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Teaching Writing: Structure and Style

Author(s): 
Andrew Pudewa
Publisher: 
Institute for Excellence in Writing
Binding: 
Other
Subject(s): 
Composition
Grade / Age level: 
All ages
Resource Type: 
DVD
Review: 
My daughter, Emily, announced, “The kids’ class [student writing workshop] is much funner than the teacher class.” Scratch that. I am “sure” she said “much more fun.” She was referring to the student writing workshop for Teaching Writing: Structure and Style available on DVD. Implemented by Andrew Pudewa, director of The Institute for Excellence in Writing, Teaching Writing: Structure and Style is a two day seminar where he demonstrates to the teacher/parent how to teach writing skills to school-age children through a step-by-step process. He breaks down the writing process into two basic categories: the structure of writing and style techniques. The structure portion includes both outlines and models of fiction and non-fiction writing.The style techniques are employed to make writing more appealing to the reader and he offers quite a variety. In other words, he teaches the teacher how to teach his/her students how to write in an organized manner that is interesting to read. The step-by-step process is broken down into nine units: 1) Note Making and Outlines, 2) Summarizing from Notes and the Syllabus in Style, 3) Summarizing Narrative Stories, 4/6) Summarizing References & Library Reports, 5) Writing from Pictures, 7) Creative Writing, 8) Essay Writing, and 9) Critique Writing. These nine units are developed over 6 DVDs. In addition, there are three workshops for the students to participate in for a total of 9 DVDs: 6 are instructional workshops for the teacher/parent and the last three are Student Workshops: One each for Gr. 2-4, Gr. 5-7, and Gr. 8-10+. These are workshops. Periodically, he will ask the viewer to turn off the TV and do the assignment. Since these are workshops, he not only walks the teacher/student through the process, he also reads the completed assignments of the class or student as well. This offers the viewer an idea of what they are seeking to achieve as an end goal. This is an excellent way to show the teacher/parent how to present guidance to the student when learning how to write. To help the viewer understand the program, crucial information is found in a Seminar Notebook that is loose leaf papers clipped in a binder, so you can add additional information and notes. This includes detailed notes, charts, outlines, checklists, models of sample student writing, and a syllabus. During the class, he points out the page numbers for you to follow him. His target audience is for teachers of children from grades 2-10; however, even adults would benefit from the program in creating more clear and concise writing with interesting stylistic techniques. He opens the first DVD with background information about the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style program, he then provides an overview of the program before he launches into his first lesson. Each unit builds on the previous unit. With humor and interesting stories, he holds the viewer’s attention. Because of the great number of hours, the teacher/student should not try to cram too much information too quickly in order to finish the program. Going back to my opening line, “scratch that,” one of the points of the program is that the student should write in pen. Instead of erasing, the student is encouraged to write on every other line and cross out the errors and write the correction above the corrected word, phrase, or sentence. This is one of many tips that will make the writing process much easier for many students. While some parents may balk at the price, they need to consider the value of the program. It is a two day seminar and it includes workshops for the student as well. Even if the teacher/parent were not to follow the program exactly, there is a wealth of information that is shared that would be helpful to the teacher/parent and student. For example, some teachers/students may be attracted to the structure portion of the program and others to the style portion. They can pick and choose what works best for them. While it is a highly organized program, with check off lists, and a specific way of doing things, it is a program that is easily adapted. Because it is a workshop format, instead of a lecture series, by doing the exercises, the teacher will have a greater understanding of the student’s position when learning how to write, especially the potential frustration that usually builds up and the need to allow adequate time for a good essay to develop. Andrew Pudewa imparts a wealth of knowledge and teaching tips that can be applied to other areas of teaching. For example, once something is mastered by the child or “easy” for him/her to do, then he/she should move on to the next step. One of the beauties of the program is that the teacher/parent does not have to come up with new writing ideas, the teacher/parent can use the material the student is already studying in history, science, or religion or the teacher can use the suggested assignments in the program. Although Mr. Pudewa stands at the front of the classroom, he is not in any way a mere talking head. An engaging speaker, he knows the joys and the pitfalls of teaching and shares his practical knowledge with the viewers. He knows the secret of a good teacher: He interacts with the students. While my daughters periodically popped in and out of the room while I was watching the teacher DVDs, they purposefully on their own accord (Gosh, are they my children) decided to watch the student DVD, took notes, and did the exercises. They were quite proud of their finished products. No wonder they liked it more than watching the teacher portion. Because of the vast amount of information, I have only given a brief overview of the salient points of the program. If you visit his website, you can click on a youtube demonstration where he outlines the benefits of the program. On youtube, there is also a sample from one of the DVDs, but the constant pausing interrupts the flow of his presentation and makes it difficult to watch. Teaching writing to children, or to anyone for that matter, is one of the most difficult tasks for a parent to do. It really shouldn’t be. But we are overwhelmed with all the grammar rules and the memories of red ink dripping all over our student essays once upon a time. Andrew Pudewa gives teachers/parents a highly structured alternative to teaching children how to write. He does so in an interesting manner, showing students both how to organize their papers and do so with stylistic techniques that greatly improve interest. His goal is the goal of all good writing, to make it both interesting and meaningful. Before you give up on trying to teach your child how to write, consider Teaching Writing: Structure and Style by Andrew Pudewa.
Reviewed by: 
Elizabeth Yank
First reviewed: 
1-10-2009

Telling Time Dry Erase Board

Subject(s): 
Math
Resource Type: 
Manipulative
Review: 

Nasco, 11" x 14" sturdy wooden dry-erase board

This is a sturdy and elegant little dry-erase white board for young children learning to tell time. Parents can use this for demonstrating principles of telling time or it can be enjoyed by young children for independent learning.

The front sports a large clock face complete with numbers but no hour or minute hands (these can be drawn in with a dry-erase marker). There is also a blank spot for a digital clock reading so that children can write in those numbers while practicing telling time. The bottom bar marks 32 different times that the child can practice.

The back has 32 small clocks marked with different times. The child can write the correct time underneath each clock.

What a great and reasonably priced product. We have two so that a younger sibling can participate too.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
2-1-05

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

Book cover: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
Author(s): 
Sean Covey
Number of pages: 
267 pages
Copyright: 
1998
ISBN: 
9780613237642
Publisher: 
Simon & Schuster
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Motivational Reading
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Review: 

We sometimes think of teenagers as immature, selfish and lacking in objectivity. Sean Covey believes they can learn to be otherwise. Using humorous story lines and a heavy sprinkling of anecdotes Covey has set forth a series of steps leading teens toward a more mature and compassionate view of life. While this is a secular book, it is written from a Christian perspective and "the Golden Rule" underlies most of the content.

The 267 pages are divided into twelve chapters covering the seven habits that "effective" teens display. The author doesn't go into detail regarding what "effective" means, but the reader understands it to be embracing life and living it in a positive, productive and compassionate manner. The seven habits include: being proactive (making a choice to respond positively rather then react negatively), beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seek first to understand, then to be understood, synergize (teamwork), sharpen the saw (taking care of your mind, body, heart and soul. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction of the habit written in a style which grabs the reader. Many anecdotes and examples are then provided showing the effects of the habit in the real world. Finally the author provides a series of exercise to help the teen focus on developing that habit. The exercises are clever and would be effective if the teen carried them out.

This is an excellent book and one which I'll happily pass on to my children with a few pages removed. The author does an outstanding job of explaining how self actions effect mood, performance and one's environment. He encourages teens to be competitive with themselves and avoid comparison. He challenges them to develop internal control that will allow them to act rather then react to life. While Covey doesn't suggest that the internal control should be God centered, he presents the material in such a way that a religious teen would naturally understand that God would be at the center of self discipline.

Parents should be aware of a few comments in the book that deal with sensitive issues. One brief anecdote concerns a girl who was sexually abused as a child, and a few times slang is used for obscene gestures. Page 78 covers the topic "What about Sex" and the section "Caring For Your Heart" beginning on page 228 discusses "Sex and Relationships" and includes a 50 item listing titled "You're not ready to have sex if...." The list would be good for a secular teen but would not be suitable for Catholic children. These pages are easily removed from the book. The section "Caring For Your Soul" is general in nature and not in opposition to any Catholic teaching or practice.

In order for the book to be fully appreciated, teens reading it should have experience in social situations outside the home. Many of the anecdotes take place at school but would be understood by teens who have been in any type of group situation. This book is best suited for children 14 years and older. Older Catholic teens would benefit from reading How To Live Nobly and Well (reviewed above) by Edward Garesche, S.J. which touches on similar subjects from a Catholic perspective.

Reviewed by: 
Andrea Chen
First reviewed: 
June 27, 2001

The Adoremus Hymnal

Book cover: 'The Adoremus Hymnal'
Author(s): 
Hellen Hull Hitchcock (Editor)
Number of pages: 
329 pages
Copyright: 
2011
ISBN: 
9781586175191
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Sacred Music
Grade / Age level: 
All ages
Resource Type: 
Book(s)
Review: 

This is a beautiful hymnal with all the favorite traditional Catholic hymns and the parts and prayers of the Mass in English and Latin. It avoids any use of "feminized" (a.k.a. inclusive) language, which has destroyed so many of the Church's beautiful hymns and even tried to remove the use of "he" or "him" when referring to Jesus. Our family has taken to pulling out this hymnal every morning after prayers and each person picking out their favorite song to sing together before beginning the school day. My six year old daughter who is just reading likes to scan through the index in back to look for something familiar. She is unwittingly introducing herself to the concept of "alphabetical order" and getting a little reading practice as well. The choir edition (424 pages) contains all four parts for those who wish to learn the harmonies and the chant parts of the Mass are in the traditional chant notation.I think this is an excellent resource for the Catholic homeschooler's music curriculum. Included are traditional Christmas Carols (such as Hark the Herald Angels Sing), favorite Marian Hymns (such as Salve Regina and Hail Holy Queen), hymns for every liturgical season and special feasts. Many hymns are offered in both English and Latin (such as O Come All Ye Faithful). The multiple indices in back are also helpful for finding particular songs and you'll even find an "Index of Scriptural References Related to Hymns."

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Copyright 1997/ 2nd edition 2011. 

See more information here, at the Adoremus Hymnal Landing Page. The page includes a link to mp3 audio files of the hymns and Mass settings, hosted by Ignatius Press. These aren't "great" recordings intended for pleasurable listening – but they are a great way to help teach your children some of the great treasures of the Church even if you're not very musical or aren't familiar with the hymns.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1998-99

The American Revolution for Kids

A History with 21 Activities
Book cover: The American Revolution for Kids, A History with 21 Activities
Author(s): 
Janis Herbert
Number of pages: 
160 pages
Copyright: 
2002
ISBN: 
9781556524561
Publisher: 
Chicago Review Press
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
History
Setting: 
American Revolution Era
United States
Review: 

What is history? A story. In The American Revolution for Kids, Janis Herbert has given us a well written, high interest story. Her style of writing is lively and interesting as wells as fair and impartial – giving us a fair and balanced picture of an emotionally turbulent time. This book offers a good overview of the time period (suitable for putting together a unit study on the time period) or interesting reading for its own sake.

Although the majority of the book follows the development of the war from its onset until its conclusion, Herbert also takes some detours, offering information about other events and people of the time – like a typical colonist and the life of soldier – to give us a sense of day-to-day life and customs of the time. The story doesn't end with the closing of the war; the last chapter discusses the Constitutional Convention through the final ratification of the Constitution.

There are many other extra features in this book:

A timeline sets the stage beginning with the French and Indian War (1754-60), following the development of important battles, explaining important dates along the way and finally ending with Congress adopting the Bill of Rights in 1791.

Spotlight biographies cover such important figures as John Hancock, George Washington, and Nathanael Greene. Other interesting facts are also spotlighted throughout the book, such as how many musket balls were made from the torn down, lead statue of King George.

The 21 Activities noted in the title are sprinkled throughout the text and include making a fringed hunting shirt like one worn by frontiersman Gen. Daniel Morgan, reenacting the Battle of Cowpens, creating a powder horn, sewing a pouch, and baking Boston Brown bread.

The end pages include a glossary, a list of famous Patriots and Redcoats, a list of biographies, the Declaration of Independence, web sites to explore, Revolutionary War Sites to visit in person, a Bibliography, and an index.

I would suggest that families make a point of reading about how Catholics were treated at this time, since this is overlooked in most secular texts. Far from religious toleration, there was a great deal of bigotry at that time, creating mixed feelings for Catholics as to which side they should support.

Additional notes: 

Sepia and black and white illustrations.

Reviewed by: 
Elizabeth Yank
First reviewed: 
1-31-05

The Angel's Alphabet

Book cover: 'The Angel's Alphabet'
Author(s): 
Hilda Van Stockum
Number of pages: 
57 pages
Copyright: 
1940
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Poetry
Grade / Age level: 
Preschool
Grades K-2
Resource Type: 
Book(s)
Review: 
A charming book of religious poems for young children - one for each letter of the alphabet. The simple, rhyming poems have been favorites with my little ones and provide a nice introduction to the Saints and Angels, Our Lady, God's love for us, important virtues... Some titles include: C is for Cherubim, F is for Father, G is for Gabriel, L is for Lamb of God, M is for Saint Michael, O is for Obedience, Q is for Queen of the Angels. We've used this book and the Harp and Laurel Wreath for most of our poetry memorization as recommended for the early grades in Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1998-99

The Annotated Innocence of Father Brown

Book cover: 'The Annotated Innocence of Father Brown'
Author(s): 
G.K. Chesterton
Martin Gardner (notes)
Number of pages: 
320 pages
Copyright: 
1998
Publisher: 
Dover Publications
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Classic Literature
Detective Stories
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Review: 
As an avid Chestertonian, I am frequently asked which G.K. Chesterton title I recommend for young people to read. The best and by far the most understandable "first" book of Chesterton's would be The Annotated Innocence of Father Brown.

In this book of the first twelve Father Brown mystery stories, editor Martin Gardner has looked up all the obscure references, which Chesterton frequently threw into his stories - mentions of people popular at the time whom we're no longer familiar with, use of obscure of obsolete English words from 100 years ago, slang expressions from 100 years ago - these are explained to the reader's satisfaction in the numerous footnotes by the helpful Mr. Gardner.

By reading the annotated version of the story, the Father Brown mysteries come alive for young people. And I must note that since several mysteries in the series refer to murders, even a decapitation, I would recommend this book for ages 13 and up.

The Father Brown mysteries are some of Chesterton's most enduring work. In general, people may not remember that Chesterton wrote such classics as Orthodoxy and The Everlasting Man. However, they may recall him as the author of the Father Brown Mysteries, and so it is appropriate to start reading these mysteries first. These mysteries first appeared serialized in various magazines of the times in England. This in part explains the obscure references to people of that day. The other part of the explanation is that Chesterton considered himself a journalist, mainly writing words for newspapers, which would be thrown away shortly after reading. Never did Chesterton imagine that his work would be known and loved 100 years later.

If you are interested in introducing your teenager to the works of G.K. Chesterton; or if youare looking for some good fiction for your teen; or if you wanted to start reading Chesterton yourself and didn't know where to begin, I recommend this book.

Additional notes: 

originally appeared in Heart and Mind Magazine, Spring 2005 - used with permission

Reviewed by: 
Nancy Carpentier Brown
First reviewed: 
1998-99

The Armor of God

Catholic Edition
Book cover: 'Armor of God'
Copyright: 
2003
ISBN: 
9780974445151
Publisher: 
Rose Publishing
Binding: 
Other
Subject(s): 
Religion
Resource Type: 
Wall Chart
Review: 

The Armor of God pictures a soldier in full battle gear - sword, shield, helmet, etc. - with descriptions explaining their figurative meaning according to Ephesians 6:10-18: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication for all the saints. This attractive chart is great in a classroom or on a bedroom wall. The back of the chart includes four reproducible worksheets. Available laminated or unlaminated.

My son Gus (age 8) says: "I think that it is especially good for boys."

Update March 2024: This "Catholic Edition" features Bible quotes using the NAB rather than the NIV. Ascension Press used to carry these wall charts but no longer does. However, they are still being published (see the box at the top of this review for details).

Additional notes: 

Binding details: 19 3/8" x 26" Wall Chart

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
5-8-04

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