The Writing Handbooks series from Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt (HMH) provides clear, grade-level instruction in the full writing
process and the traits of effective writing. These practical handbooks help
students become confident, organized writers through the use of strong writing
models and guided practice.
Each lesson features a high-quality writing model with
analysis, content-generating questions, and two writing assignments that help
students apply what they’ve learned.
Key Curriculum Features:
Step-by-step
guidance through the writing process
Focus
on the traits of effective writing
Strong
writing models with detailed analysis
Practice
in multiple forms and genres of writing
Short,
focused mini-lessons on specific writing skills
Built-in
reference handbook for quick support
Program Components:
Student
Book: Partially consumable handbook containing writing models,
practice pages, and a reference handbook section
Teacher
Guide: Includes reduced student pages with helpful teaching notes,
objectives, evaluation forms, conference guides, and feedback tips
HMH Writing Handbooks offer a straightforward,
model-based approach to writing instruction. They are a solid choice for
homeschool families and teachers looking for structured writing support with
clear examples and practical application.
Browse all Writing Handbooks levels and guides below!
These icons are designed to help you quickly understand and learn important information about our products.
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.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
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.
