Students will be introduced to the first two units of writing methods from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW).  

This class focuses on creating key word outlines and using the outlines to retell a paragraph in their own words.  In addition to the structure of writing, we will focus on "dressing up" our writing by using strong verbs, quality adjectives, and other techniques!

Each class will consist of modeling and participation to create outlines as we learn strategies. New stylistic techniques are learned each week, and we will be using assignments done at home to share and discuss our work.  The last portion of class will consist of a game using a new element learned in class.  

Each week is theme-based as we learn about writing according to the syllabus.

Homework is required and will be assigned weekly, including after class on Week 4.  All homework assignments utilize a rubric checklist, so both students and parents know just what to expect, and all homework will have a choice of different source texts surrounding our weekly theme from which to write. 

Please post completed homework in the classroom or as an email to me the DAY BEFORE class, so we can discuss the assignments in class and outlining/writing can be shared, discussed, and encouraged!

**Students should be able to read fluently and write basic sentences.**

This class is kept small so we can work together collaboratively.