Editor in Chief is a grammar and editing workbook series from The Critical Thinking Company that teaches students to identify and correct errors in written passages, building practical editing skills through a puzzle-like approach.
What is Editor in Chief?
Editor in Chief is a standards-based grammar workbook series published by The Critical Thinking Company. Rather than traditional fill-in-the-blank exercises, it uses an "error-hunting" approach where students read passages containing intentional mistakes in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage, then identify and correct them. Each passage tells students how many errors to find, turning grammar review into an engaging puzzle. The series spans Beginning 1 (grades 2-3) through Level 3 (grades 9-12), making it suitable for elementary through high school students.
Key Takeaways
- Covers grammar, punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and usage through error-correction exercises
- Available in multiple levels from grades 2-12 with consistent methodology throughout
- Includes answer keys and grammar reference guides—no separate teacher edition needed
- Priced affordably at $17-$20 per workbook for a full year of editing practice
How the Error-Hunting Approach Works
Each lesson presents students with a short passage—a letter, story excerpt, or essay—containing a specific number of errors. Students must read carefully, identify what's wrong, and make corrections. This format requires higher-order thinking than isolated grammar drills because students must recognize errors in context and understand why something is incorrect. The passages vary in format (dialogue, formal letters, narratives) to expose students to different writing styles while keeping the work interesting.
Best Uses for Homeschoolers
Editor in Chief works best as a review and application tool rather than initial grammar instruction. Students who already have foundational grammar knowledge benefit most—they're reinforcing concepts and developing practical editing skills they'll use in their own writing. Many homeschool families pair it with a primary grammar curriculum, using Editor in Chief for weekly practice. The workbooks are also excellent preparation for standardized tests that include editing and language sections.
What Parents Should Know
The workbooks are consumable, meaning students write directly in them, so you'll need one per child. Each level contains enough lessons for a full school year of weekly practice. The Critical Thinking Company has won multiple homeschool awards for the series, including Mom's Choice Gold Medal and Practical Homeschooling's First Place Grammar Award. If your student enjoys puzzles and finding mistakes, they'll likely find this approach far more engaging than traditional grammar worksheets.
The Bottom Line
Editor in Chief offers a refreshing alternative to standard grammar instruction by turning editing into a problem-solving activity. It's particularly valuable for students who need grammar review without the tedium of repetitive drills, and the skills transfer directly to improving their own writing. For homeschool families looking to build practical editing abilities alongside grammar knowledge, it's a proven and affordable option that students genuinely tend to enjoy.
