TOP QUESTIONS
Where do I log into my video subscription?
On any page you will find “Student Login” at the TOP of the page with a student icon and bold, red text.
At what level should my child begin?
A: Unless a child has a learning disability (struggles to understand content being taught), it is recommended that students begin at grade level. These four methods are used when teaching composition that allows for such:
Know the Process (Step by Step)
Organize
Small Chunks
Model
For all compositions we complete each year, each is broken down into small portions following a step-by-step process. Additionally, each and every step of the process and each and every part of the composition is modeled. This allows students to receive a small amount of instruction and an example (Mr. Stephen’s model) and apply what they learn immediately. This process is repeated over time in order to build autonomy.
Mr. Stephens also teaches and models the value of organizing thoughts before writing. Organizing each part of the composition before drafting allows students to focus primarily on content (what they want to say). If a composition is planned in detail before the writing begins, students are allowed to focus on the structure of the composition when drafting rather than the content of the composition. In my opinion, This is one of the most important steps when writing and one that is often missed.
Because of this approach, most students can “jump in” at grade level and succeed. If you are still unsure, you are welcome to contact Customer Service for a specific recommendation.
How does Essentials In Writing compare to other home-school writing curricula?
A: There is a host of excellent writing curricula on the market. We are always open to recommend other writing programs that fit well with families; nonetheless, we believe there are a few things that set us apart from other writing curricula in the homeschool market.
1. Student Centered
Mr. Stephens teaches directly to the student in each lesson, students can learn and complete the assignments while parents facilitate and monitor. With a student-centered program, students have control of their learning and are often more energized and empowered to learn.
2. Not Parent Intensive (Low Prep Time)
Mr. Stephens teaches directly to the student in each lesson, parents do not have to be trained to use this program. Additionally, parents do not have to prepare writing lessons ahead of time.
3. “Doable”
Essentials in Writing focuses primarily on teaching and modeling portions of a composition over several days resulting in shorter lesson times over several days versus longer lecture periods and assignments.
4. A Complete Language Arts Program
Essentials in Writing is considered a complete writing program as it includes both grammar and composition instruction. Parents can use EIW alongside reading/literature, spelling, and/or vocabulary study to create a complete language arts program.
5. Affordable
Essentials in Writing is a video-based writing program that is affordable.
6. Grading is a Breeze
Parents and students are provided with a checklist for each composition (plus grading rubrics beginning in level 7) and sample compositions for comparison.
7. Certified Instruction
Matthew Stephens earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Missouri State University and holds a teaching certificate from Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with emphasis in Middle and High School English. He also holds a Master of Education Administration from William Woods University and a Master of Music (Choral Conducting) from Texas State University. Mr. Stephens is an energetic and skilled teacher.
Do you accept purchase orders from charter schools and other educational institutions?
A: Yes. Have your charter school contact us to be added to the approved vendor list if we are not already approved. You may then email purchase orders to operations@essentialsinwriting.com.
How many lessons are in each level? How long does the video portion last in the individual lessons?
A: Level 1 (Second Edition): Estimated 115-125 Class periods, 43 Video Lessons, 163 workbook pages
Level 2 (Second Edition): Estimate 115-125 Class periods, 65 Video Lessons, 209 workbook pages
Level 3: Estimated 100-110 Class periods, 52 Video Lessons, 116 workbook pages
Level 4 (Second Edition): Estimated 135-145 Class periods, 80 Video Lessons, 222 workbook pages
Level 5 (Second Edition): Estimated 135-145 Class periods, 83 Video Lessons, 241 workbook pages
Level 6 (Second Edition): Estimated 135-145 Class periods, 78 Video Lessons, 213 workbook pages
Level 7: Estimated 120-130 Class periods, 53 Video Lessons, 143 workbook pages
If grammar review is completed, add 15 additional lessons.
Level 8: Estimated 125-135 Class periods, 64 Video Lessons, 150 workbook pages
If grammar review is completed, add 15 additional lessons.
Level 9: Estimated 150 Class periods, 66 Video Lessons, 172 workbook pages
Level 10: Estimated 150 Class periods, 75 Video Lessons, 179 workbook pages
Level 11: Estimated 150 Class periods, 65 Video Lessons, 164 workbook pages
Level 12: Estimated 150 Class periods, 63 Video Lessons, 182 workbook pages
Each lesson is anywhere from 3-7 minutes of viewing time depending on the lesson and the grade. Watching the lesson and completing the work that goes with the lesson could take anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes. For grammar lessons/worksheets, it will be on the lower end. For composition, it could be on the upper end.
Also, below is an estimation of time needed to complete an entire lesson (ie. watch the lesson and complete the assignment sheet):
Level 1-2 (average of 15 to 20 minutes)
Level 3-5 (average of 20 to 30 minutes)
Level 6-8 (average of 20 to 40 minutes)
Level 9-12 (average of 20 to 40 minutes)
Again, this is an “average” as some lessons might be a bit shorter and some might be a bit longer. Plus, it also varies from student to student. The lessons toward the beginning of the year will be on the lower end and the ones toward the end of the year (composition) will be on the higher end.
What if I have more than one child using the curriculum?
You may purchase an additional student textbook/workbook for each additional child.
How does the online streaming video lessons work compared to DVDs?
With the online streaming format, students do not need a DVD to watch the video lessons that coincide with the textbook/workbook lessons. Instead, they will watch the video lessons online through a membership portal with access for 12 months. Memberships can be renewed for free with proof of original purchase.
When customers purchase the online version, a textbook/workbook will be shipped in the mail (if you select print curriculum). The textbook will NOT include the DVDs. Instead, customers will receive an email immediately after their purchase with a unique login and password to access their instructional videos.
CURRICULUM QUESTIONS
Is there an online streaming subscription for the videos since we don't have a DVD player?
YES! Each level will be offered in the following format: 12-month online video access and textbook (which will be shipped if print curriculum is selected). Online video access can be renewed for free, if needed, with proof of original purchase.
How do I count Essentials in Writing and Essentials in Literature for credits?
Essentials in Writing and Essentials in Literature together would be considered a high school English class. Most English classes in public/private education consist not only of composition, but also literary analysis; however, many states have different requirements for homeschooling. If the requirement is English I, II, III, and IV for each grade of HS, then your student would need to complete Essentials in Writing and Essentials in Literature for that level to earn 1 English credit.
If the state requires a composition course AND a literary analysis course separately, then each would count as 1 credit.
Are tests included?
Second editions include “Stop! Complete Assessment X” at the bottom of pages that end assessed sections. The assessments are part of the purchased add-on called Assessment Resource Booklet. This booklet contains all assessments and additional resources such as word lists and graphic organizers.
Does Essentials in Literature cover American, British, or World Literature?
A: The Essentials in Literature textbooks are not anthologies. Each level includes a mixture of American, British, and World Literature. Categories of each work are indicated in the Teacher Handbooks (7-9) or Resource Books (10-11) of each level. They are also included in the “Literary Works” pdf for each level on our website. Students who work through Essentials in Literature levels 9, 10, 11, and 12 (yet to be released) will be exposed to the equivalent of American, British, and World Literature courses.
You have recommended starting my child at grade, but your curriculum is titled by level, what do I do?
A: Essentials in Writing is titled as levels, so that any child may be placed where needed and still feel successful. Curriculum levels are typical grade levels; therefore, if your child is learning (not writing) at a 5th grade level place them in Level 5.
How do I grade my child's writing?
A: Grading worksheets and lower grade writing assignments is fairly easy. A key is provided.
Grading ‘papers’ (as teachers would say) can be a bit subjective. A checklist is included to use with extensive writing assignments for grades 1-6.
Grades 7-8 include a checklist and/or rubric to use for grading.
High School Courses include a checklist and/or rubric to use for grading. “Samples” are also provided in the answer key for you to use as a comparison.
Do you grade assignments?
A: A scoring service is available to purchase for students completing Levels 6-12. Click here to read more about our Scoring Service.
Do I have to prepare lessons with your course?
A: No. With Essentials in Writing, all of the lessons are prepared for you. Mr. Stephens teaches each lesson, and then your student will complete any assignment given during instruction or complete worksheets that correspond with the lessons.
The only thing you should do is pace your student so that he/she completes the writing curriculum for his/her grade before the end of your school year.
Is it okay to skip some grammar lessons?
A: Because Essentials in Writing is a grammar and composition curriculum we recommend that students completing levels 1-6 complete all activities, including the grammar activities. We focus on teaching students how to use the parts of speech that are tools for effective communication rather than how to diagram sentences. With this approach students learn which parts of speech are tools that aid in effective communication in an isolated activity apart from composition. Then, in section two, students learn how to apply these tools during the drafting and revising steps of the writing process in the context of composition.
We school all year round so if we just stayed on a schedule of that and perhaps skipped the lessons that we know for sure we know we might get through 2 levels in a little over a year. Do you think that is possible?
A: Yes, it is possible. Since the video lessons are available in both online streaming and DVD formats, you can control what your child learns and skip things he/she already knows. The DVDs (if selected) are yours to keep. The online streaming video lessons are available for 12 months. However, renewals are free with proof of original purchase.
I need a curriculum that will help me teach my children properly in a subject I am not good with. I am very nervous about grading their writing assignments. How in the world will I know if the writing assignments are correct if I myself am unsure of all the rules?
A: You don’t have to be “good” at writing to grade it. Most of the grading on writing assignments actually happens during the writing process because students are required to complete specific tasks based on each lesson. At the end of writing assignments, a “checklist” will be used to score or confirm that each task presented in the writing assignment has been completed properly. You will simply use the checklist provided with the writing assignment to make sure the student has followed the writing process and has completed each step properly. Each assignment will also require specific revisions during the revision process, which will need to be checked off as well. This varies by assignment and by grade level.
Later, beginning in 7th grade, an additional form of evaluation called a rubric is added. This provides you with greater control in assigning a score.
You will find a video under the support tab that helps explain the rubric in more detail. Also, we now offer scoring services for levels 6-12. You can learn more by visiting this link: Scoring Services
If the student seems to need more practice, will there be additional worksheets available? If not, then what would I do for them to have that additional practice?
A: In regard to writing assignments, (not grammar/mechanics worksheets) it is pretty cut and dry. You can repeat any lesson if you feel that it’s needful, and have your child complete the assignment again with a different topic than the one before.
Multiple mechanic and grammar worksheets are provided for additional practice in the student workbook for practice.
In the worksheets, are grammar concepts continually reviewed throughout the year? Or do you teach a concept, have worksheets, and then move on to the next topic?
A: The answer to your question is: Both.
Mr. Stephens teaches grammar in isolation and students complete the activities before moving on to other activities. Later in the year when he teaches students composition such as paragraphs, etc., Mr. Stephens constantly refers to grammar (and other important content covered earlier in the year) during the drafting and revision process.
Grammar activities in levels that have been updated to second edition are divided into “identify” and “apply” activities. The goal is to isolate the parts of speech and allow students to not only identify them in sentences but learn how to use the parts of speech as tools for effective communication. The “application” of such is revisited again during the drafting and revising stages of all compositions.
Does your course contain enough grammar on its own, or would I need to supplement it?
A: Yes, there is sufficient grammar covered within our courses, and there’s no need for any additional grammar curriculum. However, if you want your child to know how to diagram sentences, you should consider adding a course that teaches diagramming skills. The grammar portion of Essentials in Writing includes the basic parts of speech but focuses on teaching students how to use certain parts of speech as tools to communicate more effectively with the reader rather than how to diagram sentences. If you would like more information regarding this topic, please feel free to contact our Customer Service Department.
If a first grader is not writing sentences on his own, would he be able to do the first grade curriculum?
A: Even though your first-grade student is not writing sentences, he can begin with the first-grade curriculum. Mr. Stephens actually begins with review letters and their sounds (in a basic way – not a complete phonetic teaching), and the progression that letters are used to make words and words are used to make sentences.
Mr. Stephens starts from “square one” in sentence construction. The only “additional” help the student may need is in spelling. We recommend All About Spelling for spelling.
Common Core is such a huge topic of discussion in the homeschool community. Does Essentials in Writing align with Common Core?
A: Essentials in Writing was not written with Common Core in mind; therefore, many elements may not align with the philosophy behind Common Core.
Why is sentence diagramming not included in EIW?
A: Research shows that diagramming sentences is not an effective strategy for improving writing skills. Instead, EIW focuses on developing excellence in writing from the ground up – starting with formal sentence and paragraph construction before moving on to writing multi-paragraph essays.
Why is there so much review from level to level?
A: Students retain information better when they use it over a period of years. As the students progress from level to level, they will apply concepts and skills with increasing complexity and add to their repertoire of composition types.
Why are there no grammar lessons in the high school levels?
A: Beginning at the high school level, students review grammar concepts as they pertain to sentence construction. Students will continue to learn grammar, but the concepts are embedded into the composition lessons.
ONLINE/DIGITAL CURRICULUM QUESTIONS
How will I receive my login information
A: An email that contains your login information will be sent (within an hour of placing your order) to the email address that you provided at the time of purchase. *If you paid for your order via PayPal, the email associated to the PayPal account will automatically be used. If you need to update this email address, please contact Customer Service.
Where do I find my online curriculum?
A: An email will be sent to the email address that you provided on your order at the time of purchase. *If you paid for your order via PayPal, the email associated to the PayPal account will automatically be used. If you need to update this email address, please contact Customer Service.
That email will contain your login information. The username and password will be the same for all members of the household, one login per family (unless multiple orders are placed using multiple email addresses).
Simply go to our website: https://essentialsinwriting.com/ and click on “Student Login” at the top of the page to login. This is the same place where online video lessons are located, if purchased. Once logged in, you will see images associated to the digital product that you ordered. Simply click on that image to access the online curriculum.
In what format is online curriculum available?
A: Online curriculum is provided in PDF format and is available to view and print. There is a “print” button located at the top of the online curriculum. Online curriculum is not available to download.
How long do I have access to the online curriculum?
A: You will have access to the digital curriculum for 12 months. However, we do offer free renewals with proof of original purchase.
How do I qualify for online access to the curriculum?
A: Beginning March 1, 2022, all purchases that include a combo item (digital and/or print curriculum) will have access to digital curriculum.
For existing customers who purchased prior to March 1, please contact Customer Service if you would like to purchase digital access separately.
SHIPPING AND CUSTOMER SERVICE QUESTIONS
Do you offer free support?
A: Yes! Our Customer Service Department is available to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to contact us.
To save money, may I just purchase the workbook and have my student complete the level?
A: The video portion of the curriculum is necessary for the student to understand what is expected and to learn methods properly: therefore, it is not recommended.
My child accidentally broke or scratched a DVD. May I purchase a replacement?
A: Yes. Call 417-256-4191 to place your order.
I cannot get my DVD to play. What should I do?
Disc Troubleshooting Guide
The steps described below resolve 99% of issues related to play problems. We have very low faulty disc issues (0.003).
1. Smudged or Scratched Disc (most common)
Remove the disc from the player and using a damp, soft cloth, clean the back of the disc. Make sure there are no smudges. In addition, look for any scratches. If there are scratches you will need to buff them out. Once the disc is clean try to play the disc again to see if that has corrected the problem.
Scratched disc: Contact Customer Service at 417-256-4191 to purchase a replacement disc.
2. DVD Player (common)
· If you are using laptop, try a DVD player. If the issue resolves, you may need to clean your laptop DVD player and/or update the media player software.
· External disc drive: Try plugging it into a different USB port and test the DVD again.
· If the disc still does not play correctly we recommend installing VideoLan media player software on your laptop. Ninety five percent of media player errors are corrected by using VideoLan. It is a free download and will work on Mac and Windows. The website is VideoLan.org.
3. Menu opens but I can’t get the DVD to play
Computer: Be sure the mouse is hovering to the left of the lesson title. Try clicking in that area. Some menus operate by clicking a “button” next to the lesson title while others require clicking the lesson title.
DVD player: If you are using a remote try using “arrows” and “>>” buttons. Press play after each time.
4. Blank Disc Error (rare)
Many times this can be corrected by installing Videolan media player (as noted above). If the disc still reads blank and doesn’t play, there may be an error with the disc. Contact Customer Service at 417-256-4191 or by chat on our website to obtain instructions for replacing a faulty disc.
Clean the DVD drive with forced air and clean the disc with a soft cloth.
When all else fails, restart your computer and try again. If the disc drive is not functioning correctly, it would cause the discs to not be read properly.
If you have tried each step and would like further assistance with troubleshooting, please call Customer Service at 417-256-4191. They will walk you through each step again. Disc troubleshooting cannot be conducted via chat or email.
I do not like ordering on the internet. Can I call in my order?
A: Most definitely. Call 417-256-4191 to place your order.
What payment method do you accept?
A: Credit and Debit Card, PayPal, Electronic Check (via PayPal), and Purchase Orders from Charter Schools
Do you ship internationally?
A: Yes. We ship worldwide.
Are there other options for international purchases to save on shipping costs?
A: Yes. We currently have distributors in Canada. Please refer to our international retailers page for specific information on these fine organizations.
We would like to invite Matthew Stephens to speak at our convention. How do we schedule this?
A: Matthew is available to speak at conventions or private events. Please contact us at 417-256-4191 to discuss this opportunity further.
Is there a forever streaming option?
A: Video streaming subscriptions last for 12 months but can be renewed later at no additional charge with proof of original purchase. Whether your student needs more time to complete the level or you have another child who is ready to work on a level previously used by an older sibling, contact our Customer Service Department for assistance with reactivating your streaming subscription.
