Writing with Ease (WWE) is a classical elementary writing curriculum by Susan Wise Bauer that builds foundational skills through narration, copywork, and dictation before requiring students to compose original writing.
What is Writing with Ease?
Writing with Ease (WWE) is an elementary writing curriculum authored by Susan Wise Bauer and published by Well-Trained Mind Press. Part of The Complete Writer series, WWE covers grades 1-4 through four sequential levels. The program's central philosophy is that children should master foundational skills—narration, copywork, and dictation—before being asked to produce original compositions. This developmental approach, rooted in both classical education and Charlotte Mason methodology, prevents the frustration that occurs when students are pushed to write before they have the necessary building blocks in place.
Key Takeaways
- Uses three foundational skills: copywork (writing from models), narration (retelling in own words), and dictation (writing from memory)
- Designed for grades 1-4 with four levels progressing from simple sentences to paragraph-length work
- Requires only 15-20 minutes per day, four days per week
- Prepares students for Writing with Skill (grades 5-8) and advanced composition work
- All passages come from quality literature—myths, fairy tales, and classic children's books
The Three Building Blocks
Copywork involves writing passages word-for-word from quality literature, developing penmanship while absorbing correct spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure. Narration requires students to listen to a passage, then retell it in their own words—first orally, later in writing. This develops listening comprehension, memory, and the ability to organize thoughts. Dictation bridges the two: students study a passage, then write it from memory as the parent reads aloud. This encourages attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Together, these exercises build the mental habits and mechanical skills that make original composition possible.
The Four Levels
Level 1 (grades 1-2) focuses on one-sentence copywork and beginning oral narration. Level 2 (grades 2-3) transitions from copywork to dictation while continuing narration. Level 3 (grades 3-4) combines copywork, dictation, and written narration, with students composing their own sentences. Level 4 (grades 4-6) solidifies all skills before students move to Writing with Skill. Levels aren't strict grade equivalents—diagnostic tests help determine proper placement. Each level spans 36 weeks, and the program accommodates students who need to move slower or faster than typical grade expectations.
Classical and Charlotte Mason Roots
WWE corresponds to the grammar stage of classical education's Trivium model, focusing on memorization and pattern absorption during the years when children naturally excel at these skills. The emphasis on living books and narration also reflects Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy. Susan Wise Bauer argues that most writing programs fail because they ask children to compose before they've internalized what good writing looks and sounds like. WWE deliberately delays original composition until students have spent years absorbing quality prose through copywork and translating ideas through narration—building from the inside out.
The Bottom Line
Writing with Ease offers a refreshingly patient approach to writing instruction that respects child development rather than rushing toward original composition. The 15-20 minute daily lessons feel manageable for both parent and child, while the quality literature passages expose students to excellent writing models. Families following classical or Charlotte Mason approaches will find WWE philosophically aligned with their goals. The program's scripted lessons make it genuinely open-and-go for parents uncertain about teaching writing. If your elementary student struggles with writing or if you want to build skills systematically before composition demands increase, WWE provides a structured, literature-rich foundation.
