The Creative Writer is a reprint of a 1979 classic series
that provides an excellent counterpoint to Writing With Skill’s non-fiction
or can be used as stand-alone courses. Step-by-step, very thorough instruction
through the creative writing process is provided for both fiction and poetry.
There is also guidance in Level 1 (Five-Fingered Exercises) for becoming a
mentor. Each level contains 36 detailed and focused lessons; 18 for fiction, 18
for poetry. All instruction is written directly to the student but pages at the
end of each section are directed to the mentor (to encourage and subtly direct
your student).
Level 1 (Five Finger Exercises) covers the basics of
story writing and introduces poetry. Level 2 (Essential Ingredients)
covers plot, characters, dialogue, point of view, and setting, while poetry
includes rhyme, meter, line breaks, and sound/word choice. Level 3 (Building
Your Craft) is fiction instruction and emphasizes technique, precision, showing
action, and character development; poetry reviews and continues basic
elements of poetry. Level 4 (Becoming a Writer) reviews all skills,
covers advanced ones, and focuses on publication.
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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.
