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.