Middle School Writing Curriculum with Cover Story ~ a TOS review

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Disclaimer: I received a Complimentary copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family and I pray you, the reader, find them helpful on your homeschooling journey. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Regulations. 

Morning friends! Hope your week is going great and you enjoyed a fun holiday weekend! Let’s talk about homeschool writing curriculum. Have you thought about what your middle schooler will be using for the upcoming school year? In our homeschool 7th grade is when we buckle down and get to business with the ends and out of formal writing. I was thrilled to receive the Cover Story Cloud Set from Clear Water Press to try with McKenzie, my rising 7th grader.

The Cover Story curriculum from Clear Water Press is the brain child of the Daniel Schwabauer. You may have heard of him before in the homeschooling circles as he also has authored several other homeschool writing curriculums including the One Year Novel and Byline, which are meant for high schoolers. With the Cover Story curriculum your middle schooler will dive into creative writing and in the process create their own magazine. 

We received the physical course that includes paperback copies of the student book, the Remarkable Journal, and Teacher’s Guide which arrived on our doorstep rather quickly. We also received access to the online videos that accompany the program. Our videos grant us access to the program for a 12-month subscription. Optional grammar lessons are included too if you want to round out your complete Language Arts for the school year.

The student book and journal are consumable products so you will need a set of both for each of your students. During the course of the curriculum your student will write poems, short stories, non-fiction articles, and letters in the process of creating their own magazine. The engaging videos are super short, approximately 6 to 16 minutes long so it’s easy enough for even the most reluctant learners. A few of the assignments require assigned reading, but these too are short in length.

One of the ways Mr. Schwabauer gets the kids thinking is by writing five questions a day. These questions can be about anything they are curious about, the goal is to get your student thinking. As your student progresses through the program, they will begin to write paragraphs and dialogue as they work through the process of completing their magazine. At the end of each unit there is a multiple-choice test. Don’t worry, it’s nothing too tasking, but more of a check for understanding of the material being covered. 

So, what are our thoughts of this creative writing curriculum from Clear Water Press? Honestly, I love this program and I like that it offers the student the opportunity to learn independently and giving them ownership in their work. I think the Cover Story creative writing curriculum is a great program for middle and first year high school students. However, I do not think it is the best fit for McKenzie at this time. She liked that the videos were fun and that Mr. Schwabauer is entertaining, I often heard her laughing at the videos, but she had a hard time with the journaling and student book exercises. Now, this could just be because we had to work on this curriculum after a long day of training. I am not giving up on this homeschool creative writing curriculum because I think McKenzie would enjoy this more during our normal school schedule that affords a bit more time for her to let her creativity out on a more relaxed schedule.

For now we are going to set this program aside for the rest of July and pick it back up at the end of August and give it a second chance for her 7th grade school year. Even though we will be losing some time off our 12-month subscription, I am pleased to know that Clear Water Press offers renewals for an additional 12 months for just $35.00. 

Be sure to check out what four of my CrewMates thought of this middle school writing curriculum, Cover Story Cloud set, from Clear Water Press by clicking the banner below.

 

 Company ~ Clear Water Press 

 Product ~ Cover Story Cloud set 

Format ~ online videos and paperback workbook 

Price ~ Cloud video access $169.00 

Ages ~ Middle schooler, 6th-9th grade

Find Clear Water Press on these Social Media Links:

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 © 2008 - 2022 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. 

 https://astablebeginning.com

Creative Writing for the Christian homeschool from Creative Word Studio ~ a TOS review

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Disclaimer: I received a Complimentary copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Regulations.

Hooray! We have made it to the official last week of the 2020-2021 school year! Today I am excited to tell you about a new company called Creative Word Studio. McKenzie (rising 6th) and I have been working on the creative and fun process of writing with their book Sparkling Bits of Writing Book 1 instead of focusing on the traditional mechanics or grammar part of writing. 

Creative Word Studio was developed by Jennifer Yoder of western Ohio. They created this creative writing curriculum to make the creative writing process easier to teach in Christian homes and schools. Creative Word Studio has two books available and we were blessed to receive Book 1 of the series. 

Our book is a spiral bound workbook printed on heavy paper. Not cardstock, but heavy paper so that there is not too much shadowing or bleeding through onto the back. The front and back covers are also printed on a thick paper but are laminated to keep the workbook sturdy. Within the 75 lessons you will find black and white artwork sprinkled throughout the workbook. I like this feature because it does not detract from the lesson with brightly colored pictures.

Skills are broken down into easy to learn and understand lessons and there are no blank pages to scare the student out of writing. The book is broken down into three different types of writing lessons including:

Free writing ~ helps you get comfortable with writing on whatever subject you would like. The lessons typically have a writing prompt but you could write on any subject you choose. 

Reading Responses ~ help you analyze other people’s wiring while thinking critically. It’s a great way to help develop the important critical thinking skills in middle school. 

Mini-Writing ~ these are the fun writing lessons where you get to think out of the box and try something new. Some of the mini-writing pieces have a gold piece near the lesson number. These lessons are meant for the student to edit and polish to include a final draft. These can be graded if the parent chooses to do so.

   

This creative writing curriculum can be completed individually or in a class setting. A great feature of this curriculum is that grading is not necessary, however, it is suggested that the parent check the writing and offer feedback and encouragement throughout the writing process. A grading rubric is included as well as a list of writing tips in the back of the book to help the parent.

McKenzie had a great time working through this creative writing book! I think this is a great creative writing program that includes a variety of creative prompts and activities. She enjoyed many of the lessons she completed and is eager to continue using it. This is the perfect addition to our summer learning! 

Be sure to check out what my CrewMates thought of this Book and Sparkling Bits of Writing Book 2 that was also reviewed by clicking the banner below!  

 

Company ~ Creative Word Studio 

 Product ~ Sparkling Bits of Writing Book 1 

 Format ~ spiral bound worktext 

 Price ~ $15.00 *free standard shipping until June 30th 

 Ages ~ 5th – 6th grade 

 © 2008 - 2021 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. http://astablebeginning.com

College Prep Writers Handbook from Everyday Education ~ a TOS review

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Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Regulations.

Happy Friday friends! In our house February and March are spent writing the yearly research paper for my middle and high school students. Writing can be a daunting task for many students, there is a lot to remember in the writing process because the subject covers so much ground. However, knowing how to write well is an essential life skill for all students. If you are looking for a writing reference tool for your middle or high school student, be sure to check out Excellence in Literature Handbook for Writers from Everyday Education.

 

The Excellence in Literature Handbook for Writers is based on the work by Ian Johnston, a retired college professor. Janice Campbell from Everyday Education turned this into a one-stop writer’s reference handbook for middle and high schoolers to help teach them learn to write. What’s really great about this handbook is that it not only helps teach your student how to write, but teaches you the teacher how to grade the writing pieces.

At 400+ pages this handbook is a huge resource! It is available in PDF eBook version or a physical paperback version. I think it covers everything one must know to be a successful high school and college age writer.

The book is broken up into two sections: 

Instructions and modeling arguments for writing essays covers: 

 ~ Arguments: Some Simple First Principles 

~ Setting Up The Argument: Definition

 ~ Defining Key Terms 

~ Deduction And Induction 

~ Organizing The Main Body Of An Argument 

~ Paragraph Structure 

~ Paragraph Functions 

~ Writing Arguments About Literary Works

 ~ Sample Outlines For Essays And Research Papers 

~Critical Approaches to Shakespeare Some Criteria for Making Literary Evaluations

A mechanics section that goes over usage and style that covers: 

 ~ Phrases, Clauses, Sentences 

~ Words 

~ Basic Punctuation 

~ Pronouns 

~ Parallelism Or Parallel Structure 

~ Modifiers, Gerunds, Infinitives 

~ Clarity, Logic, and Structure 

~ References And Bibliographies 

~ Basic Format for Essays and Research Papers

 ~ Keyhole Essay Graphic

It is simply put a one-stop reference book on how to write everything from essays for high school and college to also covering punctuation, usage, and style. Seriously, this reference book has got you covered!

 

We received an eBook PDF version of the book and I currently have the file stored on my iPad in iBooks for easy reference. This book has come in handy as Mikayla (12th) and Montana (8th) have been working through their current writing programs. Future plans for this book is to print it out and either bind it or 3-hole punch it. I still have three children at home to school and I know that this writers handbook will continue to be my go to source to prepare them for college level writing.

If you have a middle schooler or high schooler and you are need a little extra help with writing and all the mechanics, then this handbook is the helping hand you need to succeed! Be sure to check out what my CrewMates thought of this handbook for writers by clicking the banner below to read 27 other opinions.

Company ~ Everyday Education 

 Product ~ Excellence in Literature Handbook for Writers 

 Format ~ eBook PDF 

 Price ~ $39.00 

 Ages ~ middle school and up

Social Media Links: 

 Facebook #1   ~ Facebook #2  ~  Twitter ~ Instagram~ Pinterest

 © 2008 - 2021 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. http://astablebeginning.com

Jump In, 2nd edition ~ a TOS review

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Writing is a top priority here at A Stable Beginning. We have tried many writing programs over our 10+ years of homeschooling. Some that have worked and some that did not quite fit the bill. We feel that writing is a skill that grows with you through daily use so I was delighted to try out another great program, Jump In, 2nd edition, when it was offered for review. Writing with Sharon Watson makes teaching homeschool composition easy with Jump In, 2nd Edition.

Sharon Watson is a former homeschool mom who only quit homeschooling because she ran out of children of her own to teach. She began her company Writing With Sharon Watson after sitting in a friend’s kitchen chatting it up with Dr. Jay Wile {Yes, the Dr. Wile, how cool is that!} about how many mothers were outsourcing, i.e.driving their children here and there and everywhere, for writing and composition lessons. At the suggestion of Dr. Wile she wrote up her first middle school course, Jump In, and the rest is history.

With the Jump In program your student will learn: 

~ the nine types of essays 

~ a research report 

~ story writing

~ poetry

In the 98 daily instructional lessons your student will practice everything from writing topic sentences, a thesis statement, citations, and other essential building blocks of composing a well crafted paper. The tone of the student guide is written to the student in a friendly way too.


I used this program primarily with Montana my rising 7th grader over the course of the review period. Since we received a digital copy I only printed the the pages Montana needed each week and kept the Teacher Guide open on my computer for easy reference.

The lessons were easy enough for Montana to work independently after I had given instruction. She typically worked with the lesson for 25-30 minutes, 3 days a week. To follow up the lesson, we would discuss any hiccups or concerns she had during our daily meeting time and then make corrections before moving on in the lesson.

I personally think Jump In, 2nd edition is a keeper! It is a thorough program and you can be sure that your child will be able to write and convey what they mean on written paper. The price is nice too for all that you receive with this program. Economically priced at just $40.00 for the Student book and $10.00 for the teacher’s guide, this combo is sure to fit into everyone's budget. I highly recommend that you check this out if you are looking for a strong writing curriculum for your high schoolers. It's easy on the pocketbook and it gets the job done! I think this book could easily be used by any student, whether a homeschoolers or not.

Be sure to check out what my CrewMates thought of this curriculum by clicking the banner below.

Company ~ Writing with Sharon Watson 

 Product ~ Jump In, 2nd edition 

 Format ~ We received a Digital copy 

 Price ~ $40 student guide, $10 teacher guide 

 Ages ~ middle school

Social Media Links: 

 Facebook 

Pinterest 

© 2008 - 2019 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author.     

   http://astablebeginning.com

Illuminating Literature: Characters in Crisis ~ a TOS review

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Today I am excited to share with you my last review of the 2017 Homeschool Review Crew a division of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine. If you are looking to do a few changes in the high school writing department, keep reading because today I am sharing with you the new homeschool high school writing program from Writing with Sharon Watson called Illuminating Literature: Characters in Crisis.

If you are not familiar with the products by Sharon Watson let me tell you a little bit more about her. Sharon Watson is a former homeschool mom who only quit homeschooling because she ran out of children of her own to teach. She began her company Writing With Sharon Watson after sitting in a friend’s kitchen chatting it up with Dr. Jay Wile {Yes, the Dr. Wile, how cool is that!} about how many mothers were outsourcing, i.e. driving their children here and there and everywhere, for writing and composition lessons. At the suggestion of Dr. Wile she wrote up her first middle school course, Jump In, and the rest is history.

Mrs. Watson holds these beliefs for her curriculum: 

 ~ students are more important than the material in the textbook

 ~ teaching writing is tough but she shows you the way ~ writing assignments should not be issue driven, especially in the beginning 

~ She wholeheartedly believes that the Bible is the Word of God and that it reveals to us our precious Savior, Jesus Christ 

Our Illuminating Literature: Characters in Crisis includes for following products:


Teacher’s Guide: this book contains everything you need to be a successful writing teacher for your child. All the monthly lesson plans, grading grids, and answers to questions asked in the student textbook are found in this guide. There is even information on how to start your own monthly book club if that’s your sort of thing.


Student Textbook: This textbook includes everything your student needs to be successful as a writer. Background information and interesting author facts are also included. Within this program, students read complete novels, not just short passages.


Quiz and Answer Manual: this manual is completely optional but a life saver for those who prefer to have your child take written tests on paper instead of online. This manual also includes all the literary term quizzes, the “Yes, I read it” quizzes, and the opinion surveys for each book or short story. *If you prefer digital and saving paper, you also have free access to all the online quizzes and opinion surveys online by clicking HERE.

*You must have the textbook or Teacher’s Guide to obtain the passwords though.


Novel Notebook in a FREE PDF download: This is a required part of the course and is available as a free download and coordinates with the textbook. Throughout the course the student answers question, collects information and draws conclusions about what they have been reading. I printed this notebook at home and bound it for ease of usage. You can also put it in a 3-ring binder. Over the course of using this writing curriculum your child will learn almost 100 literary terms and devices. They also will be reading good, quality novels and stories. There is no room for twaddle here!

Below is a list of the stories and books read during the course:

 • “A Jury of Her Peers” by Susan Glaspell, in the textbook

 • Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Dover Publications 

• Silas Marner by George Eliot, Dover Publications

 • Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare, Dover Publications 

o An Assortment of Short Stories:

 o “A White Heron” by Sarah Orne Jewett, in the textbook

 o “The Garden of Forking Paths” by Jorge Luis Borges, link provided

 o “Haircut” by Ring Lardner, link provided

 o “The Lady, or the Tiger?” by Frank Stockton, in the textbook 

o “Of the Passing of the First-Born” by W. E. B. Du Bois, in the textbook

 o “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” by Dylan Thomas, link provided 

• Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, Dover Publications

 • Biography or autobiography of student’s choice

 • The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, Mariner Books

This curriculum is perfect for college-prep work and reluctant readers alike and is especially written for Christian high schoolers, homeschools, and co-op settings for grades: 9-12. The course is written to the student with easy to follow homework schedules and directions. With two semesters of work your child will earn 1 high school credit with completion of the course.

This review came at the perfect time for us! I needed to make a switch with Mikayla’s writing program as it just was not working. The catch to that is that Mikayla’s courses all have to be high school level material. Because Mikayla is interested and on the track to be a NCAA Collegiate gymnast, all of her courses must be high school level work and they have to be approved by the NCAA. I have no doubt that this homeschool writing curriculum will be approved with the rest of the courses that make up her English 1 class when we submit our courses because it is so thorough.

This course has been lifesaver! Not only is Mikayla able to work somewhat independently on the assignments I am able to see that she does indeed understand with the included quizzes to test her knowledge of the novel and stories. Mikayla enjoyed having the online quiz option the most and she was able to complete her assignments while at the gym on training break. She is still plowing through Frankenstein but with great success and we hope to finish before Christmas break.

Overall, we have truly enjoyed his program and give it two thumbs up! The cover is stunning and I find myself staring at it all the time. It meets our needs for a writing curriculum and as I said before I have no doubt that it will pass the NCAA scrutiny. Having one less thing to worry about with this program is a huge blessing! If you want to check it out yourself, you’re in luck! You can download free sample chapters, grading grids, and quizzes on the course page by clicking HERE or on this one:

Don’t just take my word for it, check out what my CrewMates thought of this by clicking the banner below.

Company ~ Writing with Sharon Watson 

 Product ~ Illuminating Literature: Characters in Crisis 

 Price ~ Teacher’s Guide $18, Student Textbook $43, Quiz and Answer Manual, $9, Novel Notebook FREE 

 Ages ~ College Prep, 9th-12th

Social Media Links: 

Facebook ~ Pinterest 

©2008 - 2017 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. 

 http://astablebeginning.com