What's included
12 live meetings
14 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Learners will have homework every week. It is highly recommended that learners complete the homework. Once they start writing, I will provide feedback on assignments according to the checklist.Assessment
Six homework assignments will be given a number grade using the checklist from the Student Book. If you do not wish to receive this, please let me know and we can make other arrangements that fit your learner better.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 6
In this class, your learner will be working through Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). This course will take the students through units one and four of the program. Your learner will learn how to make an outline and retell a story or information by determining key words from a source text. Learners will then move into paragraph writing by writing from their notes, retelling short fictional stories, and summarizing non-fiction texts. In the midst of all that writing, your learner will learn how to spice up their pieces with sentence dress-ups and decorations, as well as vary their sentence structure with different openers. 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. When learners 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 grammar and vocabulary through planned activities that foster brainstorming and collaboration, sometimes through Google tools. 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 more than one learner who would like to participate in the class, I will provide a $10 refund for each additional learner. It is highly recommended that you take Part 2 of this course in the spring.
Learning Goals
Learners will improve their writing skills through organizational techniques found in the methods from IEW. Stylistic techniques will be added to give interesting detail to compositions.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Curriculum4 Units
12 Lessons
over 12 WeeksUnit 1: Note-Making and Outlines
Lesson 1:
The Lion and the Mouse/The Ant and the Grasshopper
This class will introduce learners to the IEW's structure and style method.
70 mins online live lesson
Unit 2: Writing from Notes
Lesson 2:
The Trumpeter Taken Prisoner
Learners will practice more outlining while learning how to write a paragraph from that outline using their own words.
70 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
The Four Oxen and the Lioness
In addition to outlining and writing a paragraph, learners will add a new dress-up, the -ly adverb.
70 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
The Milkmaid and Her Pail
Learners will continue practicing the method for planning writing using outlining, but will add a title to their compositions using the title rule.
70 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.
Google Docs is mandatory for final compositions that are turned in to me. All homework will be uploaded here on Outschool.
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.
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 be able to write simple sentences.
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
$17
weekly or $195 for 12 classes1x per week, 12 weeks
70 min
Completed by 50 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-12
5-10 learners per class