By Sandy
(Houston, TX, USA)
Dreamingspireshomelearning.com Visitor Review:
Luck smiled upon me when I just happened to find this curriculum while looking for an online English course for my son’s last year of high school. He took the Great British Novels course with the add on composition because he wanted more practice in writing before moving on to college (yes, I was shocked that he requested more writing – he’s no scholar, just an average teenager!). He was subsequently introduced to analytical writing which he said truly enhanced the literature they were reading as it caused him to dig deeper into the book than he would have otherwise. Dr. Patrick brought so much interesting information to light with each novel (about the author, background, literary style, etc.) that he was kept interested and gained a broader understanding and appreciation of that time period’s literature. My son said that for the first time he truly learned how to analyze a novel and explore what the author was trying to say. The previous three H.S. English courses that he took elsewhere could not compare in convenience (log in once a week), cost (very affordable), material learned (varied and thorough) and enjoyment (it was fun). Dr. Patrick and the students quickly became comfortable with one another and the format, making it easy for my son to share his thoughts and ideas. The students and instructor all had very friendly relationships early into the course. My son also enjoyed the fact that everyone was from such varying locations (Dr. Patrick herself being in the UK). Dr. Partick quickly answered all of my questions before we enrolled and was always available for my son during the year through email. My involvement was literally zero (besides the usual checking and pestering to make sure he was getting his work done), and I have no regrets with my lack of participation. I feel like he recieved a solid course with much more than I could have given him (and I love literature, just knew that I wasn’t up to tackling it that year). I think for my son to give such high approval of an English and writing course, and to say it was interesting besides, speaks volumes! It was quite a treat to find such a gem for our last year of homeschooling!