What Reviewers Say

Reviewers consistently describe Editor in Chief as an excellent 'detective-style' supplement that bridges the gap between memorizing grammar rules and applying them to actual writing. Cathy Duffy highlights its effectiveness in reinforcing punctuation, spelling, and usage through active identification of errors. While highly praised for standardized test preparation and improving proofreading skills, a common critique found in forums like Well-Trained Mind is that it lacks direct instruction. Parents note that if a student doesn't already know the rules, they may find the exercises frustrating rather than educational. Most families find it works best as a 10-15 minute daily add-on to a more comprehensive language arts program, offering a practical way to ensure students can spot mistakes in their own work.

How It Works

A typical session involves the student opening their workbook to a short reading passage, such as a mock news article, letter, or advertisement. The child acts as an editor, searching the text to find a specific number of errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling as indicated at the top of the lesson. After the child marks the corrections using standard editing marks or simple circling, the parent reviews the work using the detailed answer key provided in the back of the book. This process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes and is typically done two or three times a week as a supplement to a primary language arts curriculum. Because the answer key explains the 'why' behind each correction, the parent can use it to teach mini-lessons on the spot.

Switching to This?

The Critical Thinking Co. does not offer a formal diagnostic placement test, but they provide extensive sample pages on their website that parents should review to gauge the appropriate difficulty. A common community rule of thumb is to follow the grade level recommendations on the cover, though many families start one level lower if the student has not had significant experience with formal proofreading. Since the lessons are self-contained and do not build strictly on one another, families can easily start this curriculum mid-year or even over the summer for extra practice. If you are switching from a program that focuses on memorizing rules out of context, expect your child to need extra help during the first few weeks as they learn to spot errors in a 'natural' writing environment. There are no external standardized tests required for placement, as the levels generally align with standard US grade-level expectations for mechanics.

Curriculum Details

Price

$21 - $89

Individual workbooks or eBooks range from $21.99 to $23.99. Bundles or software versions may cost more.

Grades

2 - 12

Available As

Print Digital Workbook Software

Coverage

Single subject

Subjects

Logic & Critical Thinking Reading/Language Arts

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Pacing

Flexible

Parent Time

5-15 min/day

Parent Involvement

Minimal

Student Independence

Semi-independent

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Academic Level

Above grade level

Worldview

Neutral

Engaging for Reluctant Learners

Yes

Reviews We Consulted

Updated: March 2026

How This Compares

Compared to Fix It! Grammar by IEW, Editor in Chief uses stand-alone non-fiction passages rather than a year-long serial story, making it a better fit for students who find a continuous narrative distracting. When weighed against Evan-Moor's Daily Paragraph Editing, Editor in Chief is generally considered more rigorous and logic-based because it requires students to identify errors across a whole passage without being told exactly which line the error is on. Parents choosing between this and a traditional program like G.U.M. (Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics) should note that Editor in Chief lacks direct instruction; it is a tool for practicing known rules rather than a primary teacher. Against a program like Analytical Grammar, which uses sentence diagramming to show how language fits together, Editor in Chief focuses strictly on the 'find and fix' skills needed for standardized testing and real-world editing. Finally, unlike Kumon's writing workbooks which focus on sentence construction, Editor in Chief specifically targets the analytical side of language, forcing students to look for subtle mistakes in usage and style that other programs might overlook.

Getting Started