Write with the Best

If you’re learning to write, why not learn from the best? This great concept is well-im­plemented in the Write with the Best writing program by Jill J. Dixon, B.S. Ed., M.Ed.

Focusing on descrip­tive writing in Volume 1, the author has chosen some of the best literary passag­es for use as nine models. Models include excerpts from great literature such as A Christmas Carol, Robinson Crusoe, and Wind in the Willows. Each model is broken into ten 15-to-45-minute daily lessons which include a good amount of grammar (parts of speech) instruction, and some mechanics; has the stu­dent find another good example of the genre being studied (and doing some comparative grammatical analysis); and culminates with student writing and proofreading.

Every unit also includes a dictation exercise from the included (or another) classic excerpt. The student is then to check his result against the written copy. Units are systematic, instruction is clear, and the whole course is well-orga­nized and ready to pick up and go. A “How to Write Guide” for the teacher and student takes you through the steps for each type of writing. A proofreading checklist is included to encourage and aid in self-editing. For the parent there is a helpful sheet on grading criteria.

Volume 2 follows the same thorough format, focusing on expository, persuasive, and literary writing. Eight units cover twelve writing categories, with examples from great writers. It has a larger answer key and contains proofreading checklists for each genre. Literature excerpts are included in the vol­umes, but each student will need a dictionary and thesaurus; a grammar hand­book would also be helpful.

Permission to reproduce is given for the excerpts and the proofreading checklist. These are the only consumable components, and each student will need his own. All in all, this program looks like a well-organized, easy to use, effective writing program that I'm personally eager to try!