Writing Strands

Description

Writing Strands is a complete, incremental homeschool writing program from Master Books that teaches students how to write through clear, step-by-step instruction. Written directly to the student, the lessons guide them through the writing process while building confidence in various forms of writing, including narrative, descriptive, expository, persuasive, and creative writing.

Each level combines:

  • Writing instruction: Focused lessons on the traits of good writing, different genres, and the full writing process (planning, drafting, revising, and editing)
  • Literature & reading analysis: Short literary analysis lessons with discussion questions and biblical applications drawn from Bible passages and quality literature (Advanced 2 includes an in-depth study of Pilgrim’s Progress)

Key Features of the Program

  • Lessons are written directly to the student for greater independence
  • 180 daily lessons per level (typically 30–45 minutes per day)
  • Clear, incremental progression that builds skills year after year
  • Encourages self-evaluation and editing skills
  • Grammar and spelling are taught in the context of real writing (you may want to add a separate grammar/spelling program for additional practice)
  • Includes answer keys for objective questions and a helpful glossary

Writing Strands Levels

Writing Strands progresses from early elementary through high school, with levels designed to match a student’s developing abilities. The program grows with your child, moving from simple sentences and paragraphs to more advanced essays and creative projects.

A Teaching Companion is also available as a helpful resource for parents who want additional guidance.

Writing Strands is an excellent choice for homeschool families who want a systematic, no-fluff writing program that emphasizes real writing skills alongside thoughtful literary analysis from a biblical worldview.

Browse all levels of Writing Strands, including student books and the Teaching Companion 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.