IEW: Wonders of Science Writing Lessons (Part 2)
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. ***Parents should be ready to assist their learner with every assignment. Because content builds, it's important your learner receive support at home. 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. Vocabulary quizzes and review activities will also be assigned on Quizlet, but are optional for participation.Assessment
The student will be be provided detailed feedback based on finished assignments and according to the rubrics in the Student Book. 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. All assignments will be turned in using Google Classroom. Vocabulary quizzes will also be assigned, but are optional for participation.Grading
Each learner will have graded feedback on six of the twelve assignments. The remaining six will be self-graded.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 6
***This is Part 2 of a three-part course. Part 1 needs to be complete before taking this course.***
In this course, your learner will be working through Wonders of Science Writing Lessons from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). This course will cover Units 5-8 of the program. Your learner will continue practicing taking notes by creating key word outlines. Using those outlines, learners will compose stories, informational summaries, personal essays, and one formal essay. 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. When time allows, we will use Nearpod, Google Slides, or Google Docs for brainstorming and collaboration activities. Vocabulary will be reviewed as well using Quizlet and will be incorporated into the activities. Your learner will also be able to ask questions about the assignment during this time.
Topics will include:
UNITS 5: WRITING FROM PICTURES
Week 1: Meteorite
Week 2: Message in a Bottle
Week 3: Science Lab
UNIT 6: SUMMARIZING MULTIPLE REFERENCES
Week 4: Nikola Tesla
Week 5: Albert Einstein, Part 1
Week 6: Albert Einstein, Part 2
Week 7: Maria Telkes
UNIT 7: INVENTIVE WRITING
Week 8: Favorite Invention, Part 1
Week 9: Favorite Invention, Part 2
Week 10: Exploring a Place Outdoors, Part 1
Week 11: Exploring a Place Outdoors, Part 2
UNIT 8: FORMAL ESSAY MODELS
Week 12: Albert Einstein, Part 3
Your learner will have the opportunity to create a "podcast" throughout the course using Flip(grid). Details will be provided in class.
*** If you have siblings, I will give you a $10 discount in the form of a refund for the additional learner.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. Stylistic techniques will continue to be added to assignments.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Each learner will need his/her own GMail account for grading purposes. This will be used to turn assignments in through Google Classroom and receive feedback. Learners cannot share an account. It will also be used for live an asynchronous activities using Google Slides and Google Docs.
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.
External sources like Nearpod will also be used during live meetings and sometimes asynchronously. You do not need an account for this resource, but your learner will be prompted to type his/her name to participate. If you are using a tablet or Chromebook, you will need to download the app to participate. Embedded in these assignments will be Quill activities as well. Your learner will need an account to participate.
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
Wonders of Science Student Book (needs to be purchased from the IEW website) Paper, pencil, pen A thesaurus and dictionary would be useful as well.
Language of Instruction
English
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: 9-12
3-12 learners per class
