The Wordsmith Writing Series by Janie B. Cheaney is a
popular, literature-based homeschool writing program that teaches students to
write with clarity, creativity, and confidence. Written directly to the student
in a friendly, engaging style, it is especially effective for reluctant
writers.
The series progresses logically from elementary through high
school, building essential writing skills step by step.
Key Curriculum Features:
Student-directed
lessons with clear instruction and interesting assignments
Strong
emphasis on word choice, sentence variety, description, characterization,
and dialogue
Progressive
skill development from paragraphs to short stories to essays
Creative,
hands-on writing projects that make writing enjoyable
Focus
on the full writing process, including revision and editing
Program Levels:
Wordsmith
Apprentice (Grades 4-6): Fun reporter approach to writing where
students participate in every role on a newspaper staff: editor, reporter,
writer, etc.
Wordsmith
(Grades 7-9): Focuses on descriptive writing and culminates in writing
a short story
Wordsmith
Craftsman (Grades 10-12): Advanced high school writing with emphasis
on paragraphs, essays, and communication skills
Program Components:
Student
Books: Non-consumable or lightly consumable texts with ample writing
space (revised editions include extra exercises and examples)
Teacher
Guides: Provide teaching philosophy, tips, additional assignments, and
answer keys
The Wordsmith series stands out for its
straightforward approach that respects the student’s intelligence while gently
building real writing ability. It is an excellent choice for homeschool
families seeking a manageable yet effective writing curriculum across multiple
grade levels.
Browse all Wordsmith student books, teacher guides, and e-book versions below!
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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.
