Comprehensive Composition is a writing curriculum for grades K-12. This curriculum would be difficult to teach if you do not have a background in writing. There are no answer keys, but it does break the whole process down into very digestible pieces. It is detailed, methodical, and quite thorough.

While most unit study approaches provide a skeleton on which to hang information, the user must obtain the actual substance. Comprehensive Composition is unique in that it provides both flexibility to target gaps with specific, topical concepts, and also supplies actual instructional material. A few of the topics included are "The Paragraph", " The Essay", "Choosing a Topic", "Notes and Outlines", "Descriptive Writing", "Taking Notes", "Persuasive Writing" and "Expository Writing". The foundations of organized thinking can be presented to children as young as 3. The first section, entitled "Getting Started", is a good overview of the value and process of writing that includes activities suitable for use with any curriculum. The author demonstrates concepts with clear illustrations, drawing from a variety of sources (including some Biblical texts).

This 124-page, attractively colored paperback manual nails the basics of composition.

Kathryn Stout is an educator; her natural teaching abilities were recognized before she even left grade school. During her formal schooling she was often called upon to assist classmates, and served as a student aide after school. After graduation she pursued her dream of teaching by earning a diploma with honors from the University of Delaware. She achieved a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Special Education.

Stout taught in the public school setting for 8 years, specializing in techniques for special needs children. She is a consultant, public speaker, and author of the Design A Study series, which she used as curriculum for her two children for 14 years. Her work with special needs children is reflected in the multi-sensory approach of these studies.

Stout possesses a God-given passion and ability to reach the minds and hearts of children, and she truly equips parents to teach. She often provides help that affects not only special needs children, but also the entire family environment.

Stout offers a free teaching helps column on her web site and is available as a educational consultant.