Our family received two sets of Write Shop StoryBuilders to review.  The two sets we enjoyed were: World of People StoryBuilders, and Christmas StoryBuilders.  Before I tell you how we liked them, let me explain what they are....

Write Shop StoryBuilders are printable card decks that can be used to supplement an existing writing program.  Printed on each card is a word or phrase to aid in the writing of a story.  Each deck includes Character, Character trait, Setting, and Plot cards.  Once cards are divided up into categories they can be used in a variety of ways.  Some options for use are: pull a card from each category and write a story, use the cards for timed writing practice each day, draw a new card from the deck when the story is “stuck.”  Other fun ideas are listed in the e-book as well as instructions for printing, storing, evaluating and grading.

My daughter is 7 years old and has not had a lot of writing practice thus far.  She has spent a lot of time writing stories of her own accord, but very little writing has been done per my instruction (except for copywork).   She thoroughly enjoyed the Write Shop StoryBuilders.  It was very exciting for her to pick out the cards, and a lot of fun to write the story.  I didn’t worry much about spelling, just let her write away.

Because of  Write Shop StoryBuilders, my daughter learned about characters, character traits, settings and plot (stuff we have not talked much about). It was very satisfying for her to include these in her story.  She was so excited for Daddy to read it when he came home.  When I say excited, I mean it - she was shaking and jumping! As soon as I have time I will type up her story and post it along with the pictures she drew to go with it, then I link it up to this post. 

I personally think Write Shop StoryBuilders are a lot of fun.  They would be a very helpful tool for children of all ages. I’m confident that many would enjoy these.

Write Shop currently publishes four different StoryBuilders (all are e-books):

• World of Animals StoryBuilders – Retail $7.95

• World of People StoryBuilders – Retail $7.95

• World of Sports StoryBuilders – Retail $7.95

• Christmas Mini-Builder – Retail $3.95

 
Here are a few details about the two StoryBuilders we reviewed:
(information is from WriteShop.com)

World of People StoryBuilders

    * World of People features human characters such as policeman, candy maker, and detective.
    * 192 printable StoryBuilder cards, black print (for printing on colored cardstock)
    * 192 printable StoryBuilder cards, colored print (for printing on white cardstock)
    * 48 blank cards
    * Instructions and Ideas
    * 8-1/2” x 11”. 62 pages.
    * StoryBuilders are downloadable e-books that you print yourself.   Download link is available immediately upon checkout.
 
Examples from World of People:
Characters: Basketball Star, actor, cowboy, detective.
Character traits: intelligent, clumsy, flustered.
Setting: Antarctica, crate, desert, on a high mountain.
Plot: finds a time machine, flat tire, spilled it.

 Price: $7.95
Find out more or purchase here

Christmas StoryBuilders

    * Christmas Mini-Builder is a half-size StoryBuilder
    * 1 mini-deck (96) printable cards, black print (for printing on colored cardstock)
    * 1 mini-deck (96) printable cards, colored print (for printing on white cardstock)
    * Instructions and Ideas
    * 8-1/2” x 11”, 29 pages
    * StoryBuilders are downloadable E-books that you print yourself. Download link is available immediately upon checkout.
 
Examples:
Characters: Baker, elves, homeless man.
Character traits: Haughty, joyful, resourceful.
 Setting: Cozy cottage, deep dark woods.
 Plot: Helps a stranger, prepares a feast.
 
Price: $3.95

For more information or to purchase, click here.

In my opinion, Write Shop StoryBuilders are a pretty good deal.  Especially when considering they are non-consumable and can be used by many children for many years.

It just so happens that The Old Schoolhouse is offering the World of Animals Storybuilders for free this week.  I'm almost certain that this deal will expire within the next few days, so hurry over and pick up your copy here.