IEW Structure and Style for Students Level B Year 3 completes the middle school writing program from the Institute for Excellence in Writing. This year's captivating theme explores the mysterious and unexplained, while students also study poetry theory and structures through additional prescribed texts. Designed as the final year for middle school students preparing for high school, this course also welcomes older students who want to strengthen their skills and confidence before advancing to Level C. Integrated standardized test practice develops the academic and critical thinking skills essential for writing success, though comprehensive test preparation is available as a separate course.
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 and grammar fundamentals.
The heart of each lesson centers on carefully selected source texts featuring mysterious and unexplained phenomena. 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, requiring mastery before advancing to the next skill. This systematic approach ensures solid development and builds confidence through thorough practice of each step.
Reading comprehension is practiced weekly for poetry, fiction, and factual texts.
Writing assignments begin in class with guided instruction, so students leave with clear expectations. Budget 2-3 hours weekly for homework completion, including writing, vocabulary, grammar, and poetry study activities.
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 mastery and quality writing over speed.
Stationary
Composition Book (stitched not spiral bound)
2" Binder
Plastic Tabs
Reinforced loose leaf-letter sized paper
A highlighter and an assortment of gel pens.
Books
Daily Reading Comprehension:
21st Century Daily Comprehension (all books September to May)
Vocabulary:
Buy the next two levels that your student needs to complete only.
Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book B
Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book C
Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book D
Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book E
Highly Recommended Books for Self-Study:
The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by R. B. Skinner
The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Verbs by R. B. Skinner
The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives by R. B. Skinner
Grammar:
FixIt! Grammar: Mowgli and Shere Khan (Student/Teacher Bundle)
FixIt! Grammar: Frog Prince (Student/Teacher Bundle)
General Reference:
Trivium: The Classical Liberal Arts of Grammar, Logic, & Rhetoric