Writing Strands

ElaAll Grades

Writing Strands: Christian-Focused Composition and Literature Program

Writing Strands is a six-level ELA curriculum that combines writing instruction across four strands (creative, argumentative, report/research, and expository) with literature study. The revised series by Master Books incorporates strong Christian content and includes both composition and reading components for grades 5-10.

Best for

Homeschooling families seeking a Christian-based writing curriculum for grades 5-10 who can provide parent-led instruction and supplement with additional grammar and vocabulary resources

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 4 concerns · 3 neutral

Writing InstructionStrength

Writing instruction is the curriculum's primary strength, offering systematic instruction across four writing strands with engaging, structured assignments.

Teaches 'four primary strands of writing: creative, argumentative, report and research, and expository' with 'writing lessons broken up into daily assignments' and includes self-evaluation tools

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsStrength

The curriculum incorporates whole book reading assignments alongside Bible passages. Students read complete books within one to two weeks rather than excerpts.

Review states students are assigned 'another book for reading' and recommends 'choosing quite a few books from different genres that can be read within a week or two'

Teacher TrainingConcern

Minimal teacher support is provided through a single Teaching Companion that serves as a reference tool rather than comprehensive training.

The 'Writing Strands: Teaching Companion covers all six courses' but 'serves as a toolbox rather than a teaching guide' with sections on goals, fiction elements, and common problems

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum provides structured lessons but relies heavily on parent-led instruction without detailed teacher guidance. Limited explicit instruction support.

Review notes 'There are no teacher manuals for the individual courses' and the Teaching Companion 'serves as a toolbox rather than a teaching guide'

Retrieval PracticeConcern

Limited evidence of systematic retrieval practice or spaced review, though students complete self-evaluation reports after assignments.

Students complete 'Student Progress Report page when they complete each writing assignment—a self-evaluation tool' but no mention of systematic review or retrieval practice

Vocabulary BuildingConcern

Vocabulary instruction is included but appears minimal and not systematically structured. Teaching is based on word roots but lacks detailed implementation.

Review mentions 'vocabulary is to be taught based upon word roots as is explained on pages 48 to 50' but notes 'There are no instructions for vocabulary in student books'

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum builds some literary knowledge through systematic study of literary elements but lacks broader domain knowledge across subjects. Focus is primarily on composition skills and biblical content.

Each course focuses on specific literary elements (character, setting, plot, tone, figurative language) and incorporates Bible reading, but no mention of building knowledge across history, science, or other domains

Text ComplexityNeutral

Text complexity appears appropriate with grade-level spans allowing for differentiation, though specific complexity guidelines are not detailed.

Each course covers a span of grade levels (e.g., 'grades 5-8', 'grades 6-9') and publisher provides 'placement guidelines' for determining starting placement

Systematic PhonicsNeutral

No phonics instruction is included as the curriculum targets grades 5-10, beyond the typical phonics instruction age range.

The curriculum is designed for grades 5-8 through 9-10, well past the early elementary years when systematic phonics instruction is most critical

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com