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IEW | Adventures in Writing - Dyslexia Writing Course

In this 30-week course, we will cover IEW's Adventures in Writing Course. This class is specifically tailored for learners with dyslexia or other reading/writing difficulties or those who want extra time/support in writing.
Sherri Habermehl M.Ed.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(1)
New on Outschool
Class

What's included

60 live meetings
50 in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. Learners will be assigned homework each week based off our lessons in class. Learners will be required to "hire and editor" for their writing. Their editor will need to correct grammar and spelling mistakes on the rough draft to make it "legal" before a student rewrites their final draft for submission.
Grading
Learner's assignments will be graded according to IEW's checklist for structure and style components. Each learner will be assigned their own personalized checklist based off of their specific needs and ability level. An assignment will either be complete or incomplete. If all items on the checklist are completed, the writing is complete. If there are still outstanding items on the checklist, the paper is incomplete.

Class Experience

US Grade 2 - 5
Beginner Level
This course covers the Adventures in Writing course by the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). This course section is specifically designed for learners with reading/writing struggles due to dyslexia or other reading/writing difficulties who have now had enough reading intervention to read at or above a grade 3 level (in the USA) and are looking for a structured and explicit writing program with a certified teacher who knows how to support learners with literacy challenges.

Learners with prior IEW experience are welcome to join this class; however, no prior experience with IEW's methods are required.

In this section, we will cover IEW's rigorous writing program material. We will meet 2 times per week to ensure each learner has enough time and repetition with the concepts to develop confidence and competence. 

Although the format and pacing is set with the above listed challenges in mind, anyone who is interested meeting 2 times per week to follow IEW's Adventures in Writing program can join.

This course will consist of live group video sessions, 2 times per week for 30 weeks (60 sessions). Learners will submit completed assignments through the Outschool platform and will receive feedback on each assignment.

Will there be homework? Yes. Writing is a skill that you can only learn through doing. Just like other skills (i.e. reading, swimming, dancing, etc.), you can't get better if you only watch a video or read a book about it - you need to actually do it yourself to improve. That's what we will do in this class!

During our class time together, I will teach a new topic or stylistic technique, and we as a class will work through using it together. I will repeatedly model ways to do this, gradually giving learners the responsibility to complete their assignments independently as they feel confident and competent.

IEW's philosophy of EZ+1 (easy plus 1) will be honored in this course section. What does "easy" mean? IEW defines "easy" as: something that a learner can do without much help, and it doesn't sound too goofy, most of the time. Before introducing a new stylistic technique, I will ensure that learners find the ones we've already introduced to be "easy."

The course syllabus is listed for each lesson, but I will be responsive to the learner's needs and will make adjustments when necessary. For example, if we need to spend a bit more time on one story or concept, we will. On the other hand, if learners are ready to move forward and try another story or concept earlier than expected, we will do that too. Additionally, if one learner is ready to add more complexity to their checklist but the rest of the class isn't ready yet, I can accommodate for that as well with individualized stylistic technique checklists. Individualized checklists can be shared privately for each learner on the Outschool platform.

Our goal will be to have 2-5 completed written pieces from each of the Units 2-7 of this course. (Unit 1 is an oral response only.)

We will spend a few weeks on each of Units; however, we won't get stuck on a particular unit for too long. Learners do not need to demonstrate mastery of each unit prior to moving on to the next unit. Learners will revisit these same units each time they follow an IEW writing course, so I don't expect mastery on a unit the first time through. I will expect a new stylistic technique to be "easy" before adding a new one though.
Learning Goals
Learn some of the stylistic techniques including but not limited to: -ly adverb, who/which clause, strong verb, because clause, and quality adjective.
Learn the topic-clincher structural pattern: the clincher repeats or reflects 2-3 key words.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Curriculum
7 Units
60 Lessons
over 30 Weeks
Unit 1: Note Making and Outlines
Lesson 1:
Nile River
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Yangtze River
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Roman Hoplite
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
American Quarter Horse
50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Learning Needs
This IEW class is specifically tailored to learners who have struggled with reading and writing due to dyslexia or other reading/writing difficulties. Although the format and pacing is set with these challenges in mind, anyone can join.
Pre-Requisites
No previous IEW experience required. Learners need to be able to read at a grade 3 USA level. If a learner has had prior Barton or other structured literacy tutoring, they must have completed Level 4 of the Barton program or equivalent.
Supply List
You will need to purchase this student book from IEW before the class begins:

https://iew.com/adventures-in-writing-student-book-only

I recommend also purchasing the portable walls and/or grammar writing cards. If it is your first time using IEW, the Teacher Manual may be handy if you would like to further support your child at home but this is optional.
Joined May, 2024
5.0
1reviews
New on Outschool
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Non-US Teaching Certificate
Master's Degree in Education from University of Saskatchewan
Bachelor's Degree in Science from University of Saskatchewan
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Saskatchewan
I am an accredited Registered Instructor through the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW).

I am a certified teacher in Canada with an active teaching license and 15+ years experience teaching. I am listed on the International Dyslexia Association's (IDA) Professional Directory as a structured literacy tutor.

My primary teaching experience has been in the area of Special Education, specifically with learners who struggle with reading and writing due to dyslexia or other reading difficulties. 

I am trained at the Associate level in the Orton-Gillingham approach for reading intervention and use the Barton Reading & Spelling System as a structured literacy intervention resource.

I have the following degrees pertaining to education:
-M.Ed. in Special Education
-B.Ed. 
-Post-Graduate Certificate in Special Education

In addition to all of the experience and credentials listed above, I am also a homeschooling parent with a heart for connecting with struggling readers and writers. My desire as an instructor echoes IEW's motto of teaching learners the skills they need to become competent and confident communicators and thinkers. 

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$47

weekly or $1,399 for 60 classes
2x per week, 30 weeks
50 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
4-9 learners per class

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