Writing Strategies (DVD)

“Who will help a young girl write her school essay? A pencil named Marko. And this pencil is sharp! Har, har. A worthwhile and well-presented animated video, Rock 'N Learn uses Marko to cover all aspects of writing an essay – from test strategies (breathe, be neat, etc.) to brainstorming ideas, knowing your audience, organizing, and tools for writing.

“What's particularly appealing about this teaching video is that the young girl who needs Marko's help actually has an assignment: write a story about an adventure. From start to finish, from idea to word choices, the essay is examined and re-worked in a friendly, helpful, clear way. Anyone watching it – whether kids, parents or teachers – will come away with useful reminders that colorful words, transitions, personification and dialogue will make any story come alive. Marko's ‘Writer's Toolbox’ is filled with easy-to-understand writing information for grades four and up. A second section of the 70-minute video focuses on proofreading. Listen to Marko and your next story will be vastly improved.” – Parents’ Choice Award

“Marko the Pencil, sporting a bow tie and a French accent, offers encouragement and selects tools to help her sharpen writing skills. In each instance, he explains the tool, gives an example of how it works, and then asks the student to try to incorporate it in her story. Marko explains brainstorming, identifying the audience, finding a hook, and organizing ideas. He suggests using language rich with dialogue, colorful words, similes, onomatopoeia, and ending with a lasting impression. The first part of the program deals with writing content, and the second segment covers proofreading by using writing samples and a multiple choice format to find mistakes. This is the perfect vehicle to teach the thought process involved in successful writing, and it does it with pizzazz.” – Review from the School Library Journal by Marilyn Hersh, Hillside Elementary School, Farmington Hills in Michigan

“The writing tools revealed through the story by Marko are helpful for any writer, and he shows HOW to use each tool introduced throughout the writing process. I think this DVD is an effective learning tool for parents and teachers who are instructing students on how to write properly. There is also a section on proofreading, which is essential in writing. The main menu is organized and easy to select the portion of the DVD you wish to view.” - Kelly M.

“I just wanted to let you know that I checked your video out for Writing Strategies and at the age of 54, I got some really light bulb moments. I loved it and cannot wait to share with my grandchildren. The main reason I got it was to update myself so that I could tutor. I absolutely love how it is set up but how it was easy to follow. Loved Loved Loved it. I am going to purchase the complete set asap. Thanks. Sincerely” – Denise W.

"This product really explains, in a visual way, story elements such as sequencing, a hook, transition, colorful words, and more. The help that Marko gives is specific, useful, and immediately applicable. The writing process is often a painful one. This product helps by breaking it down into small steps. Even better, it uses visual cues that will help students, especially visual learners, keep the steps in mind." – Diana Lawsky, Instructor Magazine

"Marko the Pencil knows all the insider tips for producing the most polished prose. He introduces viewers to his Writer's Toolbox, packed with smart, easy-to-implement strategies for improving writing: brainstorming for a topic; hooking readers; organizing sentences and ideas; using transitional phrases, personification, dialogue, similes, onomatopoeia, alliteration; and much more. Marko makes lessons meaningful and memorable by using real passages to demonstrate his writing tools at work. His strategies are perfect for any writing assignment or standardized test. Also includes bonus materials: tips for proofreading and for acing multiple-choice writing tests." - Beth Hanlon, educational reviewer

“The DVD had excellent writing strategies that really went with what my youngster was working on at the time. It helped him to know where to begin. I also like the fact that the poster can be printed. I intend to print these as reminders for when he is working on his homework. The ability to choose one segment is great as well.” - John S., parent

“My child loves Marko the Pencil. My son has become a very good writer because of your Writing Strategies DVD. He is asking for a tool box with Marko’s tools.” - Carmen J., parent

"I never really knew how to use voice in my stories, but now I finally know what it is. I never understood what my teacher wanted me to do when she said to put feeling into my stories. Now I do." - Caleb L. Age 10