This entry-level course introduces students to IEW's core Structure and Style writing curriculum through fascinating explorations of hot and cold deserts around the world. Students discover the animals, people, and unique environments of these remarkable landscapes while building essential writing skills. Perfect for grades 4-5, the program also accommodates younger students who are ready for more advanced writing instruction. Students develop foundational abilities through IEW's systematic, step-by-step approach. Gentle weekly test preparation includes analogies, vocabulary expansion, and critical thinking exercises that are essential for writing and overall academic development. Reading comprehension is practiced weekly for poetry, fiction, and factual texts.
- Teacher: Alta Wehmeyer
Each class follows a consistent, proven structure that builds writing confidence step by step. Students begin with journal writing and poetry work, then explore root word vocabulary and grammar fundamentals.
The heart of each lesson centers on carefully selected source texts. After reading aloud and discussing unfamiliar vocabulary, students create keyword outlines and practice retelling before drafting their own writing. Any work not completed in class becomes targeted homework.
IEW's methodology introduces one new concept at a time, allowing students to achieve mastery before advancing. This systematic approach ensures solid skill development and builds confidence through repeated practice of each step. Test preparation includes analogies, vocabulary expansion, and critical thinking exercises that is essential for academic development.
Reading comprehension is practiced weekly for poetry, fiction, and factual texts.
Students start all writing assignments in class with teacher guidance, then budget 1-1.5 hours per week to complete homework activities. This manageable time commitment includes finishing writing pieces, vocabulary work, and grammar practice.
Students complete two vocabulary textbooks annually, with lessons reviewed and practiced for mastery. FixIt Grammar provides four days of weekly practice with varying sentence complexity. Larger writing assignments extend over multiple weeks as needed, emphasizing skill development and quality over speed.
Stationary
Composition Book (stitched not spiral bound)
2" Binder
Plastic Tabs
Writing Paper for Kids (if your child cannot guide writing on regular loose leaf)
Reinforced loose leaf-letter sized paper
A highlighter and an assortment of gel pens.
Books
Phonics with Explode the Code:
Books determined by placement tests.
Placement tests are available under Office Hours.
Daily Reading Comprehension:
Evan-Moor Grade 3 Workbook
Evan-Moor Grade 4 Workbook
Writing:
Vocabulary from Classical Roots Student Book 4
FixIt! Grammar: Nose Tree - Teacher/Student Bundle
IEW Structure and Style for Students Level A Year 1
Jacob's Ladder Reading Comprehension workbooks are dispatched to the student's registered address during the the second month of the course.
IEW Structure and Style for Students Level A Year 2 continues building essential writing skills through the Institute for Excellence in Writing's proven methodology. This year's theme explores food, food customs, and traditions from around the world, making writing assignments both educational and engaging. Designed for elementary students preparing for middle school, this course strengthens foundational writing abilities while introducing more complex structures and analytical thinking.
Reading comprehension is practiced weekly for poetry, fiction, and factual texts.
- Teacher: Alta Wehmeyer
Each class follows a structured format that builds multiple literacy skills simultaneously. Students begin with journal writing and poetry work, then explore Latin and Greek root vocabulary, grammar fundamentals, and reading comprehension strategies.
The heart of each lesson centers on carefully selected source texts. After reading aloud and discussing unfamiliar vocabulary, students create keyword outlines and practice retelling before drafting their own writing. Weekly test preparation includes analogies, vocabulary expansion, and critical thinking exercises. Any work not completed in class becomes targeted homework.
IEW's methodology introduces one new concept at a time, allowing students to achieve mastery before advancing. This systematic approach ensures solid skill development and builds confidence through repeated practice of each step.
Reading comprehension is practiced weekly for poetry, fiction, and factual texts.
Writing assignments begin during class with guided instruction, so students leave with clear expectations. Budget 1.5-2.5 hours weekly for homework completion, including writing, vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension activities. Early assignments are shorter to build writing stamina, preparing students for more substantial second-semester projects.
Students complete two vocabulary textbooks annually, with lessons reviewed and practiced for mastery. FixIt Grammar provides four days of weekly practice with varying sentence complexity. Larger writing assignments extend over multiple weeks as needed, emphasizing skill development and quality over speed. This measured pace ensures students master each skillset while producing polished work.
Stationary
Composition Book (stitched not spiral bound)
2" Binder
Plastic Tabs
Writing Paper for Kids (if your child cannot guide writing on regular loose leaf)
Reinforced loose leaf-letter sized paper
A highlighter and an assortment of gel pens.
Books
Phonics with Explode the Code:
Books determined by placement tests.
Placement tests are available under Office Hours.
Daily Reading Comprehension:
Evan-Moor Grade 5 Workbook
Writing:
Vocabulary from Classical Roots Student Book 5
Vocabulary from Classical Roots Student Book 6
FixIt! Grammar: Town Mouse and Country Mouse - Teacher/Student Bundle
IEW Structure and Style for Students Level A Year 2
Jacob's Ladder Reading Comprehension workbooks are dispatched to the student's registered address during the the second month of the course.
From service dogs to carrier pigeons and African Pouch Rats that pinpoint explosives, this course enables students to learn to write well. This class includes Latin and Greek root word study, grammar, and poetry appreciation.
- Teacher: Alta Wehmeyer
Students learn how animals benefit us in multiple ways. Care for these helpers and what regulations exist to safeguard them are important and discussed appropriately.
Time to complete the assignments vary from one to two hours towards the end of the course. Some assignments are collated into larger projects.
Grade 2 - 3 students will thrive in Working Animals.
Stationary
Composition Book (stitched not spiral bound)
2" Binder
Plastic Tabs
Writing Paper for Kids
Reinforced loose leaf-letter sized paper
A highlighter and an assortment of gel pens.
Books
Phonics with Explode the Code:
Books 1-3 are ideal for 1st grade and books 4-6 can be used for 2nd grade.
Daily Reading Comprehension:
Grade 2 Workbook
Writing:
National Geographic Kids Animal Stories: Heartwarming True Tales from the Animal Kingdom
This entry level writing class is well suited for younger students that are capable of writing words and simple sentences. Learning about a variety of different places in the community and various roles that people in our community fulfill, students are positioned for success because they can relate. This course covers the first seven of the nine IEW Unit studies.
In addition to the IEW text, grammar is added as they study of a Parts of Speech Poem in the fist semester and easy worksheets during the second semester.
Root word vocabulary associated with every subject are studied to create an understanding of how words are formed and can change its meaning by adding affixes.
Students study short poems throughout they year.
- Teacher: Alta Wehmeyer
Classes start with a short poem that are studies and may be memorized, followed by the introduction of vocabulary associated with the topic. During the first Semester we memorize the Parts of Speech poem in preparation for the worksheet practice that students complete in the second semester.
Students start with their writing assignment during the class. This facilitates better understanding and helps with building skills and confidence. Students will spend about one hour outside class time to complete reading and writing activities. An additional ten minutes will be required during the second semester for the completion of the grammar practice.
This class is well-suited for students in Gr. 2 or those in Gr. 3 whoe need to build confidence and skill.
Stationary
Composition Book (stitched not spiral bound)
2" Binder
Plastic Tabs
Writing Paper for Kids (if your child cannot guide writing on regular loose leaf)
A highlighter and an assortment of gel pens.
Books
Phonics with Explode the Code:
Books 1-3 are ideal for 1st grade and books 4-6 can be used for 2nd grade.
Placement tests are available under Office Hours.
Daily Reading Comprehension:
Evan-Moor Grade 2 Workbook
This six-week course provides a foundation for academic success. Students are often expected to perform well but rarely receive training in how to attain it. In this short course students are introduced to strategies that include a mindset adjustment, critical thinking, listening, and planning skills that are practiced during every lesson as a class project.
- Teacher: Alta Wehmeyer
Students are seldom taught to learn. Since a growth mindset plays a major role in achieving academic success, skill sets that contribute to the overall outcome are taught. Dispelling myths about how long it takes to learn a skill and become proficient in it as well as supporting techniques are covered as a practical in-class assignment.
Students have access to activities and projects that are started during class. Additional text relating to topics covered during class are available in the classroom.
Week 1: Brain Development and Practical Time Management
Week 2: Learning How to Learn and Metacognition
Week 3: Active Reading and Listening Techniques
Week 4: Memory Improvement
Week 5: Mastery: How to Attain It.
Week 6: Testing and Preparation Strategies
The class project packet is available for download and printing.
One composition book
Pens, pencil, color pencils, and highlighters
11" X 17" Sheet of paper