Here to Help Learning

For the past month, we have been using Here to Help Learning, a homeschool writing program. This program has been absolutely amazing. We started with the Flight 1 Paragraph Writing since he tends to get overwhelmed and frustrated when it comes to writing.  Over the course of a month, I have watched him become more confident in his writing and he has shown major improvements.

Here to Help Learning Program:

The Here to Help Learning program is a Christian based program that is based on Colossians 3:17.  It is designed for grades 1-6 and offers 32 lessons a year. This isn’t a fast-paced program which is one reason it works for us.  You basically do two lessons a week. 

Typical day 1 looks like

The first lesson is the video.  The video’s are set with the camera on the teacher and shows her teaching a small group of kids with varies writing skills. You basically get the feel that you are sitting in the classroom along with the other children.  Both of my boys love watching this.  

Throughout the video, the teacher asks us to pause the film and I lead a discussion or activity.  It’s amazing to me how both of my boys (grades K and 3rd) take part in these super fun activities.  Don’t worry though, you aren’t left to lead these discussions on your own. They do offer Teacher scripted lessons and answers so as a parent/teacher you feel more confident at leading.

Second day

The second-day lesson is when the kids do the Flying Solo Assignment.  Depending on their writing skills, the parents can help them write it or they write it themselves.  I know I mentioned earlier that my kindergartner is also setting in on these lessons with his brother.  While he can write, this would be too hard for him.  He tells me orally and we write it out on the dry erase board.  My 3rd-grader does write his out on his own, and I’m here to offer him guidance.  

Each writing project follows the same writing process which is one reason it has helped build confidence.  During the video’s they are asked to go through the writing process, and my boys have so much fun with this. Basically they are doing all these funny hand gestures and movements to help them remember the writing process. Just last week, we did our first  rough “ruff” draft. 

The writing Process

• Brainstorm
• Make a list
• Webbing
• 1st rough draft
• 1st input
• 2nd rough draft
• 2nd input
• Final recopy
• Publish

Multi-level Teaching

Here to Help Learning is perfect for multi-level teaching, family and even co-op settings. Depending on what your personal preference, Here to Help Learning can be purchased as a physical copy or online.  In our family, we prefer the online version. The online program is $6.99 and includes full family membership and full website access.  You can renew monthly and upon your first subscription, you do get 14 days FREE.  

Not a fan of online learning

If online isn’t for you, they do offer physical copies. The kit is priced at $89.99 and is designed for multi-level teachings.  The Flight 1, which we are doing is recommended for grades 1-3.  If you are purchasing the physical copy and plan on using it for more than one child, you can purchase additional student workbooks.  I also want to mention that they do offer special co-op pricing, which is definitely worth checking out if you are going to use this program in that type of setting.

Our overall thoughts:
I can’t express how grateful I am that we have had the privilege to try this program. The confidence that it has given my 3rd grader when it comes to writing is a blessing. He no longer feels over-whelmed thanks to how this program is broken down.  He now looks forward to writing. The videos are fun and entertaining and I’m not going to life, Captain Knucklehead basically steals the show.  The boys love when he makes an appearance.

Last but certainly not least, I really like the way each video ends.  

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Curious about what other’s think of this program and of the different levels? Be sure to head over to Schoolhouse Review Crew and check it out.