Note: The Wonders of Science book is listed in the Level A (grades 3-5) category on the IEW website. However, in the description it states that it is for grades 4-7.  It may be best described as between level A and level B. It covers all nine units, which level-A books often do not do. There are simplified source texts available for this book to make it accessible for younger learners, however this class will not be using those. 

**Sample my IEW writing classes with my one-time class: Paragraph Writing (scroll down for link).**


This 15-week, semester IEW class will include key word outlines, oral reports from key word outlines, basic paragraph structure, stylistic techniques, basic story writing form, simple report paragraphs, and creatively using style techniques. Using IEW’s newest theme-based book, Wonders of Science, (purchase of book required for class), learners will encounter science-related sources and topics to base their writing upon. This class will cover IEW writing units 1-5, including key word outlines, the story sequence chart, informative paragraphs, and writing from pictures. 
The second semester class will complete the book with units 6-9.  Through group writing during class, grammar exercises, homework, and feedback on assignments, learners will be guided through the steps to plan, write, and edit their assignments.  I offer feedback on all class assignments that are sent to me.

Class time structure:

Greeting: An ice-breaker-type question offers an opportunity to play with words and style and become acquainted with fellow learners.  

Mechanics and Style: Grammar lessons, editing, and new style techniques are included in our mechanics and style time, which is presented through individual or group exercises.

Writing lesson: The lesson is presented, and we practice the structure with group writing.

Vocabulary or Review: Vocabulary exercises and grammar review use presentation slides and Zoom reactions.

Syllabus:
Units 1 & 2: Wonders of Science lessons 1-4, will instruct learners in writing a key word outline, presenting an oral report from the outline, and writing a paraphrase of the source text. Writing with style will begin with adverbs and relative clauses (who/which clauses). 

Unit 3: Wonders of Science lessons 5-8, will apply the techniques learned in the first weeks of the course to writing in basic story format with descriptive style including the "because clause" and strong verbs.

Unit 4: Wonders of Science lessons 9-12, will introduce informative paragraphs and the topic/clincher rule. Learners will add to the earlier style techniques with quality adjectives, adverb clauses, and discussing sentence openers. 

Unit 5: Wonders of Science lessons 13-15, will focus on creatively using description to write based on pictures rather than text.  Earlier style lessons will aid the descriptive writing as another sentence opener is introduced. 

Learners will be involved in class exercises and group writing as well as individual writing and presenting.  Learners will learn basic editing in order to better edit their own assignments. Homework, approximately 1-3 hours per week, will include key word outlines, oral exercises, writing assignments, and editing exercises.   Homework will be submitted via Outschool messaging and will be returned with further edits and feedback. 

Please note that this class time will change based on Daylight Savings Time for the Central time zone.

One-time Paragraph Writing Class: https://outschool.com/classes/iew-writing-overview-of-units-1-4-outlines-paragraphs-and-stories-luoHJ9Rg