create better writers (a TOS review)

 

 

 

 

We’re frenemies.  Writing and I.  Clearly, I enjoy the written word what with my blogs and face book status update addiction.  However, teaching my children to appreciate the joys of writing has been a struggle.  And that’s putting it mildly.

 

 

I have run the gamut of trying to find and/or buy the “right fit” to teach writing.  I have at least, half a dozen different curriculums half used around the house.

 

 

But at the end of the day, it’s just been one of those things that’s easier to let slide.  With promises that we’ll work on that writing project after such-n-such.  Only after such-n-such never seems to happen either.

 

 

I was convinced Writing was something I needed to hire out.

 

 

 

So it was with hesitancy that I downloaded the e-books The Homeschool Writing Action Plan (eBook $15.95/soft cover $19.95) How to Write a Paragraph ($7.99 eBook or free with purchase of Five-Paragraph Essay), How to Teach the Five-Paragraph Essay (eBook $17.95/soft cover version $19.95).

 

 

 

 

I found myself being reeled in (against my skeptic will) right from the Introduction.  It’s so well written and comfortingly filled with stories that sound like they could be right from my own home.  Slowly, as we’ve worked through the lessons, I’ve started to feel better about the whole thing.  Like, maybe we can do this thing?

 

 

My going into 6th Grader?

 

 

It’s taking him a little longer to come around.  He likes that I uploaded the PDF to Dropbox which allows us to snuggle on the couch with the iPad for our writing lessons.  I like that there is a system.  A solid, tangible, do this system.  Methods that he’ll take with him all the way through college! 

 

 

I think the key (for me) is realizing that there is no magic bullet that’s going to make writing “fun” for the kiddo that isn’t naturally drawn to it.  Writing is never going to be giggles and gumdrops for us…but it doesn’t have to be tears, fears or letting it slides either.

 

 

I happen to really really like the Create Better Writers program a lot and plan to keep using it through next year.  I just love that it’s just so darn practical and simple.  All the frills and cutsie stuff (why am I drawn to that drivel, anyway?!) is cut out.  That allows us to focus on the main stuff.  If you’ve tried it all and/or you’re looking for a frill free practical step-by-step writing curriculum…I would recommend exploring Create Better Writers.

 

 

…danielle 

 

 

**This is my little space to disclaim that I was given this product in exchange for my honest review shared on my blog.  All opinions expressed are my honest own.  I hope that you enjoyed and found my review at least a smidge helpful.  Because my voice is just one, I highly encourage you to visit this link and read what my fellow TOS Crew friends thought about this product.**