[scrobinson]

Does anyone use the Lucy Calkins Units of Study to teach writing? I was thinking about purchasing it but I wanted to know if it is worth it.

Thanks!

[nicosipp23]

Our school has addopted this kit. This is the first year I am trying the kit. The lessons have a consitant structure and are easy to follow. My students are very motivated and enjoy writing. The criticism that some of our teachers have is that there is a lot of teacher background reading to prep for each lesson. On the other hand, there is not much other prep work for the lessons. I really like the language that Lucy uses throughout the lessons. The first two units have gone very smoothly.

[scrobinson]

Thanks! I am assuming you use the Grades 3-5 series????? It isn't too hard for them?????

[iTeach :)]

It's my first year using Lucy Calkins as a third grade teacher. My interest peaked after hearing constant references to her program. I must say that I am dabbling with it at this point. I have some other things I use for writing, so I am not soley using her kit. So far, I have used the first book, "Launching the Writer's Workshop". I love it so far! It does exactly that. Her lessons, which are indeed very detailed & scripted, really helped me launch my writer's workshop with very independent writers. Kids love writing more than I've ever seen, and are writing more than ever also! I love the way the writing is tied to reading.

[disneynut]

As with any writing model, one picks and chooses what works. I have often supplemented Lucy with Ralph Fletcher.

I find Lucy's manuals too wordy and her lessons cumbersome. However, the student's writing has certainly benefitted from Lucy.

[nicosipp23]

I teach a 2/3 multiage, and I don't think the lessons are too difficult. Sometimes I read about a lesson and think this is too abstract, but when I teach it, I am amazed at how well they understand and want to try it in their writing. I am using the 3-5 kit. I think it is a good fit for third graders.
Another thing that I like about this kit is that she uses so many mentor texts to help the students see examples in real writing. On the resource CD, she provides a list of books that are great example of what is taught in the unit. I love to have a full bin of examples for the students to go to when they need a little inspiration.

[Cat Lady]

We are using the 3-5 in 3rd grade. It is working out well. I agree that it is wordy and takes a lot of reading. I found that sometimes I couldn't see the woods for the trees and really needed to cut her voice out so that I could focus on the point of the lesson. Having said that, the lessons do follow a good progression. As disneynut said, I use Ralph Fletcher, too. His Craft lessons book is invaluable - love it and so easy to use.

Sara

Our school has used the Teachers College approach to reading and writing for the past six years. The first three years were good because we received a lot of support from TC (which you will need in order to do this program). The problem was that there were never enough books to follow certain units in the program. If you have a Special Ed class, this is not the program for them. It is not differentiated enough to meet their needs. I find the writing to be easier to follow. If you like to write, you'll like this program because it requires that you keep a writer's notebook to model the teaching points for your class. There is a new unit of writing every month and each month ends with a celebration of the childrens' writing pieces.

The writing workshop method of teaching is the most powerful method I have ever used in my 22 years of teaching. My students and I are connecting in ways I never imagined. This is the fourth year I have used Lucy Calkin's Units of Study. Hang in there! The first years you are learning and growing too. Soon you will know the curriculum and it will be more natural. You and your students will become a community of writers and the reward is incredible! If you write (using the strategies you are teaching) and share your writing you will be amazed by the power of this method!