A Word Write Now: A Thematic Thesaurus for Stylized Writing

by Institute for Excellence in Writinghttps://iew.com/

ElaGrades 2–12

About This Curriculum

A thematic thesaurus organized by character qualities and behavior traits rather than traditional alphabetical order, designed to help students find descriptive vocabulary for creative and academic writing.

What makes it unique: Unique organization by character traits and behavior patterns rather than alphabetical order, making it easier for students to find contextually appropriate vocabulary for their writing

A Word Write Now: Thematic Vocabulary Reference Tool for Creative Writing

A Word Write Now is a thematic thesaurus published by the Institute for Excellence in Writing that organizes vocabulary by character traits, descriptive categories, and sensory words rather than alphabetical order. This 107-page reference tool helps students find precise vocabulary for creative and academic writing across grades 2-12.

Best for

Students and teachers using the Institute for Excellence in Writing approach or anyone seeking a well-organized vocabulary reference tool to enhance creative and academic writing across elementary through high school grades

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 6 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Vocabulary BuildingStrength

The curriculum excels at vocabulary building through thematic organization and multiple word categories.

Provides extensive word lists categorized by parts of speech (nouns, adjectives, adverbs, verbs, phrases) across character traits, descriptive words, and sensory vocabulary

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum incorporates classical literature references and cultural knowledge through literary quotes.

Each section includes 'literary quotes related to the topic' and 'excerpts from classical literature,' connecting vocabulary to broader cultural knowledge

Text ComplexityNeutral

The resource incorporates classical literature quotes, suggesting appropriate complexity for its grade range.

Uses 'quotes from classical literature' and 'excerpts from classical literature' to provide context for vocabulary

Direct InstructionNeutral

The curriculum provides structured vocabulary guidance but lacks explicit instructional design.

Each category includes definitions and word lists, but reviews don't mention explicit teaching methodology or lesson plans

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes opportunities for word play activities but lacks systematic retrieval practice.

The appendix includes 'Playing with Words' with 'tips for game-like activities' and 'blank lines on the sub-category pages for students to add their own words'

Writing InstructionNeutral

While not a complete writing curriculum, it supports the writing process by providing vocabulary enhancement tools.

Designed to help students 'dress up their writing with lively verbs, colorful adjectives, and interesting adverbs' and includes transition words and prepositions for sentence construction

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsNeutral

This curriculum uses excerpts and quotes from classical literature rather than whole books.

Reviews mention 'literary quotes related to the topic' and 'excerpts from classical literature' accompanying vocabulary sections

Teacher TrainingInsufficient Evidence

The curriculum appears to be designed as a user-friendly reference tool requiring minimal teacher training.

Reviews describe it as easy to use with clear organization, but don't mention specific teacher guides or professional development materials

Systematic PhonicsInsufficient Evidence

This is a vocabulary reference tool that does not include phonics instruction.

The curriculum is described as 'a reference tool for writers' and 'thematic thesaurus' focused on vocabulary building, not phonics

Review Sources

web_search

Clarissa R. West

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Key Facts
GradesGrades 2–12
SubjectEla
PedagogyClassical
Faith-BasedNo
FormatPhysical
Pricing$35.00 at Christianbook.com | $35.00 at Amazon.com | $9.05 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $9.05 Used at Amazon.com Marketplace | $35.00 at Rainbowresource.com

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy