Hi! I'm Dana. I'm a writer, entrepreneur, homeschool mom, and former fifth-grade teacher.
You’re feeling inadequate, frustrated, and overwhelmed, just thinking about teaching your children writing.
The curriculums, methods, and education word soup is confusing
If only your kids could just magically learn to write!
The Empowered Writing Curriculum is your guide to waking up one day and seeing your children sitting quietly and writing. And they aren’t just slapping words on the paper, either — their writing is fantastic!
My writing story begins at a young age.
I used to write stories with a childhood friend on the playground and when we visited each other's houses. I’ve also always loved poetry and have been writing it for as long as I can remember. While I loved writing, I never considered myself a writer. Once I even had a friend write a paper for me in high school, oops. I was never confident in my writing, and I don’t remember receiving any encouragement for my writing, despite receiving good grades for anything I actually did produce at school.
I squashed that dream before it even started. My fear of putting my words out into the world was a big contributor. I was also not interested in perceived competition with other family members who were considered "the smart ones" and "the writers." Staying out of the line of fire was a skill I had gotten very good at, and I wasn't ready to shake things up at that time in my life.
In my sophomore year of college, I attended a new school to major in journalism and creative writing.
So I kept these dreams hidden and suppressed for a very long time.
There were moments when I shared my words without much encouragement, and I’m sure many conversations took place behind my back, critiquing everything I wrote.
But, that didn’t stop me from writing. In young adulthood, writing was a lifeline for me and I’m so grateful for it. I wrote for me and me only and it was a blessing to have that outlet, especially at that time in my life.
Writing is freedom.
I have looked back at the writing I did for myself and it’s beautiful because I was completely my authentic self. I wrote without fear of condemnation. My words were safe, and some of the things I wrote then, such as my core beliefs about the world, have not changed. It’s funny though, because of feeling unsafe in my life, not many people even knew what I really thought and believed about anything. I was happy to keep my mouth shut to keep the peace and avoid conflict, confrontation, or condemnation.
I decided to get an education degree instead of journalism and creative writing degrees. It was easier and I wanted to help children and make a difference in their lives after spending a summer as a lifeguard with the “pool rats” — kids whose parents dropped them off and left them for the day.
Being hired for a fifth-grade position, without a valid writing curriculum was such a blessing to me. Although I did not feel that way at the time, teaching children foundational writing was just the medicine I needed to encourage myself as I encouraged and guided the kids.
I remember many things I would tell the students who loved writing passionately. Statements such as,
“Age doesn’t matter when you are sharing your stories.”
“Anyone, regardless of age, is a writer.”
“Always keep writing, even if you aren’t sure where it will take you.”
At the time, I was unaware of the impact that teaching position would have on my personal life. I feel so blessed to have been offered that job, to create this amazing curriculum that can empower others to use their words, and maybe even more importantly feel safe sharing their words, long before I was.
Being seen and heard for your authentic self is what all people in the world desire.
Many people don't feel safe being their authentic selves. My wish for you and your children while absorbing this curriculum is that you'll come out feeling empowered and confident in your writing and your own voice and opinions, fully authentic and without fear. It took me a long time to learn that I was safe using my authentic voice.
Give your children the gift of feeling completely safe in their world of words.
Homeschool is the perfect place to cultivate the safe environment children need to develop their authentic voice and the confidence to use it.
I developed this foundational writing curriculum from a need to teach writing to fifth graders without any viable resources. Over 11 years of teaching fifth-grade writing, I perfected a seamless method that creates a foundation that will benefit children for the rest of their lives.
After accepting a fifth grade position that was heavily focused on writing I realized I did not have anything to work from. Most educational curriculums add “writing” to their repertoire, but all I saw was an incomplete and half-baked attempt to claim they had a writing curriculum. Others, who were solely focused on writing, were full of educational word soup that only confused new writers.
It can be frustrating to have a vision but not to be able to find the support to help you achieve it.
I bought a basic writing manual to help me get started, and then, over the course of 11 years, I perfected this foundational writing curriculum, which empowers children to express themselves.
The joy my students brought me to see their eyes light up with the words they produced and published themselves is unmatched.
Over the years, I have worked with many children, and the vast majority claim they don't like writing and aren't good at it. I would tell them at the beginning of each year that even if they still don’t like writing at the end of the year, they WILL be good at it. And like anything, if they’re good at it, they enjoy it so much more.
I have learned as an adult that using your voice to speak truth is an invaluable tool. Teaching children foundational writing will empower them to feel confident while using their own voice whether through writing or speaking. I believe confidence in your writing abilities brings confidence to every area of your life. Learning in a safe environment where you are supported and encouraged to write and share your opinions will carry on throughout every child’s life. Teaching your children these invaluable skills will help them bloom through life in every area.
Download your e-book or order a soft copy and get started today. You never know—once you build some confidence by watching your children soar, you might feel empowered to share more of your authentic words as an adult!
