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Writing Strands

Incremental writing instruction written directly to the student.

Updated September 2026 · 6 sources

Grades3rd–12th
Coverswriting
ApproachIncremental writing written directly to the student
Who teachesThe parent teaches
Parent prepLow to moderate (written directly to the student)
Screen timeMostly offline (books and paper)
Video lessonsNot yet checked
FaithNo religious content
Cost$31.19 for Beginning 1 (20% off $38.99 list) (source)
PlacementNo placement test: sequential by level

Is it right for your child? Answer a few questions to see how Writing Strands ranks against 34 other programs.

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What parents say

Parents like that lessons are written directly to the student, which lightens the parent-teaching load compared to programs that need a live teacher, and the long track record and Master Books republish keep it affordable and current. Some reviewers find it lighter on detailed writing-process instruction than newer alternatives, and it's less prominent in current-year roundups than IEW, Brave Writer or WriteShop.

Parents love

  • Affordable relative to other writing programs
  • Written directly to the student, lighter parent load
  • Long track record, now republished by Master Books

Common complaints

  • Lighter on detailed writing-process instruction
  • Less prominent in current-year roundups
  • Older editions felt dated before the republish

Who it fits

Best for

  • Writing. Step-by-step writing instruction written directly to the student
  • Structured, step by step.
  • Mostly offline. Mostly books and hands-on work
  • Some screen time. Books-based, little screen time
  • Confident. Rewards a parent who's confident with grammar and writing

Less suited for

  • Spelling.
  • I'd rather a video or script teach. Expects the parent to do the teaching

These come straight from the scoring rules the quiz uses.

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Questions parents ask

What does Writing Strands cover?

Writing Strands covers writing. It's described as incremental writing written directly to the student.

What grades does Writing Strands cover?

Writing Strands covers grades 3rd–12th.

How much does Writing Strands cost?

$31.19 for Beginning 1 (20% off $38.99 list). Prices were checked on publisher or retailer pages in September 2026; check current prices before buying.

Is Writing Strands Christian or secular?

Writing Strands is secular: it has no religious content.

Is Writing Strands online?

Mostly offline (books and paper). The parent teaches.

Does Writing Strands have a placement test?

No.

Sources (6)

Summaries are in our own words.