Writing Strands Revised Edition (Grades 5-10)

Description

Writing Strands, long a homeschooling favorite, has received an expansion and facelift from its new publisher, Master Books. Still providing the same quality, step-by-step writing instruction, the major difference is that there is MORE than just writing instruction. A complete series of reading/literature lessons is interwoven with the writing instruction resulting in solid language arts courses. Each consumable worktext provides space to complete the writing assignments as well as worksheets for discussing books (chosen and assigned by teacher/parent) and Bible passages. The student is encouraged to keep an ongoing spelling list as well as constantly be involved in the writing evaluation process. Composition lessons cover the writing process and provide experience with the various forms of writing as well as specific traits of good writing. Reading/literature lessons provide literary analysis instruction coupled with discussion questions and biblical applications.

All instruction is provided in the Student Worktexts. Students are encouraged to build a portfolio binder although there is ample space provided to complete many of the Worktext assignments. Introductory information includes course descriptions/principles, writing guidelines, skills writing mastery chart, list of problems to solve (this is kept as a running list based on assignment completion), and a detailed daily schedule. Detailed lessons, written directly to the student, are provided for 180 days (five days a week; four 9-week quarters) and can be expected to take 30-45 minutes to complete. Bible passages are used as the primary resource for the literary analysis lessons. These lessons are coupled with book studies using literature selections chosen by the parent. Answer keys for objective portions are included as well as a glossary of helpful terms.

This edition is a bit more grade specific than the previous version although there is still some flexibility. Each level is a one-year course. Typically students would begin the series in 5th grade and progress through 10th but a student with good reading skills could start in 4th (possibly, 3rd). An older student (ex. 7th grade) would typically start with Intermediate 1 but could start with a lower level if their writing skills are minimal. Students should be able to enter at grade level assuming they are reading at or above grade level. Grammar and spelling are covered from a usage perspective so you may want to add a grammar and/or spelling workbook for practice and basic instruction. All course books are three-hole punched. ~ Janice

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.