Spectrum Writing 2015

Description

This latest revision (2015 copyright) actually has high overlap with the older edition (2007 copyright) although neither the table of contents nor the general appearance of the two books gives you that impression. The reason for this is a general and comprehensive reorganization of the contents which means that a worksheet previously found in chapter one might now be found in chapter four. However, the actual worksheets are largely unchanged. There are a few instances where a small amount of extra content will be added to a worksheet. There are also a few worksheets which include completely new material. For instance, in the 7th grade book, there are new worksheets on quoting and paraphrasing, citing sources, identifying and making a claim, and writing about literature that are not found in the older 7th grade level. In general, this added content serves to bring the series into alignment with the CCSS.

Both creative and expository writing skills are developed in this series of writing skill worktexts. Each grade-level book has eight units focusing on: main ideas, sequence, comparisons, details, facts and opinions, case and effect, making a point, and point of view. Specific content and exercises vary from grade to grade, but follow a similar process of defining the concept, prewriting exercises, developing the skill through one or more writing activities (often building from word to sentence to paragraphs), revising, proofreading, and a short post-test. Students can generally work through these books independently. The material is well-organized and the exercises look both interesting and educational. The variety of exercises would be motivating to most students. Text is two-toned, most are about 130 pages, and a complete answer key is included. This series was revised in 2006 and underwent some changes in the sequence of skills covered and now also includes more nonfiction activities. At the kindergarten level students will practice their letters using a traditional ball-and-stick style - one page of practice per letter; write one word answers to questions about themselves - name, pet, favorite toy; learn to write story words like colors, shapes, numbers, naming words practice putting story pictures into proper sequence; practice writing 4 short stories when given a starter sentence; write a friendly letter; practice writing telling and asking sentences; learn the parts of a story; and practice writing rhyming words. A writer's handbook and answer key are found at the back of this 136-page workbook.

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.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
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.