IEW: Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons, Part 2
In this 12-week course, your learner will work on improving his writing the IEW way through writing about events in ancient history. A project will be due the last week of class based on one of the assignments.
Karen Cross, MSEd - IEW Certified Instructor
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(72)
What's included
12 live meetings
9 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. The learner should be prepared to spend 1-2 hours per week on homework. This will include watching the instructional recording, writing compositions, and studying vocabulary. The adult at home should be prepared to help when needed. Google Docs is mandatory for grading purposes. In addition to writing assignments, your learner will be encouraged to send a video of their retellings each week to the rest of the class. Your learner will not only be submitting this, but will also be able to see others and provide them feedback as well as receive it. Vocabulary quizzes and review activities will also be assigned on Quizlet, but are optional for participation.Assessment
The student will be be provided detailed feedback based on finished assignments and according to the rubrics in the Student Book. Google Docs is mandatory for feedback. It is the responsibility of the adult at home to collect grades and samples of learners' compositions for their own records. ***If you do not want a number grade, please message me privately so we can make arrangements for your learner. Vocabulary quizzes will also be assigned, but are optional for participation.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 8
In this class, your learner will continue to work through Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). This course begins with Unit 5 and progresses through Unit 8 of the program. Your learner will continue to construct outlines by determining key words and practice paragraph writing by writing from pictures and summarizing multiple references. Unit 7 focuses on using information in the learner's brain by asking questions. Your learner will be guided through the essay process in the last few lessons. In the midst of all that writing, your learner will spice up their pieces with sentence dress-ups and decorations, as well as vary their sentence structure with different openers. Your learner will receive detailed feedback based on the rubrics for each lesson in the Student Book.
To maximize progress, your learner should already be able to construct simple sentences and have some basic knowledge of a paragraph. Because your child will be reading some short articles and stories, a good sense of comprehension of grade-level materials will be helpful.
A recording for each lesson will be sent out weekly before we meet live. It will cover an introduction to the new structural unit and outline. The outline for the lesson should be completed during this time. If you are unfamiliar with IEW, I highly recommend watching the video with your learner at a time that is convenient for you both, but of course is not mandatory.
During our live meetings, we will focus on brainstorming and collaboration activities using Nearpod and Google Slides. 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.
Topics will include:
UNIT 6: SUMMARIZING MULTIPLE REFERENCES
Week 1: Pentre Ifan
Week 2: Pompeii, Part 1
Week 3: Pompeii, Part 2
Week 4: Pliny the Younger
UNIT 7: INVENTIVE WRITING
Week 5: Water, Part 1
Week 6: Water, Part 2
Week 7: Ancient Wonders, Part 1
Week 8: Ancient Wonders, Part 2
UNIT 8: FORMAL ESSAYS
Week 9: Pompeii, Part 3
UNIT 9: FORMAL CRITIQUE
Week 10: The Curse of the Sphinx, Part 1
Week 11: The Curse of the Sphinx, Part 2
Week 12 will be a project. Your learner will write a descriptive time travel diary using a Google Slide template designed like Instagram.Learning Goals
Learners will be taught to organize thoughts and ideas by creating key word outlines from fiction and non-fiction texts, and writing paragraphs from them. They will dress up their writing by systematically using more detailed parts of speech such as adverbs, strong verbs, and adjectives. Students will also practice varied sentence structure by using different sentence openers.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
For grading purposes in Google Docs and for participation in the asynchronous Google Slides activities, each learner will need a GMail account (this can be your account or an account you set up separately for this class).
External sources like Nearpod will also be used for asynchronous activities in this class. You do not need an account for this resource, but your learner will be prompted to type his/her name to participate.
YouTube will be used for the recordings which will be shared in the Outschool classroom. Your learner will not be directed to the site.
All activities are only available to the learners in this class.
Supply List
*** UPDATED Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons Student Book (needs to be purchased from the IEW website) Binder Dividers Lined paper Pencils Pens Highlighters Printer Printer paper PC or laptop Reliable Internet connection
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined June, 2020
5.0
72reviews
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 Class
$185
for 12 classes1x per week, 12 weeks
45 min
Completed by 23 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-14
3-10 learners per class
