Essentials in Writing Review

The product I am reviewing today is called Essentials In Writing.    This is a program that focuses on grammar and composition.  The goal of this program is to produce confident writers who enjoy the study of language.

Since I have never focused on either of these language arts activities with the lad, we chose to do grade one.   The product I used came as a  DVD with lesson-by-lesson video instruction and printable worksheets/assignment sheets/answer key in PDF format.

How the Program Works

I received a DVD and a link to the PDF document used.   To do the program I would play the lesson and then have my lad do the printed handouts.  

The recommendation for starting this program is:

It is recommended that students begin first grade AFTER they have a basic understanding of spelling phonetically. 

From the website

The Essentials in Writing strategy involves several components:  

1.  Students watch Mr. Stephens as he teaches/reviews each concept in a methodical, step-by-step approach.  Then students proceed with worksheet activities or writing assignments.

2.  Mr. Stephens presents content and writing assignments small "chunks" to help students understand, apply, and retain concepts.

3.  Writing assignments are modeled by Mr. Stephens.  After a new or reviewed concept has been taught, he actually "shows" students HOW to apply the new concept in writing.

Here you can see where I wrote out an example because he was getting all stressed out about it. So I showed him what was needed and then it was OH... I get it. He was then able to move forward confidently.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this program and think I may purchase it for next year.   It is very clear in the teaching about all the different grammar aspects.  The expected workload per lesson is quite easy to accomplish.  Short and sweet when it comes to grammar/composition works well with my lad.    I really like that I don't have to print off everything immediately but can just print off a day or two as needed.   Putting together a whole book would set my boys' back up against doing it, but just having a page (or three) at hand makes it quite doable for the lad.

I do have to admit to not having him write out the complete sentences if there was not need to do so.  I taught him what editors do.  They take a pen (usually red because it stands out) and they make corrections right on the work itself.   So that's what the lad did.   He did take some creative license at times and drew pictures of capitals jumping in or pigs dragging in a period.   Where writing had to be done (as in completing a sentence) I did have him write the actual sentence which gave us "sounding out the word" time as well.

This program worked well for my son and was a good fit.

We continue to work on holding the pencil properly but some days the battle needs to be elsewhere. Here he's drawing in capitals that have to chase away the little letters.

The Lad's thoughts

He liked the program and is learning a lot.   He disliked all the writing and often found the quickest ways to make a sentence complete.

We often had a helper who enjoyed being taught all the different grammar aspects that the lad was learning. This Peeg Pig. :)

Suggestions for Improvement.

Chapter headings on the video itself.  The lessons run into each other which makes it too easy to listen "ahead".  While not a bad thing to do as it's often how we do things, it makes it frustrating at times to know just where to stop.

If you would like to read what other crew members opinions are for the grades 1, 3-11 just click to read more reviews.

Disclaimer

I received a free copy of this product to use in my own household in exchange for my review of it for the Schoolhouse review crew.  I was not required to give a positive review of it.  I was not compensated in any other way.   All opinions expressed are my own or my families.    I am revealing this information according to FTC regulations.