We had the opportunity to review a digital copy of the Creative Freewriting Adventure, which is published by the Home School Adventure Co.
Writing is a funny thing. It is something everyone has to learn how to do, but something not everyone is going to like or enjoy. I love to write and I have three children. My desire was for all three of them to enjoy writing as much as I do. So far, I have been able to pass my pleasure on to two of my three children. My third child just does not like to write. Some of you may understand my pain. Because I have a child who would rather eat nails than write, I am always on the lookout for anything that will promote the love.
The Creative Freewriting Adventure sets your child on a creative writing adventure, hence the name of the curriculum. “Just grab a pen and paper, set a timer, and have fun!” is the slogan used to promote the writing material. For clarity, the Creative Freewriting Adventure is not a writing program; it does not teach your child the structure and style of writing. I will say, along the way through the course your child will learn some necessary writing skills for producing quality work.
Creative Freewriting Adventure consists of 10 creative writing assignments, which are based on other resources from the Home School Adventure Co. The product is available as a digital download ($18.95) and as a physical book ($21.95).
I had my reluctant writer, River, use the program. I may have my writer try it too, but I wanted to see how it would work for someone who does not care a bit about writing. He started reading the first exercise, Thales, and we continued, weekly through the following exercises. The reading portion of all of the exercises is about one to three pages long. The readings are taken from some of the stories used in other products from the Home School Adventure Co.
He did like some of the readings in the exercises. I did too like some of the excerpts, like The Wise Woman, which is a Home School Adventure Co. product I used in the past. Although he was prompted for writing responses I think it was helpful, because he had a reading from which the prompts were based. The questions were not general questions based on the story, but instead ones that referenced the story and he has to pull from his experiences. The writer (your student) creates background if needed, comes up with creative dialogue and incorporates his experiences with attention to his senses. The writer, who knows all about himself, includes himself in the writing experience.
What you get with the Creative Freewriting Adventure is an adventure, writing lesson, history study, critical thinking and fine arts. If you have a writer, they will love working through the exercises. If you have a reluctant writer, there is no guarantee they will finish the program and ask to write more, but they will get to see that writing can be fun. Adding the Creative Freewriting Adventure Coloring Book Edition ($21.95) will add more fun and possibly prompt more creativity within your child who favors coloring or drawing over writing.
Creative Freewriting Adventure takes away the pressure that may exist for some people when they write. Instead of focusing on grammar, spelling, structure or style when writing, the writer is only required to use his mind, think and share his thoughts. The only thing your student has to be aware of are the 15 minutes of creative time to write. They may be surprised at what flows from their pencil/pen in that amount of time.
If you are looking for a creative way to get your child writing, the Creative Freewriting Adventure may help your writer begin.
Social Media Links
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HomeSchoolAdven @HomeSchoolAdven
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeSchoolAdventureCo
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/homeschooladven/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/115241518288669984312/+Homeschooladventure
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HomeSchoolAdventure
Hashtags: #hsreviews #celebratingmanhood #waodani #CreativeFreewriting