Essentials in Writing Homeschool Curriculum

Essentials in Writing is a modern, student-centered writing curriculum designed to help every student become a confident communicator. Created by veteran educator Matthew Stephens, M.S.Ed., the program moves beyond traditional language arts instruction by teaching students not only what to write, but how and why effective communication works.

EIW uses an incremental, step-by-step instructional approach, breaking complex concepts into manageable lessons that build mastery over time. Students develop grammar, composition, organization, critical thinking, and real-world communication skills while learning at a pace that reduces frustration and builds confidence. The curriculum is adaptable and available in 34-week, 18-week, and 10-week programs.

Elementary levels establish strong foundations in grammar, sentence construction, and paragraph writing, while upper levels progress into essays, literary analysis, research writing, persuasive communication, business writing, and college-preparatory composition. Grammar is always taught within the context of writing, helping students understand both the mechanics and the purpose of effective communication.

• 18-month renewable access to video-based instruction by Matthew Stephens
• A consumable student workbook
• A teacher handbook with schedules, answers, rubrics, and instructional guidance
• Optional digital resources and assessments for Levels 1–10

Essentials in Literature (EIL) is a middle school and high-school literature curriculum focused on teaching students how to analyze fiction, nonfiction, drama, poetry, and figurative language. It uses a slow, systematic, step-by-step approach with video lessons taught by experienced educators, helping students connect literature with authors, characters, events, and places while building critical thinking and analytical skills. Each level covers four main genres and includes short stories, poetry, drama (in upper levels), and a full novel study, with an emphasis on literary elements, vocabulary, and thoughtful discussion. This program pairs well with Essentials in Writing for a complete language arts experience.

• 18-month renewable access to video-based instruction
• A consumable student workbook
• A teacher handbook with schedules, answers, rubrics, and instructional guidance
• A novel and complete novel study

Essentials in Writing and Essentials in Literature are available to be purchased together in convenient bundles for students in grades 7-12. When used alongside each other, these programs offer a complete language arts curriculum. Each bundle contains all of the necessary product components to complete both programs.

• 18-month renewable access to video-based instruction for both programs
• Consumable student workbooks
• Teacher handbooks with schedules, answers, rubrics, and instructional guidance
• Alternative instructional strategies for struggling students for EIW
• The novel studied in Essentials in Literature