Write by Number: A Review
Write by Number (WBN) offers a step-by-step approach to writing, catering to students' individual progress rather than specific grade levels. It allows students to advance at their own pace, mastering each stage before moving on. This versatile program can serve as standalone writing instruction or be combined with other language arts curricula. Plus, it seamlessly integrates with literature and other subject areas! WBN is designed to be used throughout a student’s writing education—from elementary through high school.
We have used WBN for a couple of years, and it is a great resource in our elementary writing toolbox. While WBN can be used on its own for elementary-age students, there are not many stages that most children are ready to move through at an elementary level, so I find that it best complements other programs like IEW.
The stages and rules presented in WBN have made it incredibly natural for my children (7 and 9 years old) to begin writing an informational piece. We often incorporate WBN strategies into our notebooking.
For a detailed look inside WBN, check out my YouTube flip-through.
Who This Program is For
This program is a good investment if you are homeschooling multiple children and looking for a program you can use with all your children for years to come.
This is a great option if you like the ideas presented in The Writing Revolution but struggle to implement them in your homeschool.
WBN is also a nice option for families who have tried programs like IEW or EIW and either did not like them, need a break before starting a subsequent level, or are just looking for another research-based resource in their writing toolbox.
Example of a 3rd grader’s writing using WBN strategies.
Who This Program is Not For
WBN is pricy. I do not recommend this program for families on a tight budget for writing curriculum. Instead, check out the resources available from the Core Knowledge Language Arts guides.
This is not a good fit for families with young children just starting out with homeschooling. While you can utilize some stages of WBN with early elementary students (especially if they are younger siblings), I recommend starting this program with children who are in 3rd grade or older as a resource for middle school and up for a complete curriculum.
Feel overwhelmed by writing instruction? Wonder what options are out there and what is the best fit for your family? Check out my new Homeschool Elementary Writing Guide, where I break down evidence-based writing instruction for homeschool families.
Example of a 1st grader’s writing using Write by Number strategies.
Wondering how to implement writing as a part of notebooking in your homeschool? Check out my notebooking guide!
