Essentials in Writing

Updated on July 9, 2023

This review was written by Manisha Snoyer, the founder and CEO of Modulo, a company that provides resources and support families who are homeschooling their children. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, Manisha has instructed over 2,000 children of all ages and abilities in three countries and 18 subjects. She has tutored at some of the best private schools in the world and throughout the NYC public school system. Manisha graduated summa cum laude from Brandeis University.

We have over 20 years of experience teaching writing, have evaluated dozens of the best writing programs by talking to parents and testing them with our own students. Essentials in Writing emerged as one of our top choices for a structured, progressive traditional writing program to keep children on track relative to conventional academic standards, whether they’re homeschooling or in traditional school. For more writing resources and to evaluate the best fit for your unique learner, see our blog on the top writing curriculum of 2023.

Overview of Essentials in Writing

Essentials in Writing is a language arts curriculum that teaches grammar and composition with most of its focus being on composition. It focuses mostly on composition instead of grammar and utilizes a mix of video and worksheets to teach children basic Language Arts concepts. Founder Matthew Stephens taught in the public school for several years before creating Essentials in Writing. He developed writing curriculum for several years at the middle school level.

Essentials in Writing utilizes video modules and worksheets to allow parents either speed or slow down the learning process according to the needs of the students (ex. can work on one lesson for multiple days or finish multiple lessons in one day) It's a good resource for parents looking to give their children an individualized approach to learning the grammar fundamentals as well as the critical skills for writing composition and literacy comprehension (narratives, poetry, etc.) Some reviews have expressed that they wish there was more material per lesson so that way they could give their child extra worksheets or problems if they happen to be struggling with a concept. (not enough practice material to support problem areas in a student's learning).

Grades: 1st Grade - 12th grade

Cost: Free trial, range from $67 - 87 per course (with additional resource booklets for $27 each)

Key features of Essentials in Writing

Comprehensive Curriculum: Essentials in Writing offers a complete grammar and composition curriculum for students in grades 1-12. It covers various aspects of writing, including grammar rules, sentence structure, paragraph development, essay writing, and more.

Video-Based Instruction: The program includes video lessons that serve as the primary mode of instruction. These engaging videos feature a knowledgeable instructor who guides students through various writing concepts, techniques, and strategies.

Step-by-Step Approach: Essentials in Writing follows a systematic and structured approach to teaching writing skills. It breaks down complex writing skills into manageable steps, allowing students to focus on one aspect at a time and gradually build their writing abilities.

Assignments and Assessments: The program provides a range of assignments and assessments to reinforce learning and assess student progress. These assignments may include writing prompts, grammar exercises, editing tasks, and composition projects.

Writing Practice and Application: Essentials in Writing emphasizes the importance of practice and application. Students are encouraged to actively engage in writing exercises, enabling them to apply the concepts they have learned and strengthen their writing skills.

Flexibility and Adaptability: The program offers flexibility in terms of pacing and customization. It allows students to work at their own pace, adapt the program to their individual needs, and explore additional resources based on their interests.

Parent/Caregiver Support: Essentials in Writing recognizes the crucial role of parents or caregivers in the learning process. The program provides resources and guidance to help parents effectively assist their children in the writing process.

Progress Tracking: Essentials in Writing provides tools for tracking student progress and performance. It may include assessments, scoring services, or dashboards that allow parents and educators to monitor student growth and identify areas for improvement.

State Standards Alignment: The curriculum may align with specific state standards, ensuring that students meet educational requirements. It helps students develop skills in line with the academic standards of their region.

Online Community and Support: Essentials in Writing may offer an online community or support resources where students, parents, and educators can connect, ask questions, and share insights. This community fosters collaboration and provides additional guidance and support.

These key features make Essentials in Writing a comprehensive and adaptable program that focuses on developing essential writing skills for students of various grade levels.

Is Essentials in Writing a good fit for kids with dyslexia?

Essentials in Writing can be a good fit for kids with dyslexia, as it provides a structured and systematic approach to teaching writing skills. However, it's important to note that individual needs may vary, and what works well for one student with dyslexia may not work as effectively for another. Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Multisensory Approach: Essentials in Writing incorporates visual and auditory components through video lessons, which can benefit students with dyslexia. The combination of visual demonstrations and auditory explanations can help reinforce learning and accommodate different learning styles.

2. Structured Instruction: The program follows a step-by-step approach, breaking down writing skills into manageable tasks. This structured format can be helpful for students with dyslexia who benefit from clear instructions and sequential learning.

3. Emphasis on Writing Practice: Essentials in Writing encourages writing practice and application of learned concepts. This can help students with dyslexia develop their writing skills through repetition and hands-on practice.

4. Parental/Caregiver Support: The program recognizes the importance of parental or caregiver involvement. Parents can provide additional support and guidance to help students with dyslexia navigate the curriculum and tailor it to their specific needs.

5. Individualized Approach: Since dyslexia is a spectrum disorder, it's crucial to tailor instruction to the individual student. Parents and educators can adapt the program to provide additional support, accommodations, or modifications based on the unique needs of the student.

It's recommended to review the program materials, consider the specific needs and preferences of the student with dyslexia, and consult with professionals or educators experienced in supporting students with dyslexia to determine if Essentials in Writing is the right fit. Additionally, engaging in a trial or contacting the Essentials in Writing team directly can provide further insights into how well the program may meet the specific needs of students with dyslexia.

Nuts and Bolts of Essentials in Writing

Cost: The cost of Essentials in Writing varies depending on the grade level and materials selected. It is recommended to visit the official Essentials in Writing website for specific pricing details.

Grades: Essentials in Writing provides curriculum options for students in grades 1-12.

Type of Tool: Essentials in Writing is an online writing curriculum and instructional program.

Compatible Devices: Essentials in Writing is accessible on various devices, including computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. A reliable internet connection is recommended for online access.

Time Required: The time required for completing Essentials in Writing will depend on the individual pace and grade level. It is designed to be completed within one academic school year.

Literacy Requirement: Essentials in Writing is primarily designed for students who can read and write independently. Basic reading skills are necessary for the program.

Screens: Essentials in Writing is primarily an online program, and students will be interacting with screens for video lessons, assignments, and assessments.

Online or Offline: Essentials in Writing is primarily an online program, requiring internet access. However, certain materials and resources may be available for offline use as well.

Parent/Caregiver Involvement: Parental or caregiver involvement is typically required to guide and support students throughout the program. The level of involvement may vary based on the student's age and ability to work independently.

Flexibility: Essentials in Writing offers flexibility in terms of pacing and scheduling, allowing students to work at their own pace and adapt the program to their needs.

Progress Tracking: Essentials in Writing provides progress tracking tools, such as assessments and a dashboard, to monitor student progress and performance.

State Standards: Essentials in Writing may align with certain state standards. For specific information on state standards alignment, it is recommended to consult the official Essentials in Writing website or contact their customer support.

Online Community: Essentials in Writing Facebook Group for Homeschooling Families has over 10,000 members and is a great place to find resources and support, or even start a creative writing club!

Reviews: https://www.myjoyfilledlife.com/essentials-in-writing-review/

FAQ about Essentials in Writing

Q: Is Essentials in Writing at grade level?

A: Yes, Essentials in Writing is designed to be grade-level specific, providing curriculum options for students in grades 1-12.

Q: How does Essentials in Writing work?

A: Essentials in Writing is a comprehensive writing program that combines grammar and composition instruction. It utilizes video lessons, assignments, and assessments to teach and reinforce writing skills.

Q: What is Essential in Writing 5?

A: Essential in Writing 5 is a curriculum level specifically designed for fifth-grade students. It focuses on building foundational writing skills appropriate for that grade level.

Q: What is Essentials in Literature Level 9?

A: Essentials in Literature Level 9 is a high school literature curriculum that aims to teach students how to analyze fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and figurative language.

Q: How much is Essentials in Writing?

A: The cost of Essentials in Writing varies depending on the grade level and materials selected. For specific pricing details, it is recommended to visit the official Essentials in Writing website or contact their customer support.

Q: How long does Essentials in Writing take?

A: Essentials in Writing is designed to be completed within one academic school year. However, the pace can be adjusted based on individual needs and preferences.

Q: What is the difference between Abeka and Essentials in Writing?

A: Abeka and Essentials in Writing are both homeschool language arts programs. Abeka focuses more on grammar instruction, while Essentials in Writing covers both grammar and composition.

Q: What is the difference between Essentials in Writing and Excellence in Writing?

A: Essentials in Writing and Excellence in Writing (IEW) are both writing programs, but they have slight differences. Essentials in Writing emphasizes the writing process, while IEW provides more development in writing style, structure, and expansion techniques.

Q: Does Essentials in Writing cover grammar?

A: Yes, Essentials in Writing is considered a complete writing curriculum that includes grammar instruction along with composition.

Q: What writing skills should a 5th grader have?

A: By the fifth grade, students should have developed basic writing skills such as constructing coherent paragraphs, using correct grammar and punctuation, organizing ideas, and expressing themselves effectively in writing.

Q: How can I help my 5th grader write better?

A: To help a fifth grader improve their writing, encourage regular practice, provide feedback on their writing, teach them to revise and edit their work, expose them to various genres of writing, and engage in discussions about their ideas and writing process.

Q: What are the basic writing skills for elementary students?

A: Basic writing skills for elementary students typically include forming letters and words correctly, writing legibly, understanding sentence structure, using punctuation, and organizing ideas in coherent paragraphs.

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