We had the opportunity to review the by the High School Essay Intensive by the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW).
Thank goodness for writing programs like IEW. Even though I write professionally, I am extremely thankful for IEW. They help people like me who can already write, teach their children how to do the same.
I have been a fan of the Institute for Writing (IEW) writing curriculum for many years. I first learned of the company as a member of the Homeschool Review Crew. Although writing was already a subject I taught in our school, there were some elements of writing I felt I was leaving out, because so much of the writing I do is part my nature. When I read through the Student Writing Intensive elementary and middle school writing courses offered from IEW, I loved the presentation of the program. I knew it would fill in the gaps where I may have failed to teach my children. That was a few years ago.
My children write well and some love to write more than others. My rising high school child is one who does not enjoy writing much at all. Despite that, he is going to have to know how to write. We are entering the world of high school assignments and just knowing how to write a good paragraph is not going to work.
I have always told my children, they do not have to love writing, but must know how to do it; preferably well. The High School Essay Intensive, Second Edition [DVD Seminar & Handouts] is written for students in ninth through twelfth grades. It is a DVD course that comes with the following:
• 5 DVDs (6.5 hours)
• Student Handouts
• Portable Walls for the Essayist
Each CD contains about 6 ½ hours of content. There are four sections, which give you detailed information regarding the content. If you would like to enjoy full video content, you will need Internet access to use the program activation code. This is what is covered in the program.
Granted, you could start on any CD per your interest, but since this is a comprehensive program and can be done at the pace of your student, why not start from the beginning? That worked for River (and me).
All of the material we have covered so far in the program has been very helpful. Some of the things I like that are included are defining what is an essay before delving into the experience of writing one. Also, the essay models were very helpful. The models are good for all students, but especially for those who do not like to write. Having examples of what is expected in an essay makes it clear. Not necessarily so students can go through and check off what they have done towards that goal, but so they can be sure they do not miss anything while writing.
The Portable Walls for the Essayist is an extremely handy tool. Not only does it define 11 types of essays like argumentative, compare-contrast, descriptive, narrative, process analysis and more, the walls provide help with transitional words, word lists, style techniques and others,
I really like the Understanding and Preparing for the New ACT Essay section, because we have already started preparing for the test. River will probably not take the test until next year, but the section has helped tremendously. I always hear the essay part of the test is a challenge. If your child does not like to write, imagine how much more of a challenge that could be for them. We have not made it through to the SAT section, but it appears to be just a thorough for helping students taking that exam.
Rive and I both benefited from the lessons. I always love hearing Andrew Pudewa speak. It does not matter if it is in a classroom, work shop or convention setting. He is intelligent, funny and knows how to present a topic I love (writing and other topics at conventions) in a manner that is not boring. I only wish River could have taken the course live from Pudewa. He will speak in my area later this year, so I may see if River can get the live experience.
I am glad we had the opportunity to review High School Essay Intensive. It is just in time for my oldest and will be right on time for my younger two children once they begin high school. My daughter is already a Pudewa fan. She makes sure to speak to him each time at our annual homeschool convention. He is extremely personable on DVD and in person.
You may purchase the High School Essay Intensive, Second Edition [DVD Seminar & Handouts] for $79.
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