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Institute for Excellence in Writing - IEW UNIT 3 (Writing Short Stories)

Completed by 6 learners
Ages 8-12
Live Group Course
In just 4 sessions, students will learn to write short stories. We will focus on the basic elements of any story; Characters/Setting, Plot/Conflict, Climax/Resolution.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(191 reviews)
Popular

Live video meetings
1x per week, 4 weeks
3-12 learners per class
50 min

What's included

4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hours
Homework
2-4 hours per week. After each session, the student will have a 3 paragraph paper to write. Each lesson will be accompanied by a corresponding work packet for students. It is recommended that students print out the packet before coming to class. The packet serves as a tool for completing weekly learning assignments. Students have the option to submit their completed assignments through the Outschool platform in the "Teacher" tab for feedback. Participation in-class activities, challenges, and peer reviews will make this a rich experience for students. I desire that each of my students utilize the resources provide for them.
Assessment
The IEW utilized a checklist method for clearly communicating what is expected for each paper. Students will be encouraged to follow the checklist. Students may turn in their papers for Teacher review and feedback. Grammar and spelling corrections are not focused on but are sometimes addressed. Basic editing should be done by the student and/or parent.

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 6
Beginner Level
Welcome to our Online Short Story class, designed to help you master the basics of writing short stories using the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) method. In this class, you will learn and apply the Key Word Outlining (KWO) method, engage in brainstorming and writing processes, and receive personalized feedback to enhance your writing skills. Each session will introduce new concepts and provide hands-on practice to ensure you are confident and successful in your storytelling journey.

What You'll Learn:
- Key Word Outlining process
- Story Sequence Chart for story organization
- Elements of style and catchy titles
- Developing themes and unique story elements
- Writing and revising short stories

Class Structure: Each class will consist of:
- Introduction of new concepts
- Demonstration of the concepts with a sample
- Hands-on activities including keyword outlining, brainstorming, writing, and revising
- Teacher-student interaction for feedback and guidance
- Peer work-sharing and feedback opportunities

Prior Experience: Students must be familiar with the IEW Keyword Outlining Method and have completed Units 1 & 2.

Learning Goals

By the end of this 4-session class, students will have written 4 short stories. They will understand how to organize a story into a story sequence chart and clearly communicate the main elements of a story. They will have learned several "dress-ups" and "decorations" style techniques to enhance their story.

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Curriculum
4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
The Bat & The Nightingale
 Introduce Key Word Outlining using the Story Sequence Chart

Discuss foundational story elements: Characters/Setting, Plot/Conflict, Climax/Resolution

Review Unit 1 & 2 Dress ups, Including Quality Adjectives, ly words, Strong Verbs 

Retell a short story assigned by the teacher in your own words 
50 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
The City Rat & The Country Rat
 Use the Story Sequence Chart to organize a short story retelling

Focus on creating fun, catchy titles

Add “ Decorations” to enhance stories - Conversations with Strong Verbs 

Review Paper Formatting 
50 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 3:
The Little Red Hen
 Discuss themes within a short story

Brainstorm ways to change characters and settings while keeping the same theme

Improve writing style by imitating favorite authors

Add “ Decorations” to enhance stories - Simile and Metaphor 
50 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 4:
Student Choice: Composing Your Own Short Story
 Discuss Conflicts 

Apply all learned concepts to compose a three-paragraph short story using the Story Sequence Chart

Add “ Decorations” to enhance stories - Alliteration 

Receive feedback and revise your story

Share your work with peers and provide positive feedback 
50 mins online live lesson
1 assignment

Other Details

Learning Needs
I teach in a systematic step by step format designed to help the most reluctant learner achieve success. I have worked with many students with unique learning needs and my goal is to provide a class that can be adapted as needed.
Pre-Requisites
My Unit 1 & 2 Class teaches the foundational IEW Outline method and is highly recommended for optimal success in the class. Reading level 2-3 grade.
Supply List
Submitting assignments is optional. If a student desires to submit papers they will need the following.

Ability to submit papers via Google Docs. Handwritten papers can be scanned or photographed and uploaded into OS. When student submit papers they must include their KWO and IEW checklist.

Before class print the lesson packets provided 
and bring a writing utensil to class.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Submission of papers via google docs is STRONGLY encouraged as it allows me to give the most concise feedback. Please print out packets provided for Lessons 1-3,

Meet the teacher

4.9
191reviews
Popular
Profile
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 voices 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

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