Category: Writing

6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, Grammar, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Middle School, Writing

Wrapping Middle School Writing with IEW Structure and Style 2B and Fix IT Grammar!

Little Learner and Mom

As we prepare for another intentional and purpose-driven homeschool year, I’m excited to share our continued journey with Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) a curriculum that has not only worked but transformed our homeschool experience. For the upcoming 2025–2026 school year, we’ve chosen to move into Structure and Style for Students Level 2B while finishing up and solidifying Fix It! Grammar Level 4: Mowgli and Shere Khan this summer. We’ll then transition into Level 5: The Frog Prince in the fall.

But before I dive into our curriculum plans, let me share a proud mama moment:

My son placed 3rd in IEW’s 2025 National Writing Contest (Level B) this past spring!

This was not just a win it was redemption. Just a couple of years ago, my son had no interest in writing. He dreaded putting pen to paper and often asked to skip writing altogether. But through consistency, faith, and the right tools like IEW and the guidance of our wonderful writing support teacher, Write With Mrs. Brown his confidence grew. Now, he’s writing for fun, rewriting the storyboard for one of his favorite video games this summer on his own time. That’s the power of the right curriculum, and IEW has truly been a blessing to our family.

Why We Chose Structure and Style Level 2B

After successfully completing Structure and Style Level 1B this past year, my son was ready for the next challenge. Level 2B is designed for students who have a strong grasp on the foundational IEW units but are ready to write longer compositions with more complexity, creativity, and independence.

What We Love:

  • Clear, structured lessons that guide students step-by-step from brainstorming to polished composition.
  • Continued stylistic practice, such as strong verbs, quality adjectives, sentence openers, and dress-ups.
  • A variety of writing assignments, including narrative, informational, and persuasive essays.

How We Take Notes

One effective strategy that’s worked for us is using Cornell Notes while watching Mr. Pudewa’s videos. It helps my son stay engaged and reflect on what he’s learning. This method encourages independent learning and active listening two things middle schoolers really benefit from.

Bonus:

We’re also adding the new IEW resource, Strengthening Structure: Models for IEW Structural Units to our lineup. This newly released supplement takes a deeper dive into the nine structural models that form the foundation of the IEW writing approach. It offers reinforcement and extension for students ready to elevate their writing, perfect for upper middle schoolers like my son.

Who Should Use Structure and Style Level 2B?

  • 6th–8th graders who have completed 1B or equivalent
  • Students ready to increase writing stamina and creativity
  • Kids who still benefit from a structured approach but want room to stretch
  • Families looking for a full-year program that balances academic rigor and confidence-building

Fix It! Grammar Level 4: Why We’re Repeating It

Fix It! Grammar has been a quiet workhorse in our homeschool. Unlike traditional grammar workbooks, this program builds editing and grammar skills through a daily sentence from a continuing story in this case, Mowgli and Shere Khan. Each sentence builds on the previous one, helping students internalize grammar in context.

Even though we already completed Level 4 during 2023-2024 school year, we’re intentionally repeating it this summer. Why? Because I want to solidify his mastery before we move on to the more advanced and demanding Level 5: The Frog Prince in the fall.

Why We Love It:

  • Just 15 minutes a day simple and sustainable
  • Built-in vocabulary, copy-work, and editing practice
  • Great retention from daily repetition and cumulative learning
  • Story format that keeps kids engaged

Repeating Level 4 has already helped reinforce proper punctuation, complex sentence structures, and the use of clauses. It’s been such a helpful decision not remedial, but enriching!

Who Would Benefit from Fix It! Grammar Level 4?

  • Students who are ready to apply grammar knowledge in context
  • Kids who’ve completed Levels 1–3 or are transitioning from a traditional program
  • Learners who enjoy stories and consistent structure
  • Families who want grammar practice without frustration or busywork

A Long-Term Love for IEW

We’ve been long-time IEW users, and I can truly say it’s one of the most worthwhile investments we’ve made in our homeschool. From Structure and Style for Students to Fix It! Grammar, and now integrating new resources like Strengthening Structure, the IEW suite of materials has helped my son:

  • Go from zero writing confidence to contest-winning compositions
  • Develop a love for writing yes, LOVE!
  • Gain skills that will serve him well in high school and beyond
  • Write, edit, and revise with purpose, direction, and joy

IEW gave us the structure we needed, the consistency I craved, and the results we hoped for. While there are other programs on the market for writing, we felt that IEW style is a better fit for college preparation for writing.

Don’t Miss the IEW Podcast + Extras!

Another gem of being an IEW family? Their podcast! It’s packed with practical, encouraging, and insightful content for homeschool parents and writing teachers. I’ve learned so much about how to better support my writer and build a more enriching homeschool experience through those episodes.

The IEW Community: Sales, Freebies & Support for Parents

IEW doesn’t just hand you a curriculum and disappear they walk with you throughout your homeschool journey:

Highlights Include:

  • Live webinars and workshops throughout the year
  • The annual “12 Days of Christmas Giving”, full of generous freebies and digital goodies
  • Ongoing homeschool encouragement and tips from the team
  • Access to free shipping offers and seasonal discounts

Pro Tip: Don’t miss their July Free Shipping Event it’s the perfect time to stock up on wish list items, upgrade your writing program, or grab extras like Student Resource Notebooks, style posters, and themed writing lessons.

IEW Also Offers Live Online Classes

In addition to streaming options, IEW also offers live, online Structure and Style classes! If your student thrives in a structured, live environment with real-time feedback, this is a great option to consider. These courses follow the same methods and reinforce everything we love about IEW but with the added benefit of accountability and instructor interaction.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a homeschool parent looking for a writing and grammar curriculum that builds skills year after year,Structure and Style for Students Level 2B and Fix It! Grammar Level 4: Mowgli and Shere Khan are excellent choices. They work. They grow with your child. And best of all, they encourage a love of words and a sense of accomplishment.

As a mom who once feared her child would never enjoy writing, I can’t recommend this curriculum enough. Here’s to another incredible year of writing, learning, and growing with IEW!

Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, Handwriting, History, Homeschool, Writing

CursiveLogic Speeches and Writing in American History: A Valuable Addition to Our Middle School Curriculum

Little Learner and Mom

We were sent CursiveLogic Speeches and Writings in American History for our honest review from the Timberdoodle Co.

As we dive into American history this year, CursiveLogic Speeches and Writings in American History has become an essential resource in our homeschool. Designed for upper grades, this curriculum offers a unique way for students to develop their writing skills while also taking a trip through significant moments in American history. For us, it has been a perfect fit—my son loves the pace, and the speeches we study each week have sparked meaningful discussions.

How the Program Works

CursiveLogic’s Speeches and Writings in American History is structured around analyzing and practicing historical speeches. What sets it apart is the inclusion of both presidential and diverse voices throughout American history. Students get to explore speeches by figures such as Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Geronimo, Marian Anderson, and more. This variety not only exposes them to different perspectives but also deepens their understanding of the times in which these speeches were made.

Each lesson is designed to help students improve their cursive handwriting while simultaneously working on their composition skills. By copying and analyzing these speeches, students practice writing with purpose and clarity, engaging with the rhetoric of some of the most impactful orators in American history.

Who Could Benefit from This Program?

While this course can be found in the 2024 5th grade Timberdoodle Curriculum Kit, I would recommend it for middle and high school students as well. The content is engaging and challenging enough for older students who are looking to hone their writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of American history. For students who enjoy writing or who need to practice their handwriting, this curriculum is an excellent choice.

A Journey Through American History

One of the best features of this program is how it allows students to experience American history through the words of those who lived it. Whether it’s Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address or Sojourner Truth’s powerful “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech, each lesson is an opportunity to reflect on the values and struggles that have shaped the country. My son particularly enjoys this aspect, as it brings history to life in a way that feels personal and real.

A Great Fit for Our Homeschool

We use this program as part of our Friday writing lessons, and it has quickly become a favorite. The speeches are fascinating, and my son appreciates the manageable pace of the lessons. The variety of voices keeps things fresh and thought-provoking, and it has truly enriched our study of American history this year.

For anyone looking for a writing resource that blends historical analysis with practical writing skills, CursiveLogic Speeches and Writings in American History is a fantastic option. It’s an engaging, diverse, and meaningful addition to any middle or high school curriculum.

Curriculum Resource, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Middle School, Reviews, Writing

Igniting Creativity: A Homeschool Mom’s Review of the Usborne Creative Writing Book

Little Learner and Mom

The Usborne Creative Writing Book book was provided to us for our honest review!

Finding the right tools to inspire young writers can be a challenge, especially when trying to balance creativity with structure. The Usborne Creative Writing Book is a fantastic resource that strikes this balance beautifully. Whether you have a reluctant writer or a budding novelist, this book is a perfect fit for upper elementary and middle school students. Let’s dive into what makes this book such a valuable addition to any homeschool curriculum.

A Perfect Blend for Reluctant Writers and Writing Enthusiasts

The Usborne Creative Writing Book excels at engaging students across the writing spectrum. For those who might shy away from writing, the book’s playful prompts and step-by-step guidance make the process less intimidating and more enjoyable. On the other hand, students who already love to write will find plenty of challenges to keep them motivated and inspired. The self-paced nature of the book allows students to work at their own speed, making it a stress-free way to develop writing skills.

Ideal for Upper Elementary and Middle School Students

This book is specifically designed with upper elementary and middle school students in mind. The content is age-appropriate, with a mix of creative prompts that are both challenging and accessible. Each activity is crafted to not only improve writing skills but also to encourage imaginative thinking, making it an excellent tool for this developmental stage.

Why This Book Stands Out

What sets the Usborne Creative Writing Book apart from other writing resources is its engaging format. The book is packed with colorful illustrations, thought-provoking prompts, and interactive activities that make writing feel more like an adventure than a chore. This approach is particularly effective in capturing the interest of reluctant writers, while also providing enough depth and variety to keep more experienced writers engaged.

A Great Fit for Summer Writing Practice

One of the standout features of this book is its suitability for summer writing practice. During the summer months, it’s easy for writing skills to take a backseat. The Usborne Creative Writing Book offers a fun, low-pressure way for students to keep their writing muscles in shape, ensuring they stay sharp for the upcoming school year.

Our Personal Experience

This past summer, my son used the Usborne Creative Writing Book periodically, and it was a hit! It offered a refreshing change of pace from our usual writing curriculum, providing him with a fun and engaging outlet for his creativity. I foresee continuing to use this book throughout the school year whenever we need a break from our spine writing curriculum.

Part of the Timberdoodle 8th Grade Curriculum Kit

The Usborne Creative Writing Book is an invaluable resource for any homeschool family. Its ability to engage both reluctant writers and enthusiastic ones makes it a versatile tool in your educational toolbox. Perfect for upper elementary and middle school students, it offers a self-paced, creative approach to writing that can be used year-round, whether during the school year or as a summer writing project. If you’re looking for a way to ignite your child’s love for writing, this book is a fantastic place to start. Be sure to check out the Timberdoodle 8th Grade Curriculum Kit, this book is included.

6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, Education, Grammar, Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Language Arts, Literature Base, Middle School, Writing

Illuminating the Path to Literary Appreciation: A Homeschooler’s Review of Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum

Little Learner and Mom

We received Lightening Literature Grade 6 for our honest review and this post may contain affiliate links.

Embarking on the literary journey with a sixth-grade homeschooler can be both exciting and daunting. As a homeschooling parent dedicated to nurturing a love for literature and critical thinking in my child, I’ve had the pleasure of incorporating Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum into our homeschooling curriculum. Here, I share my perspective on this enriching resource. Let me first point out we use Lightning Literature in addition to our spine curriculum and we have used this curriculum since my son was in second grade.

Engaging Content Selection

One of the standout features of Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum is its engaging content selection. The curriculum introduces students to a diverse range of literary works, including classic novels, short stories, poetry, and drama. This rich variety not only exposes students to different genres and writing styles but also fosters a deeper appreciation for literature across cultures and time periods.

Comprehensive Study Guides

The curriculum provides comprehensive study guides for each literary work, offering a structured framework for exploration and analysis. The study guides include insightful discussion questions, vocabulary exercises, and critical thinking prompts that encourage students to delve deeper into the text. This scaffolding ensures that students develop essential literary analysis skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the material.

Integration of Language Arts Skills

Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum seamlessly integrates language arts skills into its literary study. From grammar and vocabulary to writing assignments and oral presentations, the curriculum offers opportunities for students to practice and apply language arts skills in the context of literature. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the relevance of language arts instruction and reinforces connections between reading, writing, and critical thinking.

Promotion of Critical Thinking

The curriculum prioritizes the development of critical thinking skills through its thought-provoking discussion questions and analytical activities. Students are encouraged to analyze characters, themes, and literary devices, fostering a deeper understanding of the underlying messages and complexities of the text. This emphasis on critical thinking cultivates students’ ability to think independently and engage critically with the world around them.

Flexible Implementation

As a homeschooling parent, I appreciate the flexibility offered by Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum. The curriculum can be adapted to suit our homeschooling schedule and pace, allowing for personalized instruction based on my child’s individual needs and interests. Whether used as a standalone literature program or integrated into a broader language arts curriculum, the flexibility of the curriculum makes it a versatile and adaptable resource.

Cultivation of Love for Literature

Above all, Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum nurtures a love for literature and lifelong learning in my child. By exposing students to quality literature and guiding them through meaningful discussions and activities, the curriculum fosters a genuine appreciation for the power of storytelling and the beauty of language. This love for literature transcends the classroom and enriches students’ lives beyond the confines of academic study.

In conclusion, Lightning Literature Grade 6 Curriculum is a valuable resource for homeschooling families seeking to cultivate a love for literature and critical thinking in their sixth-grade students. With its engaging content selection, comprehensive study guides, integration of language arts skills, promotion of critical thinking, flexible implementation, and cultivation of love for literature, the curriculum offers a rich and rewarding literary experience that inspires students to become lifelong readers and thoughtful contributors to society.

6th Grade, Writing

Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 : Timberdoodle Review!

Little Learner and Mom

We received for Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 for our honest review. This review may contain affiliate links at no additional charge to you.

Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 is a valuable resource for parents seeking to enhance their sixth-grader’s writing skills. As a mom, I have had the opportunity to incorporate this program into my homeschool routine, and I would like to share my thoughts on its effectiveness. As many of you know we are long term supporters of Evan Moor products and they frequent our homeschool every year.

Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 is well-structured, covering a diverse range of writing genres and skills. From narrative and persuasive writing to informative essays, the program ensures a holistic development of writing abilities. Each day presents a new writing prompt, allowing students to explore different aspects of language and expression.

One of the standout features of this resource is its engaging and thought-provoking prompts. The prompts are age-appropriate and often tie into real-world scenarios, making the writing exercises more relevant and interesting for sixth-grade students. This approach not only encourages creativity but also helps students connect writing to their everyday lives. The program includes 125 writing lessons, each of which is designed to be completed in 10-20 minutes. Each lesson includes a writing prompt, as well as a detailed explanation of the trait being focused on. Students are encouraged to revise and edit their work, with the goal of producing high-quality writing.

The program effectively targets various writing skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. The daily exercises are designed to gradually build and reinforce these skills, providing a solid foundation for more advanced writing tasks. I have noticed an improvement in my students’ ability to articulate their thoughts and ideas coherently. Students focus on six key traits: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions.

One of the benefits of Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 is that it can be easily integrated into your existing curriculum. The lessons are flexible and can be adapted to meet the needs of your students. Additionally, the program includes rubrics, so students can understand the expectations for each assignment.

The resource includes built-in assessment tools, enabling parents to gauge students’ progress effectively. The feedback loop is crucial in refining writing skills, and Evan-Moor has incorporated this aspect seamlessly into its daily writing exercises.

Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 is a commendable tool for enhancing writing skills in sixth-grade students. Its comprehensive curriculum, engaging prompts, and focus on skill development make it a valuable asset in any educational setting. Evan-Moor’s Daily 6-Trait Writing Grade 6 is an excellent resource for parents who want to help their students improve their writing skills. By focusing on the six key traits of writing, students can develop the skills they need to become effective writers.

Curriculum, Education, Grammar, Homeschool, Writing

Write by Number Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Let me be completely honest with you my son doesn’t like to write, but this year with our curriculum change he became more open to writing. I don’t think my son’s unwillingness to write has anything to do with his inability to write a sentence I think it has more to do with his not knowing what to write and how to organize his thought.

He is moving into middle school in the upcoming school year. I think it’s time that we really target the writing process and get him excited about writing. I’ve looked at several different curriculums over the last couple of months and Write by Number is one that has continually come up on my searches. I first saw Write by Number on a fellow homeschool mom’s Instagram. I decided to take advantage of their 14-day free trial last fall and tuck this program away as my maybe. I knew right away from the trial that this wasn’t your ordinary writing curriculum the lessons are short and your student does not move on until they have mastered that particular stage in the program. 

What is Write By Number

Write by Number is a comprehensive writing program for students in grades K through 12th grade. The program is also adaptable for students with special needs. There are 12 stages to the program all students start at stage one. The objective is for students to be able to confidently write an 8-page essay once they have completed all 12 stages. The program focuses on teaching your student to write effectively from the start with the use of sentence patterns. Stages can be completed with your student or independently. If you decide to purchase the hardcover curriculum you will receive a student book which is hardcover and a teacher’s book which is softcover. In the teacher’s book, you will find a section on how to use the curriculum. You will also get some background information on the creator and her recommendations. You will also find workshop videos on the website and the customer service is excellent. Write by Number is not just a writing curriculum students will learn :

  • Edit
  • Grammar
  • Usage and Mechanics
  • Build Vocabulary and Spelling Skills

Student Book

Students will need a separate notebook and it is recommended they use pens that are not erasable. I would also suggest having some kind of different color correction pen to do edits. Each stage is different and builds upon the previous stage. Students will continue to work through all the stages as they continue to learn a new stage as they continue to progress.

The student book can be used with dependent and independent learners. The book is written to the student so it makes an independent student feel confident that this is not your typical lesson. In the back of the student book, you will find grammar worksheets. The worksheets are to be done in your student’s writing notebook separately. What I did notice is that the worksheets don’t necessarily correspond with the stages in sequence so you need to be sure that when your student is using the appropriate worksheet. Students will always know what stage they’re on because they can look on the right side of the lesson book. On the left side is the paragraph structure for the lesson. I find having the noted stage in the margin is helpful for the student because it teaches them to organize their writing.

Teachers Book

The teacher’s book is comprehensive it gives you insight into the creator and how to use the program. At the beginning of each stage, there is a complete overview of the lesson that includes:

  • Common Core Standards
  • Teacher Resources
  • Student Materials

The teacher’s book also makes suggestions of what worksheets to use and the writing evaluation checklist. There are supportive scripts for you to use with your student if you helping your student complete lessons. The directions for each stage are simple with examples and easy to follow.

How it Works

In Stage 1 (power sentence) students will work on sentence structure using the keyword two. The power sentence sets the tone for future paragraphs. I like using the phrase power sentence better than the topic sentence for students. At first, my son found this assignment a little bit tedious. He soon found out that it wasn’t exactly tedious at all, because we spent two weeks just in stage 1. Stage one is your basic how to write a sentence, capitalization, and punctuation. I have no idea why it was such a struggle for him to use the word two in his sentence, but he was having some issues. You and your learner can decide how many sentences you want your student to write in this assignment. We decided on writing two sentences, but he was puzzled about coming up with two sentences that are quality. Observing my son struggle a little bit with this requirement, put things in perspective for me. He has been writing short stories, reports, and essays all year. His issue was not punctuation, content, and grammar. The issue that was hindering his writing was how to organize his thoughts.  The reason why I hadn’t caught this problem earlier is because he and I have always done partnership writing. Needless to say, we did a lot of rewriting in the first week. The second week in stage one was spent building quality sentences and correcting edits.

Lesson Layout

  1. Students write the date in the margin of their notebook page.
  2. Students work on the stage lesson.
  3. Proofread
  4. Rewrite Sentences
  5. Cross youth the original sentences if there were edits
  6. Repeat steps 1-5 if needed

Stage two students are required to write three sentences paragraph. Stage two lesson went over a lot better, his confidence was through the roof. I am happy to report that he did it independently and produced two quality three paragraphs. We only had to do a rewrite once and he was so proud of himself. He read the lesson on his own and completed the assignment. We edited together and he did the rewrite. This time around he was more open to correcting his mistakes and rewriting his sentences. I also noticed his sentences were quality and well thought out. The best part was I had nothing to do with what he wrote!

So, here we are starting stage three at the time of this review. We do Write by Number three days a week and the lessons take 15 mins to complete. I like the rhythm of spending two weeks on each stage and since this is a curriculum that will grow with us over the next few years. I don’t feel rushed to get it done by a certain timeline. I appreciate that Write by Number can be used alongside your current language arts curriculum. Watching my son write his power sentence and rereading his own work, with no assistance from me makes me feel we are on a better track for successful writing.

Hence, I highly recommend Write by Number especially if you have a beginner, reluctant writer, or experienced writer. The lessons are simple and they teach the student to learn how to write correctly using proper grammar, organization, and creativity. To my surprise, my son told me a few weeks ago he wanted to start guest writing on my blog. We recently published his first blog review. It is homeschool convention time if you happen to see the Write by Number booth I highly recommend you stop by and check out the curriculum. At the time of this review Write by Number is still offering its free trial. The cost of Write by Number starts at $99, you also have the option to do the digital pdf reader option at a monthly or yearly cost. If you use Homeschool Planet Write by Number lessons plans are available for $9.95. Check out the trial you won’t be a disappointment. Be sure to check out all of the Write by Number social media platforms by clicking the links below.

Until the Next Time,

Mom

Website: https://writebynumber.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writebynumber/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/write_by_number/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oVQSl8

Curriculum, Education, Grammar, High School Grammar, Homeschool, Middle School, Reviews, Writing

Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple Review

Little Learner and Mom

I received the Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple from Timberdoodle Co. in exchange for my fair and honest review.

If you have been curious about the Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind like I have, this is going to be a great review of the Purple Level. Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple is one of 4 books part of the program. The idea is that students should move through all four books by high school. There isn’t a big difference between each text. Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind non-sequential grammar program. Therefore you can start with any of the books and work your way through the program. Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple is a secular curriculum that follows the classical education model.

From basic through advanced grammar concepts, the Purple Workbook provides clear definitions of rules, repeated examples, and plenty of practice. Step-by-step instructions and regular review help every student succeed

Well Trained Mind

Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple is included in the 8th-grade Timberdoodle curriculum kit. My son is gifted in grammar, so we need to provide a rigorous grammar curriculum for him. We are eclectic homeschoolers and I have been looking for a supplement for our upcoming school year. Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple is a 36-week program, there is no hurry to complete a level in one school year. We could possibly do two levels in middle school and the remaining levels in high school.

This innovative grammar program will take your student from the fundamental definition of a noun through a detailed analysis of complex sentence structure.

Timberdoodle Co.

Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple bundle comes with the student workbook, answer key, and core instructor book. The instructor book is to be used across all levels of Grammar for the Well Trained Mind. The purple level is recommended for grade level for students from 5th -12th. In my honest opinion, the rigor in this book would be suited for gifted 5th graders or the spring of the 5th-grade year, but it may be a better fit for a 6th grader. Since we will be continuing this in the fall, I am following the recommendation of just doing 16 weeks and then picking up weeks 17-36 weeks for our school year.

Lesson Layout

Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple as well as the other levels has 3 elements of learning. These levels of understanding are:

  • Comprehension and Memory
  • Examples
  • Practice

As I previously stated there are 36 weeks in the text. Within those weeks there are 4 lessons with exercises per week to complete. Every fourth week there is a review of the previous 3 weeks with 6 exercises. Ideally, high school students should complete one level each year. Younger students can work at their own pace, therefore, completing the 4 levels over a period of time until they completed all four. You don’t have to follow the layout you can work at your own pace and modify as you need.

Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple starts off really basic with nouns and adjectives and provides a hefty amount of practice during the lesson. Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple is a mastery program and I am finding that with my son moving into middle school he needs more of a mastery curriculum so he is prepared for high school and college entrance examinations. Students will master all the grammar and writing skills they will need to be successful in writing and speaking.

The text is in black and white which I like because my son and I both are highlighters. Highlighting for him provides him with a key for referencing when he is working on activities. The lesson is instructor-led, but it is not overwhelming, and the instructor guide is scripted. Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple can be modified for special learners. The purple level can work for students up to grade 12, they will be prepared for college-level English and writing. If you do decide to move to another level you will find the same concepts covered they will just differ in practice questions and assignments.

You can use Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple alongside your spine curriculum or use it as a stand-alone curriculum. I would just adjust how you use it, so it doesn’t become too overwhelming for your student. You can preview Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple sample pages on the Timberdoodle Co Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple landing page.

My Thoughts

I wouldn’t start Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple with a student earlier than 5th grade. I would also start it in the spring of the 5th-grade year. I also think it is an excellent idea to start Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple or any of the levels in middle school. Starting in middle school gives you and your student plenty of time to work through all four levels. Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple has a fair amount of rigor so I would also be mindful of this and plan according to your child’s needs and learning style. The books provide a fair amount of practice and grammar. Students will also practice sentence diagramming. I do like that they do a review after every 3 lessons and the core instructor text that you can use across all 4 levels is a money saver. My son has solid grammar background and is gifted in this area of his studies I have confidence he could probably do the lessons on his own, but because this a program that is used across years I would still prefer to oversee his lessons.

I completely recommend Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind Level Purple for rising 6th -12 graders. It is a great program and provides everything your student needs for grammar.

Until the Next Time,

Mom

Curriculum, Family, Family Life, Homeschool Family, mindfulness, Writing

52 List Projects: Journaling Inspiration for Kids!!

Little Learner and Mom

I received My 52 List Project: Journaling Inspiration for KIDS from Timberdoodle Co. in exchange for my fair and honest review.

The last 2 years have been quite a roller coaster for everyone. Lately, I have been feeling like my son has lost a little of our connection. It could be just we are just overwhelmed with being in quarantine for so long and the entire family has relied a little more on screens which have allowed for some disconnection. I have been having some major mom guilt about not spending real quality time with my 9-year-old and I was looking for a way to bring us closer.

One of the things we ha My 52 List Project: Journaling Inspiration for KIDS. After looking through the book for my son I bought the adult version for myself. My 52 List Project: Journaling Inspiration for KIDS so happens to be included in the Timberdoodle Co 6th grade curriculum kit.

The My 52 List Project: Journaling Inspiration for KIDS is a great way for your student to spend thinking and writing about things that matter to them most Kids will enjoy the fun list of prompts that help them reclaim their inspirations and aspirations. My 52 List Project: Journaling Inspiration for KIDS is perfect for kids who are 8-12 years old. It’s during these years kids really start to come into their own and their personalities really start to shine.

My 52 List Project: Journaling Inspiration for KIDS helps students to build “grit, self-knowledge, and acceptance”. Through completing the weekly list prompts with affirmations and parent support your child can navigate their way through adolescence with confidence. There is a “Grown-Up’s Guide” available long on the 52 List website that lays out 6 ways to offer support:

  • Participate and connect
  • Build accountability
  • Offer hands-on help
  • Give older or more sensitive kids extra space
  • Encourage group journaling
  • Listen and honor kid’s privacy

I found these 6 ways very helpful because the mom in me had to let go of the let me help you figure this out and just let him do it for himself. Each week asked him if he wanted help or if he wanted me to read his list. The layout of the journal is very simple there is 52 kit that is to be done over the course of 52 weeks so that is one list a week. The writing prompt is listed on the top and below students have 2 pages to write their thoughts. Kids are not limited to just writing they can do whatever they want on these pages, the journal also includes stickers.

How We Used

I decided that our journal time would be on Friday mornings after breakfast, I brew us some tea and set out both of our journals and special journaling pens. We chat a little about the week and what is to come over the weekend. Turn on a little Lo-Fi Hip-Hop and begin to write. There is no time limit we just spend this time humming to music, sipping tea, and enjoying our time together.

The “Grown-Up’s Guide” also offers talking points for each list in the My 52 List Project: Journaling Inspiration for KIDS. I review these conversation starters the night before or while the tea is brewing. I personally didn’t want to have the guide on the table with me because I wanted to have this space free from clutter. Our journal time is meant to reaffirm our relationship and build his confidence. He has really enjoyed the last few weeks of our journaling in My 52 List Project: Journaling Inspiration for KIDS.

So we’re slowly moving into our new homeschool year and I asked him what are some things he would like for us to continue to do, he immediately said he wants to continue our Friday journal time and has asked if his dad can get his own 52 List journal to join us some Fridays when he is home.

Final Thoughts

I have seen a great improvement in my son’s writing and creativity since using the My 52 List Project: Journaling Inspiration for KIDS. We are talking more and I have noticed a decline in his anxiety and attention to detail. We have experienced some WOW moments and had some heart-to-heart conversations. This has been a great way to kick off weekends because we plan family games and movie night activities. I highly recommend My 52 List Project: Journaling Inspiration for KIDS for your kiddos ages 8-12 years. This is a great journal for back to school or the start of the new year. Kids can write before bed or just when they need to decompress and express themselves. A great addition to the morning basket and poetry tea time or if you just want to have some quiet time. This is also great for self-esteem building and a growth mindset.

My 52 List Project: Journaling Inspiration for KIDS is available for individual purchase from Timberdoodle Co as well as it is included in Timberdoodle Co 6th grade curriculum kit. Be sure to check Timberdoodle Co. for your upcoming homeschool year and back to school needs by clicking the banner below.

Timberdoodle Co 6th grade curriculum kit

Until the Next Time,

Mom and J

Curriculum, Education, Homeschool, Writing

Memoria Press: Classical Composition I Fables!

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary Product Received!

Classical Composition I: Fable

We are on a journey to find a supplement for our 5th-grade writing curriculum, so I have been considering a few options. The Squad was given the opportunity to review Memoria Press Classical Composition I: Fable Set for grade 4+.

Memoria Press is considered to be one of the leading companies in classical Christian education curriculums. The creates a curriculum that follows the classical education philosophy of liberal arts, quality literature, and the great thinkers of the western tradition. A great deal of Memoria Press curriculums contains Christian values and biblical scriptures. I personally didn’t find the Christian additions overwhelming or indoctrinating and I have reviewed several of Memoria Press‘s curriculums.

Classical Composition I: Fable Set

Classical Composition I: Fable Set comes with a teacher and student guide. The set we received came with the DVD but the company also has a streaming option. I will be reaching out to the company to inquire about receiving the streaming service because we don’t own a DVD player. I was able to find some helpful videos on the Memori Press Youtube channel.

There are 20 lessons to be completed each lesson is broken down into 4 pages. The Fable stage covers the first 14 steps to mastering writing. In the Fable stage, the students learn 3 plot components:

  • Recogintion – teaches to look parts of the story they can relate to.
  • Reversal – teaches to students identify the characters and see when their character roles reverse in the story.
  • Suffering – the conflict.

The students then move on to the variation section in which they have to come up with 3 synonyms for the words listed and then use the words they come up with in sentences. I highly recommend having a thesaurus or dictionary handy when doing this activity especially if you don’t have a student who has yet tapped into their creative writing. In the outline portion of the lesson, students will summarize the fable.

Paraphrase the students will rewrite the fable using anemographic, dendrographia, and ethopoeia . I know what you thinking WHAT, trust me when I say I was right there with you on this one. The teacher’s guide is a lifesaver with this curriculum you need this don’t skip it. Students need to use their online and variation part one to complete this part. Then students will need to rewrite the fable by reduction, meaning they need to pull out key details and leave out the extra details in their writing. Lastly, there are Variations part 2 which is a direct repeat of the Variations part 1, but with different words.

Our Review

Okay so I know I said a mouthful above and trust me if you have the opportunity to look over Classical Composition I: Fable Set you will get a better grasp of the flow of the lessons. You can also check out samples of lessons on the Classical Composition I: Fable Set product details page. At first a little unsure about this type of writing because it isn’t how I learned to write and I thought my son wouldn’t be really interested in the flow. After reading the teacher’s guide and looking over the lessons I started to really understand the flow a little better and how this really works for a student who is a creative or logical writer. My son doesn’t love to write but I think because this guided writing he isn’t left to just figure it out himself. While I know you may be thinking wouldn’t this just be the student copying another person’s work? In reality, they aren’t copying the work they are rather enhancing it and putting their own spin on it. I do like that it encourages the use of outlining because this is something I am very familiar with myself.

Classical Composition I: Fable there is parent involvement needed especially in those first few lessons. The DVD/Streaming is of great need for this curriculum, I wish I would have had access to the live streaming. If your student has not had any formal mechanics in writing lessons I highly recommend you review these skills before starting. I would recommend looking at Memoria Press Introduction to Composition. Classical Composition I: Fable will help your student learn how to organize writings and encourage some creative writings of other’s works which will hopefully translate into their own writings.

Classical Composition I: Fable is a contender for our upcoming 5th-grade writing curriculum. It would be used as a supplement to our spine for creative writing and switching things up.

Until the next time,

Mom and J

Education, Grammar, Homeschool, Language Arts, Writing

Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW): Fix it Grammar Levels 2 and 3

Little Learner and Mom

Complimentary product received!

When I was in school I didn’t love grammar, but since I have been homeschooling my son I have learned to love it. I am not the best at it but I am relearning along the way with him. We were sent Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse for grades 3-5th and Level 3 Robin Hood for grades 6-8th.

It was such a coincidence that I was getting ready to start my son on the older version of Level 2 Robin Hood when Institute for Excellence in Writing released the new books. I like the old books but I LOVE the new books. The redesign of the new books is super exciting. I love how the company added another book to the Fix-It Grammar lineup. The new Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse is a perfect bridge from Nose Tree.

We are very familiar with Institute for Excellence in Writing we have used Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level A Basic and the original Level 1 Nose Tree. I have really liked using both of the above mention products so I was really excited when I was asked to review the newly released Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse and Level 3 Robin Hood.

The new revised edition upgrades still feature the read it, mark it, fix it patterns which can be done in any order. The revised also includes:

  • Table of Contents
  • Proofreading chart
  • Scope and sequence charts
  • Weekly Vocabulary chart
  • List of Grammar Fixes
  • Indiviual daily pages
  • Writing space

My son has a strong grammar foundation and I was looking for a program that I could add as a complement to our current spine grammar curricula and Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse are perfect. Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse and Level 3 Robin Hood is 30 weeks of comprehensive incremental grammar lessons. There is a detailed scope and sequence on the Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse product detail page under the samples tab. Students will cover lessons that cover:

  • Parts of Speech
  • Captialization
  • Commas
  • Clauses
  • Homophones
  • Stylistic Techniques and much more.

The Level 3 Robin Hood also covers the same items of targeted grammar and mechanics. It reviews the concepts of the previous level while adding:

  • Additonal Comma Rules
  • Various phrasel/ Clause Concstructions
  • Quotations
  • Indefinite/ Demostrative/ Reflexive Pronouns
  • Much more

You can also find a sample of the scope and sequence of Level 3 Robin Hood on the product detail page under the samples tab. We haven’t started working in Level 3 Robin Hood as of yet because we started in Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse. We did however start working on the older version because that was originally the next level after the older version of Nose Tree. The company inserted the new Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse so now Level 3 Robin Hood is the 3rd book in the series. The insertion of a new level 2 is a great bridge between level 1 and level 3. I did feel like the old level 2 of Robin Hood was really heavy coming from Nose Tree.

I started my son in the Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse because we are working on a rigorous grammar curriculum and I wanted to use Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse as a way to lighten his load 3 days a week. We are currently on week 7 and he has really enjoyed working the lessons. At the beginning of each weekly lesson I sit down with him and go over the grammar instruction and for the rest of the week, he works on the lessons independently. Students only have to complete 4 days of lessons. So how do lessons go:

  1. Students learns or reviews grammar concept at the beginning of the week
  2. Check the bold vocabulary word (learn defination)
  3. Search for the grammar concepts in passage and correct puncuation
  4. Rewrite passage with corrections

The new design of the Fixt Grammar Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse and Level 3 Robin Hood is perfect because all of his work can be completed in the student book. Each day has its own page, unlike the old version where each sentence from the passage was to be completed on one page on a small line.

How We Do a Lessons

At the top of the lesson page, students have a list of what grammar concepts they need to search for and how they should identify them. I put little highlighted dots next to each one and I tell my son to check off each one he has found. The very top line of the rewrite area my son uses that for his vocabulary word definition. The Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse has primary lines for writing and Level 3 Robin Hood has regular lines with plenty of room for those students that like to write large.

Both of the levels include a downloadable vocabulary list that you can download and retrieve from your files on IEW. We also received the new Fix-It Grammar Cards I LOVE THESE!!!! You have no idea how much I love these cards we use them across our spine grammar curriculum. It is so hard to find grammar cards that are high quality and comprehensive. The great part is that the Fix-It Grammar Cards can use alongside all 6 levels of Fix-it Grammar books.

Looking to check out the other levels of Fix-It Grammar check out the other squad’s reviews by clicking the banner below and if you are curious out Structure and Style for Students: Year 1 Level A Basic review click this link here. Institute for Excellence in Writing Structure and Style for Students series is a great complement to Fix It Grammar levels. Be sure to be on the lookout for our upcoming review of Level 4 Mowgli and Shere Khan.

Until the next time,

Mom and J

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