Teaching Writing Structure and Style is a method
rather than a program. If you’re looking for a product that will equip you to
be a writing coach and improve your own writing skills along the way, give you a
general outline that will guide you in teaching composition at all levels, and provide
an overall approach to writing instruction applicable for years to come, then
check this out.
The main course is a 14-hour training seminar aimed at you
as teacher. The skills taught are also demonstrated as an introductory writing
workshop for 3 different age ranges (K-5; 6-8; and 9-12).
This seminar features Andrew Pudewa, homeschooling father of
seven, giving the presentation that he has shared across the country. He feels
that if you as teacher possess the proper skills for writing, you’ll will be
able to teach these skills to your students. The workbook that is provided
includes notes from the seminar as well as lots of samples and examples.
The writing seminar covers two basic components of
composition structure and style (no surprise here) – and is divided into nine
units: Structural Models, Note Taking and Outlines; Introducing Stylistic
Techniques and Dress-Ups; Summarizing References; Retelling Narrative Stories;
Summarizing a Reference; Writing from Pictures; Summarizing Multiple
References; Inventive Writing; Formal Essay Models; and Formal
Critiques/Writing about Literature. These may be used in the order presented,
or you may use the unit that most suits your needs at the time. As you can tell
from these units, structure is both the type of writing and the method of
organizing the writing.
Style, on the other hand, is taught throughout the units,
one technique at a time. Style includes such things as varying sentence
openings, using similes and metaphors, or repeating certain words for effect.
The author feels that teaching style is more like teaching art or music rather
than math or science. The idea is to help students develop a creative flow of
well-conceived thoughts. Some students will master a lot of the material
quickly, while other students will master only a portion of the material, but
all will achieve variety and competence in expression. He also stresses separating
the writing of ideas from mechanics (grammar, spelling and penmanship). Both
are important, but most people can only do one at a time.
The writing instruction methods gleaned from this seminar
can be used with students from early elementary age on up and over a succession
of years. The unit focus might stay the same, but students will gradually strengthen
and expand their skills. The program also addresses common problems among
writing teachers: overcorrecting, not giving enough help when needed, unclear
assignments, and over-expectation. It is designed to help you bring the best
out in your student.
The Student Workshops are four short lectures (40-60
minutes) where 3 grade-level groupings of students are taught by the author
using this approach. These workshops (and all the IEW material) are designated
for these age groups: 3rd – 5th grades, 6th – 8th grades, and 9th – 12th
grades. Although the focus of these workshops is introductory, they will give
you confidence and presentation ideas for all units.
There are two ways to purchase this program – each with its
own advantages. The seminar is available as a set of DVDs (nine with content
for the teacher and three for the student demonstrations) plus a video
streaming subscription. This option allows you to re-watch in subsequent years
at no additional cost. There is also a video streaming-only subscription option
(one year, renewable). This gives you access to the video content for one year
but requires a renewal fee for usage in subsequent years. Both options include
a copy of the seminar workbook. To use the Student Writing Intensive programs,
you’ll need this Teaching Writing Structure and Style resource to begin. ~ Ruth
