Magnum Opus Magazine, a premier showcase of work from students around the world, is published twice annually by the Institute for Excellence in Writing and is based on ideas presented by James B. Webster, PhD. In his text Blended Structure and Style in Composition as well as in his lectures, Dr. Webster explains one of his most powerful motivational ideas: The Magnum Opus.Latin for "great work", this was the title he gave to a book published by his class each year, consisting of the finest, most perfect papers of the year – one from each student. A favorite paper was chosen, edited and rewritten one last time, and then typed, organized and bound into a real book, which was then donated to the school library. What a joy it was for children back then to see their own story or report, typed and bound, on the shelf, proclaiming the value of their contributions! Siblings would look for "big brother's book" with pride and anticipation of when they would have "their book" in the library too.Although in our seminar we encourage teachers with classrooms or entire schools to undertake a similar project (and technology makes it much easier to do now than fifty years ago), it is often harder for a homeschooling family to either do it on their own, or to organize a group of families in such an effort. Therefore the Institute for Excellence in Writing has determined to create a "Homeschool Students' Literary Journal" entitled, of course, Magnum Opus.We believe that Magnum Opus will become the premier homeschool students literary journal, with something of interest for every member of the family. Moreover, it will serve as an
opportunity for student to be published in a "real" magazine, and have their work read by peers worldwide.
