Evan Moor Writing
Evan-Moor Educational Publishers was founded over four decades ago by two teachers, Joy Evans and Jo Ellen Moore, in Monterey, California. They started with a simple idea: to create supplementary educational materials that would help foster the intellectual and creative development of children. Joy and Jo Ellen, both experienced educators, noticed a significant lack of engaging and effective resources that could supplement the main curriculum and provide essential practice in key academic areas, including writing. The company quickly became known for its reliable quality and research-backed approach to education, reaching millions of students and becoming a staple in both classroom and homeschool environments.
Grades
The Evan-Moor Writing curriculum is available for grades K-8, with materials specifically tailored for each grade level to meet developmental benchmarks.
Cost
The cost varies depending on the specific books or bundles purchased, generally ranging from $12.99 for individual student workbooks to $75 for comprehensive teacher’s resource kits.
Differentiation: What Makes Evan-Moor Writing Special
Evan-Moor Writing differentiates itself with its comprehensive, structured approach to teaching writing skills. It stands out due to its daily practice resources and thematic units, which cover a broad spectrum of writing genres and topics. The program emphasizes the development of six traits of writing—ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions—across various grade levels. Additionally, Evan-Moor offers unique series like "Text-Based Writing" and "How to Write a Story," which are specifically designed to enhance both the creative and analytical writing abilities of students.
How to Get Started
To get started with the Evan-Moor Writing curriculum, parents and homeschoolers can purchase the relevant grade-specific materials from the Evan-Moor website or other educational retailers. Each writing series or book is tailored to specific grades, ensuring age-appropriate content and challenges. Once you have the material, review the teacher’s guide, which offers detailed instructions and strategies for effectively implementing the curriculum.
How It Works: Implementing the Curriculum
Evan-Moor’s Writing curriculum is designed to be flexible and user-friendly. Parents can choose between daily writing practice or more comprehensive weekly units that incorporate various writing styles and techniques. A typical session might require 10-20 minutes per day, focusing on a specific trait of writing or part of the writing process. The activities are generally straightforward and can be done independently by the student, though some parental guidance is helpful to facilitate discussion and revision. The materials are also suitable for a range of learning environments, whether in a dedicated homeschool setting or as supplementary practice at home.
What Educational Concepts It Teaches
Six Traits of Writing: Focus on ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions.
Genre Writing: Instruction in narrative, persuasive, and informational writing.
Text-Based Writing: Skills for responding to and analyzing texts.
Creative Writing: Developing original content through story prompts and structured guides.
Grammar and Mechanics: Fundamental skills necessary for effective writing.
What’s Good About It
Users appreciate the structured yet flexible approach of Evan-Moor’s Writing curriculum. The variety of activities and the focus on daily practice help students gradually build and reinforce their writing skills. The curriculum’s emphasis on real-world applications and engaging topics makes learning relevant and interesting for students. The materials are also praised for their clarity and ease of use, making it simple for parents to facilitate lessons even if they are not teaching experts.
What Could Be Improved
While the Evan-Moor Writing curriculum is comprehensive, some users feel that more advanced writing techniques could be incorporated, especially for older students. Additionally, the aesthetic and presentation of the materials could be updated to be more visually appealing to today’s digital-native students. Some parents also suggest that adding more interactive or digital components could enhance engagement and accessibility.
Advice from Parents
Parents recommend establishing a consistent writing routine to get the most out of the Evan-Moor curriculum. They suggest using the materials as a springboard for further writing activities, such as having students publish their work in a family newsletter or blog. It’s also beneficial to integrate the writing lessons with readings from other subjects to reinforce the skills learned and provide more context.
Who It’s an Ideal Fit For
The Evan-Moor Writing curriculum is ideal for students who need structured practice to develop their writing skills systematically. It is particularly beneficial for homeschoolers looking for a comprehensive, research-based resource that covers a wide range of writing concepts and skills.
Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For
This curriculum may not be the best fit for students who require a highly interactive or technology-driven learning experience. It might also not suit students who are already very advanced in their writing skills and need more challenging and diverse writing opportunities.
Ways to Get It
Evan-Moor Writing materials can be purchased directly from the Evan-Moor website, Evan-Moor.com, or through various educational retailers.
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