Spectrum Writing, Grade 1

Spectrum has a complete series for Language Arts. This has been a great fit for our homeschooling family as a complete curriculum (more on that below). However, the series would also be immensely valuable as stand-alone books in different situations. As stand alone books they would be great for the child who is struggling with only one aspect of language arts to get some extra assistance, for summer review, or to help advance a child who is bored in school with a specific aspect of language arts. While the books together make a complete curriculum, they do not reference back-and-forth within each other, so each book can easily be used on its own. This Writing book starts off with a section on writing basics which includes naming things ("I see a __________"), feelings, describing, sentences and questions. It then has three sections on writing - Writing a Story, Writing to Inform, and Writing an Opinion. There is a post-test at the end of each of the four sections which is a nice review of what was learned. This book is very thorough in covering many different types of writing and establishing a good foundation for future writing skills. There is a sufficient amount of space to write in the book. It is a good balance of teaching, and doing. There are a total of 32 lessons. Given the fact that there are usually about 36 weeks in a school year, this is a perfect fit and allows a few extra weeks in case someone is sick, you go on vacation, you want to spend extra time on a lesson, or just to have some fun creative writing at the end. Don't let looks fool you - it looks small, but there is a lot in there! In order to make a complete curriculum you will want to have the following books: - Language Arts (instruction in parts of speech, grammar, and sentence structure) - Reading (this is not helping a child learn to read, this is reading comprehension - reading short stories or passages and then answering questions related to what the child just read) - Phonics (learning to read) - Spelling (weekly spelling lists with different modalities to learn grade appropriate spelling words) - Writing (a great progression in how to write - stories, letters, directions, informative, etc.) For homeschooling purposes this has been wonderful as a complete curriculum. Many other language arts curriculums are an all-in-one deal. 1st grade language arts means 1st grade across the board. However, if your child is a more advanced reader, that means phonics, reading, and maybe spelling will be far too easy at a 1st grade level. Having all the parts in different books allows you to move up or down in grade level(s) to tailor the language arts to fit your child best (they are not connected so that you HAVE to do all on the same level). We do 1st grade language arts and writing, 2nd grade spelling, 3rd grade reading and phonics. I could never do this with an all-in-one without spending a fortune getting all the different levels and then mixing it up. Having separate books also seems to be easier on my child because they feel like they are doing something new when we pull another book out and it gives us the flexibility to do some in the morning, some after lunch, and some on another day without feeling like there are loose ends. OVERALL, I highly recommend the entire Spectrum language arts series of books, and this Writing book in particular is definitely worth the money and is very comprehensive for 1st grade.

This Spectrum First Grade Writing Workbook has been a great resource for my 1st grader to practice the same skills they’re learning in school. The exercises are short, clear, and easy to complete, which helps build confidence without feeling overwhelming. My child enjoys working through the pages independently, and I like that it reinforces handwriting, sentence structure, and basic grammar. It’s a solid, well-organized workbook that’s perfect for extra practice at home or during school breaks.

My 6-year-old daughter is in 1st grade and was really struggling in school, especially with writing and staying focused. I decided to try a few of the Spectrum workbooks, including this Writing one, and I can’t believe the difference it made. The lessons are short, clear, and just challenging enough to keep her interested without feeling overwhelmed. We started doing a few pages every day, and not only did her writing improve, but her overall confidence in school went up too. She went from scoring in the 40s on her tests to getting 90s and even 100s! I’m so grateful I found these books they’ve made homework time so much easier and even fun for her. Highly recommend for any parent looking to give their child extra support at home.

My first grader used to get frustrated with writing, but this book made such a difference. The lessons are clear, fun, and not overwhelming just the right amount each day. I love how it builds confidence and helps them organize their thoughts. Seeing my child proudly finish a page and want to write more has been the best part!

I use this book with an occupational therapy client of mine. This book is so beautiful! The pages are bright and clear and the practice ideas brilliant. So why the 4 stars? The level of skill goes up pretty quickly. A few pages of one word answers, then sentences, then paragraphs, then full pages of writing. The children I work with can use more practice with each stage-which I’m supplementing with other sources. Perhaps a smaller book for each stage of writing?

Very good practice and supplimental work for my kids. I purchased the Math, Reading, Language Arts, and Phonics books for them in 1st grade and Kindergarten (this is being used for an older vpker). Since using these work books our kids have gone up in test scores and are getting better at reading. I'll be buying more as the years go on.

I can’t advocate for purchasing these educational books enough. The large improvement in the previous months since we started doing one page extra per night is very much paying off. If your child needs a little extra help, buy the series of math, reading, and writing for their age level.

This book is amazing ! I Haven't even started teaching it yet and I am already so obsessed for a it is so obsessed for a home schooling mom it is so hard to find books it is so hard to find books that are It's not only informative about the lesson being taught in a friendly easy going and a friendly easy going way for young children but also gives them fun a but also gives them fun assignments In a way that is easy to understand . I am just so stoked and I will definitely buy I will definitely buy more books of this brand in this future.