Writing with Ease (WWE) is a writing curriculum designed for grades 1-4. It helps kids build foundational writing skills through narration, copywork, and dictation before they start creating their own works.
Most homeschool families report completing core academic subjects in 3-4 hours per day for elementary students, compared to the 6-7 hours typical of traditional schools, due to the one-on-one instruction and absence of classroom management overhead (NHERI, 2024).
What is writing with ease?
Writing with Ease (WWE) is an elementary writing program created by Susan Wise Bauer and published by Well-Trained Mind Press. It’s part of The Complete Writer series and is designed for grades 1-4. The idea behind WWE is simple: kids need to learn the basics—like narration, copywork, and dictation—before they dive into writing their own pieces. This approach, inspired by both classical education and Charlotte Mason methodology, helps avoid the frustration that comes when kids are pushed to write too soon.
The three building blocks
WWE focuses on three main skills:
- Copywork: Kids write passages exactly as they see them in great literature. This helps with penmanship and teaches correct spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure.
- Narration: Students listen to a text and then retell it in their own words—first out loud, then in writing. This develops their listening skills and helps them organize their thoughts.
- Dictation: Here, students study a passage and write it from memory as a parent reads it aloud. This sharpens their attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Together, these practices set the stage for original writing.
The four levels
WWE is broken into four levels:
- Level 1 (grades 1-2): Focuses on simple one-sentence copywork and starting oral narration.
- Level 2 (grades 2-3): Moves from copywork to dictation while still practicing narration.
- Level 3 (grades 3-4): Blends copywork, dictation, and written narration, encouraging students to create their own sentences.
- Level 4 (grades 4-6): Strengthens all skills before students advance to Writing with Skill. Each level lasts 36 weeks and diagnostic tests help place students correctly. It’s flexible for those who need to go slower or faster.
Classical and Charlotte Mason roots
WWE fits into the grammar stage of the classical education model, where kids can effectively memorize and absorb patterns. It also aligns with Charlotte Mason’s focus on using living books and narration. Susan Wise Bauer believes many writing programs fail because they expect kids to write before they really understand good writing. WWE takes its time, letting students soak in quality prose through copywork and narration before they start creating their own work.
The bottom line
Writing with Ease takes a patient approach to writing instruction, respecting how kids develop. Daily lessons last 15-20 minutes, making it easy for both parents and kids. The quality literature included exposes students to strong writing examples. Families who follow classical or Charlotte Mason methods will find WWE aligns well with their goals. Plus, the program's scripted lessons make it easy to use for parents unsure about teaching writing. If your child struggles with writing or needs a solid foundation before tackling more demanding tasks, WWE is a great choice.
