Just Write Review

Our crew is definitely considered an electric homeschool family. We have used various curricula throughout our homeschool journey. However, there are a few select items that all my six children will complete during their education years.

The Just Write series written by Educators Publishing Service (EPS) is designed to develop a confident and expressive writer. Short, yet fun activities and exercises are provided to engage the student in learning to write creative content. Each lesson consists of an interesting sample writing that catches the student’s attention that they can model. This series is perfect for the beginner writer and will walk them successfully through the writing process step by step.

The series consists of 5 soft workbooks, as well as teacher guides. However, I bought the Just Write 1 teacher’s guide, but never felt the need to purchase any additional guides. The recommended ages for the Just Write series are Grades 1-4. I usually start my children in the second grade with the series. We do a lot of copywork in the beginning years and continue throughout their education.

Each Section in the Just Write workbook focuses on a specific writing strategy and is based on a spiral learning, four-step process:

• A definition of a specific writing element
• Examples for students to read and use to identify the element
• Exercises to practice the specified writing element
• Writing assignments assimilating the element

The Just Write Series can be a supplement to any language arts program or can be used as a stand alone writing program – making it very flexible. Since my students complete copywork everyday, I do not feel the need to supplement in writing. Although grammar is briefly explained in the lessons, I do recommend using an additional grammar program since the main focus of Just Write is writing quality content.

My oldest three sons have completed the series with great success and enjoy creative writing even today.  At one time, I was homeschooling a friend’s child, a reluctant writer, who blossomed after only completing the Just Write 3. She grew in confidence and utilized the writing organization tools taught in the book to create future expressive writing assignments.

PROS:

• Short lessons
• Fun and engaging exercises and activities
• Inexpensive
• Child can complete on their own – this is a big plus for me
• Teaches numerous writing organization skills – maps, webs
• Editing Checklist after each assignment
• No prep time for student or teacher

Truly there are not any cons in the Just Write Series except for the mere fact that there are not additional workbooks in the series. All of my older children that have completed the series have become confident and expressive writers. The organized structure of all the lessons encouraged them to get their initial ideas down on paper without worrying about grammar, spelling, or form. After their ideas were down on paper, they were free to correct any grammatical errors with the editing checklist.

The low cost of each workbook is exciting to me. You definitely will get your moneys worth out of this series as well as a creative, confident writer. Here are the low prices for each workbook that can be purchased at Educators Publishing Service.

• Write About Me – $4.95
• Write About My World – $4.95
• Just Write 1 – $12.10
• Just Write 2 – $12.10
• Just Write 3 – $12.10

You may view samples and topics that are covered of the Just Write Series on their website.

I just can’t say enough about the Just Write series to do it justice. It’s definitely one of my favorite curriculum choices for the elementary years. It’s one of the subjects my children to look forward to each day.

Do you have a reluctant writer at home?

My name is Jill. I am a simple wife and homeschool mama to 5 boys and 1 princess. I enjoy the simple pleasures of faith, family and just being home. I love to share encouragement, frugal tips, recipes, and products that I love on my blog, Blessed Beyond a Doubt.