Whether your child loves to write or groans at the thought, choosing the right homeschool writing curriculum can make all the difference. From structured, step-by-step programs to creative, literature-rich approaches, there’s a wide variety of writing resources to meet your family’s needs.
As a homeschooler for over 20 years with my three kids, I have seen and used a lot of homeschool curriculum. This series of posts began with grammar, then spelling, and now we are focusing on writing. I plan to share about all of the subjects and all of the homeschool curriculum we have used over the years.
In this post, I’ll compare several popular homeschool writing curricula—including their style, age range, strengths, and considerations—so you can find the best fit for your learners and teaching style.
First, you’ll see the writing programs we used in our homeschool, and then other writing curricula available.
IEW
We have used many levels of IEW: Bible Heroes, Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons, Structure & Style Level B, and Structure & Style Level C. It’s the one we always come back to. We also have plans to use their new University-Ready Writing.
- Grades: 1–12
- Approach: Structured, formula-based writing using keyword outlines and stylistic techniques.
- Best for: Parents and students who thrive on structure and want step-by-step support, especially if writing is a struggle.
- Purchase Options: IEW, Christian Book, Amazon
Write Shop
We used Write Shop before we transitioned to IEW. I did like Write Shop for the early years, but not for the upper grades.
- Grades : K–High School (WriteShop Primary, Junior, and I/II)
- Approach: Step-by-step, teacher-guided writing process with creative and expository options.
- Best for: Parents who want to actively teach writing and help their child grow skills at a manageable pace.
- Purchase Options: Demme Learning, Christian Book, Amazon
Below are writing programs we have not personally used. This isn’t an exhaustive list, just some others I have heard good things about from other homeschoolers.
Write By Number
- Grades: 1–12
- Approach: Numbered sentence structure to teach paragraph and essay writing step-by-step.
- Best for: Students who need a clear framework for academic writing or who struggle with organizing their thoughts.
- Purchase Options: Write By Number
Brave WRiter
- Grades: K–12
- Approach: Lifestyle-based, creative, and literature-rich; emphasizes writing voice and connection.
- Best for: Families who want a gentle, relationship-focused writing approach rooted in books and creativity.
- Purchase Options: Brave Writer
Writing & Rhetoric
- Ages: Grades 3–9
- Approach: Classical method focusing on imitation, narration, dictation, and modeled writing.
- Best for: Classical homeschoolers or families who love well-written literature and want a strong foundation in rhetorical thinking.
- Purchase Options: Classical Academic Press, Christian Book, Amazon
Wordsmith Series
- Grades: 4–12
- Approach: Creative, relaxed, workbook-based writing with humor and practical writing skills.
- Best for: Middle-grade students who want a light, engaging writing program with room to grow.
- Purchase Options: Wordsmith, Christian Book
Essentials in Writing (EIW)
- Grades: 1–12
- Approach: Video-based lessons with a traditional writing and grammar workbook approach.
- Best for: Busy homeschool families who want an independent, open-and-go writing and grammar combo.
- Purchase Options: Essentials in Writing
Writing With Ease
- Grades: 1–4
- Approach: Classical method focusing on narration, copywork, and dictation.
- Best for: Classical homeschoolers and families who want to develop strong narration and comprehension skills before moving into composition.
- Purchase Options: Well Trained Mind, Christian Book, Amazon
WRiting Strands
- Grades: 5–12
- Approach: Self-guided with integrated grammar and writing exercises.
- Best for: Families wanting a faith-based, independent writing program that blends grammar and writing.
- Purchase Options: Master Books, Christian Book, Amazon
One Year Adventure Novel
- Ages: High School
- Approach: Video-based creative writing course guiding students through writing a full novel.
- Best for: Teens who love stories and are ready to write their own novel with professional-level guidance.
- Purchase Options: One Year Adventure Novel
Which Writing Curriculum Is Right for You?
Writing is one of the most personal subjects to teach, and one where your child’s learning style can really shine or struggle depending on the method.
- Structured & Systematic: IEW, EIW, Write By Number, WriteShop
- Creative & Gentle: Brave Writer, Wordsmith, One Year Adventure Novel
- Faith-Based: Writing Strands, Writing & Rhetoric
- Classical Approach: Writing & Rhetoric, Writing with Ease
- Independent/Video-Based: EIW, IEW, One Year Adventure Novel
What about you? Have you tried any of these? Which one is your favorite? Do you use a writing program I didn’t feature? Share your experience in the comments!
Click below to see more posts in this series.
