Posted in Reviews

About the One Year Adventure Novel:

As part of the TOS HomeschoolCrew I was sent the One Year Adventure Novel homeschool writing curriculum.  This very professionally done curriculum was written by award-winning adventure novelist Daniel Schwabauer.  The package contains 78 lessons on DVD, and additional resource DVD, an in-depth textbook, a student workbook, a teacher's guide, and a novel called The Prisoner of Zelda.

You student will do three lessons per week for 26 weeks.  First he or she will watch the lessons on the DVD.  These lessons only take about 10 to 20 minutes.  The textbook, or Compass, then takes the lessons and expounds on them.  Then the fun starts.  No,  I take that back, even the lessons are fun, but the "even MORE fun" starts when your child opens up his workbook, known as The Map, and starts to write the novel. 

The resource disk contains all of the following:

* 26 Weekly quizzes that can be administered by computer.

* Video FAQs

* 14 classic adventure novels, including:
Huckleberry Finn, Treasure Island, The Jungle Book, The Blood Ship, Black Rock, Captains Courageous, Rupert of Hentzau, Tarzan, King Solomon's Mines, Wulf the Saxon, Peter Pan and more

* Computer desktop images/wallpaper

The teacher's guide helps you as you grade your student's work and also helps you to help them as they learn to write.

The Prisoner of Zelda is Anthony Hope's classic swashbuckling tale of court intrigue and double-identity.

As stated on the One Year Adventure Novel website your student works through this curriculum he or she will learn and understand:

•  Classical story structure.

•  The 5 Elements of every great story, as well as:

•  Characterization, plot, setting, theme, and conflict (but in ways that are fun and exciting).

•  By creating, not just analyzing; by emphasizing practical application over theory.

•  How to interpret stories. They'll never read a book, see a play or watch a movie the same way again.

I thought I'd also add this "disclaimer" from the website:

What it isn't:

- It's not a spelling curriculum.
- It's not a traditional English course. We DO study some classic novels, but we don't cover everything a traditional High School English class covers. The things we do cover, we cover in far more depth than most college courses.
- It's not fluffy. You will be challenged.

 

What are the pros of this product?  This is just a fantastic product.  The DVD's are well done, the books are well organized, the resources are great, and it's all from a biblical point of view.  And what I love is, there is NO prep-work for me!  I can just hand this over to my son and let him go!

There are also lots of additional resources you can find by checking around the website.  There are even contests for your budding novelist!

What's not to like?  I can't think of a negative thing to say.  Well, the price is quite high, but this is quality material.  I have to admit, though, that I could never afford this.  This is not to say, however, that it is not worth every penny.  I think of all the products I've reviewed, this is by far the most professional product I've seen.   If I did have an extra $200 to spend on curriculum, this is where I'd spend it.  (Of course, that is, if I didn't already own it!  LOL)

The Crazy Mom take:  I guess you already know, I really, really love it!  I had purchased another novel in a year type of program and my son just never got into it.  Now he is doing more lessons than I assign him.  He gives me no objections to doing the work. (And, oh, what a joy that is!  Lately they've all been in the "Do I have to?" mode.  Blech!)  His only objection is that he hasn't really decided exactly what his story line is going to be, but he's working on it! :)  I plan to use this with the other kids.  This is a keeper!!!

What's the bottom line? $199 FREE SHIPPING

I am going to give out of 4 out of 5 smileys!!! *

Check it out! http://www.oneyearnovel.com

Order a FREE demo here. 

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/631063/  

*The Smiley System: 

I can't really recommend this product.

 I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

 This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

 Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

 This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!