Writers in Residence {TOS review}

We had the opportunity to review Writers in Residence Volume 1 – Full Set (Apprentice), which includes the student text and an answer key. The books are written by Debra Bell and published by Apologia Educational Ministries.

You know. When you think you have seen it all, there is a possibility you haven’t. I will go ahead and confess to already being a fan of everything Apologia publishes. It is such a blessing to be able to review so many items from them and find wonderful additions for our classroom. Writers in Residence by Debra Bell is no exception.

I love to write, but it is not one of my favorite subjects to teach in school. Teaching it is all right when you have a student who loves to write, which I do. When you have a student who does not enjoy writing, which I do, it becomes my worst nightmare. Because the skill of writing is important, I knew I was not going to be able to allow my seventh grade son to coast through on the basic writing skills he now has; but the question was what curriculum to use?

“Many writing programs ask students to produce four traditional forms of writing: personal, expository, persuasive and narrative. But authentic tasks (the kinds we engage in as adults) rarely fall exclusively into any of these categories.” ~ Debra Bell

Writers in Residence, Volume 1 – Apprentice is geared towards children in upper elementary to middle school (also struggling writers in high school) and shows the student how to write in a manner that reflects the way they will more than likely be required to write on a daily basis. Students learn the different styles, but they also learn how to interweave or connect them. Bell also includes some grammar.

The size of the book is intimidating (but don’t be intimidated). I spent time reading through the introduction to learn how to use the book. After that, I sat with River to explain to him how he was to use the book. Being on the older end of the target audience, it did not take long for him to understand. Also, Bell has done a wonderful job with instruction (very thorough) where a student can easily work through the volume independently. The lessons are set up on a four-day week schedule. There are six units that have modules that concentrate on an instruction for one or more weeks of study. I gave River the book and he worked through the modules and checked them off on the schedule that is included in the book. Everything the student needs to complete the curriculum is contained in the big book. There is an answer key for parents to use to check the students work.

Some really nice features that I think may appeal to reluctant writers are the spotlights on professional writers like Bill Myers, Irene Howat, Jason Lethcoe and others. You get a sense of the passion of people who enjoy writing and it could spark an interest in your child. River may not enjoy writing, but he sure loves to read and has started a list of books to read by some of those authors. Another thing are the question and response sections. They provide a break from the daily task of only writing large content. Short answers are good too.

I realize River will never be a reporter, novelist or free-lance writer, but he will still need to know how to write. Writers in Residence prepares him for real-life writing, so he will be able to produce an intelligent and well written piece of material without trouble. Although he still does not like to write, the experience using Writers in Residence has helped improve his writing skills and made him not totally dread the task.

My only complaint about the curriculum is the size and weight of the book. I realize every single page in Volume 1 is necessary, but the volume should be bound into two books. The hands of my older son are able to handle the all-encompassing size of the volume, but younger children may find it awkward and difficult to carry. Although is isn’t as user-friendly as I would like, it would be difficult to lose the book. Hopefully, the size of the book will be addressed in the future volumes that are planned. Until then, we will work with what we have, because the curriculum is working well for River.

You may purchase the Writers in Residence Volume 1 – Full Set (Apprentice for $89. Both books are also available for purchase individually.

You can read more reviews of this item by fellow crew members.

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