We mostly follow a Charlotte Mason philosophy in our learning. Because of this, I have not focused much formally on grammar or writing. We talk about these things as they come up — choosing the correct or better word and why. Sharing a passage from our reading that really stands out for how well it all flows together has become something my girls enjoy doing, on their own. This then gives us a chance to discuss whatever characteristic the writing is an example of. The girls have also pointed out the few times they have encountered something difficult and how it should have been written (in their opinion). This has reaffirmed for me that the CM method works, yet I still keep feeling we should do a bit more. That is why I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to review some writing curricula for my girls recently. Up first is this brand new writing curriculum for middle school children from the publishers of God’s World News and WORLD Magazine.
We have received the pilot books for Write with WORLD, both a student book and a parent/teacher’s book. The full curriculum will also include one year access to a special website where the students can share their work, discuss writing with the writer’s of God’s World News and WORLD Magazine and have opportunities to have their writing published. The curriculum will have a second year as well. To purchase one year, with the online access is $95. You can save by purchasing both years at once for $165. This is specifically called “Middle School Edition” (pure speculation, but perhaps a High School Edition is in the future?) I feel this is appropriate for 5th-9th graders, depending upon their experience and interest. The Parent/Teacher Edition is not much different from the student book. There is a big picture take on the whole unit at the beginning of each one, but not much additional or different information than the student book. At this age, many students are working independently so the teacher does not do much unless clarification or help is needed.
I like the layout of the book for ease of teaching/assigning work. There are four units with four lessons. Each lesson is divided into 5 capsules that build upon each other. These capsules are not too long, just enough to introduce or do a bit of work with a concept. Vocabulary words are in bold so your student can keep track of them and look them up to note in their journal. The needed items for the lesson are listed at the beginning — often just dictionary, thesaurus, journal, etc but occasionally including magazines, a timer, notecards, or post-its (among other things). Nothing too crazy, but if not normally kept at home, you have the opportunity to pick it up. Your student will do much of their writing in a journal. This can be a spiral notebook or composition book or can be done on the computer.
Sprinkled throughout the lessons are sections called “WORLD WISDOM” where writers, editors, etc with WORLD share thoughts or advice related to the specific lesson. Also throughout the lessons is a section titled “the professor’s office” this is written very conversationally emphasizing important points to the lesson. This conversation between experienced writers and students is the basis for this whole curriculum and what sets it apart from others. You can read more about the curriculum and see a sample lesson on the website.
While I really like this curriculum and we will continue using it, my daughter is not a big fan. She has had an experience with a curriculum of each lesson creating some project. Write with WORLD eventually creates something, the earlier lessons are more along the lines of writing for writing’s sake. If your learner enjoys writing, the lessons are enjoyable. My eldest daughter is a reluctant writer and has no interest in writing just to write. The capsules were short enough that she was not overwhelmed, but she often wondered why she was writing. About halfway through some examples are brought in from well-known literature. It is explained that as they become writers, they will start reading things differently–from this point of view as a writer. This works well with our CM philosophy, I just wish this was something emphasized from the beginning. I have the advantage of having looked further into the book; I think my daughter will enjoy the latter lessons more than she has enjoyed these beginning ones.
Several other families also reviewed this new curriculum from Learn with WORLD. Be sure to read their reviews by checking out the Crew blog. I’ll have a review next month for a great writing curriculum for young elementary-age children.
