Essentials in Writing was created by former public school teacher Matthew Stephens, who teaches each lesson directly on video, walking students through grammar and writing concepts step by step. The format is simple: students watch a video lesson, then complete the corresponding workbook pages, with parents reviewing and discussing the finished work rather than teaching the lesson themselves.
Elementary levels blend grammar instruction with an introduction to composition; from 7th grade on, the focus shifts primarily to writing, with grammar review folded in as needed. Because each level is self-paced and video-led, it works well for families with several children at different levels, and an optional scoring service is available for grades 6-12 for parents who’d rather not grade writing themselves.
Best for families wanting an affordable, video-based writing and grammar program that lets students work largely independently, with minimal daily parent teaching required.
Priced well below many other homeschool writing curricula.
Every lesson is taught on screen, step by step.
Works well for multiple kids at different levels at once.
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