What's included
12 live meetings
13 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. includedAssessment
I will provide feedback on every assignment. Learners can write or type submissions. Because this class is for beginners, learners will not be given a grade because this is a chance for them to practice the techniques without the pressure of a grade.Grading
Because this class is for beginners, this course provides learners with a chance to practice the techniques without the pressure of a grade. If you would like grades for your learner, please contact me ahead of time.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 5
Beginner Level
In this course, your learner will be working through Adventures in Writing from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). This course takes the students through unit six of the program. Your learner will continue creating outlines by determining key words. Paragraphs will follow the structure of units four through six of the program. In the midst of all that writing, your learner will learn how to spice up their pieces with stylistic techniques. Your learner should be familiar with how to construct simple sentences and have some basic knowledge of a paragraph. Because your learner will be reading some short articles and stories, a good sense of comprehension of grade-level materials will be helpful. When your learner attends the live meeting each week, we will review the new unit and/or stylistic technique. This time will also be used to focus on brainstorming and collaborative activities to aid in the writing process. There may be times we use Google tools to collaborate in real time together as a class. Vocabulary will be reviewed as well using Quizlet and will be incorporated into the activities. Your learner will also be able to ask questions about the assignment during this time. *** If you have siblings that will both be participating in this class, I will give you a $10 discount in the form of a refund for the additional learner(s). Part 3 for this course will run in May.
Learning Goals
Learners will continue to gently practice the IEW method by learning how to organize thoughts and ideas by creating key word outlines from fiction and non-fiction texts. After practicing that skill, learners will write paragraphs from them. They will dress up their writing by systematically adding additional parts of speech.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Curriculum3 Units
12 Lessons
over 12 WeeksUnit 1: Unit 4: Summarizing a Reference
Lesson 1:
Hagia Sophia
Learners will continue practicing their summarizing skills using outlines and retelling. They will write a one-paragraph report from the outline and use stylistic techniques and vocabulary to dress it up.
65 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
John Muir
Summarizing a text, learners will ban more weak verbs while they write about John Muir. We will review vocabulary words to prepare for the quiz.
65 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Magnets
Learners will learn a new dress-up this week, the because clause. They will continue practicing their summarizing skills and take a vocabulary quiz. They will increase their writing abilities by writing a two-paragraph report.
65 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Dolphins
Learners will write a two-paragraph report this week about dolphins. No new stylistic techniques will be added. We will outline in class together and review what we have learned so far.
65 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
Please contact me if your learner has unique learning needs. I am able to differentiate activities and assignments to accommodate as much as possible, and help your learner be successful on their own level.
Parental Guidance
It is important to note that your learner will most likely need your help with each assignment. You should edit rough drafts and final copies before turning in to me. Checklists for each assignment can be found at the end of each lesson in the required Student Book for this class.
If you are requesting a grade, Google Docs is my preferred option. Handwritten documents will be accepted in PDF form only. All homework will be uploaded to a Google Drive I will set up and give you access to throughout the course.
Quizlet will be used for vocabulary practice. This is completely optional and will not affect feedback in a negative way. It's good to be familiar with the vocabulary words because we will sometimes play games using Quizlet during live instruction.
Flip(grid) will be used for retelling practice.
All activities are only available to the learners in this class. In compliance with IEW's copyright policy, sharing of these materials with anyone outside of class is forbidden.
Pre-Requisites
Learners should have taken Part 1 of this course or have some experience with the IEW method.
Supply List
REQUIRED: IEW: Adventures in Writing Student Book (can be purchased from the IEW website) I highly recommend portable walls and/or the grammar cards. If it is your first time using IEW, the Teacher Manual may come in handy, but that is optional.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Maryland Teaching Certificate
Master's Degree from Walden University
I earned a Master's degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University in 2007 and currently hold a certificate in Maryland. I taught in the public school setting for five years as a special educator with a focus in autism. After having two children of my own, I became a stay-at-home mom.
Four children later, I became a homeschooling mom, and still hold that title today. I felt equipped to handle the task, but writing stumped me when it all seemed too bland. I stumbled upon the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) and instantly fell in love with their method, bought the training, and began implementing the program at home. Consistency was lacking, so I began teaching at a local co-op.
That grew into a desire to become a Registered Instructor and eventually a Certified Instructor (a title I hold today). I launched my own online writing business, Equipped for Writing, where I've tailored my online courses around the IEW model.
Each year brings new experiences and insights into effectively communicating with my students about writing. Seeing children grow and learn while enhancing their writing for their audience keeps me going. It is IEW’s systematic approach to writing that enables me to adapt lessons to different learning styles.
My commitment to differentiation (creating an environment that is conducive for each learner) is at the forefront of my mind. When you decide to enroll in one of my classes, I guarantee an open line of communication, ensuring your learner can navigate the learning journey at their own pace.
While I firmly believe and support parents’ pivotal role in their children's education, there are times when we all need a helping hand. That's where I, and others like me, come in. I have a passion for teaching, particularly when it comes to the written word. I enjoy sharing that passion to support homeschooling families. Learning should be interactive, and children should feel encouraged to ask questions out of curiosity and for understanding. Instruction should challenge without overwhelming.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, going on walks with our dog, family movie nights, and indulging in crocheting. One of my favorite things to do is to watch my kids play sports.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$16
weekly1x per week, 12 weeks
65 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
3-10 learners per class