WELCOME TO WRITING (IEW) & GRAMMAR (SHURELY ENGLISH) For grades 3-5 (and older, more reluctant writers).
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This year-long, twice-weekly course is part of the Upper Elementary Core Series. Utilizing the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) curriculum, students will acquire a working knowledge of the structure and style of writing while developing proficiency in creating keyword outlines. To ensure a well-rounded experience, students will periodically step away from the IEW text to draft original pieces. This course will cover expository, descriptive (through poetry), persuasive, and narrative writing. Additionally, the course integrates Shurley English, a thorough yet user-friendly program, to provide a solid foundation in grammar.
MIXED GRADE CLASSROOM:
Both IEW and Shurley English utilize a robust spiral teaching method, making them ideal for homeschooling and mixed-level classrooms. While tailored for grades 3–5, this course is also highly effective for older, more reluctant writers who struggle with generating ideas or need to strengthen their foundational writing skills.
HOME & CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
This course focuses on building confidence and technical skill through a structured, collaborative approach. To ensure student success, the course relies on the following:
Writing Readiness: Students should be prepared to produce at least one complete paragraph per week starting in the first month of the school year.
Collaborative Class Environment: In-class time is dedicated to instruction and hands-on practice where we work together to create keyword outlines, explore stylistic techniques, and systematically integrate grammar skills into every writing piece.
Consistent Coursework & Engagement: Weekly assignments are a required core component, with the primary drafting and writing process taking place at home.
Parental Partnership: Parents will serve as editors of their student’s essays. You are expected to guide them through the editing and revising process, helping them refine their voice and clarity to produce a polished final product. I do not collect or grade their writings. Due to our limited time together, I am unable to discuss any editing and revising notes with them. Therefore, I leave this to the parents. Students receiving nothing but editing and revising notes from me with no writing conference, explanation, or instruction feels like nothing more than judgement and I do not want that.
Celebrating Student Work: To build a supportive community of writers, students will share their completed pieces with the class. This practice helps them gain confidence in public speaking while learning to be respectful, encouraging listeners.
CHARTER SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY:
This is a non-religious course making it charter school friendly; however, check with your specific charter school to confirm their reimbursement policies.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS & SUPPLIES:
Links provided, but feel free to purchase from the vendor of your choosing.
Adventures in Writing: Student Book (If you have multiple students, EACH student will need their own workbook.)
Purchase ONE of the following grammar workbooks that you feel best matches your students skills.
9.5" x 7.5" Composition Notebook (spiral notebooks tear textbooks and fall apart)
Mechanical Pencils with Refills (Please, NO PENCIL SHARPENERS in the classroom. They are very messy.)
Highlighters, or long, thin, self-sharpening crayons (colored pencils need constant sharpening and markers bleed through the pages)
Fine-tip Dry Erase Pens
Thesaurus
Supply box to keep things together & organized in their backpacks
Additional supplies worth having: water bottle (sports lid to prevent spills), tissue, and hand sanitizer
PAYMENT METHODS & SCHEDULE:
The cost of this course is $400 tuition plus a $5 non-refundable materials fee per semester. The materials fee covers copies and other supplies for group work and class activities. These fees will be paid directly to Ethos who will provide you with payment information and schedule
TEACHER CONTACT INFORMATION:
If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help! [email protected]
Michele Ivers - Certified General Education Teacher