What's included
22 live meetings
18 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours 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
Beginner Level
This course covers the Adventures in Writing course by the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). 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. This course will consist of live group video sessions, 2 times per week for 11 weeks (22 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 techniques 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. 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.
Demonstrate accuracy with correct capitalization and punctuation.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Curriculum3 Units
22 Lessons
over 11 WeeksUnit 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:
America Quarter Horse
50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
This IEW class is open to anyone who would benefit from meeting twice per week. My expertise is with supporting learners with Dyslexia, ADHD, Dysgraphia, and ASD. Learners with these learning needs will be supported in this class.
Pre-Requisites
No previous IEW experience required.
Parents should check that the source texts in the Adventures in Writing student book are at or below the learner's independent reading level.
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. Please bring something to write with (pen or pencil) to class. Highlighters are optional.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Non-US Teaching Certificate
3 Degrees
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 literacy intervention.
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
$47
weekly or $517 for 22 classes2x per week, 11 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
4-10 learners per class