Copy the Classics

Name: Copy the Classics
Brand: Heart of Dakota Publishing

by Heart of Dakota Publishing

ElaGrades 1–3

Copy the Classics: Copywork-Based Handwriting with Classical Literature

Copy the Classics is a handwriting curriculum for grades 1-3 that uses classical poems and rhymes as copywork material. Students practice manuscript writing while engaging with works from poets like Robert Louis Stevenson and William Wordsworth, accompanied by themed artwork.

Best for

Homeschool families seeking a beautiful, systematic handwriting curriculum with classical literature exposure for grades 1-3, particularly those using Charlotte Mason or classical education approaches

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 2 concerns · 3 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Text ComplexityStrength

The curriculum uses appropriately complex classical texts that may challenge elementary students.

Features poems with sophisticated language like 'On stormy nights when wild north-westers rave' that 'might need explaining for children to grasp the meaning'

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsStrength

The curriculum uses complete poems and rhymes rather than excerpts, providing students with whole literary works.

Each unit is 'based on a poem or rhyme from the public domain' with students eventually 'copying the complete poems'

Teacher TrainingConcern

The curriculum provides minimal guidance for parents or teachers beyond the structured progression of exercises.

Review notes 'there are no instructions for parents' regarding how to use the materials for extended language arts instruction

Writing InstructionConcern

The curriculum focuses solely on handwriting mechanics through copywork rather than composition or structured writing instruction.

Described as providing 'copywork practice' with 'care taken to gradually develop handwriting skills' but no mention of writing instruction beyond copying

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum builds cultural knowledge through exposure to classical poetry and accompanying artwork but lacks systematic domain knowledge building.

Features works by classic poets and 'an image of a painting that mirrors the theme of the poem' but no evidence of systematic knowledge sequences across subjects

Direct InstructionNeutral

The curriculum provides structured, systematic progression in handwriting but minimal instructional guidance for teachers.

Features systematic progression from 'half-inch lines' to narrower spacing and removes scaffolds gradually, but 'no instructions for parents' on teaching methods

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

The curriculum exposes students to rich vocabulary through classical poetry but provides no explicit vocabulary instruction.

Poems include sophisticated words like 'primrose, winnowing, and perilous' but 'there are no instructions for parents' regarding vocabulary development

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of retrieval practice or spaced review in the curriculum design.

The review describes only progressive copywork exercises with no mention of review, recall, or spaced practice activities

Systematic PhonicsInsufficient Evidence

No phonics instruction is included as this is primarily a handwriting curriculum.

The review focuses entirely on copywork and handwriting development with no mention of phonics or decoding instruction

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com