The Lifeguard's Locker

''Writing may send warm shivers of pleasure up your spine. Or it may make you feel as though you are drowning in an angry, choppy, icy sea with nothing in sight but hungry, toothy sharks and storm clouds spitting out hail stones as big as golf balls.'' So begins this wonderful composition course by author Sharon Watson. Intended as a course for students in grades 5-8, Jump In can also be used by high school students who have had little practice in writing or who are reluctant writers. Jump In overcomes the reluctant student's fear of writing with a friendly, approachable style; short, workable exercises; and non-threatening word counts for longer assignments. Students will learn how to write persuasive papers, expository essays, descriptions, narration, and poetry. The easy-to-use parent/teacher section includes what to look for in an assignment, how to assign a grade, how to help the student proofread, and a one-year writing program with daily writing prompts designed to maintain fun and interest for the student.