Frequently Asked Curriculum Questions
Writing Success
s this curriculum really easy to use?
Yes, it is designed to complement any homeschooling method or approach. The simplicity of the curriculum makes it compatible with almost any curriculum. It may also be used by public or private school parents to help their children gain the needed writing and thinking skills. It only requires as little as fifteen minutes a day on the easier lessons.
Does your writing program prepare students for the AP Language and Composition exam?
No, while the student will do college level writing, this is not an AP preparation course.
My child has no interest in going to college, is this program right for every student?
This program is for college-bound students who want to prepare for the rigor, critical thinking and challenges of college writing. It will serve nearly any student but some students who are still struggling with writing basics will need help along the way. Many struggling writers like the fact that the writing exercises are timed and simple and that format writing guides them step-by-step.
Can I do the entire high school curriculum in one year?
While you may work with a very motivated child, it is not advisable to do the entire curriculum in one year. The curriculum is made to be spread out over as many as four years and as little as two years.
My son is a junior in high school is it too late to use the curriculum?
No, it is not. Likely your son will progress through the easier writing assignments quickly. He probably will complete the Functional Writing section rather quickly. The final research and literary papers are college-level assignments so completion of those assignments is very important.
Is this a stand-alone curriculum or can it be used with other curriculums?
The curriculum may be used alongside whatever curriculum you are using. For instance, if you are studying Western Civilization, you might assign your student a paper compare/ contrast essay based on that time period. Alternately, you can do the journaling and note-taking exercises weekly as a standalone Writing curriculum.
Do your writing classes mirror your curriculum content?
Yes and no. Each classes was developed separately. Some of our high school curriculum is based on college books that I have used with my college students.
Is your curriculum just for homeschoolers?
No , it is not. I hope students especially those with middle-school children will get the curriculum and begin preparing their children for higher education early.
Do you have samples of the different types of papers in the format writing section?
Here is a link to sample student papers written and compiled by the National Writing Core. Many of the papers mirror assignments in Writing Success. Here is the link - http://www.corestandards.org/assets/Appendix_C.pdf The appendix has the sample papers.
Where would I start a ten grader in this writing program? It seems silly to start writing book reports. Am I correct?
You may review the student’s past writing and make sure the student has mastered all the preliminary skills in each kind of writing.
I have an advanced seventh grader. I would like to use your program. How many years will I be able to use it?
You will be able to use this program throughout high school. You will notice the high school research paper differs substantially from the college research paper and the literary response paper differs from the advanced college literary analysis. The two should not be attempted until after your student have worked on rudimentary writing skills.
My student has no interest in going to college, is this program right for every student?
This program is for college-bound students who want to prepare for the rigor, critical thinking and challenges of college writing. It will serve nearly any student but some students who are still struggling with writing a complete sentence might find this program too rigorous. Many reluctant writers do like the fact that the writing exercises are timed and simple and that format writing guides them step-by-step.
Your writing curriculum almost seems too easy and yet it is comprehensive. Is it that easy?
Yes, and you will find reluctant writers and even special needs students like it because the steps are so simple.
Yes, it is designed to complement any homeschooling method or approach. The simplicity of the curriculum makes it compatible with almost any curriculum. It may also be used by public or private school parents to help their children gain the needed writing and thinking skills. It only requires as little as fifteen minutes a day on the easier lessons.
Does your writing program prepare students for the AP Language and Composition exam?
No, while the student will do college level writing, this is not an AP preparation course.
My child has no interest in going to college, is this program right for every student?
This program is for college-bound students who want to prepare for the rigor, critical thinking and challenges of college writing. It will serve nearly any student but some students who are still struggling with writing basics will need help along the way. Many struggling writers like the fact that the writing exercises are timed and simple and that format writing guides them step-by-step.
Can I do the entire high school curriculum in one year?
While you may work with a very motivated child, it is not advisable to do the entire curriculum in one year. The curriculum is made to be spread out over as many as four years and as little as two years.
My son is a junior in high school is it too late to use the curriculum?
No, it is not. Likely your son will progress through the easier writing assignments quickly. He probably will complete the Functional Writing section rather quickly. The final research and literary papers are college-level assignments so completion of those assignments is very important.
Is this a stand-alone curriculum or can it be used with other curriculums?
The curriculum may be used alongside whatever curriculum you are using. For instance, if you are studying Western Civilization, you might assign your student a paper compare/ contrast essay based on that time period. Alternately, you can do the journaling and note-taking exercises weekly as a standalone Writing curriculum.
Do your writing classes mirror your curriculum content?
Yes and no. Each classes was developed separately. Some of our high school curriculum is based on college books that I have used with my college students.
Is your curriculum just for homeschoolers?
No , it is not. I hope students especially those with middle-school children will get the curriculum and begin preparing their children for higher education early.
Do you have samples of the different types of papers in the format writing section?
Here is a link to sample student papers written and compiled by the National Writing Core. Many of the papers mirror assignments in Writing Success. Here is the link - http://www.corestandards.org/assets/Appendix_C.pdf The appendix has the sample papers.
Where would I start a ten grader in this writing program? It seems silly to start writing book reports. Am I correct?
You may review the student’s past writing and make sure the student has mastered all the preliminary skills in each kind of writing.
I have an advanced seventh grader. I would like to use your program. How many years will I be able to use it?
You will be able to use this program throughout high school. You will notice the high school research paper differs substantially from the college research paper and the literary response paper differs from the advanced college literary analysis. The two should not be attempted until after your student have worked on rudimentary writing skills.
My student has no interest in going to college, is this program right for every student?
This program is for college-bound students who want to prepare for the rigor, critical thinking and challenges of college writing. It will serve nearly any student but some students who are still struggling with writing a complete sentence might find this program too rigorous. Many reluctant writers do like the fact that the writing exercises are timed and simple and that format writing guides them step-by-step.
Your writing curriculum almost seems too easy and yet it is comprehensive. Is it that easy?
Yes, and you will find reluctant writers and even special needs students like it because the steps are so simple.
Writing Success
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May I photocopy the book for use in my home-school cooperative or private school?
No, the book is protected under US copyright laws. The book may only be used by single families. Quantity discounts are available. We also have a licensed CD of the forms that you may purchase. We ask you to please abide by our requests and to be a good example to the students that you teach. Why did you include handwriting and fine motor tips in the curriculum? Many young writers need to develop fine motor and handwriting skills so fun activities to develop these were included. The handwriting exercises are fun and may be included with some of the writing lessons. Do we have to do the lessons in order? You do not necessarily have to do the lessons in order but it is essential to do the first lesson first because it sets the tone for the workshop method. Students learn from the first lesson even the best writers accept literary criticism. |
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