FAQS

Can this program be used to teach writing objectives from a state other than Texas?

Yes, the program strategies are based on best practices for working with young children as they develop primary skills for composition. State educational objectives for writing at this level are uniform in both scope and sequence. The ECWS curriculum benefits students and supports teachers by addressing early childhood objectives and providing an effective way to monitor progress. 

 

How does writing support reading development and reading comprehension for students of all ages?

Research emphasizes using writing concepts to support reading comprehension. Our program is founded on the premise that students develop a love for reading and writing when they have opportunities to explore topics of personal interest. Although the workbooks were developed for students up to second grade, the research-related aspect can be applied to students of all ages. If you would like to read more on the topic, please follow this link: https://srsdonline.org/reading-comprehension-strategies-how-writing-helps/

​

What do the workbooks contain? 

Each workbook includes grade-level support tools and quick-response codes to access ECWS writing process videos in English and Spanish. The Early Childhood Writing Strategies and Progress Monitoring System addresses the composition objectives codified by the Texas Education Agency up to second grade. The student workbooks are a component of the Early Childhood Writing Strategies and Progress Monitoring System and directly correlate to a lesson sequence, lesson scripts, writing process videos, scoring rubrics, intervention strategies, and the writing placement levels as explained in the teacher’s manual. 

 

Can I use ECWS in a classroom with all English students?

Yes, the program was developed for use in English, Spanish, bilingual, or dual-language programs. The teacher’s manual and the student workbooks support such classrooms with English and Spanish components.

 

How do I decide whether to use English or Spanish with my students?

Each district follows state recommendations for language program placement according to each child’s needs. The lessons and workbooks must be used to meet the needs of the child according to district and state guidelines.

 

What if the kids in my class lack the fine motor skills to write?

ECWS supports best practices for introducing writing in an interactive setting with teacher assistance. Fine motor skill development is addressed in the teacher’s manual, and strategies for meeting the needs of the child are introduced.   

 

What makes up a classroom kit?

Each classroom teacher requires a teacher’s manual and grade-appropriate student workbooks for each student. Each grade level is assigned two student workbook volumes with lessons directly correlated to specific grade level objectives for each writing genre. The workbooks include writing support tools for editing, revising, sentence structure, grammar usage, grade-appropriate writing templates, grade-appropriate drawing spaces for developing graphic organizers, writing process charts, and digital access to the ECWS writing process. Furthermore, each volume contains grade-appropriate progress monitoring forms for each grading period.

 

How do I get started with the workbooks?

The teacher’s manual includes a complete explanation for introducing the workbooks and for helping children gain familiarity with the different parts of the workbook.

​

How do parents who home school use the ECWS writing program?

The teacher’s manual provides the background knowledge needed to address state writing objectives in early childhood programs. Parents may not require such an in-depth understanding of program components; however, they may use the program to help them understand how to build writing and research skills and provide intervention at home. 

 

What can I expect from a professional training session?

The sessions are delivered as interactive modules to address each part of the teacher’s manual. Each module focuses specifically on supporting a teacher’s understanding of the ECWS processes for addressing state writing objectives, reviewing grade-specific support tools, reviewing related data, establishing goals, practicing lesson delivery for varying writing genres, practicing the scoring method, and reviewing intervention strategies.