LitWits Video Workshops for Children’s Literature

Name: LitWits Video Workshops for Children’s Literature
Brand: LitWits Workshops, LLChttps://litwits.com/

by LitWits Workshops, LLChttps://litwits.com/

ElaGrades 3–6

LitWits Video Workshops: Activity-Based Literature Exploration Program

LitWits Video Workshops for Children's Literature is an activity-based program that guides students through classic novels using hands-on projects, creative activities, and video instruction. The curriculum covers nine classic books with video workshops that combine literary analysis with experiential learning activities like cooking, crafting, and creative writing projects.

Best for

Homeschool families and teachers seeking an engaging, activity-based approach to classic literature study for intermediate elementary students who enjoy hands-on learning

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 1 concern · 4 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Text ComplexityStrength

The curriculum uses classic literature appropriate for the target grade levels, including challenging texts like Treasure Island and A Wrinkle in Time.

Book selection includes classics like A Little Princess, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Treasure Island, and A Wrinkle in Time for grades 3-6

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsStrength

The curriculum centers on reading complete classic novels, requiring students to read the entire selected book before beginning the video workshops.

Students need to read the selected book before beginning the videos and projects, with workshops available for complete works like A Little Princess, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Treasure Island

Retrieval PracticeConcern

No evidence of systematic retrieval practice or spaced review of content and skills.

No mention of quizzes, review exercises, or systematic practice of previously learned concepts

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum provides some background knowledge about authors and literary concepts but appears more focused on creative activities than systematic domain knowledge building.

The video begins with background on the author and introduces concepts like narrative arc, but emphasis is primarily on hands-on activities and projects

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides guidance through video instruction and prep packets but lacks comprehensive teacher training materials.

Includes downloadable Prep Packets with printables and supply lists, plus video guidance from instructors, but no mention of extensive teacher development resources

Direct InstructionNeutral

The curriculum provides guided instruction through video presentations but relies heavily on activity-based learning rather than explicit direct instruction.

Becky and Jenny present concepts like narrative arc and guide students through analysis, but the format is more exploratory with hands-on activities as the primary vehicle

Writing InstructionNeutral

The curriculum includes some creative writing components but lacks evidence of structured writing instruction across genres.

Activities include creative songwriting projects and other writing components, but no mention of systematic writing instruction or multiple genres

Systematic PhonicsInsufficient Evidence

Not applicable for this curriculum, which targets grades 3-6 where students are already reading independently.

Program is designed for grades 3-6 with students reading complete novels independently

Vocabulary BuildingInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence of systematic vocabulary instruction, though some vocabulary development may occur through literary analysis and discussion.

No specific mention of vocabulary instruction in the review, though students engage with classic literature which would expose them to rich vocabulary

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com