Just Write Book 1, intended for 2nd graders, begins with planning to write a story and learning about story elements. The first chapter focuses on pre-writing activities: brainstorming, categorizing, and using a web. Chapter 2 studies some of the processes involved in writing the story - selecting a topic, learning about sequencing, planning the basic parts of a storyline (who, what, where, when and why), creating characters, revealing feelings, and choosing a setting. The next chapters hit some of the nuts and bolts of putting words and sentences on paper. Chapter 3 studies capitalization and basic punctuation. Chapter 4 is about using your senses to create more vivid writing. Chapter 5 explores the paragraph - what it is, how to format it, what it's made of. Chapter 6 coaxes children to "tell more" (expand sentences beyond the kernel) and Chapter 7 instructs them to be choosy with their words - to avoid overused words and use creative comparisons (similes). The course closes in Chapter 8 with editing, choosing a title, and publishing. These chapters vary in length and include definitions of concepts, models, and interesting exercises for student practice.
Just Write Book 1
Description
In Book 1, students are first encouraged to “just write” without worrying about spelling and punctuation. Skills addressed include brainstorming, categorizing, topic, sequence, story planning with webs and other graphic organizers, characters, feelings, setting, conclusions, basic punctuation, indenting, topic sentences, overused words, editing and revising, comparisons, and titles. By the final lesson, students will be able to revise and edit their work in preparation for publishing a final draft of their own book! A wide variety of exercises and engaging illustrations keep students focused and interested. Tips for making stories into books are also provided.
The Just Write program helps students become confident, expressive writers. This classroom-tested resource guides students through the writing process from initial idea to final edited and published narrative.
PRODUCT FEATURES- Just Write workbooks help students become confident and expressive writers through un exercises, engaging text, and kid-friendly examples
- Book 1 presents the elements of creative writing, such as brainstorming, characters, topic, sequencing, story planning, and more all while promoting undstructure freeform writing
- Later chapters discuss capital letters, basic punctuation, spelling, indenting, and constructing paragraphs
- Other chapters encourage the use of colorful descriptions, creative word choices, and comparisons
- In the last chapter, students revise and edit their work in preparation for publishing a final draft
- Just Write Books cover 9 weeks of lessons for Grade 2 to 3 writers and is useful for in-class work, homeschooling, or at-home learning
Just Write is a gentle, step-by-step homeschool creative writing program designed specifically for younger elementary students (roughly Grades 1–4). Instead of simply assigning a story and hoping for the best, Just Write teaches children the actual skills and strategies they need to write clear, interesting, and well-organized stories with growing confidence and pride.
The program focuses on story writing while gently weaving in grammar, mechanics, and composition skills in a natural, age-appropriate way. Lessons are short, structured, and full of helpful models and practice exercises that make writing feel doable instead of overwhelming.
The Three Books:
- Just Write Book 1 (Grades 1–2): Introduces the building blocks of good storytelling. Students learn pre-writing planning, story elements (characters, setting, plot), using their senses for vivid descriptions, expanding sentences, choosing strong words, basic paragraphing, capitalization, punctuation, editing, titling, and publishing their work.
- Just Write Book 2 (Grades 2–3): Builds on Book 1 with stronger sentence and paragraph skills, then guides students through the full process of planning, drafting, revising, and completing their own stories.
- Just Write Book 3 (Grades 3–4): Expands into the four main writing styles students will need in school and life: narrative, descriptive, expository, and persuasive. Students practice each style while continuing to improve story-writing techniques.
Each book has a helpful Teacher’s Guide that includes:
- Clear teaching instructions and lesson plans
- Answer keys
- Additional resource suggestions
- Blackline masters for extra practice
Just Write is an excellent choice for homeschool families who want a low-pressure, skill-building creative writing program that gives young children the tools and confidence to become successful writers without frustration or tears.
Browse all levels of Just Write, including Student Books and Teacher’s Guides below!
| Product Format: | Softcover Book |
|---|---|
| Grade: | 2 |
| Brand: | Educators Publishing Service |
| ISBN: | 9780838826256 |
| Length in Inches: | 11 |
| Width in Inches: | 8.4375 |
| Height in Inches: | 0.3125 |
| Weight in Pounds: | 0.6375 |
| Edition: | Student Manual |
| Publication Date: | 1/1/2013 |