Writing Lessons (formerly Writing Skills for Today)

Description

Writing Lessons from My Father’s World is a gentle, mastery-based writing program adapted from the popular Writing Strands series by David Marks. Designed to teach students how to write clearly and effectively, the program helps children develop strong writing skills that can be applied to any type of writing.

Lessons are written directly to the student in a conversational, sometimes humorous tone, making them engaging and easy to follow. The teaching parent reads through each lesson with the student before independent work begins.

Key Curriculum Features:

  • Step-by-step instruction in sentence and paragraph construction
  • Development of multiple writing forms including letters, stories, descriptive, expository, and narrative writing
  • Focus on voice, foreshadowing, and other writing techniques
  • Clear skill progression with mastery-based approach
  • 15–18 multi-lesson units per book (two lessons per week for a full year)
  • Built-in writing guidelines, spelling tips, and a skills mastery chart

Program Components:

  • Student Worktexts: Two non-reproducible books containing all instruction, examples, and space for student writing
  • Parent involvement is required for discussion and guidance, especially at the beginning of each lesson

Writing Lessons is an excellent choice for homeschool families seeking a practical, straightforward writing curriculum that builds real writing confidence and competence. Students new to the program should begin with Part 1 regardless of grade level.

Find Writing Lessons parts 1 and 2 below!

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.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.