Just Write Homeschool Writing Program

Are you looking for a fun and simple way to introduce writing in the elementary years? Then the Just Write Homeschool Writing Program may be just what you are looking for!

This is one program my children have truly enjoyed. This program does not kill the joy of writing as some programs can do. For my own children it has ignited a love for writing. When I started homeschooling I had researched many writing programs to fit our style and needs. This program has been a great fit for us.

Just Write Homeschool Writing Program

Just Write is a writing program for the elementary years. There are four levels taught. Each level is taught over one year. It is a workbook type program. It is a creative writing program that is easy to teach program with very little preparation. 

Level 1 – Write About Me and Write About My World

In the first level there are the two books to choose from:

1. Write About My World – Children love talking about their lives–why not channel that impulse into writing? Write About Me focuses on students lives, and then branches outwards to observing the world around them. The book features large spaces for drawing, student-centric illustrations, thematic word banks and steps that lead young writers to add details to their writing and make content area connections. The book also offers an introduction to journals as a way to capture observations and possible writing ideas. 
2. Write About Me – The drawing activities in Write about Me by Elsie Wilmerding help children bridge the gap between thinking and talking about an idea and writing about it. Children build their writing skills as they develop ideas that have personal meaning to them. The book features large spaces for drawing, student-centric illustrations, thematic word banks, and steps that lead young writers to add details to their writing and make content area connections. A great prelude to the Just Write series. Grade 1.

The publisher sells this book for the first grade level. In my opinion, it is for an advance first grader who is able to read and write or it is for a second grader. 

This book helps the beginner writer to understand how take his thoughts and put them into writing. This was one of my absolute favorite curriculums I have used with my own children. It is a book that you will keep as a keepsake for many years.

With my children, I had used the book Write About Me. The book consists of daily writing exercises that are fun and easy to do at this level. The children will write about their family, friends, past experiences, and even their dreams. The writing exercises are cleverly done so the child does not have to write a lot but just enough to enjoy the exercise. The children can add photos to the book with some of the writing exercises. I truly believe this book helped my own daughter to love to write.

Level 2 – Just Write 1

The second year is called Just Write 1.

This is when the child starts a more formal writing program.

In the beginning, the lessons encourage the child to just write without worrying about all the rules. This may be hard for the classical minded homeschooler but if you stick with the program it works! In later lessons the child will learn about capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and paragraphs. 

There are chapters that teach how to use creative words, descriptive passages, and comparisons.

There are lessons on how to edit your writing and make a final copy. 

The child learns how to brainstorm, create characters, and develop a story. 

Level 3 – Just Write 2

The third year is called Just Write 2. This is for 3rd to 4th graders.

With each year of Just Write the writing lessons become more focused. In this year the student will begin with a review of basic grammar, punctuation and capitalization.

From there the student will learn how to construct and write a good paragraph. 

There are lessons using comparisons and overused words.

Then the student starts leaning skills to write a story. They start with story planning, creating characters and creating a plot. 

The child learns how to write and use dialogue. There are lessons on writing from different points of view.

The child continues to learn how to edit and make a final story.

Level 4 – Just Write 3

The fourth year, Just Write 3 is the final book in the series. It is for 4th to 5th graders.  

In this final book the student continues to perfect the skills he learned in the previous books.

Now the student is introduced to the four types of writing:

• narrative
• descriptive
• expository
• persuasive

The student develops his reasons for writing such as what is the purpose of his paper and who is the audience he is trying to reach.

The student learns how to construct a multi-paragraph paper.

The student is taught how to research a paper and gather information.

My favorite part is the lessons on learning to write a persuasive paper. My son wrote a paper on why it is important to put your dog on a leash. It was a typical persuasive paper. Then my son had to write the same report but to a different audience. This time he wrote it as if his audience were dogs. His paper was hilarious and well written.

This last book is a great stepping stone to higher level writing programs.

Pros and Cons

What are the pros? 

• Many of the lessons are fun. It really helps to foster the love of writing yet it helps your student develop excellent writing skills.
• Even though this is a workbook program I think the Charlotte Mason homeschooler will love how it allows the child to write from his heart. They will love how the lessons are short and to the point.
• For the classical minded folks, I think it will please them since it teaches grammar and well structured papers.
• It is affordable, the workbooks are around $10-$12. The teacher manuals are small, simple to use, and are also very affordable.
• It is so easy to teach! There isn’t any preparation, just open and go.

What are the cons?

• It is a workbook and that can be a turn off for some people. My daughter hates workbook type of learning but she has never complained about doing her writing assignments in Just Write.
• There are few cons for me to give because I have loved using this program for our family.

More Homeschool Writing Resources

Homeschool Writing Curriculum – Choosing a homeschool writing curriculum can be a daunting task for any home educator, whether you are brand new or a seasoned one. Here at The Curriculum Choice we’re sharing our favorite tried and true homeschool writing programs that span many ages.

20 Top Handwriting Resources for Your Homeschool – Even in this digital age, being able to clearly handwrite and read handwriting is an important skill. Most public schools no longer teach cursive. So how will kids learn to sign their name? How will they read things like their grandparents letters, old documents, etc.? This collection of Homeschool Handwriting Resources is designed to help you teach your children to legibly write in print or cursive.

A Complete Guide to Creative Writing Curriculum for High School – Creative writing is either one of those things kids love or one that they hate. Whichever way your child leans, there is sure to be something to get their creative juices flowing. When it comes to teaching writing, specifically for high school, here is a collection of your options for creative writing curriculum for high school.

~ Originally published April 2009, written by Korey