Materials in this series (SWI) are addressed to the student where the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS) program addresses the parent/teacher. This is a 10-hour video class in which students watch the first segment, then complete an assignment on their own. Follow-up assignments should be given until the student becomes comfortable with the model and checklist. Students then go on to the next segment, and so on. Materials are available in three grade ranges: A for grades 4 to 5; B for grades 6-7; and C for grades 8-10+. If you have students in more than one range, the author recommends "shooting for the middle". Content of courses for younger students is based more on the types of writing the student would do, but concepts presented would apply to students of any age.

Each course includes the DVD course presentation and one set of student materials. Student materials include lesson plans, instructions, handouts, and forms, all in a 3-ring binder. Student materials are also available separately. We also offer a combo package that includes the TWSS seminar for teacher/parents and the SWI seminar for students.

Customer Reviews

 
Debbie S. from Rock Hill, SC wrote the following on 08/09/2007:
We have been using the Institute for Excellence in Writing material for 3 years now, and I can say this is the best writing instruction I have ever seen! Teaching students to write is a learned skill, and the TWSS seminar, although it initially seems daunting since it is a teacher seminar "I" have to watch, actually is very freeing. Andrew teaches the writing process in specific steps - covering an exact structure for essays and style techniques that the kids can easily relate to and use. The end result is that writing is made "do-able" even for boys and reluctant writers - it's so much better than the "writing starters" approach you see in so many writing programs. Once you, as the teacher, go through these concepts with your children, you will be able to continue to use them year after year. I was advised by the staff at IEW to watch the instruction for a module, then teach it to the kids and do the writing practice with them, then watch the next module's training session and so on. This spreads watching this teacher training out over the school year. We also found it helpful to use the Student Writing Intensive Seminar. In this, Andrew teaches the kids directly. Then I worked with them on additional writing assignments.

 
Laurie G. from Virginia wrote the following on 12/18/2007:
We LOVE Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)! I have found it to be the easiest way to teach writing to any age, any academic strength child (mother of 4). It is easy to get started teaching the children that they are "dressing up" their paper, as we dress up to go to church. Mine really get into it. Children as young as grade 2-3 can easily be taught to do key word outlines and begin writing, adding the most basic dress-ups. We have used it in a co-op with multiple children from grade 2- high school. It is so simple to work on that child's level, tailoring it to him/her. You will likely find ample opportunities to add in grammar lessons, as the dress-ups involve adding adjectives, adverbs and prepositional phrases. Using these parts of speech in their writing actually helped "cement" them in my children's heads. The children have checklists (as do you) to help identify what is missing from their paper. I do recommend either attending a seminar or watching the DVD's. I was blessed to have a friend who owned them and we borrowed them. The up front cost would be great purchasing the DVD's also, however I do think it is worth it. You can use it over and over with all your children at all ages.

 
Melanie R. from Florida wrote the following on 09/04/2009:
I really love this writing program. In fact I just love the Institute for Excellence in Writing-Andrew Pudewa is great and he does a lovely job teaching the children on this set of DVD's. He makes it fun and interesting and explains everything very clearly. Once your child works through this set of DVD's, he/she will have the basics of writing down and be ready to apply what they have learned to every subject. In this way writing becomes part of all learning-not a separate subject. We've been doing IEW for a while now with Teaching Writing Structure and Style and watching these videos has given my son just the boost he needs. I heartily recommend this program to every parent who wants to give their child the gift of excellent writing skills.

 
Michelle J. from Madison, MN wrote the following on 12/29/2009:
I have to say that with five children, all with different learning styles, it is difficult to get it all done and make sure that they really learn. Writing is challenging. I have always really loved writing, myself, but find it hard to pass what I know onto my children. I also have three very hands-on boys, who hate to write. So, this is even more challenging. SWI was such a blessing. In fact, our three older children, who are from 9th grade through 5th, all sat down to watch the student DVD lesson together. They were laughing at Mr. Pudewa's comments. They love to watch him and he is so effective. He goes slow enough for a child who doesn't catch on quickly, but also has a gift for keeping all the children engaged in the lesson. This curriculum is worth every penny! I am so blessed to have found it!