Discoveries in Writing: Semester 1 Syllabus

Course Overview:
In this theme-based writing curriculum, students will explore a wide variety of fascinating subjects, including the Bayeux Tapestry, tsunamis, Jerusalem and the Crusades, and more, while learning to write using the Structure and Style® writing method.

Required Textbook:
Discoveries in Writing Student Book

Recommended Materials:

3-ring binder
File folders
Envelopes or ziplock bags for vocabulary cards
Class Structure:

Weekly thematic video
Vocabulary review and practice
Writing assignments based on IEW units
Clear writing assignment checklists
Fun videos and songs to learn grammar concepts
Homework assignments to be uploaded to Google Classroom before the next class
Weekly Syllabus:

Week 1 - Unit 1

Lesson 1: Note Making and Outlines - Mount Everest, Matterhorn
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, create outlines.
Week 2 - Unit 2

Lesson 2: Writing from Notes - Constantine, title rule
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, write from notes.
Week 3 - Unit 2

Lesson 3: Writing from Notes - Alfred the Great, -ly adverbs
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, incorporate -ly adverbs in writing.
Week 4 - Unit 2

Lesson 4: Writing from Notes - Lapis Lazuli, who/which clause
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, use who/which clauses in writing.
Week 5 - Unit 3

Lesson 5: Retelling Narrative Stories - The Lion and the Shepherd, Part 1
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, create a story sequence chart.
Week 6 - Unit 3

Lesson 6: Retelling Narrative Stories - The Lion and the Shepherd, Part 2
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, retell narrative stories.
Week 7 - Unit 3

Lesson 7: Retelling Narrative Stories - The Sword in the Stone, Part 1
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, create a story sequence chart.
Week 8 - Unit 3

Lesson 8: Retelling Narrative Stories - The Sword in the Stone, Part 2, strong verb
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, use strong verbs in writing.
Week 9 - Unit 4

Lesson 9: Summarizing a Reference - Old Faithful, topic/clincher rule
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, summarize references.
Week 10 - Unit 4

Lesson 10: Summarizing a Reference - Bayeux Tapestry, because clause
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, use because clauses in writing.
Week 11 - Unit 4

Lesson 11: Summarizing a Reference - Mecca
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, summarize references.
Week 12 - Unit 4

Lesson 12: Summarizing a Reference - Tsunamis, quality adjective
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, use quality adjectives in writing.
Week 13 - Unit 4

Lesson 13: Summarizing a Reference - Jerusalem and the Crusades
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, summarize references.
Week 14 - Unit 5

Lesson 14: Writing from Pictures - Joust, Part 1
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, write from pictures.
Week 15 - Unit 5

Lesson 15: Writing from Pictures - Joust, Part 2
Activities: Watch theme video, learn vocabulary, write from pictures.
Homework:
Homework assignments will vary each week and will come from the student book. Assignments should be uploaded to Google Classroom before the next class for review.

Stylistic Techniques Covered:

-ly adverbs
Who/which clauses
Strong verbs
Because clause
Quality adjectives
Adverbial clauses
Sentence openers
Each week, students will incorporate these stylistic techniques into their writing assignments.

This course aims to make writing enjoyable and educational by exploring captivating historical and scientific topics while enhancing students' writing skills.