This is not a sponsored post. I want to lay that out right in front because I don’t often write about “just” high school curriculum, but Written Out Loud has helped the Homeschooling for College Credit community turn haters of writing into lovers of writing, and you should know about this program.
JOIN OUR FREE VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION
NOVEMBER 4TH at 7:30 PM ET
Since last year, I’ve had the privilege of working with professional screenwriter Joshua Shelov. He uses the Hollywood “writer’s room” model to teach students in his interactive and super cool writing program called Written Out Loud
Written Out Loud is a hands-on, interactive program that flips the traditional writing instruction upside down by helping kids and teens learn to write out loud, together, and about stories they love. Each small group is called a “creative crew” and works under the guidance of a trained “story director” who leads them through the brainstorming, story development, and writing. By the end of the program, every student becomes a published author holding a professionally designed book with their name on the cover. This is NOT your typical “curriculum” but can be used as a full-year writing program or an enrichment for an already-enthusiastic writer.
Glimpse into the actual SNL writer’s room where the TV show’s writing staff collaborate to write scripts, skits, and plots.
If you have started Homeschooling for College Credit but are hitting a wall in the area of writing, I really think Written Out Loud could help your student get un-stuck. Writing will be an important part of all of their college classes, but is also something that they really can come to enjoy!
I think there are four ways Written Out Loud can enhance a homeschool writing program.
- It’s less mechanical or “rule-bound” than a lot of writing programs, which can cause some students to focus so much energy on the rules that they can’t express their ideas well.
- Written Out Loud is an interactive live group program. This is getting harder and harder to find! Online writing classes tend to be completely isolated activities, whereas this is a creative and vibrant class. (Remotely on Zoom)
- Rather than templates, workbooks, or essays your student doesn’t want to write, this program is all about risk-taking and brainstorming. Revising and a positive forward focus.
- Where are your teen’s last written assignments? Probably the same place ours are, in a computer file never to be seen again. I love the process of professionally formatting and publishing the book for each student. They’ll really have something to show for their work!
In the final semesters leading up to dual enrollment or college enrollment, unlocking the writer in your student is a great investment. In addition to developing college-ready writing skills, I love the soft skills of collaboration and team building (things that people often struggle with in college and at work). The final published book provides a tangible achievement that can be shared with family, included in a college portfolio, or discussed in an admissions essay as proof of initiative, collaboration, and real-world learning.
Join the info session on November 4th if you’d like to learn more.
