The
Baran Method: Writing for Success offers clear instruction, writing examples, and
color-coded cues to help students organize and write compositions. There are a
few things that set this program apart. First, is the color-coded CEA Map which
is applied to paragraphs then essays. CEA refers to claim, evidence, and
analysis–the three key elements in expository writing, to help students see
and understand a paragraph’s basic symmetry and structure. The premise is
simple. Using the CEA Map to show the purpose of every sentence in the
paragraph, the color coding provides students with a guided writing experience.
As students work toward mastering the CEA paragraph, they are also learning how
to create a traditional five paragraph essay. All of this is explained in
easy-to-understand detail in the Textbook. On a personal note, as I read
through the instructions for the CEA paragraph and essay maps, I had several
“a-ha” moments! Seeing paragraph symmetry through these visual cues made
sense and made essay writing seem more manageable!
Another
unique feature of The Baran Method program is that there is
one textbook used for all grades. Whether children master vital writing skills
in one year and apply the method to future assignments or need to build writing
skills in the next year, the Textbook is a reference tool that will be used
again and again. Containing, six writing exercises, the Textbook includes
an introduction, instructions, the CEA paragraph and essay maps, posters,
transitions, and the exercises. An appendix provides examples for the writing
exercises, and instructions to access the free online resources. Students work
at their own pace. After the student completes the six writing exercises, they
expand their learning by using the Workbook. Workbooks provide
grade appropriate examples (stories, essays, and poems), vibrant
illustrations, space to complete lessons, additional essay prompts, and more.
With twenty assignments, students will complete one every other week. While the
workbook could be considered optional, it is highly recommended to gain the
full benefits of the Baran Method. Grammar Made More Gooder is the
author’s effort to make grammar understandable and practical by teaching
grammar conventions in the context of writing. Short lessons include a brief
explanation, examples, visual cues, tricky cases, a practice opportunity and
answers to check yourself. Examples include apostrophes, plurals, less/fewer,
quotations, commas, present participles, overusing passive voice, and run-on
sentences. The grammar book is one level for all students. In the words of the
author, “Practice makes Permanent.” It is through consistent practice that
students will hone their writing skills and become proficient writers (or
writing ninjas in the words of the author).
The final
feature is the numerous resources that are available to help you effectively
teach writing well. Recommended Teacher Guides, free online teaching
resources, weekly Zoom support, or video courses (additional cost) are
available. The Teacher Edition includes the same content as the
Textbook and Workbook, writing examples, and more. To make teaching easier, the
Teacher Edition provides visual cues to the teacher for guiding students
through the CEA Maps. Students will need red, green, and blue pens and
highlighters (or color pencils). The Baran Writing Method is a thorough and
unique expository writing course that provides students with clear instruction
and visual cues, and ample practice at a pace that will not overwhelm. Complete
Sets include the Textbook, grade-level Workbook,
grade-level Teacher Guide and Grammar Made More Gooder.
