Question, Research, Experiment, and Write

WAC, meaning writing across the curriculum is being suggested to mothers that prefer home schooling.  This idea is being presented as a shortcut, although most mothers would think otherwise.  In fact Kautzer, the author of this article, states that it eliminates a entire subject focused on teaching writing.  Instead, students can focus on writing in other subjects which will benifit them in the long run.

…students use their writing assignments to explore other areas of study. Not only does this kind of writing boost a student’s writing ability, it helps him better understand the content and specialized vocabulary of a particular subject.  (Kautzer, Kim.  Writing Across the Curriculum.  Write Shop:  An Incremental Writing Program.  2004.)

Kautzer further explains creative ways to incorporate certain types of writing into other subjects.  For example a mother can take something as easy as describing an object and incorporate that into a science lesson.  Firstly the mother needs to find an object they are currently studying in science or will study, such as a robin’s nest and have the child describe that rather than a matchbox car.

Children gain a better understanding of the subject area as they take in information, brainstorm, and then write.  A benifit of this system being, it cuts lesson planning on mom’s part and creates less work for the students by combining the two.  The result is also benificial as students begin to see the connection throughout their subjects and connect the pieces more quickly.

I never honestly thought about home schooling before, let alone WAC applied to this type of schooling.  However, I do see how beneficial this program can be no matter what schooling a student is in.  Writing across the curriculum opens student’s eyes to that subject and the vocabulary that goes along with that subject.  Mothers that are hesitant to use this program argue that writing should be taught as a separate subject.  Fortunately, Kautzer has found a way to incorporate the two that not only benefits the students but also the mother.

Full Text Article:  Kautzer, Kim. Writing Across the Curriculum. Write Shop:  An Incremental Writing Program.  2004.