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$15

weekly
or $225 for 15 classes
Class

Discoveries in Writing IEW Semester 1 **NEW**

Completed by 93 learners
Ages 8-12
Live Group Course
Discover a wide variety of fascinating subjects in Discoveries in Writing! In this theme-based writing curriculum, students write about exciting topics.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(420 reviews)
Popular

Live video meetings
1x per week, 15 weeks
3-13 learners per class
50 min

What's included

15 live meetings
12 hrs 30 mins in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Homework will be assigned each week this will vary, but will come from the book. Homework can be uploaded into the classroom before the next class. Papers are graded on a rubric, based on a checklist provided with each assignment.
Letter Grade
Report Card offered by request, grades can also be seen in Google Classroom.
Certificate of Completion
At the end of Semester Two

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 6
Discoveries in Writing: Semester 1 Syllabus

Course Overview:
In this theme-based writing curriculum, students will explore a wide variety of fascinating subjects, including the Bayeux Tapestry, tsunamis, Jerusalem and the Crusades, and more, while learning to write using the Structure and Style® writing method.

Required Textbook:
Discoveries in Writing Student Book

Recommended Materials:

3-ring binder
File folders
Envelopes or ziplock bags for vocabulary cards
Class Structure:

Weekly thematic video
Vocabulary review and practice
Writing assignments based on IEW units
Clear writing assignment checklists
Fun videos and songs to learn grammar concepts
Homework assignments to be uploaded to Google Classroom before the next class
Weekly Syllabus:

Week 1 - Unit 1

Lesson 1: Note Making and Outlines - Mount Everest, Matterhorn
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, create outlines.
Week 2 - Unit 2

Lesson 2: Writing from Notes - Constantine, title rule
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, write from notes.
Week 3 - Unit 2

Lesson 3: Writing from Notes - Alfred the Great, -ly adverbs
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, incorporate -ly adverbs in writing.
Week 4 - Unit 2

Lesson 4: Writing from Notes - Lapis Lazuli, who/which clause
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, use who/which clauses in writing.
Week 5 - Unit 3

Lesson 5: Retelling Narrative Stories - The Lion and the Shepherd, Part 1
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, create a story sequence chart.
Week 6 - Unit 3

Lesson 6: Retelling Narrative Stories - The Lion and the Shepherd, Part 2
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, retell narrative stories.
Week 7 - Unit 3

Lesson 7: Retelling Narrative Stories - The Sword in the Stone, Part 1
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, create a story sequence chart.
Week 8 - Unit 3

Lesson 8: Retelling Narrative Stories - The Sword in the Stone, Part 2, strong verb
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, use strong verbs in writing.
Week 9 - Unit 4

Lesson 9: Summarizing a Reference - Old Faithful, topic/clincher rule
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, summarize references.
Week 10 - Unit 4

Lesson 10: Summarizing a Reference - Bayeux Tapestry, because clause
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, use because clauses in writing.
Week 11 - Unit 4

Lesson 11: Summarizing a Reference - Mecca
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, summarize references.
Week 12 - Unit 4

Lesson 12: Summarizing a Reference - Tsunamis, quality adjective
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, use quality adjectives in writing.
Week 13 - Unit 4

Lesson 13: Summarizing a Reference - Jerusalem and the Crusades
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, summarize references.
Week 14 - Unit 5

Lesson 14: Writing from Pictures - Joust, Part 1
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, write from pictures.
Week 15 - Unit 5

Lesson 15: Writing from Pictures - Joust, Part 2
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, write from pictures.
Homework:
Homework assignments will vary each week and will come from the student book. Assignments should be uploaded to Google Classroom before the next class for review.

Stylistic Techniques Covered:

-ly adverbs
Who/which clauses
Strong verbs
Because clause
Quality adjectives
Adverbial clauses
Sentence openers
Each week, students will incorporate these stylistic techniques into their writing assignments.

This course aims to make writing enjoyable and educational by exploring captivating historical and scientific topics while enhancing students' writing skills.

Learning Goals

Moving through Units 1–7 of the IEW methods, students will take notes, summarize narrative stories, write from pictures, put together a mini research report, and compose creative essays, games, vocabulary, and more.

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Curriculum
15 Lessons
over 15 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Note Making and Outlines - Mount Everest, Matterhorn
 •	Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, create outlines. 
50 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Writing from Notes - Constantine, title rule
 •	Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, write from notes. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Writing from Notes - Alfred the Great, -ly adverbs
 •	Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, incorporate -ly adverbs in writing. 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Writing from Notes - Lapis Lazuli, who/which clause
 •	Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, use who/which clauses in writing. 
50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Supply List
https://iew.com/shop/products/discoveries-writing-student-book-only is the required text book for this course.  It is also recommended you have a 3 ring binder, file folders, and envelopes or ziplock bag for vocabulary cards.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

Meet the teacher

Joined April, 2019
4.9
420reviews
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from Capella University
We have been using IEW in our homeschool for 8+ years and I am a true believer in the method.  As a registered instructor, I would like to help other children learn the joy and ease of writing using IEW.  I teach from IEW texts as well as my own designed courses.

Reviews

13 total ratings, 6 with reviews

Review summary for this class
The reviews highlight several pros of this writing class. The teacher is praised for being engaging, patient, and providing excellent structure and scaffolding to support students' writing development. Parents note significant improvement in their children's writing abilities after taking the class. The option to receive feedback and grades on assignments is also appreciated. With such positive feedback, parents should strongly consider enrolling their children in this class to enhance their writing skills.
This summary was AI-generated from parent reviews
The teacher and lessons are engaging.  Also, there is the option to turn... 
Erikaon Dec 29, 2023
Highly recommend this class. The teacher is patient, engaging, and... 
Priyanka R.on Dec 15, 2022
Wonderful class! Mrs. Jen is an excellent teacher and makes the class... 
Regina W.on Dec 14, 2022
Mrs. Altman is amazing. Her classes are easily one of the best things... 
Crista B.on Dec 9, 2022
A good exposure to IEW method.  Well paced and structured class.  Weekly... 
Jennifer C.on Dec 17, 2020
Fantastic course. My son really enjoyed the teacher and made great... 
Lizze N.on Dec 14, 2020
Mrs. Jen Altman MSEd suggests this class next...
Discoveries in Writing IEW Semester 2 *NEW*
Mrs. Jen Altman MSEd
4.9
(420)
$14 per class
Group Class
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8-12


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