Writing Narratives
In this 5-session class, students will use the IEW story model to analyze the parts of a story and rewrite it their own way.
Jennifer Crowe
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(346)
What's included
5 live meetings
5 in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. We begin each story in class, but it is likely students will need to continue to write and edit after class each day. Each student is unique so it will take each child a different amount of time to finish a story. I have had fifth graders write 10 page stories in 3 hours and seventh graders write one page stories in 20 minutes after this class- both are acceptable and welcomed.Assessment
Each student should be able to finish 4 three-part stories by the end of the week. Strong students will edit and add pictures.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
For the class starting July 25, 2022 at 10 AM PST (1 PM EST) - the class will focus on older learners, 11-13 years old, middle school-ish. In this class, students will write narratives five days in a row, using the IEW method. We begin by analyzing and taking notes from an existing story, then students rewrite and improve the story. This works for everyone, but is a great help to dyslexic students and struggling writers because it gives them structure. Repeating the process gives them proficiency and confidence. After learning the structure of the story, each day we will add a new grammar concept to improve their writing style. The nature of this process makes five progressive and consecutive days more valuable than one isolated day at a time. Once they gain these skills, they can apply them to other academic endeavors. Some students focus on retelling the story accurately, while some enjoy changing all the details and adding more to the plot. Either method works and is praised in this class! Students should be able to take notes by copying my notes from a whiteboard, and they should be able to copy specific words and phrases from the stories, from the board, and by listening to others. Students should be able to complete a three paragraph story in their own writing. We will begin the story during class, but they will likely finish it after class. Note this class is 60 minutes long so students should have the capacity to attend to a multi-part task during this time. I teach a fairly structured class, but I do ask for interaction and ideas. Students should share their ideas, words, and stories as they feel comfortable. This class meets and exceeds Common Core standards, and is not "fluff". We do real work in this class. Even students who normally hate to write learn to enjoy writing this way because they gain success and specific skills. Often, students are inspired to continue writing long after class, partly due to my constant encouragement, and partly because this process works!
Learning Goals
Students will learn to analyze a story and its parts and to take notes from the story. They will rewrite stories in their own way and (hopefully) read aloud their story to others. Students will learn parts of speech and how to apply them specifically to their writing. Students will acquire lists of brainstormed ideas to apply to future writing.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I mostly use fables and fairy tales for our base stories. Often characters die in these stories (e.g., Boy Who Cried Wolf).
Supply List
Students should keep a folder or notebook of handouts and materials that are used throughout the week for reference. Colored pencils are used as well.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2020
4.9
346reviews
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
$85
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
60 min
Completed by 63 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
5-10 learners per class
