Elementary Writing Foundations Student Lesson Guide
Elementary Writing Foundations Student Lesson Guide
The steps and tools students need to craft excellent single paragraphs.
Overview
This student guide walks learners step-by-step through twelve lessons, beginning with TWJ four-step writing process and progressing through improvement techniques. Each lesson introduces a new skill and provides structured writing practice. Students complete brainstorming and outlining activities before drafting and refining their paragraphs. While parent involvement is always encouraged, this Student Lesson Guide is designed to be self-directed. Parents and teachers can support by reviewing completed work, but many students find they can work through this guide independently.
For those wanting to deepen understanding, pairing this guide with the Elementary Writing Foundations Handbook gives parents and instructors extra insight into each writing concept.
What’s Included
Full digital PDF Student Lesson Guide (grades 3–6)
Twelve step-by-step lessons The Write Journey’s proven writing process
Templates for brainstorming, outlining, and drafting paragraphs
Revision checklists and self-editing exercises
Writing prompts that connect to literature and real-life experiences
Corresponding online video lessons
Recommended For
Homeschool students in grades 3–6
Parents seeking a self-guided writing curriculum for younger learners
Students ready to move beyond basic grammar toward complete paragraph writing
Families seeking a strong writing foundation before essay-level composition
Key Benefits
Encourages independence – simple structure makes it easy for students to follow on their own
Builds confidence – transforms reluctant writers into capable communicators
Teaches essential writing structure – organization, flow, and stylistic awareness
Supports clear, creative thinking – students learn to organize ideas with purpose
Flexible for homeschool or co-op – adaptable for one-on-one or group learning
Pairs with the Elementary Handbook – adds instructor depth, but not required
Note: All TWJ products are digital downloads. Upon purchase, you’ll receive a PDF copy of this guide.
FAQs
What ages/grades is the student lesson guide designed for?
Typically students 9 years and older will be capable of working through this lesson guide independently. Older students will move through the instruction more quickly than younger students. However, no student should rush through the guide; they will benefit from thoroughly understanding and practicing each lesson.
Is there a teacher’s manual to go with the student guide?
Parents will benefit from reading through TWJ Foundations Handbook, which provides essential information, enabling them to assist their children. In addition, all instructions and examples provided are designed to be self-explanatory. Parents will benefit from reading through each lesson as their child works through this guide.
How do I correct my child’s work?
“Correction” comes in the form of feedback. As each lesson requires students to apply concepts to their own writing, parents will simply offer feedback regarding following instructions correctly, observing and affirming improvement in their child’s writing, and correcting their child if they notice lack of effort in following instructions and applying concepts.
How many lessons are included in the guide?
The lesson guide has twelve lessons. Each lesson is designed to be practiced for one week. Of course this timing can vary greatly, depending on the abilities of the student. We DO NOT want students rushing through the lesson guide.They simply will not learn the concepts well if they rush.
What will my child learn about writing in the guide?
This guide covers many foundational aspects of writing, including the following:
The four steps in the writing process: brainstorm, outline, rough draft, and final draft, with each step being taught in detail.
The rewrite process, which is taught thoroughly so students learn how to create quality writing, beginning with awesome sentences.
Grammar, which is taught in the context of actual writing, making the lesson relevant and beneficial to improve the student’s overall writing ability.
Do I need to supplement with other writing curricula?
This lesson guide focuses on real writing, weaving in grammar and spelling in the process. Parents may choose to include more spelling instruction and/or grammar instruction and drill work.
What does my child work on after they complete the twelve lessons in the study guide?
After students complete the lesson guide, they are ready to continue writing great paragraphs for all of their school assignments. They may also choose to join one of our online Reading & Writing classes where they will receive ongoing feedback from the instructor. From time to time they will also benefit from working through the lesson guide again for a refresher.
Do I need to purchase a Student Lesson Guide for each of my children?
NO! When you purchase one Student Lesson Guide for your family, any number of individuals may use it. Please do not share with others outside of your own family.
Does each family in our co-op need to purchase a Student Lesson Guide?
YES! Our policy allows families to purchase one downloadable product to use for their entire family. Each family within a co-op must purchase their own Student Lesson Guide for their family.