A Stable Beginning: Writers in Residence from Apologia Educational Ministries ~ a TOS Review

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Writers in Residence from Apologia Educational Ministries ~ a TOS Review

Writing is a thorn in my side some days. I strive to teach my girls to be great writers but sometimes I will admit to coming up short in this department. So, imagine my surprise when I found out I was on the review list for the new homeschool writing curriculum, Writers in Residence from Apologia Educational Ministries .

I am sure you have heard of Apologia Educational Ministries if you are a homeschooler. If you are not, let me tell you a little about them. Apologia is one of those companies that everybody talks about and for good reason too!

When most people hear Apologia’s name mentioned they immediately think of their award winning science programs for elementary through high school. But did you know that they now offer a homeschool writing curriculum too?

For my review I received the Writers in Residence Volume 1 Full Set that was written by Debra Bell that is geared towards students in the 4^th – 8^th grade. The complete set includes a big spiral-bound all-in-one Student Text and Workbook. A helpful answer key is also included. It is intended for grades 4-8.

Writers In Residence {WIR} is the first of three volumes in the new series and is a writing-focused language arts program. The Student Text and Workbook is a huge book like I said. Okay, huge might be an overstatement, but it is a spiral bound book with over 500 pages. Inside there are 6 units in this program that integrates grammar and writing all at once. The units include:

~ Unit 1: I Remember

Writing Assignment: “When I Was Young”

~ Unit 2: I Imagine

Writing Assignment: “Very Truly Yours”

~ Unit 3: I Investigate

Writing Assignment: “My Family Hall of Fame”

~ Unit 4: I Think

Writing Assignment: “My Favorite Author”

~ Unit 5: I Remember

Writing Assignment: “The History of Me”

~ Unit 6: I Imagine

Writing Assignment: “Zap! Pow! Kazam!”

Each of the units in the student book are color-coded for ease. A helpful suggested daily schedule for 32 weeks is included. The fine details it provides is really helpful for pacing and getting things done on our end.

I used this program with Mikayla who is my reluctant writer. I love how the program is written directly to her and it provides clear checklists and instructions so she knows what to expect each day. This program is set up so that Mikayla can work independently, which is a huge plus. I can send her with her assignment on Mondays and Fridays, her gym double days, and know that the instructions are clear and precise for her. I do double check her work on the weekends to make sure things are getting done. So far, so good, we will stick with this program for the rest of this school year.

One of the features of this curriculum that I like the best is the spotlight on several Christian writers like Phil Vischer and Bill Myers to name a few. I had fun browsing through the whole book reading the bios of the authors.

I am sure you know Apologia also publishes K-12 Creation-based science and worldview curriculum for children K-12, inspirational books about homeschooling, and hosts online classes through Apologia Academy, but if not definitely check out the website and explore all their offerings. And be sure to check out what my CrewMates thought of this product by clicking the banner below.