Lost Tools of Writing provides a thorough breakdown of
skills, tools, and basic principles to learn and use in the step-by-step
process of developing the art of communication. Aiming at “creative discipline”
as well as “disciplined creativity,” three canons (or principles) are explained:
invention (ideas), arrangement (ordering of ideas), and elocution (expression
of ideas). Once explained, these canons are then incorporated into lesson
exercises and assignments. Lessons are covered over several weeks while the
student constructs an essay/address. Teacher-Student interaction is essential.
Teacher contributions include concept presentation and development as well as
discussion. Thankfully, the support for the teacher is impressive. There are
instructional videos for the teacher (lifetime access available free from the
publisher’s website for the purchaser), thoroughly developed lesson plans, and
extensive samples. Lost Tools of Writing is a robust, systematic course that
prepares students to think and to communicate ideas well.
Required for each level are the Teacher Guide and Student
Workbook. These are available separately or in a Set. Purchase of the Set also
includes the link and password to instructional videos at the publisher
website.
The Teacher Guide for each level is the teacher's
companion and foundation. It provides a thorough explanation and
introduction to classical writing and to the way it is developed in the Lost
Tools. It also includes a proposed Plan of Action, a Year-at-a-Glance
Chart, a Lesson Sequence, and the comprehensive Lesson Plans with samples and
worksheets. An impressive set of Appendices are also included.
The Student
Workbook provides worksheets for the lesson exercises, essay
templates, and appendices (Self-Edit Checklists, Sample Essays, Glossary, and
Lesson Summaries). The student uses this to complete the preparatory
assignments leading up to the crafting of each lesson's essay assignment. One
Student Workbook (not reproducible) needed per student. Available only in
the Teacher/Student Set is a link and password to access helpful
instructional videos from the publisher’s site. Instructional videos
provide parents additional tips and insights for teaching through the Lost
Tools of Writing Level.
