IEW: Wonders of Science Writing Lessons (Part 1)
In this 12-week class, your learner will work on improving his writing the IEW way through science topics.
Karen Cross, MSEd - IEW Certified Instructor
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(72)
What's included
12 live meetings
15 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. The learner should be prepared to spend 1-2 hours per week on homework. This will include writing compositions, studying vocabulary, and possibly preparing an outline on the next lesson. The adult at home should be prepared to help when needed. Google Docs is mandatory for grading purposes. In addition to writing assignments, your learner will be encouraged to send a video of their retellings each week to the rest of the class in Outschool. Your learner will not only be submitting their work, but will also be able to see others and provide them feedback as well as receive it. Vocabulary quizzes using Quizlet, and review activities using Google Forms will also be available, but are optional for participation.Assessment
***Parents should be ready to assist their learner with every assignment. Because content builds, it's important your learner receive support at home. The student will be be provided detailed feedback based on finished assignments and according to the rubrics in the Student Book. I will use a completed Google Form which will be sent to you in PDF form for your records. Google Docs is mandatory for feedback. It is the responsibility of the adult at home to collect grades and samples of learners' compositions for their own records. ***If you do not want a number grade, please message me privately so we can make arrangements for your learner. Vocabulary quizzes will also be assigned, but are optional for participation and will not be graded by me. Google Forms will be used to reinforce stylistic techniques being used in class.Grading
I will provide feedback with every assignment. This will include written and verbal comments in the document, as well as a rubric for select assignments.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 7
In this course, your learner will be working through Wonders of Science Writing Lessons from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). This course takes the students through unit four of the program. Your learner will learn how to make an outline by determining key words and then move into paragraph writing by summarizing narrative and non-fiction texts. In the midst of all that writing, your learner will spice up their pieces with sentence dress-ups. Your learner will receive detailed feedback based on the rubrics for each lesson in the Student Book. ***All lessons will be covered, but will be done so in three parts. The last part teaches how to write a formal essay and a formal critique. Because some learners may not be ready for that, it is separate and can be purchased for your more experienced learner separately.*** To maximize progress, 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. During our live meetings, we will develop key word outlines together. If there is a new stylistic technique, we will discuss that as well. Vocabulary will be reviewed 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 siblings, I will give you a $10 discount in the form of a refund for the additional learner. It is highly recommended that you take Part 2 of this course in the spring.
Learning Goals
Learners will be taught to organize thoughts and ideas by creating key word outlines from fiction and non-fiction texts, and writing paragraphs from them. They will dress up their writing by systematically adding parts of speech such as adverbs, strong verbs, and quality adjectives.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Curriculum5 Units
12 Lessons
over 12 WeeksUnit 1: Unit 1: Note Making and Outlines
Lesson 1:
Dead Ants
This will be an introduction to the IEW structure and style program. Learners will read a source text about dead ants, create an outline, and have an opportunity to retell the information in class. 75 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Unit 2: Unit 2: Writing from Notes
Lesson 2:
Honey Bees
Learners will create an outline about honey bees from a source text in the Student Book. We will practice writing a paragraph together from the outline, and the first stylistic technique will be introduced, the -ly adverb. 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Bombardier Beetles
Learners will craft an outline about bombardier beetles together. We will review the -ly adverb stylistic technique and play a vocabulary game using Quizlet. 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Monarch Migration
Outlining will continue to be done collectively as we brainstorm facts to include in our summaries. A new stylistic technique will be explored, the who/which clause. 75 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
Google Docs will be used for compositions. Learners can use parent accounts, or they can have one of their own.
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.
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.
Supply List
REQUIRED: IEW Wonders of Science Writing Lessons Student Book (needs to be purchased from the IEW website) Paper, pencil, pen A thesaurus and dictionary would be useful as well.
Joined June, 2020
5.0
72reviews
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
75 min
Completed by 12 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
5-12 learners per class
