What's included
15 live meetings
22 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. There are exciting weekly writing assignment planned for each class! Completing these assignments is strongly encouraged, as it is a great opportunity to practice and develop your writing skills. I understand that every student is unique and has their own writing journey, so it's important to me that you feel comfortable working at your own pace. Homework time can vary based on the assignment and the individual, but we're confident that you'll find the tasks engaging and worthwhile! Students should schedule 1 - 4 hours for each assignment for optimal success. Each week students turn in 3 things. 1. Keyword Outline (KWO) 2. IEW Checklist 3. Final Draft of their paper Please Note that students and/or parents need to know how to upload attachments (PDF or Pictures) and how to use basic functions of Google Docs. All of these steps will be demonstrated in class for studentsAssessment
I welcome and encourage students to submit their papers for feedback in this class! To help students understand exactly what's expected in each paper, we'll be using the IEW checklist method. Following the checklist is highly recommended and will help students produce high-quality writing. As the instructor, my role is to review each paper and provide positive, constructive feedback. I won't be assigning letter or percentage grades, as the focus of the class is on developing writing skills and improving structure and style. While basic spelling and punctuation are expected, don't worry about being perfect - the most important thing is to keep working on your writing and making progress. To assess the writing process, I'll be reviewing students' Keyword Outlines and Checklists. And when it comes time to submit final drafts, I'll provide comments and feedback right in Google Docs to help students improve their writing even further. Remember, the goal is to develop your skills and become a better writer, and I'm here to support and guide you every step of the way I do not offer Letter or Percentage Grades - parents can award a grade easily by using the Checklist rubric provided.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Intermediate - Advanced Level
Fast Track Your Writing Skills with IEW! The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) offers a comprehensive program that focuses on nine structural models and stylistic techniques to enhance your writing. This Fast Track course is designed to complete an entire writing program in just one semester, perfect for those eager to advance quickly in essay and creative writing. What You'll Learn: Essay Writing: Master the art of structured essay writing using IEW’s effective methods. Creative Writing: Unleash your creativity with diverse writing prompts and engaging activities. English Language Arts: Improve your language arts skills, focusing on both style and structure. Course Highlights: Intensive Learning: All new content will be taught and modeled during class time, ensuring a thorough understanding of each concept. Hands-On Practice: Collaboratively work on sample assignments that reinforce the lessons learned. Weekly Assignments: Apply new techniques through weekly writing assignments that build on classroom learning. Constructive Feedback: Share your papers, receive constructive feedback from peers, and refine your writing. Stylistic Techniques: Enhance your writing with dress-ups, varied sentence openers, and literary decorations. Interactive and Supportive Environment: Engaging Activities: Participate in brainstorming sessions, games, and fun activities designed to develop your writing skills. Collaborative Learning: Work together with classmates in a supportive and creative environment. Personal Growth: My goal is to make the writing process exciting and enjoyable, helping you unlock your full potential and become a confident, capable writer. Join us for this accelerated journey into the world of writing where you’ll develop essential skills in a dynamic and supportive setting. PLEASE Note: This is the required text for this class - Please purchase the "Student" version. This is the same text used during Part 1 of this course. Make sure you purchase the book with the cover with a picture of the scroll saying "We the People" Link to purchase. Also, please note that several lessons utilize text that covers marginalized groups, such as Indigenous Peoples. I will be providing additional text for these lessons to include and uplift the voices of marginalized groups. The goal is to represent an educational framework with multiple perspectives that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Learning Goals
BIG PICTURE GOAL: The ultimate goal is to give students writing skills they can apply to any subject or topic. The hope is to equip them to write for life, not just "school."
Units 1 & 2 Goals: Introduce the rules of KWO and teach students to put information into their own words.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Curriculum15 Lessons
over 15 WeeksLesson 1:
Unit 1 & 2: Lesson 1 & Lesson 2 - Spanish Explorers Arrive in America
Welcome, Classroom Processes, Expectations and Workflow
An Introduction to Structure and Style, Key Word Outlining By Sentence, & Uses of Symbols
Vocabulary Words: Reverently, presume, transfixed, hostile, Zealously, futilely, prosperity, quest
Activities: Reading and analyzing source texts, practicing KWO, and creating oral summaries
90 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Unit 1 & 2: Lesson 3 - Englishmen in America & Lesson 4 - The Mayflower Mishap
Structure: Key Word Outlining Sentence by Sentence,
Style: -ly dress up, Title Clincher Rule, who/which clause
Vocabulary: Audaciously, inevitably,
endeavor, eerily, Perilously, imprudently, subside, vehemently
Activities: Reading and analyzing source texts, practicing KWO, and creating oral and written summaries.
90 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Unit 3: Lesson 5 - Ambush In the Wilderness & Lesson 6 - The Boston Massacre
Structure: Retelling of Short stories, Use of the Story Sequence Chart for Key Word Outlining
Style: New Dress up Strong Verb
Banning Weak Verbs (go/went, say/said, Get/Got),
Decoration Conversation - not in the workbook
Vocabulary: Animosity, adriot, onrush, warily
Activities: Reading and analyzing short stories, practicing story writing with key components.
90 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Unit 3: Lesson 7 - The Boston Tea Party & Lesson 8 - Shot Heard Around the World
Structure: Retelling of Short stories, Use the Story Sequence Chart for Key Word Outlining
Style: New Dress Up - Because Clause
New Decoration - Alliteration (not in the workbook)
Vocabulary: Confront, provoke, obstinately, indignantly, squander, waver, cunningly, venture, Persevere, compel, destined, appalled
Activities: Reading and analyzing short stories, practicing story writing with key components.
90 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
IEW is a systematic program that removes the ambiguity of writing and helps unique learners. I was diagnosed with Dyslexia and have worked with many dyslexic students. I can offer encouragement, understanding, and accommodation tips.
Parental Guidance
Students or Parents need to be able to upload attachments (PDF or Pictures) and how to use basic functions of Google Docs. All of these steps will be demonstrated in class for students.
Several times a semester we will utilize Kahoot for Vocabulary Quizzes. An account or log in is not necessary to join.
It is recommended that parents preview the sources texts prior to class. All content is designed to be age-appropriate.
Pre-Requisites
There are no Pre- Reqs for this class. However please note this is a fast-paced class. It is best suited for older students who need to cover skills quickly or a repeat IEW student who wants to review all 9 Units.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from University of Washington
I'm a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience teaching IEW. My passion is to make writing engaging and enjoyable for my students, and I strive to bring creativity and interactivity to every lesson.
As a parent of three children, I've had the opportunity to use the IEW program at home and have walked my own kids through the program. This personal experience has given me a unique perspective and deep understanding of the challenges that students and families may face in the writing process.
In my classes, I aim to create a supportive and dynamic learning environment that encourages students to take risks and develop their own unique voice as writers. I believe that with the right guidance and support, every student has the potential to become a skilled and confident writer.
Whether in the classroom or at home, I'm dedicated to making writing a positive and rewarding experience for all students, and I'm excited to share my knowledge and passion with you
Reviews
Live Group Course
$40
weekly or $600 for 15 classes1x per week, 15 weeks
90 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-12 learners per class