IEW Ancient History-Based Writing (6-8)

Course Title: IEW Ancient History-based Writing Lessons (6-8)

Course Description: This junior high school course will emphasize an introduction to the foundations of basic essay writing using the IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) method. 

This class will be held every Thursday from 2:10 pm to 3:10 pm. Students enrolled in this course will be enrolled for the entire year (both semesters.)

As students move through various Ancient History themes and topics, they will incrementally learn and review the models of structure and elements of style found in the IEW’s Teaching Writing: Structure and Style. In addition, students will learn grammar within the context of writing and a core of vocabulary words linked to writing assignments. Vocabulary quizzes will be given approximately every fourth lesson.

Key ideas taught in Structure and Style

Structure:

·       Note Making and Outlines

·       Writing from Notes

·       Retelling Narrative Stories

·       Summarizing a Reference (report writing from one source text)

·       Writing from Pictures

·       Summarizing Multiple References (report writing from multiple source texts)

·       Inventive Writing

·       Formal Essay Models

·       Formal Critique and Response to Literature

·       Modified MLA Format

Style:

·       -ly adverb

·       who/which clause

·       strong verb

·       because clause

·       quality adjective

·       Sentence variety using a prepositional phrase, -ly adverb, -ing opener, and adverbial clause opener

·       Sentence variety using a VSS (very short sentence 2 – 5 words)

·       Alliteration, simile, hyperbole

·       Quoting people

·       Appealing to the Five-Senses

·       Showing Emotions in Stories

Curriculum:

 IEW Ancient History-based Writing Lessons, 6th edition, December 2020 by Lori Verstegen

• ISBN: 978-1-62341-344-6 Publisher: Institute for Excellence in Writing
• The cost of the student book is $35.
• https://iew.com/ancient-history-based-writing-lessons-student-book-only
• Includes a free download of the Student Resource Notebook, which must be printed out and placed in a binder. We will refer to it during lessons.

Optional Grammar to be done at home: 

Fix-It Grammar: Robin Hood, Level 3, Student and Teacher combo by Pamela White

• https://iew.com/fix-it-grammar-level-3-robin-hood-teacherstudent-combo
• Cost is $29.

Homework:

All of the instructions for what to do each week are included in the Assignment Schedule located on the first page of each lesson. The lessons are divided into 4 days of work. Students will learn new concepts and vocabulary words on Days 1 & 2 during our class time. The instructions on Days 3 & 4 will be completed by students more independently. 

Plan on approximately two to five hours to complete the homework. Students and parents should edit the rough draft of the composition in red ink. The final draft must be typed using Appendix 1: Modified MLA Format on page 291 of the Student Book. 

Grading:

Every assignment is due by the next class meeting. 

Each lesson includes a checklist that details all the requirements of the assignment. Tear the checklist out of the book so that you can use it while writing. Check off each element when you are sure it is included in your paper. With each assignment, turn in the checklist followed by the final draft, rough draft, and key word outline stapled together.

If you want to improve your score, you have one week to turn in your revised assignment.

Grades will be recorded using a point system and will be given to each student at the end of each semester. 

Student Supplies: 

• Mechanical pencil and pen
• College rule note-book paper
• 3-ring binder with five dividers (syllabus, charts/style, class notes, quizzes, compositions)
• Baggie or card box for your vocabulary cards
• Pocket or electronic thesaurus

Material Fee: 

The material fee for this course is $10/semester. This material fee is due prior to the first day of instruction and acts as a deposit for the class. 

 Please send this material fee payment to my direct Venmo (@Robin-Osborne-24) or you can write a personal check. Please contact me if you need to mail the check at least two weeks prior to the first day of instruction.

Contact Information: 

• Robin Osborne
• [email protected]
• 949-395-9014