Wordsmith (7-9) is the original book in the Wordsmith series,
written by a homeschool mom. Instructions are directed to the student and
interesting assignments encourage even reluctant writers. Lessons build from
focusing on interesting word usage to sentence construction, to scene-setting,
characterization, and well-written dialogue, and culminate in the writing of a
short story. The book allows ample room to complete exercises, but students
can also use regular paper so that you can reuse with several children. The
book is a revised edition that features additional exercises and examples, an
expanded section on writing short stories, additional explanation and examples
of revision, and review/practice quizzes.
The Teacher Guide includes explanation of the
philosophy of writing, further tips on revising, more ideas for additional
writing assignments, and suggestions for incorporating creative writing into
other areas of the curriculum).
Wordsmith Apprentice (4-6) is the junior version;
students pretend to be cub reporters. Wordsmith Craftsman (10-12)
focuses on high school communication skills, including paragraph and essay
construction and includes email and Internet research.
Access to e-book versions comes in an email with download
information that is sent 1-2 business days after the order is processed. Book
must be downloaded within 14 days of email and does not expire from your
computer.
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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.
