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Portable Walls
Sometimes a product is so intuitively genius that one is spellbound. That's my reaction to this deceptively simple idea. First of all, it is a succinct summary of the really important stuff that is covered in the Student Writing Intensive seminars unit synopses (models and checklists), dress-ups, sentence openers, decorations, and triple extensions. They've even managed to find a place to list all the "-ly" adverbs, synonyms for "said," strong verbs, etc. This is a great list to keep in mind while writing, and that brings us to the second aspect of genius in this product the fact that you can stand it up right before you. In fact, by standing it becomes a sort of mini wall divider (hence the name portable walls). Additionally, the whole affair can double as a carry-your-papers-to-co-op-class folder because there's an inside slip pocket for papers. There's enough basic and valuable information here that even if your student has never used IEW, their writing would probably improve just by setting up these "walls" and giving them a glance or two. New edition for 2016 has updated cover and layout. ~ Janice
No room for wall posters? Not a problem! With Portable Walls students can create a writing station right at their desks. This tri-folder is packed with the Unit Models and several word lists, including prepositions, strong verbs, substitutes for said, and more!/p>
Based on specific topics or on events in history, IEW’s theme-based writing lessons (same grade-range levels as the SSS) offer comprehensive, almost scripted instruction. All necessary source texts have been developed for busy parents and teachers like you. An IEW veteran and aficionado myself, I couldn't conceive of anything more complete than what is provided here. All necessary source texts are provided and are reproducible for one parent/one homeschool. Some courses (particularly the Hillsdale College K12-connected courses) provide suggested reading lists. Clear assignments (sometimes differentiated between levels) along with a checklist aid both the student in preparation and the parent in grading. These are also designed to be used by the student to work on throughout the week. Based on specific topics or events in various segments of history, the lessons include grammar exercises, vocabulary development, quizzes, and games for review and reinforcement – along with the writing instruction, of course.
In all lessons, students are encouraged to polish their final draft, perhaps even adding illustrations. At the end of each course the student will have a personal portfolio collection of poems, stories, reports, essays and research papers. Lessons are taught at the beginning of each week allowing the rest of the week for students to complete the assignment which they should be able to do on their own. Teacher preparation is minimal. (Do I hear an emphatic "Yes!"?)
The courses are targeting a progressively more competent student with the assumption that students are working through the courses according to suggested grade levels. Therefore, there is an increasing complexity to the instructions, expectations, and assignments. Accordingly, teachers are encouraged to be flexible with plans. The beginning writer may need to spend more than the suggested week on difficult lessons or omit some of the grammar. Mature students may move more quickly to allow time for additional research writing and/or more creative essay writing.
Many of these courses can be used equally well within a homeschool with several different aged students and all can be used in a co-op/support school setting with more grade-specific groupings of students. It's assumed that parents/teachers have completed or have access to Teaching Writing Structure & Style (TWSS), IEW's seminar for parents and teachers.
Except for Bible Heroes, courses include both a Teacher and a Student Book. Both books are necessary as the course is designed to be interactive between the teacher and student. Teachers should plan to read over the lessons with the students and help as necessary, especially with specific tasks such as outlining and brainstorming. ~ Janice/Ruth
Product Format: | Other |
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Brand: | Institute for Excellence in Writing |
Grades: | 3-12 |
ISBN: | 9781623413279 |
Length in Inches: | 11.5 |
Width in Inches: | 9 |
Height in Inches: | 0.125 |
Weight in Pounds: | 0.15 |