Fully integrated with the PAL - Reading program, "writing" in the PAL - Writing Program means handwriting, spelling (using the All About Spelling program), punctuation/grammar, and composition, all rolled into one unified set of lesson plans. These lessons can be added to the PAL - Reading program lesson plans whenever the student is ready to write - usually about age five. Not surprisingly, the methodology intertwines with the IEW units. Part I (31 lessons) focuses on printing instruction, story summaries, and establishing good writing habits. Part II (40 lessons) introduces the All About Spelling program, copywork, and beginning elements of "style" (a.k.a. punctuation and grammar). Part III (16 lessons with four days within each lesson) continues with AAS, composition with style (IEW units on storytelling, key word outlines & summaries, and creative writing).
The PAL - Writing Program has two components - the Teacher's Manual and the DVD-ROM. The Teacher's Manual provides an overview of the program, specific instruction for teaching both printing and composition, and detailed lesson plans. The Appendices are an impressive collection - scope/sequence, notes on dysgraphia, reminder signs index, phonograms, and handouts from the video presentations. The All About Spelling program is incorporated into the lesson plans as an integrated module (and is included with the Pal-Writing package). The DVD-ROM features the author, Jill Pike, "talking through" the program along with lesson plans as well as two bonus audios (Reading Comprehension by Adam Andrews and Dictation, Narration, and Public Speaking by Andrew Pudewa) and three IEW e-audio downloads. The DVD-ROM also includes the PDF files for all student materials.
Students completing this writing program will be ready for the starting levels of the IEW program. ~ Janice
