Structure and Style® for Students from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) is a comprehensive 24-week video-based writing curriculum that transforms students into confident, capable writers. Restructured and re-filmed in 2020, this engaging series features the humorous and effective teaching of Andrew Pudewa, guiding students from basic note-taking all the way to formal essays and literary analysis.
The program focuses on two essential components of excellent writing: Structure (how to organize ideas) and Style (the “dress-ups” that make writing more engaging and sophisticated). It is designed for ease of use, with video lessons handling the bulk of instruction while parents and teachers provide oversight and feedback. Parents and teachers should complete the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® (TWSS) seminar before using Structure and Style for Students.
Key Curriculum Features:
- 24 weeks of video instruction delivered by Andrew Pudewa in a classroom setting
- Nine core structural units: Note Making & Outlines, Writing from Notes, Retelling Narrative Stories, Summarizing a Reference, Writing from Pictures, Summarizing Multiple References, Inventive Writing, Formal Essay Models, and Formal Critique
- Three levels based primarily on reading ability: Level A (Grades 3–5), Level B (Grades 6–8), and Level C (Grades 9–12)
- Incremental instruction with review and expansion of skills each year
- Includes writing assignments, vocabulary, literature suggestions, and composition checklists
- Introduction to Poetry included in select courses
Program Components:
- Teacher Manual: Scope and sequence, weekly lesson plans, teacher notes, and access to PDF downloads
- Student Packet: Reproducible weekly overviews, source texts, model charts, and checklists
- Student Binder: 1-inch binder with tabbed dividers for organized student work
- Videos: 24 two-part lessons available as DVDs or Forever Streaming
Package Options:
- Basic Package: Teacher Manual, Student Packet, Binder, and Videos
- Basic Plus Package: All Basic components + corresponding Fix-It Grammar level + Portable Walls™
- Premier Package: All Basic Plus components + Premium Membership, A Word Write Now, and the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® seminar
Important Notes:
- Parents and teachers should complete the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style® seminar before using this program.
- Forever Streaming videos provide lifetime access for the original purchaser (non-transferable).
- Student Packets are reproducible for use within a single family; co-ops require each family to purchase their own.
- The Teacher Manual grants access to course-specific PDF downloads for family use.
Structure and Style® for Students stands out for its clear, incremental approach, engaging video instruction, and proven ability to develop strong writers of all ages. It is an excellent choice for homeschool families seeking a structured yet flexible writing curriculum that builds lasting skills and confidence.
Browse all Structure and Style® for Students resources and sets below!