$350

for 15 classes

IEW-U.S. History-Based Writing Part 1 - With Grading

Completed by 139 learners

Ages 10-14

Live Group Course

Part 1 of this course will cover Structure Units 1-5 of writing and integrate elements of Style. The class uses the IEW U.S. History-Based Writing for exciting and engaging source texts to develop writing skills and learn history!

Paige Bombacie - IEW Registered Instructor

Average rating:

4.9

Number of reviews:

(191 reviews)

Live video meetings

1x per week, 15 weeks

3-12 learners per class

50 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

15 live meetings

12 hrs 30 mins in-class hours

Homework

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 students

Assessment

I provide positive, constructive feedback throughout the course to encourage growth in writing skills. We use the IEW checklist for all assignments to help students understand expectations and improve structure and style. While I do not assign letter or percentage grades, I offer rubric scores for each final paper, which parents can easily convert to a grade. This provides a more comprehensive evaluation for those who need formal grading. Please note, final papers must be submitted on time to receive a rubric score. My goal is to support students in becoming confident, skilled writers.

Class Experience

US Grade 6 - 9

Beginner - Intermediate Level

Class notes, slides, and activities have been reimagined and reformatted for the 2025-2026 school year. I am taking the best of my online learning experience and enhancing it to the next level. Returning students can expect some fresh insight and activities. New students enjoy the exciting upgrades!

Travel back in time to early United States history! This theme-based writing curriculum allows students to delve into the excitement of explorers, battles, land expansion, famous ships, and founding fathers while learning to write with the Structure and Style® writing method.

Unlock Your Writing Potential with IEW!

Are you ready to master the essentials of writing? The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) offers a comprehensive program that focuses on nine structural models and stylistic techniques to enhance your writing skills. In this course, "Essentials of Writing - Part 1," we'll cover Units 1-5, laying a solid foundation for effective essay and creative writing.

What You'll Learn:

Essay Writing: Develop structured essays using IEW's proven techniques.

Creative Writing: Explore your creativity with engaging writing prompts and activities.

English Language Arts: Strengthen your language arts skills with a focus on style and structure.

Course Highlights:

Interactive Learning: Read source texts, participate in group discussions, and engage in fun activities that make learning enjoyable.

Guided Instruction: I'll guide you through each step of the writing process, providing clear examples and models.

Collaborative Environment: Share your work, receive constructive feedback, and learn from your peers in a supportive setting.

Stylistic Techniques: Add flair to your writing with dress-ups, varied sentence openers, and literary decorations.

***All New Rubric Grading*** for each Unit. Allow for better feedback, growth points, and parent evaluation.

Important Details:

Required Text: This is the required text for this class - Please purchase the "Student" version. Make sure you purchase the book with the cover with a picture of the scroll saying "We the People"

https://iew.com/shop/products/us-history-based-writing-lessons-student-book-only

Course Duration: Part 1 is offered in the Fall semester. Semester 2, covering Units 6-9, will be available in Spring 2026. Sign Up now to continue your learning journey.

Join us for a journey into the world of writing where you'll develop your skills in a creative and supportive environment. My goal is to make the writing process exciting and enjoyable, helping you become a confident and capable writer.

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) Curriculum

Standards

Aligned with State-Specific Standards

5 Units

15 Lessons

over 15 Weeks

Unit 1: Unit 1 Kew Word Outlining

Lesson 1:

Lesson 1 - Native Americans Meet Christopher Columbus

 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,

50 mins online live lesson

1 assignment

Unit 2: Unit 2 Writing Paragraphs

Lesson 2:

Lesson 2 - Spanish Explorers Arrive in America

 Structure: Key Word Outlining Sentence by Sentence, 

Writing a paragraph 

Style: -ly Dress Up

Vocabulary Words: Zealously, futilely, 
prosperity, quest

50 mins online live lesson

1 assignment

Lesson 3:

Lesson 3 - Englishmen Arrive in America

 Structure: Key Word Outlining Sentence by Sentence, 

Style: - Title Clincher Rule 

Vocabulary: audaciously, inevitably, 
endeavor, eerily

50 mins online live lesson

1 assignment

Lesson 4:

Lesson 4 - The Mayflower Mishap

 Structure: Key Word Outlining Sentence by Sentence

Style: who/which clause

Vocabulary: Perilously, imprudently, subside, vehemently

50 mins online live lesson

1 assignment

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

No Pre-Reqs. This class starts right at the beginning and takes students all the way through the IEW program.

Supply List

Due to copywriting laws it is required that you purchase this text prior to the first day of class. This text will be used during Semester 1 & 2. 

Please purchase the "Student" version of this text as it provides Vocabulary Cards we will be using in class

https://iew.com/shop/products/us-history-based-writing-lessons-student-book-only
Make sure your purchase the book with the cover with a picture of the scroll saying "We the People"

Use of Google Docs is required for submitting papers for feedback 
Kahoot - No account required

External Resources

In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

Sources

PLEASE Note: This is the required text for this class - Please purchase the "Student" version. Make sure you purchase the book with the cover with a picture of the scroll saying "We the People" https://iew.com/shop/products/us-history-based-writing-lessons-student-book-only Several lessons utilize text that discusses marginalized groups, such as Indigenous Peoples. I will provide additional texts 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. In addition, class discussion on point of view and word choice and its impact on history will be discussed. It is highly recommended that supplemental reading be included in your student's studies.

Meet the teacher

Paige Bombacie - IEW Registered Instructor

Joined December, 2019

4.9

191reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Bachelor's Degree from University of Washington

I'm a dedicated educator with over 15 years of writing instruction experience . 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