What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
This is a writing class disguised by an engaging topic. Have you seen videos with two vicious animals fighting? In this class, we will research each animal, then write about who would win in a fight. If you are familiar with IEW, this is a "Level A or B" class. This class focuses more of the Structure of note-taking and fusing, and less on the Style. If your child takes this a second time, please warn me so that we can research different animals that week! IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) is an excellent step-by-step writing program. Students do not necessarily need to have IEW experience, but they should be able to read 4th grade text, take notes by copying from my screen, and be able to make writing choices. No prior experience is needed, though familiarity with IEW concepts may be helpful. These classes are similar but not necessary before taking "Who Will Win?" https://outschool.com/classes/write-about-weird-and-wacky-animals-FeaQ36Hj#usxPqAuK2O https://outschool.com/classes/writing-about-animals-repetitively-H3F9pXpk#usxPqAuK2O https://outschool.com/classes/writing-for-kids-who-hate-to-write-V2gOQ3No#usxPqAuK2O My classes are very structured, teacher-led, and encouraging. Struggling students can always copy my work until they gain independence. There is always discussion in my class, but I am leading the class in note-taking, and students make their own choices about words, main ideas, and comparisons. Students will write independently with specific, clear guidance. I show (or attach for their own viewing) short video clips. For this class, those clips will likely be pretty gruesome. Day 1- Research from one source. HW- find one other fact Day 2- Research Source 2 and fuse outlines. HW- find one fact Day 3- Research from two sources and fuse outlines. Day 4- Decide, write an outline, and write the final paragraph.
Learning Goals
Students will learn how to take simple notes and then combine two sources into one outline. These are skills from Unit 4 and 6 of IEW.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The videos of animal fights are gruesome and violent. Do not take this class if you do not want to see animals die.
Supply List
You will need a pen and lots of paper. You will have several pages to print before class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
UPDATE FOR SUMMER and FALL 2024: My video refers to the 2022-23 school year, but I'm still here! I am super happy to be starting my last year of law school. I will take the bar exam in July 2025.
FIX IT Grammar: In Fall 2024, I will teach all of Book 2 and 3, and the first half of 4 and 5. In spring 2025, I will teach the second half of 4 and 5.
WRITING: For fall 2024, my semester-long classes will use the Modern World History-Based Writing Lessons book from IEW. https://iew.com/modern-world-history-based-writing-lessons-student-book-only
If you want to see if we are a good fit before committing to a long class, drop in on one of my ongoing Friday classes!
I help children overcome their fear of failure, and I coach strong writers to continued excellence. Once children grasp specific writing concepts, they can apply their skills to all content areas. Mostly, I use the writing methods taught by the Institute for Excellence in Writing.
My youngest daughter is dyslexic and in my search to help her organize and communicate her thoughts, I discovered the writing methods of IEW. Over the last 17 years, I have studied and taught these writing methods at my kitchen table, in homeschool co-ops, and in private tutoring. Most recently, I taught IEW for seven years to middle schoolers at a public charter school in Southern California. I am currently a Registered Instructor with IEW.
I graduated from the University of Maryland with an Elementary Education degree, but I've learned way more from my own kids and hundreds of others than I ever learned in a college classroom.
Having taught on two coasts, in public, private, charter, and homeschool co-ops, I have a breadth of experience.
My classes are "pretty fun for a writing class," my students report, but they don't feel like recess. Students will practice significant writing, grammar, organizing, outlining, and speaking skills in my classes. If your child needs support, recovery, or challenge, check out my classes.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$80
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
55 min
Completed by 6 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-12
6-10 learners per class