and activities appeal to the way young children learn best, they’re able to grasp and apply simple writing concepts while having lots of fun along the way!

Should we always start with BOOK A?

It’s important not to bore an older child by making her do kindergarten-level work to learn a concept that later books will revisit in a more age-appropriate way. This Placement Guide will help, but if you’re debating between two levels, base your decision on your student’s ability to think and reason, rather than her ability to write independently.

What if I’m teaching more than one child?

You may be able to teach them together using either Book B or Book C, depending on their ages. Activities called “Smaller Steps” and “Flying Higher” allow you to quickly and easily tailor each lesson to children who are working at different levels. If your young ones are too far apart in age or ability to work at the same level, WriteShop Primary makes it possible to teach two or more children using different books. For example, you might have:

• a kindergartner in Book A and a second grader in Book B
• a first grader in Book B and a third grader in Book C

Each Teacher’s Guide includes a scheduling plan for teaching two different levels in a way that neither you nor your children will feel overwhelmed.

What if my child isn’t reading or writing yet?

The beauty of WriteShop Primary is its adaptability to meet children where they are. Reading and writing skills aren’t necessary, even for Books B and C. Every level gives you the option of acting as your child’s “scribe,” writing down the words for him as you talk about ideas orally. As his skills develop, you can share the pencil, letting him write the words he knows.

Will WriteShop Primary work for my reluctant 4th or 5th grader?

Though WriteShop Primary Books A and B are rarely age-appropriate for 4th and 5th graders, the gentle approach of Book C can appeal both to reluctant older writers and children who learn with difficulty. Book C teaches many common elements of writing, such as planning a story, writing with description, writing a book summary, and creating short reports. Students of any age can apply the techniques and watch their writing improve!

On the other hand, because Book C is intended for younger children, older students may be put off by the more childish artwork. So unless they struggle with a learning difficulty, we encourage using WriteShop Junior Book D for 4th or 5th graders.

My child loves to write stories on her own. Does she need a writing program?

Not necessarily. However, if she has loads of ideas but has trouble staying on track, she may need the guidance and structure a writing program can bring.

Children who love to write often lack the organizational skills that keep their writing focused. WriteShop Primary introduces different kinds of graphic organizers to help them plan out their stories and articles. They also learn to use story ingredients; plan a beginning, middle, and end; and think of problems and solutions. Your child’s skills will steadily improve as she has fun learning new techniques for better writing.

How long does it take to complete one level of WriteShop Primary?

Each book has 10 lessons. The Intro includes three scheduling plans, with the most popular option allowing three weeks per lesson. Following this plan—and working every other day—most families finish one book in a school year. Expect to spend 15-30 minutes per day on writing activities.

Can I teach without a Teacher’s Guide?

Both the Teacher’s Guide and Activity Set Worksheet Pack are necessary components of WriteShop Primary. The Teacher’s Guide contains everything you need to teach the lessons, including daily lesson plans and detailed instructions for each activity (pre-writing games, brainstorming, writing lessons, publishing ideas, editing tips, recommended picture books, and much more). The reproducible Activity Set Worksheet Pack rounds out the program with activity pages that support the skills taught in each of the 10 lessons.

Does WriteShop Primary teach grammar and spelling?

The program does not teach grammar, though simple punctuation is introduced and practiced. WriteShop Primary uses a more natural approach to teaching spelling, so you won’t find prescribed lists of words. Instead, through a variety of games and activities, children work on learning to spell the words they most frequently misspell in their writing. Only Books B and C incorporate spelling instruction.

Is WriteShop Primary compatible with classical or Charlotte MaSon models?

Charlotte Mason enthusiasts will enjoy the relaxed approach, picture books, journaling, narration, and activities that allow the child to explore the world around him. And while WriteShop Primary doesn’t fit the Classical model in the traditional sense, parents will appreciate the orderly guided lessons, direct teaching involvement, the way writing is always modeled first, and the lack of pressure on the young child to do his own writing.

My son is a reluctant writer. It is nice to have a program that considers this and gives options for the reluctant writer and the advanced writer within each lesson.
Yavonn, Oklahoma

I highly recommend Write Shop. My son … has always hated writing. This program is affordable and fun, but it does involve a lot of parent involvement. However … it was worth it, because he not only learned how to write better, but he also began to enjoy writing. Because his skills were low, I started him … with Book C, which is below his grade level, but it was what he needed.
Debbie N.,

 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save