Foundations in Writing
Tutor: Maria Keffler
Grade (6th- 8th)
In this course students will learn the skills necessary to write effectively, both in non-fiction and fiction genres. During the first semester we will cover basic persuasive writing techniques, including logical reasoning with a smattering of debate. We’ll switch gears for the second semester, and approach creative writing from the perspective of preparing to write a novel. By the end of the semester students will have laid the groundwork for their own novel and will have at least the first chapter completed. We’ll also reinforce (and/or learn) essential grammar for harnessing the power of the word.
IEW (A)
Tutor: Valerie Hansen
Grade (3rd-5th)
Foster a love of writing within your children using classic fables, mythical creatures, and fairy tales to engage your imaginative 3rd-5th grade students. Using the Structure and Style® methodology, this course provides the tools for students to become confident writers. Students will learn to take notes and create outlines, retell narrative stories, summarize references, write from pictures, and compose their own creative essays. Throughout the journey, stylistic elements and techniques are introduced as the students show mastery of the previous concepts. Students will learn to avoid “banned” words in their writing, and incorporate quality adjectives, strong verbs, and new vocabulary. Even the most reluctant students can have fun learning to write because “Children like to do what they can do”—Andrew Pudewa.
Parental involvement is required to help students become successful writers. As the student’s primary teacher, parents should review the assignments each week and help their students in the writing, proofreading, and editing process as needed. The tutor will also provide individualized feedback.
Required texts: Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales Writing Lessons (Student Book), $29.00
Third Edition, May 2019
https://iew.com/shop/products/fables-myths-and-fairy-tales-writing-lessons-student-book-only-0
A teacher manual is also available and is highly recommended as a parent resource. The most affordable option is to buy the student book and teacher manual combo package ($49.00).
https://iew.com/shop/products/fables-myths-and-fairy-tales-writing-lessons-teacherstudent-combo
Required supplies: 1.5 inch 3-ring binder and loose-leaf paper, blue and black ball point pens.
Supply Fee: $30
IEW (B)
Tutor: Valerie Hansen
Grade (6th-8th)
The world is at your fingertips! Dive into a gripping journey and experience world history through cultural literature and the study of famous people and events such as Ivan the Terrible, the Seven Years’ War, The French Revolution, Winston Churchill, and more! As they move through various modern world history themes and topics, students will continue to develop their writing skills while learning to write with the Structure and Style® methodology. Students will work through IEW Units 1-9 as they learn to take notes, retell narrative stories, summarize references, write essays, and compose formal critiques. As students examine fascinating accounts of wars, revolutions, discoveries, and famous leaders, they will continue to grow into confident and accomplished writers.
Parental involvement is required to help students become successful writers. As the student’s primary teacher, parents should review the assignments each week and help their students in the writing, proofreading, and editing process as needed. The tutor will also provide individualized feedback.
Required text:
Modern World History-Based Writing Lessons (Student Book), $29.00
ISBN: 9781623413316
Second Edition, January 2020
https://iew.com/shop/products/modern-world-history-based-writing-lessons-student-book-only
Since parents are their students’ primary teachers, the teacher manual is strongly recommended. The most affordable option is to buy the student book and teacher manual combo package ($49.00).
https://iew.com/shop/products/modern-world-history-based-writing-lessons-teacherstudent-combo
Required supplies: 1.5 inch 3-ring binder and loose-leaf paper, blue and black ball point pens.
Supply Fee: $30
Analytical Grammar
This program weaves grammatical concepts together in a logical order, creating a clear understanding of the English language and fluid use of it, both in speaking and writing. New concepts build on and are reinforced by the concepts already covered, without the need for years of endless repetition and drills.
Joy of Literature
Mr. John Jenkins
Students will learn 1) the historical and literary contexts from antiquity to the 20th century, 2) the author’s worldviews, and 3) the fundamentals of figurative language. Students will apply their knowledge through class discussions and presentations, and by writing scenes and vignettes suggested by the short stories’ novels’ plots, characters, and themes. Students will learn the basics of effective dialog, writing descriptively, and plot development.
PREREQUISITES. Appropriate reading speed and comprehension skills for age level, can use Microsoft Word or equivalent, and conduct computer research and typing.
See more HERE.
Effective Essay Writing
Mr. John Jenkins
Effective Writing is an honors-optional class teaches college and professional writing techniques that develop a student’s critical thinking, research and organizing skills, natural writing voice, and effective communication through essays. Class includes SAT timed essay preparation and practice.
Students will learn how to: 1) research and select effective essay/paper topics, 2) organize, plan, and structure a paper, 3) understand and avoid plagiarism through documenting sources with footnotes, 4) write and rewrite a paper using accepted college formats, and 5) use techniques for developing original thinking so that every paper is written with purpose. This class can be taken as an Honor’s class with additional reading, research and writing required.
PREREQUISITES. Introduction to Effective Writing or ability to write complete sentences and paragraphs, basic grammar, spelling, capitalization, double-spacing, indents and formatting rules, including footnotes.
See more HERE
American Literature
Mr. John Jenkins
Course Description and Student/Parent Agreement
Business Writing
Mr. John Jenkins
Course Description and Student/Parent Agreement
The Fearless Communicator
Mr. John Jenkins
Course Description and Student/Parent Agreement
British Literature – Charles Dickens
British Literature – Jane Austen
Tutor: Brandi McKenzie
We will read the 6 complete novels with supplemental readings from Austen biographies, The Cambridge Companion to Jane Austen, and other critical commentary. We will look at the novels in the context of the end of the 18th century in England and in terms of current culture. The novels are available in a kindle version for free in The Complete Works of Jane Austen in One Volume. We will participate in weekly discussions with some written responses. We will read approximately a novel every four to five weeks, with a take home test for each novel and possibly other projects or essays.
· 1811 – Sense and Sensibility.
· 1813 – Pride and Prejudice.
· 1814 – Mansfield Park.
· 1815 – Emma.
· 1818 – Northanger Abbey (posthumous)
· 1818 – Persuasion (posthumous)
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