When you are planning your child’s high school writing courses there are several things to consider. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips.
Whether your child is college bound, or they will go the trade school route, having a strong grasp on writing, grammar, etc. will help them in life.
These skills will translate into being able to write great emails and reports and communicate clearly and quickly.
Good writing will help your child excel with proposals and presentations, get thoughts out creatively and concisely, fill forms out correctly, and more.
The best writing program for your homeschooler is the one that meets their individual needs and helps them achieve their writing goals.
But there are things to consider when looking for a writing program.
4 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN HIGH SCHOOL WRITING COURSES
- Student’s Learning Style: Consider whether your student learns best through visual, auditory, or kinesthetic methods. Choose a curriculum or platform that matches their learning style.
- Budget: Some curricula and platforms can be expensive, while others are free or low-cost. Consider your budget when choosing a writing program.
- Time Commitment: Some programs require significant time commitment, while others are more flexible. Consider your student’s schedule and your own availability when choosing a program.
- Level of Parental Involvement: Some programs require a high level of parental involvement, while others are more self-directed. Consider your own comfort level and availability when choosing a program.
Now that you have considered these things it is time to assess your student’s needs.
IDENTIFY YOUR STUDENT’S NEEDS IN A WRITING COURSE
Identifying student’s strengths and weaknesses: Consider their learning style, interests, and goals. Where do they need additional support?
Set Goals: Use the assessment of strengths and weaknesses to determine specific writing skills that you want your student to improve- technical, creative, etc. and set both long- and short-term goals for your child.
Research various options: Explore various curricula, platforms, and additional options. Read reviews, compare features, and consider your assessment criteria.
Use free trials and placement tests: Use free trials or sample lessons when available before you commit to a company.
Create a Writing Schedule: Establish a regular writing schedule that fits into your homeschooling routine.
Offer constructive criticism and encouragement. Celebrate your child’s successes and help them overcome challenges.
Supplement with Additional Resources: Use writing prompts, online resources, and other materials to supplement your chosen curriculum or platform. I found something like a Word a Day calendar is fun for building vocabulary.
Seek Outside Support: Consider joining a homeschool writing group, finding a writing coach or tutor, or enrolling your student in a dual-enrollment program.
Some other sources that you can consider are local community colleges or coaches and tutors.
Writing Coaches and Tutors: Individualized instruction from a writing coach or tutor can be beneficial for students who need extra support or want to focus on specific writing skills.
Local Community Colleges: Many community colleges offer dual-enrollment programs that allow high school students to take college-level writing courses for credit.
Also, look at more homeschool writing curriculum and tips.
MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS
- Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison)
- Faith-Neutral Homeschool Grammar and Writing Program
- 3 Ways to Choose the BEST Writing Curriculum (for a Growing Homeschool Family)
- Why It Is Hard to Teach Homeschooled Kids Writing But Not Impossible
- Homeschool Writing Program For Middle and High School Students
- The Best Writing Tools For Students: Improve Their Writing Efficiency
- Creative Expression: The Magic Of Calligraphy Writing For Kids
- Powerful Paragraphs: Free Give Me A Paragraph Form (Editable)
- 8 Best Handwriting Games For Kids Ages 8-12 Will Love
- Hands on Writing Activities | How to Make an On the Go Pencil Pouch
- Discover the Best High School Writing Courses & Recommendations
- How to Use Handwriting Without Tears Homeschool Multisensory Program
- How To Choose Writing Curriculum For Struggling Writers & Recommendations
- Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School
- Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner
- Free 30 Days PreK To High School Simple Writing Activities
- Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station
- Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics
- Best Strategies To Improve Handwriting And Overcome Challenges
Now let me share with you some of the best high school writing courses I have found focusing on a variety of needs and in different formats.
7 High School Writing Courses
Now let me share with you some of the best high school writing courses I have found focusing on a variety of needs and in different formats.
Institute forExcellence in Writing (IEW): IEW offers a structured approach to writing, focusing on
grammar, style, and different writing genres. It utilizes a "teacher-led" model with both online and print materials, live online writing classes, online tools like IEW Gradebook, and printed materials like workbooks and DVD’s.
WriteShop provides a comprehensive curriculum with step-by-step lessons, writing prompts, and detailed teacher's guides. It covers various genres and emphasizes the writing process, giving them a solid foundation in descriptive, informative, and narrative writing.
This program is a more relaxed and creative approach to writing, emphasizing the joy of self-expression. It offers various courses and resources for different ages and writing styles. You have options for individuals or families with students of different ages.
This company offers a range of writing workbooks and software programs that focus on grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills.
This course prepares students for the AP Language and Composition exam and focuses on analytical and
argumentative writing.
Finally, your teens will write without dread! Have they almost given up on writing? Do they reach for the tissue box when you say, "Write an essay"? Do you worry they won't be ready for high school or college writing? Do they say they think of things to write but can't write them down? With THE POWER IN YOUR HANDS: WRITING NONFICTION IN HIGH SCHOOL, 2ND EDITION, they'll learn essay writing in a relaxed, nonthreatening atmosphere with a little humor thrown in.
Write at Home courses are very user-friendly and completely hands-off for the parents. They offer 8-week, semester, or year-long writing classes for students in high school.
