Writing Curriculum REVIEW

 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. 

Writing for my high schooler has always been a struggle.  When you are not only dyslexic but also dysgraphic, you are bound to have some difficulties.  My high schooler has managed to overcome most of his dyslexia, it just makes him have to think harder.  The dysgraphia has been a work in progress.  We are always looking for programs to help us with these challenges.  I was excited to be able to try out the newly revised Structure and Style® for Students Year 1 Level C from Institute for Excellence in Writing®.  We have used some of their curricula before and have always been pleased with the results. I first received access to the first 3 weeks of the curriculum and then later received the entire program packet that included the student binder, labeled dividers, pages, teacher manual, and purchase code for my "forever streaming" access to the program.

The hard copies came nicely packaged in a cardboard box

You will need internet access for the video lessons.  In addition to the hard copy of the program, you also receive access to the online video lessons with Andrew Pudewa as the instructor.  If you have never heard of him or watched his videos you are in for a treat.  I really like him as an instructor and he seems to really capture the attention of my reluctant high schooler.  My high schooler was NOT looking forward to this program but Andrew has really helped him to be able to tolerate it well!  Andrew is a clear, concise, and entertaining instructor.  I think he is very good at capturing the attention of his students.

The kit comes with everything you need.  The binder has prelabeled dividers and there are instructions on how and what order to place the student pages into it.  The teacher manual is wonderful and has complete instructions on how to help your student along in the course.  Andrew does the teaching through the videos but you will also watch the videos to prepare for helping your student with the homework and grading.  There are instructions in the Teachers Manual on how to access the free downloads that you will use in the course for yourself and your student that include reproducible checklists, student samples (not available for Level C till early November 2020), and timestamps for the videos (invaluable for finding specific content you want to view!).

PDF downloads for teacher helps

Binder instructions for student pages

Andrew Pudewa does the teaching

The focus of the program is on nine structural models that include note taking, writing paragraphs, stories, simple reports, writing from pictures, research reports, creative writing, essays, and critiques.  Stylistic techniques taught include dress-ups (strong verbs, quality adjectives, etc), sentence openers (prepositional, clausal, etc), and decorations (alliteration, quotation, simile/metaphor, etc).

Sample Table of Contents

Sample teacher manual pages with overview and helps

There is so much more to this program than meets the eye.  It integrates seamlessly with Fix It! Grammar so if you are needing a grammar option then you can do that also. The weekly schedules include which lessons from Fix It! Grammar to cover.  There is an included scope and sequence section in the teachers manual that includes literature suggestions and another page that explains how to adapt the program for homeschool, one-day-a-week, two-or three-day-a-week, or four-or five-day-a-week programs.

Sample checklist to help in grading

Weekly lesson overview

Adapted 30 week schedule with scope and sequence

Even though lesson videos are over an hour long, you will see from the weekly schedule that it is generally broken down into two different days so your student has approximately 30-35 minutes of video twice weekly.  I really like that the schedule easily allows for a four-day week which works very well for my reluctant student who craves a day off here and there.

The timestamps PDF from the teacher files is
invaluable for finding specific topics

We have been following the included schedule and use the four or five day schedule as it suits us each week.  I am also excited that since he did not complete his Fix It! Grammar that we had received in the past, we can pick that back up and complete in it conjunction with this program.  I can't say enough about how much we are liking this writing curriculum.  My son hates to write and he doesn't like doing literature at all, but this program is getting him through his requirements with a lot less fussing than usual and the simple bite-sized lessons and Andrew's comic relief sure are helping us to do that!!
I highly recommend Structure and Style® for Students Year 1 Level C from Institute for Excellence in Writing®.  You can connect with IEW on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, and YOUTUBE.  Also be sure to check out the reviews from my fellow Crew members by clicking on the graphic link below.  There are free samples available on the IEW website so be sure to take advantage of those.

Homeschool Easy REVIEW

 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.

Again, the Review Crew comes to the rescue.  I was still trying to decide on what to use this year for Little Bug who has now started 2nd grade.  I am an eclectic homeschooler so we piece things together that work best for each child.  The chance to review the 2nd Grade Entire School Year Curriculum from Homeschool Easy seemed like a perfect match for this year.  I needed a little more streamlined options right now and this seemed to fit the bill.  I received a link to download the necessary files and downloaded everything easily and with no problems.  You will need access to the internet and a printer to print all of the curricula.  I am printing the sections as we go because there is a LOT to print.

Little Bug getting ready to read her online book

The curriculum (which is not common core based) includes:

• Reading - phonics and comprehension
• Math - includes addition/subtraction review, fact families, comparing numbers, number sense, place value, addition/subtraction of 2 and 3 digit numbers, money, fractions, measurement, time, months, shapes, grouping, graphs, tables, tally marks, and word problems.
• Grammar - fundamental grammar (includes flashcards). Includes Statements, Commands, Subjects, Predicates, Compounds, Nouns, Commas, Tense, Verbs, Contractions, Quotation Marks, Pronouns, Adjectives, Adverbs, Synonyms, Combining Subjects and Predicates, and Combining Sentences.
• History - focuses on American History and patriotism.  Includes Patriotism, Famous Americans, and Geography.
• Science - includes videos, art projects, and experiments (Landforms, Natural Resources, Motion, Weather, Dinosaurs and Fossils, Plants, and Animals)-CAUTION - this is NOT from a Creation standpoint
• Writing - creative writing that includes 2 assignments per week.  Writing is also used and practiced in Reading, Grammar, History, and Science.

I created a binder with dividers to put all of the assignments into

I REALLY like that "This program focuses on the traditional American educational system used before the advent of state standards, Common Core, and state testing." (from 2nd Grade Overview).  I feel it is quite comprehensive.  It includes an 8-month program for 32 weeks with daily assignments in each subject.  Once your files are downloaded you can print out and review the How to Use Homeschool Easy - 2nd Grade and 2nd Grade Overview documents to get a feel for the program and understand how it works.

I like that the lessons are simple and straight forward but also loaded with great information.  She is learning a lot about her world from the reading assignments.  They have included learning about where you live, your environment, geography, transportation, animals, idioms, and occupations (and that's just in the first month).  The one challenge we have faced is that sometimes the links to the videos don't work.  This is not new with YouTube links since they are famous for either taking down videos or the creator of the video is no longer a member so their video is no longer accessible.  We remedied this quickly and easily by simply searching for a new video.  The worksheet didn't necessarily match the new video, but we got close enough to answer the questions well enough that learning still happened!!

Sample completed assignments in Grammar and History

I love the comprehensiveness of the program. Everything you need is included (how-to documents, schedules, links, supplemental links for more information, and answer keys).  I do not love the jumping around and back and forth to go through the subjects.  Because many of the assignments are based on videos or online books, you need to access those links through a document within that subject that you downloaded.  For instance, for Little Bug to complete her reading, I need to go to the syllabus page for Reading and click on the necessary link for that day's assignment.  I am working on getting shortcut links on my computer desktop to help with this, but an awesome future update to this program might be some sort of interface that allows you to easily navigate the subjects and their assignments.

Sample of the reading syllabus with links to online books

Little Bug working on her reading assignment

Little Bug is enjoying the curriculum and seems to have pretty good interest in everything she is doing and learning.  She REALLY likes the word searches and crossword puzzles and is getting quite good at them.  We already have a devoted math program so we are just using the math as a supplement for now. I have looked ahead and am excited for what is to come and feel that she will get a well-rounded experience with the subjects and learn a lot from all of the videos and books accessed online.  For now, I feel that the quality of the curriculum outweighs the hassle to get to some of the assignments.  I am getting used to it and learning shortcuts.  The binder really helps to keep things organized.

One of her two writing assignments for the second week

Despite the challenges, we give the 2nd Grade Entire School Year Curriculum two thumbs up.  I like what she is learning and how they have presented the material.  I also failed to mention that in the times we are currently living, how refreshing to be able to use a curriculum that strengthens our core of a historically strong America steeped in patriotism. We will definitely continue using this program for her 2nd-grade year.  Thank you Homeschool Easy for a great curriculum!  You can connect with Homeschool Easy on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.

Please also be sure to check out the reviews from my fellow Crew members.  There should be reviews on all grades from 1st through 5th grades.  Simply click on the graphic link below to read the reviews.

Kregel Publications REVIEW

I can't say it enough, Little Bug LOVES to read!  Jem Strikes Gold and Jem's Frog Fiasco from Kregel Publications looked like they would be right up her alley.  The books are short chapter books, 78-80 pages long, and recommended for ages 6-9 (6-8 on the back of the books).  They are listed as historical juvenile fiction.  The books are softcover and include illustrations throughout the stories.  The author, Susan K. Marlow does a great job in her storytelling and keeping the reader engaged and interested in the story.  There is an entire Goldtown Beginnings Series and Books 3 and 4 are scheduled to come out March 2020.

Sample book page

Free Activity Pages download

 
The time is set in the 1800s (1859) during the gold rush period.  I LOVE how the story integrates history, bible, manners, and respect throughout the story.  These are the kinds of stories I want my kids to be reading.  The books are an easy read and Little Bug enjoyed them very much.  I especially like the availability of extra resources to use the books as part of your language arts curriculum.  There are FREE activity and coloring pages available through the link given in the book.  Lap books, activity guides, or a special bundle are available for purchase.  We downloaded and used the FREE activity and coloring pages.  The activity pages include a wonderful schedule and answer keys.  I printed everything out and then used our binding machine to put the pages together into one book.  I read some of the books out loud and Little Bug read some out loud (she LOVES to read out loud).  She completed some of the activities from the activity pages. I think in the future we will use the activity pages more and follow a more structured schedule.

 

4 Day schedule from Activity Pages download

Sample Workbook Pages from FREE Activity Page download

I appreciated the format of the books.  After the Table of Contents, there is a New Words vocabulary page with definitions that includes words in the story that may be new to the reader.  The books end with "A Peek into the Past" section that discusses a little bit about the history of the time the story was set in.  The inclusion of Biblical verses and precepts is a wonderful addition.

New vocabulary words

In Jem Strikes Gold, 7-year-old Jem (Jeremiah) and his little sister Ellie (Ellianna) have to face the town bully, Will (Sterling).  Jem and his family are introduced into the story and we find out that they are gold miners.  Mama also helps out with selling pies and doing laundry.  When Will causes Jem to destroy a few pies, what happens?  Does Mama or Pa get angry?  Later, when Jem tries to deliver the clean laundry, what happens?  Just what does "Jem Strikes Gold" really mean?  Is it gold or something else?  Who, or what saves the day when Jem is once again bullied by Will.  You need to read the story to find out.  The story has wonderful lessons to be learned.  Jem learns to be patient with his little sister, Ellie, and reminds himself of the bible verse to "be kind to one another."  We read about Jem saying prayers to help him with his daily challenges.  It teaches manners and respect when Jem realizes when he is too harsh with his sister and responds to his mother with "yes ma'am."  Jem also learns that "being rich" isn't always the best and being "dirt poor" sometimes has some wonderful benefits with special friendships, service to others, and parents that are invested in what you do.

Sample coloring page

In Jem's Frog Fiasco Jem continues his gold mining and Nugget (his young dog) is growing. Again we find him being patient and kind to his little sister and praying for God to help him with his daily struggles and thanking God for the blessings.  But will his desire to get what he wants cloud his better judgment and put his sister in danger?  Jem soon realizes that he needs to get funds to help feed his dog Nugget so he sets out to get a job. He gets a job catching frogs for Mr. Sims at the café. He learns a hard lesson when he chooses catching his frogs over watching and keeping his sister safe.  What happens to Ellie?  Where does she go?  Does she ever make it back home?  Will God help Jem and what does Nugget have to do with the rescue effort?  Get the book and find out!

Free sample chapters from the books are available for download. We definitely give Jem Strikes Gold and Jem's Frog Fiasco two thumbs up.  I plan to purchase the rest of the series as they become available.  It is so hard to find educational reading books that are fun to read, teach you something, and also have a strong biblical foundation.  I can't say enough good about these books.  There will be 6 books in the series and (as stated earlier) books 3 and 4 are due to come out March 2020.  The titles are as follows:

• Jem Strikes Gold
• Jem's Frog Fiasco
• Jem and the Mystery Thief
• Jem Digs Up Trouble
• Jem and the Golden Reward
• Jem's Wild Winter

     

Kregel Publications has a vision "to maximize the impact of quality, life-changing Christian resources."  I especially like their mission statement: "Our mission as an evangelical Christian publisher is to develop and distribute—with integrity and excellence—trusted, biblically based resources that lead individuals to know and serve Jesus Christ."  You can connect with them on FACEBOOK (KREGEL BOOKS and CIRCLECADVENTURES), INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER.

Please be sure to check out what my fellow Crew members had to say about these wonderful books by clicking on the graphic link below.  Happy reading!

 

     

Easy Grammar REVIEW

 

Grammar is just never fun or easy for kids but with Easy Grammar: Grade 1 from Easy Grammar Systems, it really is just simple and easy!  I received a softcover copy of the Teacher Edition.  The cover has a VERY NICE coating on it that makes it VERY durable.  The book consists of 180 lessons so if you complete one a day you have more than enough for 1 year of curriculum.  You are given permission to make personal copies of the pages for the student assignments so the additional student workbook is not necessary.  If you have just one student you can of course just let them write in the Teacher Edition (it has all the student pages ready to be filled out).  I also received a nice refrigerator magnet, a sample lesson page insert, and flyer on other programs they offer.

I'm easily amused, I really like this refrigerator magnet

 The beginning of the Teacher Edition has lots of helps and suggestions on how the program works and how you can use it.  There is no prep work necessary for the lessons.  You just pick up the book and go (I LIKE this!).  At first the lessons seemed too simplified, they are very simple, but then I remembered the power of repetition and simpleness.  By not frustrating the student, they are able to absorb and learn a great deal of material.  The work is simple, but the concepts are taught through repetition and just "doing" the work.  The connections are made in the brain and learning occurs!  "Dr. Phillips wrote Easy Grammar texts (Grades 1-6 and Plus) to teach concepts. She first introduces common prepositions and deleting prepositional phrases to help students determine subject, verb agreement, etc. Phillips is also noted for introducing concepts at a basic level and building for understanding. . ."  (Quote from one of my info sheets).  For this First Grade text the author uses mainly Kindergarten sight words.

The design

Scope and sequence on what is covered in the lessons

Teaching vocabulary of components in the lessons

 

 

Learning correct syntax by just doing the lessons

If you need help with guided learning there is a suggested daily schedule.  It is also recommended that if you are copying the pages rather than writing in the book that you of course do that before the lesson begins (only "prep" work necessary).  Each lesson is just a page long.  Quick and simple.  There are some wonderful suggestions throughout the daily lesson suggestions in the Teacher Edition.  It would be beneficial to not skip over these (at least take a look before the lesson).

Daily lesson suggestions and tips

This couldn't have come at a better time for us.  Little Bug is sailing through her lessons without much fuss, not counting the fits about the writing.  Like her brother, they just do not like to "write."  She doesn't mind the copy work (go figure!).  We are completing one lesson per day and they only take about 5-10 minutes or so for her to complete.  I go over the lesson with her and explain what they are looking for.

Lesson Day 3

Lesson Day 16

 By Lesson 50 the lessons begin to advance and the tracing component goes away.  By Lesson 90 they begin to combine sentences (they also graduate out of the lined paper blanks for writing). 

 We really like Easy Grammar: Grade 1 and I would definitely recommend it as a great resource curriculum for grammar.  I do wish that the Teacher Edition was spiral bound (for easier copying), or that I had chosen the digital version so I could easily print out the student pages.  Little Bug is learning and we are doing it mostly without tears (she has got to get over this writing thing).  We will definitely continue and finish this for part of our language arts this year.  I am also going to check this out for my 10th grader.  You can connect with Easy Grammar Systems on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and INSTAGRAM.

   

Also be sure to click on the graphic link below to check out what other Crew members have to say about this and other products available from Easy Grammar Systems.