What is IEW? A guide for homeschooling parents

Teaching writing at home can feel like one of the trickiest parts of homeschooling. From helping your child organize their thoughts to guiding them through full essays, it’s not always easy to know where to begin or how much structure to provide.

The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) was created to make that process more approachable, giving parents a clear framework while helping students feel less intimidated by the blank page. Let's explore what IEW is, how it works, and ways you can use it in your homeschool. If you’d like to add extra support along the way, Outschool offers live online writing classes that can blend seamlessly with programs like IEW.

What is IEW?

If you’ve ever sat down to teach writing and watched your child stare at the page without knowing where to begin, you’re not alone. Writing can feel overwhelming because it combines so many skills at once, such as thinking of ideas, organizing them, and then choosing the right words. That’s where the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) can step in.

IEW is designed to give both parents and children a clear path through the writing process. Instead of leaving kids to come up with something from scratch, the program walks them through small, manageable steps. Homeschool families often appreciate it because it removes the pressure of “what do I teach next?” and replaces it with a method that is both structured and flexible.

How IEW works: Core methods

IEW’s approach rests on two main pillars: structure and style. Together, these help transform writing from a stressful task into something more approachable.

Structure: 9 building blocks

IEW introduces writing through nine models that build on each other. Each step adds a new layer of skill, so your child isn’t asked to do too much too soon. They’ll start with the basics and gradually move toward more advanced forms of writing:

1. With note-taking and outlines, your child practices pulling out key words to organize their thoughts.
2. In writing from notes, those outlines turn into clear sentences and simple paragraphs.
3. Through retelling stories, your learner learns to share the beginning, middle, and end in their own words.
4. By summarizing references, they boil a passage down to just the essentials.
5. Writing from pictures uses an image as a springboard for description or storytelling.
6. Summarizing multiple references helps your child combine ideas from different sources into one piece.
7. Inventive writing encourages them to branch out and try original stories of their own.
8. With formal essay models, they begin shaping structured, thesis-based arguments.
9. Finally, formal critique invites them to think critically by analyzing and responding to another written work.

Style: Making writing come alive

While your child moves through these steps, IEW also introduces stylistic tools that make writing more engaging. Instead of sticking to simple sentences, your learner experiments with vivid verbs, descriptive adjectives, and varied sentence openings. These small touches add richness and personality, helping your child’s work feel polished while giving them confidence in their own voice.

IEW teaching formats

No two homeschool setups look the same, and IEW supports that by providing multiple teaching formats to fit your routine.

• Parent training videos give you the confidence to lead lessons without second-guessing yourself.
• Learner video lessons can take some of the pressure off you, especially when you’re getting started, while still keeping you involved.
• Theme-based lesson books weave writing into subjects like history or science, so your child can practice skills while exploring topics they’re already curious about.

No matter which option you lean on, the structure remains simple: watch or read, practice the assignment, and use a checklist to review progress. This rhythm helps you stay consistent while keeping your child moving forward at a steady pace.

Benefits of using IEW in homeschooling

One of IEW's biggest strengths is how it turns that challenge into a series of small, doable steps. Your child always has a framework to lean on, which can make the process far less stressful for both of you.

• Confidence building: IEW gives your child tools they can actually use, so writing feels less like guesswork. With structure and style built into each lesson, your learner gains confidence in their ability to express ideas clearly, one step at a time.
• Flexibility for different learners: The program isn’t locked to a single grade level. You can adjust the pace, revisit certain skills, or move ahead when your child is ready. Whether you’re teaching a younger learner just getting started or an older child who needs stronger writing habits, the same core framework adapts to their needs.
• Support for parents: IEW is designed with parents in mind, too. Video lessons, checklists, and clear lesson plans mean you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Instead of feeling like you need to be an expert in writing, you can follow along and feel supported while guiding your child’s progress.
• Encouragement of long-term skills: Beyond essays or summaries, IEW builds habits your child can carry into high school, college, and beyond. Organizing thoughts, using strong vocabulary, and writing with clarity are skills that last well past homeschool years.

Potential challenges and considerations

Even with a strong program like IEW, it helps to step back and think about how it will look in your home. Every child learns differently, and every parent teaches differently. That means what feels like a perfect fit for one family may need a little adjusting for another. Keeping a few possible challenges in mind can make the transition smoother and set realistic expectations from the start.

• Pacing: Because IEW follows a step-by-step system, the lessons are carefully structured. While that predictability is helpful, some families may feel the program moves faster than their child is ready for. The good news is that you can always slow things down, repeat a step, or spend extra time practicing before moving on.
• Learning preferences: IEW focuses heavily on structure. For some learners, that’s exactly what they need. For others, especially those who thrive on open-ended creativity, too much structure can feel limiting. Balancing IEW with journaling, storytelling, or other creative outlets can keep writing enjoyable while still giving your child the tools they need.
• Parent involvement: This program isn’t designed to be “set it and forget it.” Your role as a guide is part of what makes it effective. Watching lessons, checking work, and encouraging your child along the way will be a regular part of the process.

How to incorporate IEW into your homeschool

Bringing a new program into your homeschool plan doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. IEW is flexible enough to grow with your family, and you can choose how to introduce it based on your child’s pace and your teaching style. Here are some simple ways to make it a natural part of your writing routine:

• Start small with one unit: Instead of jumping into the whole program at once, try beginning with a single unit, such as keyword outlines. This allows your child to get comfortable with one step before moving on, and it gives you a chance to practice leading lessons without feeling rushed.
• Pair lessons with literature or history: Writing can feel more meaningful when it’s connected to what your child is already learning. You might have them summarize a favorite story or retell a history passage using IEW’s structure. This keeps writing from feeling like an isolated subject.
• Set a steady rhythm: Consistency is key, but that doesn’t mean long hours. Many families find that two or three focused writing sessions per week are enough. Keeping lessons short and regular helps your child stay engaged without burnout.
• Mix in creative writing time: IEW builds strong foundations in structure and style, but it’s still important to give your child space to explore their imagination. Encourage them to write stories, poems, or journal entries outside of the program so they see writing as both a skill and self-expression.
• Use the checklists together: IEW provides simple checklists to help evaluate writing. Instead of treating this like grading, turn it into a shared activity. Sit with your child, go through the checklist, and talk about what they did well before pointing out what could be added. This builds confidence and keeps feedback positive.
• Adjust the pace to fit your child: If a lesson feels too fast, there’s no harm in repeating it. If it feels too slow, move on sooner. The program is designed to be flexible, and leaning into that flexibility helps ensure your child feels supported rather than pressured.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about IEW for homeschooling families

Here are some of the most common questions parents ask about IEW, along with answers to help you picture how it might look for your family.

At what age or grade is it best to start IEW?

IEW can be introduced as early as the elementary years, but many families begin around third or fourth grade when their child is comfortable with reading. Because the program is adaptable, older learners can also jump in at any time and still benefit.

Do I need to be strong in writing myself to teach IEW effectively?

Not at all. IEW was designed with parents in mind, which means you don’t have to be an expert. The teaching videos and clear checklists walk you through each step, giving you the tools to guide your child confidently.

How much time does IEW take per week?

Most families spend about two to four hours per week on IEW. That can be spread across a few short lessons, making it easy to work into your schedule without feeling overwhelmed.

Can IEW be used with multiple children at different grade levels?

Absolutely. Many parents teach one lesson and then adjust expectations for each child. For example, younger learners may write shorter pieces, while older ones go into more depth using the same lesson structure.

How does IEW compare to other homeschool writing curricula?

While some programs ask children to start with creative writing, IEW builds skills from structure first, then layers in style. This makes it feel more methodical and less intimidating for kids who struggle with “what to write.”

Does IEW prepare learners for high school and college writing?

Yes. The step-by-step approach builds into more advanced writing, including essays and critiques. By high school, your child will have a solid foundation that translates well into academic expectations for both high school and college.

Build lasting writing confidence

Helping your child grow as a writer is a journey, and IEW offers a framework that gives direction without leaving you guessing about the next step. With time and consistency, your learner gains tools that make writing feel less intimidating and more achievable, one skill at a time.

To keep writing fresh and enjoyable, you can pair IEW with opportunities for creative exploration. Outschool’s live classes and fun electives offer your child new ways to practice writing in fun, interactive settings, while you keep the solid structure of IEW at the heart of your homeschool routine.