Review: Prufrock Press

When I am exploring something new, I tend to be a researcher. I check out a stack of books, scour the interest, and talk to those with knowledge in the area.  It was no different when I started homeschooling and I discovered there is no shortage to materials on homeschooling, whether about the reasons, the methods, or a source of encouragement.  What I did find, however, is that there is a shortage of information on homeschooling gifted children.  Aside from a few titles scattered here and there, gifted education materials are often geared toward traditional teachers.  During my hunt for information, I discovered Prufrock Press, a leading publisher for gifted education resources. In addition to materials that can be applicable to any homeschool or classroom, Prufrock Press now has some homeschooling-specific resources as well.

I received a sampling of titles that may be of interest to homeschoolers for review, which included Homeschooling Gifted and Advanced Learners by Cindy West, Free Resources for Elementary Teachers by Colleen Kessler, Math Dictionary for Kids By Theresa Fitzgerald, and an issue of Creative Kids Magazine.

When my stack of books arrived, the first title I picked up was Homeschooling Gifted and Advanced Learners ($24.95). This is a brand new, and much needed, release for homeschoolers of gifted children.  Written by a 14-year veteran of homeschooling, this title covers many of the same topics that any other homeschooling title would, such as the benefits of homeschooling, choosing curriculum, record keeping, and college.  However, these topics are covered specifically with the gifted student in mind, which often changes the needed information and suggestions.  In addition, topics specific to gifted kids, such as early college considerations, are covered.  “Real-life examples” are included throughout for a more personal feel.  When I reached the author’s bio at the end of the book, I realized that I had “seen her around” online homeschooling circles and read her blog, http://ourjourneywestward.com  in the past, which added to the personal feel of sitting down with a fellow homeschoolers for some needed advice.

Don’t let the title Free Resources for Elementary Teachers ($12.95) fool you.  Homeschoolers will love this book!  Furthermore, I discovered that the author, Colleen Kessler, is a former school teacher turned homeschooler! Utilizing Internet resources, chapters are broken down by subject.  The name, URL, and a brief description is given for each resource listed. Chapter 10 even includes a list of homeschool bloggers who share great ideas and downloadable resources for the home or classroom. This looks to be a very handy reference tool for teachers and parents and is currently 20% off with the code FRES20.

Math Dictionary for Kids ($12.95) by Theresa Fitzgerald, is a guide that helps students quickly find definitions, illustrations and examples to help them solve math problems.  Intended for kids grades 4-9, this title includes terms and strategies in algebra, geometry, statistics, fractions and measurement.  This is a great tool to have on the shelf for reference during math work.

Do you have a creative writer in your home? Creative Kids Magazine, $19.95 for a 1-year subscription, is for kids, by kids.  Kids age 8-16 have the opportunity to have their artwork, stories, poems, and games published in this magazine written entirely by kids.  My daughter has been a subscriber of this magazine for a couple of years and has really enjoyed reading the work of other creative kids.

Head over to Prufrock press and check out their selection of resources for gifted education. In addition to educational resources, Prufrock has a whole selection of Parenting Resources to assist parents in meeting the needs of their gifted children.

Review: Write with WORLD

I imagine many of you may be familiar with the Christian news magazines for Pre-K through adults from God's WORLD Publications.  These magazines present relevant, current events from a Christian worldview.

Now, imagine this same approach with a writing curriculum.  The result is the soon-to-be released Write with WORLD.





Write with WORLD is a two-year middle school writing curriculum from the publishers of God's WORLD News and WORLD Magazine. I received the pilot Year One materials, consisting of the Parent/Teacher book and the Student book, which is scheduled to be available in its final form this summer.  The final version will also include online content and a website for updated examples, writing prompts, teacher forum, and published student work.

Rather than a single author, Write with WORLD was developed by education and media professionals who recognized the need for a solid, middle school writing curriculum focused on producing strong writers who were also discerning, critical thinkers. Read more about the authors and their professional backgrounds here.

Write with WORLD does not focus on mechanics and remediation of writing.  Instead, it is a combination of learning writing skills, honing critical thinking, and analyzing worldview wrapped up into one curriculum. Grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary are interwoven into the lessons.

The first year's curriculum is divided into four units, each containing four lessons.  The topics for each lesson are listed below.

Unit 1- Reading Images and Advertisements, Comparative Reading: Sentences, Comparative and Critical Reading: Paragraphs, Developing Critical Readers: Essays

Unit 2 - The Paragraph, Composing and Linking Sentences, Creating Focus and Arrangement, Linking Paragraphs: Transitions and Logic

Unit 3 - (Writing Autobiography) Reporting Facts, Creating Character, Developing Ideas, Composition

Unit 4 - (Crafting Narratives) Developing a Point of View, Showing Versus Telling, Narrative with a Purpose, Writing a Fictional Narrative

Each lesson is broken down into five "capsules".  In order to complete the lessons, the students will need a good dictionary, a thesaurus, a "Writer's Journal", and various household items (e.g. note cards, glue stick, photos, colored pencils).  The Writer's Journal can be a simple notebook used to record thoughts and written work from the lessons.

A sample lesson is available for viewing on the website.

I found Write with WORLD well structured and visually appealing.  With the Capsule breakdown, there is no question of where to begin and end an assignment or lesson. Consistency among the lessons with reoccurring features, such as The Professor's Office, The Right Word, World Wisdom, and Style Time give structure to the varying topics.  I appreciate the use of writing examples, thoughtful discussion, and the focus on critical thinking throughout the text. The tone is conversational and directed at the student, but not at all dumbed down or juvenile.

The Teacher/Parent book is a copy of the Student book, with notes and guidance in the margins. Low-stakes grading is encouraged in order to keep the focus on the process of writing.  While the lessons in the book are directed toward the student, a key part of the program is regular conversation with a guiding parent. Although the instructional tips in the Teacher/Parent book were very relevant and helpful, sufficient knowledge in the area of writing is needed in order to best utilize the suggestions.  Many of the exercises focus on the process and thinking skills. However, a parent who struggles with writing may have some trouble recognizing weak areas in the mechanics of a struggling student's writing since that is not a focus of the program.

While it is not live yet, I really like the idea of a website (launching in September) for students and teachers.  A website provides the opportunity for students to publish their work and will also offer support for teachers. I think such a site will add much to the program by keeping it current and giving students an outlet and purpose for their writing.

I have two very different students with very different needs when it comes to writing instruction. One uses writing as a method to connect, explore, and share thoughts. The process of writing is natural and enjoyable.  The other views writing as a necessary evil and painful alternative to doing and speaking. Write with WORLD is definitely more suited to my natural writer, now in high school, because it encourages students to go far beyond the mechanics of writing. The program hones critical thinking skills as much as it does writing skills; therefore, students that are fairly comfortable with the writing process will get the most out of the program. I think my natural writer would have enjoyed this program in middle school.

My reluctant middle-school writer is not yet to the point where he can focus on the process of writing and critical thinking skills at the same time.  He is still working on structure and how the pieces go together. I liken it to learning how to build versus learning how to design.  He does not yet have the mechanics needed to use the style techniques and keep up with the pace of Write with WORLD.  I do, however, think this may be a suitable program for him in a couple of years, perhaps as an early high school writing curriculum.


Write with WORLD will be available for shipment this summer, but can be ordered now at the Learn with World website for $95 per year when ordering the Year One and Year Two curriculum individually, or for $165 when purchasing both years together.  In addition to the Teacher/Parent and Student books, online access is included with your purchase.

Disclaimer: This review was provided as a result of my participation in The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew. I was provided the product free of charge in exchange for my honest review. I have received no other compensation. I strive to give a balanced overview of each product, detailing my opinion of both pros and cons and how the product worked for my family. What works for one family may not work for another. I encourage you to read reviews of other Crew members and research sufficiently to determine if any product will be a benefit to your homeschool. You may read more reviews on this product by visiting here.