Weekly Writer Club

I love to write. I can say so much more with my fingers than I can with my mouth. But I'm often so caught up with my own writing projects that I forget to encourage my children to write. That won't be a problem anymore!

The Weekly Writer Club is an online club for students in grades 2-8 which focuses on Language Arts through letter writing. Although the emphasis is on homeschooled students, the club can be used by students in any learning environment.

When I first visited the site, I started reading--and clicking through all the links I could find to learn more about the program. The main Club will be active during the school year. But, during the summer there is a Travel Club available which lets families get a feel for the overall program. A quick Google search found other online programs for Language Arts that cost hundreds of dollars a year. Not only were the other programs expensive compared to WWClub, they didn't offer the same amount of personal interaction.

What exactly is the Club? Here's how the owner words it:

"The Weekly Writer Club is an online Language Arts program that rewards students for exploring ideas through letter-writing and sharing what they learn with new friends in the Club. Throughout the year, students in every grade level will improve their writing, thinking, and leadership skills. It is a new Club that is fast becoming one of the most unique and valuable family experiences in homeschooling."

Who is the owner? Judy Steidl is a certified English teacher who started homeschooling in 1987. Her children are all grown now, yet she continues to support family-focused education. She's been quick to answer any questions I have about the Club, and she's quick to correct any problems members run into.

As stated on the site, the Club focuses on letter writing. Children are encouraged to interact on the Club pages to meet new friends and share ideas, but they are also encouraged to pull out paper and pencil and write a letter to a friend, a professional, a family member--even to Judy! And it's not just friendly letters, but persuasive letters, book recommendations, how-to letters, and more. This site truly is "technology and personal communication bundled together."

Added perks include a book club and contests. Children are encouraged to read, and share info about the books they read with their new friends at the Club. The contests are open to members and non-members alike, and they encourage interaction as well.

The site also features rewards and promotions: everything is by the kids, for the kids, under the guidance of adults. The more children write and interact, the "higher" in the Club they get. And parents never have to worry about the safety of their children while on the site, since there is no outside advertising--clicking around the site keeps them at the site. The only off-site links I could find were few and far between--maybe a handful at the most.

My two youngest children recently joined the Summer Travel Club. After giving them a tour and explaining how things work, my 8-year-old turned to me and said, "It's like Facebook for kids!"

Hands-on learning, adult and child interaction, safe environment... I highly recommend this site!