---
title: Writing Mechanics and Original Thought Taught Separately—at first
description: A paradigm shift in how Brave Writer teaches writing
---

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# Writing Mechanics and Original Thought Taught Separately—at first

## A paradigm shift in how Brave Writer teaches writing

Brave Writer represents a paradigm shift from the traditional way language arts are taught. The key difference between what we offer and what many are used to is that we divide writing into two distinct categories:

1. Mechanics of writing
2. Original thought

We give attention to the **mechanics** through [literature](http://store.bravewriter.com/collections/language-arts-programs) and the practices of[copywork](http://www.bravewriter.com/program/brave-writer-lifestyle/copywork) and [dictation](http://www.bravewriter.com/program/brave-writer-lifestyle/dictation). We teach literary devices, reading, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and handwriting using *someone else’s writing.* We’ve found that kids can give full attention to the demands of the physical act of writing when they are first borrowing someone else’s thoughts—already written ideas.

We then turn to **original writing** in our product [Growing Brave Writers](https://store.bravewriter.com/products/growing-brave-writers) or our [Brave Writer 101](https://bravewriter.com/online-classes/brave-writer-101-guided-writing-process) class. In these, we focus on giving you and your kids training in how to work together to help your child access their inner life—how to put those thoughts and ideas into words, how to get them out of the body, how to expand and enrich them as a team.

**Eventually, these two sets of skills come together** (the mechanics and the original thought) in writing projects. As your child feels free to self-express in written form, you can now slowly add projects that match that child’s current developmental stage.

**Learn more here:**

[How Brave Writer Differs from Other Programs](http://blog.bravewriter.com/2012/04/17/email-the-difference-between-brave-writer-and-other-programs/)

[How Writing is Like Sewing](http://blog.bravewriter.com/2013/06/15/how-writing-is-like-sewing/)

[Natural Stages of Growth in Writing Podcasts](http://blog.bravewriter.com/2013/07/21/the-natural-stages-of-growth-in-writing/)

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