Suggested Age Levels for Homeschool Writing

When students are working on the right level, lessons are not hard. Proper placement depends on the students’ writing readiness.

There are 3 levels of learning: frustration level, instructional level, independent level.

1. 1. Frustration level - students are overwhelmed. They shut down.
   2. Instructional level - the right level for learning.
   3. Independent level - students fly through their work.

The teacher's work load is lighter when students are working on the right level.

• Students learn more when they are working on their instructional level.
• Students gain independence as they learn and apply concepts. 
• Students need to experience success and minimum frustration. 

General Guidelines

v  Independent work should be within your students’ capabilities. Students should not be overwhelmed or frustrated. If they need some guidance but not much extra help, that level is probably right for them.

v  If the lesson feels intense, students will be overwhelmed. If students need you to hold their hands a lot on independent work, they are overwhelmed. Do not fight them to follow directions.

o    Slow down. Each level can easily be adapted to a 2-year format.

o    Back up, focus on what they are struggling with, and then move on.

o    Consider an easier level.

v  Students who hate writing should start at a level that is easy for them. Consider starting at the upper end of the suggested ages.

v  Students who love to write might want to start at the level where they are in the younger end of the suggested ages.

v  Many boys are not ready to start learning composition until they are around 12 years old. Take the Entry Levels slower and focus on reading quality literature. The best readers become the best writers.

Take the free assessment test. Try the free sample lessons. 

Back to Course Descriptions: 

Entry Level I: Prepare to Write Ages 8-11 

Entry Level II: Creating Sentences Ages 9 – 11   

Level 1: Sentence to Paragraph Writing Ages 12 - 14   

Level 2: Paragraph Writing Ages 14 - 16   

Level 3: Essay Writing Ages 16 - 18

Contact rebecca@thewritefoundation.org for a free consultation if you have questions.