Amazing moms, grandmothers, and tutors,
Please let me know if any of you need additional help with any of the units, structure, style, paper labeling, etc. I would love to sit with you and talk about any questions you have as we near the end of the semester. I also wanted to remind you that I do have the Teaching Writing Structure and Style DVDs, if you would like to view them let me know. Have an amazing week.
Blessings,
Tina
Here is the direct link to the Unit 4 Webinar: The Lynchpin for Structure and Style
http://excellenceinwriting.adobeconnect.com/p8h8mogmqz5/
Also, you can find electronic flashcards, quizzes, matching games, make your own tests, etc. on the website Quizlet. It is a tool my daughter uses often for Challenge and I discovered the IEW vocabulary has already been posted there multiple times. It might offer a refreshing way to drill vocabulary. Happy studying!
http://quizlet.com/subject/iew-vocabulary/
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Unit 4: A Building Block for Structured Writing
Hello IEW families,
The semester is flying by. As the Foundations memory work piles up and the holidays draw near, I know we are all feeling the end of the semester burden. Hang in there, as Cynthia announced, only 3 weeks until Christmas break:). What an amazing semester filled with learning!
*****I apologize for leaving this important point out yesterday. Please review this with your child at home. When writing reports, do not say "I" or "you." Please see page #37 in your lesson packet for examples.*****
Unit 4: Summarizing Single References
As we begin this new Unit, STRUCTURE is definitely the focus. We will not be introducing any new elements of Style (dress-ups,decorations) during this unit so that all of our energy can be devoted to the students mastering the extremely important concept of TOPIC SENTENCES AND FINAL CLINCHERS. As we look into the future of our children's education the most frequent writing assignments they will be asked to complete will be factual essays. Unit 4 is the first step in mastering the skill of communicating this information in an organized manner.
2 Week Assignment!!!
The Components of your Week 9 and Week 10 assignment: 2-3 Paragraph Essay/Short Report
(1) Subject: The Wonders of Ancient Egypt
(2) Source Texts (1 source per paragraph): Pyramids (page # 35), Sphinx (page # 40), and Mummies (page # 42)
(3) Length: 2-3 paragraph report on the Wonders of Ancient Egypt
(You have the choice to write a 2 or 3 paragraph report over the next 2 weeks - choose from the topics listed below)
Topic A - Pyramids (Paragraph 1)
Topic B - Sphinx (Paragraph 2)
Topic C - Mummies (Paragraph 3)
(4) Choose 5 Favorite Facts from each source text on each topic. Please note that on the Parent's Structure and Style Weekly Guide I instructed you to "highlight or underline 5 Favorite Facts" on your source text. Please disregard that instruction and use the CHECK MARKS in the left margin instead. After participating in the Unit 4 webinar on Monday evening, I learned a different method that was recommended by Andrew Pudewa. When students begin underlining and highlighting important facts in their source text, they can get carried away and mark too much information. Using a check mark in the left margin is easier to see and easier to control. If your child decides to eliminate or ignore a favorite fact later, they can easily turn the checkmark into an X. It is impossible to undo a highlighted or underlined fact. I thought this was an excellent strategy to utilize. We will continue using the "check marking" method from this point forward:) Thank you Mr. Pudewa. If you would like to listen to this seminar at home you can find it at the following address : http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/webinar-archive The title is: Unit 4 - The Lynchpin for Structure and Style (1 hour long and free of charge). I checked this morning and the Monday night webinar has not been posted yet. If you are interested check back at a later time. You can also register to listen and participate in future webinars.
Week 10 we will discuss adding an Introductory Statement, Final Clincher and Title to your child's 2 or 3 paragraph report.
Topic Sentence - Clincher Rule: MEMORIZE, MEMORIZE, MEMORIZE
As we boldly bellowed in class yesterday: "The Topic Sentence and the Clincher sentence must REPEAT or REFLECT 2 or 3 key words!"
In your KWO,rough and final drafts please highlight these key words. This is demonstrated in the sample papers and KWO's I provided in your lesson packet. See page #36 in their lesson packet.
For example:
Topic Sentence: Everyone knows there are pyramids in Egypt.
Final Clincher: Today there are more than 30 of these fascinating monuments standing in Egypt to remind us of their great civilization.
Synonym Searches:
In this unit we are focusing on repeating and reflecting(using synonyms) key words. in their topic sentences and clinchers. I felt this was a perfect time to emphasize using synonyms. This week I would like for your child to find synonyms for each of their Lesson 9 vocabulary words : ruthless, irate, devastating and chide.
Tips for Success:
(1) If your child is struggling to KWO their topic sentence "they are not getting it" have them simply rewrite a topic sentence directly from the source text and change 1-2 words using a thesaurus.
(2) This week we are "some-a-rizing" a 3 paragraph source text into 1 paragraph. Think in terms of a funnel. We are starting with a large amount of information and narrowing it down into what your child decides are the most"interesting" or "important" facts.
I3 (Interesting/Important/Ignore the rest)
(3) Think process not product. Mastering the skill of writing an organized paragraph is the focus - topic sentence, details, clincher. REPEAT AND REFLECT
(4) Follow the Rough Draft checklist for clear directions on labeling your papers. Also, refer to the sample "Pyramid" paragraph and sample essay "An Amazing Civilization" for a glimpse of the end product due on Week 11.
(5) This is a 2 week assignment and there is the option of writing a 2 or 3 paragraph report. Pace your 2 weeks according to the demands of your home school.
Have a blessed week, it is an honor to partner with all of you in home schooling,
Write on!
Tina
The semester is flying by. As the Foundations memory work piles up and the holidays draw near, I know we are all feeling the end of the semester burden. Hang in there, as Cynthia announced, only 3 weeks until Christmas break:). What an amazing semester filled with learning!
*****I apologize for leaving this important point out yesterday. Please review this with your child at home. When writing reports, do not say "I" or "you." Please see page #37 in your lesson packet for examples.*****
Unit 4: Summarizing Single References
As we begin this new Unit, STRUCTURE is definitely the focus. We will not be introducing any new elements of Style (dress-ups,decorations) during this unit so that all of our energy can be devoted to the students mastering the extremely important concept of TOPIC SENTENCES AND FINAL CLINCHERS. As we look into the future of our children's education the most frequent writing assignments they will be asked to complete will be factual essays. Unit 4 is the first step in mastering the skill of communicating this information in an organized manner.
2 Week Assignment!!!
The Components of your Week 9 and Week 10 assignment: 2-3 Paragraph Essay/Short Report
(1) Subject: The Wonders of Ancient Egypt
(2) Source Texts (1 source per paragraph): Pyramids (page # 35), Sphinx (page # 40), and Mummies (page # 42)
(3) Length: 2-3 paragraph report on the Wonders of Ancient Egypt
(You have the choice to write a 2 or 3 paragraph report over the next 2 weeks - choose from the topics listed below)
Topic A - Pyramids (Paragraph 1)
Topic B - Sphinx (Paragraph 2)
Topic C - Mummies (Paragraph 3)
(4) Choose 5 Favorite Facts from each source text on each topic. Please note that on the Parent's Structure and Style Weekly Guide I instructed you to "highlight or underline 5 Favorite Facts" on your source text. Please disregard that instruction and use the CHECK MARKS in the left margin instead. After participating in the Unit 4 webinar on Monday evening, I learned a different method that was recommended by Andrew Pudewa. When students begin underlining and highlighting important facts in their source text, they can get carried away and mark too much information. Using a check mark in the left margin is easier to see and easier to control. If your child decides to eliminate or ignore a favorite fact later, they can easily turn the checkmark into an X. It is impossible to undo a highlighted or underlined fact. I thought this was an excellent strategy to utilize. We will continue using the "check marking" method from this point forward:) Thank you Mr. Pudewa. If you would like to listen to this seminar at home you can find it at the following address : http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/webinar-archive The title is: Unit 4 - The Lynchpin for Structure and Style (1 hour long and free of charge). I checked this morning and the Monday night webinar has not been posted yet. If you are interested check back at a later time. You can also register to listen and participate in future webinars.
- Another important note about finding their five favorite facts: They can mark more than 5 and either combine multiple facts onto one line of their outline and/or they can rearrange the facts into any order of their choice once they start writing their paper. FOCUS ON THE STRUCTURE and PROCESS OF PLANNING AND WRITING - NOT THE CONTENT OF THEIR PAPER (The structure for each paragraph is: TOPIC SENTENCE, FIVE FACTS, FINAL CLINCHER).
Week 10 we will discuss adding an Introductory Statement, Final Clincher and Title to your child's 2 or 3 paragraph report.
Topic Sentence - Clincher Rule: MEMORIZE, MEMORIZE, MEMORIZE
As we boldly bellowed in class yesterday: "The Topic Sentence and the Clincher sentence must REPEAT or REFLECT 2 or 3 key words!"
In your KWO,rough and final drafts please highlight these key words. This is demonstrated in the sample papers and KWO's I provided in your lesson packet. See page #36 in their lesson packet.
For example:
Topic Sentence: Everyone knows there are pyramids in Egypt.
Final Clincher: Today there are more than 30 of these fascinating monuments standing in Egypt to remind us of their great civilization.
Synonym Searches:
In this unit we are focusing on repeating and reflecting(using synonyms) key words. in their topic sentences and clinchers. I felt this was a perfect time to emphasize using synonyms. This week I would like for your child to find synonyms for each of their Lesson 9 vocabulary words : ruthless, irate, devastating and chide.
Tips for Success:
(1) If your child is struggling to KWO their topic sentence "they are not getting it" have them simply rewrite a topic sentence directly from the source text and change 1-2 words using a thesaurus.
(2) This week we are "some-a-rizing" a 3 paragraph source text into 1 paragraph. Think in terms of a funnel. We are starting with a large amount of information and narrowing it down into what your child decides are the most"interesting" or "important" facts.
I3 (Interesting/Important/Ignore the rest)
(3) Think process not product. Mastering the skill of writing an organized paragraph is the focus - topic sentence, details, clincher. REPEAT AND REFLECT
(4) Follow the Rough Draft checklist for clear directions on labeling your papers. Also, refer to the sample "Pyramid" paragraph and sample essay "An Amazing Civilization" for a glimpse of the end product due on Week 11.
(5) This is a 2 week assignment and there is the option of writing a 2 or 3 paragraph report. Pace your 2 weeks according to the demands of your home school.
Have a blessed week, it is an honor to partner with all of you in home schooling,
Write on!
Tina
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Week 8 - Excellence in Writing
Hello IEW families,
Excellence in Writing
I hope everyone enjoyed the first "Excellence in Writing Awards" celebration yesterday. We missed all of the students who were unable to be present, but we will definitely take time in class next week to present your award and your prize. The goal of this "event" was to encourage each individual child in their writing and to highlight all of the learning and unique writing gifts each of your children possess. As I typed up each student's sentence, I was blown away by these 9 - 12 year old authors. God is good. Each of these children are a tremendous blessing to me. I am honored to work with each of you each week.
Unit III Writing Narrative Stories and the Story Sequence Chart
This week is our last week with Unit III. Next week we will move forward to Unit IV. The assignment is to complete Lesson 10, "The Fall of Babylon" story. Please look to the Weekly Guide for ideas on how to pace your week. Two week papers allow for a lot of flexibility in how you attack and complete the assignment. The main goals are for your child to grasp the structure of a story and the elements of a story. Each child drew a plot map in class to review that structure one more time before completing this last paper. Use your final checklist for guidance on what Style elements to include and how to label the final draft.
When you are Key Word Outlining, remember that we are NOT outlining every sentence in the story. Read the whole section (for example, Section III Climax and Resolution) and then answer the Story Sequence Chart questions (located beside the outline) to form a KWO that will allow your child to retell the story in their own words. YOU MAY PULL WORDS FROM THE STORY, OR YOU MAY PULL WORDS FROM YOUR BRAIN. Please call me or email if you need any guidance in this part of the writing process. FLEXIBILITY IS THE KEY WITH THE STORY SEQUENCE CHART.
Grammar Rules Focus - Using Quotation Marks in Dialogue
DECORATION - Conversation
This week we are continuing to focus on using conversation in their story telling. Review Rule 4 from the Grammar Rules section in your notebook for correct punctuating rules. I included another quotation mark practice sheet in their lesson pack. Complete this if your home school time allows. They will receive Writing Rewards for completing these exercises, but they are OPTIONAL. On the back I also provided a practice sheet that provides a look back at the Contractions vs. Possessive Pronouns rules. COMPLETE IF TIME ALLOWS. At home, I use these as a quick warm-up before we start writing each day.
Moms, take a few minutes to read the back of the Structure and Style Weekly Guide. I included a Q & A featuring Andrew Pudewa from the IEW Writing Forum. He explains the purpose behind Unit III and provides insight on the upcoming Units in IEW. I found it very informative and I wanted to share it with all of you. Also, "Leigh at Lunch" on blog talk radio at noon features an interview with Andrew Pudewa, tune in if you have time at lunch or you can go there anytime after the taping and hear the conversation.
Have a blessed week,
Tina
Excellence in Writing
I hope everyone enjoyed the first "Excellence in Writing Awards" celebration yesterday. We missed all of the students who were unable to be present, but we will definitely take time in class next week to present your award and your prize. The goal of this "event" was to encourage each individual child in their writing and to highlight all of the learning and unique writing gifts each of your children possess. As I typed up each student's sentence, I was blown away by these 9 - 12 year old authors. God is good. Each of these children are a tremendous blessing to me. I am honored to work with each of you each week.
Unit III Writing Narrative Stories and the Story Sequence Chart
This week is our last week with Unit III. Next week we will move forward to Unit IV. The assignment is to complete Lesson 10, "The Fall of Babylon" story. Please look to the Weekly Guide for ideas on how to pace your week. Two week papers allow for a lot of flexibility in how you attack and complete the assignment. The main goals are for your child to grasp the structure of a story and the elements of a story. Each child drew a plot map in class to review that structure one more time before completing this last paper. Use your final checklist for guidance on what Style elements to include and how to label the final draft.
When you are Key Word Outlining, remember that we are NOT outlining every sentence in the story. Read the whole section (for example, Section III Climax and Resolution) and then answer the Story Sequence Chart questions (located beside the outline) to form a KWO that will allow your child to retell the story in their own words. YOU MAY PULL WORDS FROM THE STORY, OR YOU MAY PULL WORDS FROM YOUR BRAIN. Please call me or email if you need any guidance in this part of the writing process. FLEXIBILITY IS THE KEY WITH THE STORY SEQUENCE CHART.
Grammar Rules Focus - Using Quotation Marks in Dialogue
DECORATION - Conversation
This week we are continuing to focus on using conversation in their story telling. Review Rule 4 from the Grammar Rules section in your notebook for correct punctuating rules. I included another quotation mark practice sheet in their lesson pack. Complete this if your home school time allows. They will receive Writing Rewards for completing these exercises, but they are OPTIONAL. On the back I also provided a practice sheet that provides a look back at the Contractions vs. Possessive Pronouns rules. COMPLETE IF TIME ALLOWS. At home, I use these as a quick warm-up before we start writing each day.
Moms, take a few minutes to read the back of the Structure and Style Weekly Guide. I included a Q & A featuring Andrew Pudewa from the IEW Writing Forum. He explains the purpose behind Unit III and provides insight on the upcoming Units in IEW. I found it very informative and I wanted to share it with all of you. Also, "Leigh at Lunch" on blog talk radio at noon features an interview with Andrew Pudewa, tune in if you have time at lunch or you can go there anytime after the taping and hear the conversation.
Have a blessed week,
Tina
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Week 7 - It's Time for a Party! Revised post
Hi Moms,
For some reason the extensive post I composed this morning disappeared and only a small portion of the information I shared has appeared in your inbox. I will try to remember most of my original post:) Here we go again...
Greetings Essentials families,
At long last we have reached the goal of a "Writing Rewards Celebration." All of the students have looked forward to this event and it should be a fun time to celebrate their hard work and learning this semester! The theme and menu will be a surprise. Additionally, each individual student will be recognized at the celebration with a certificate for "Excellence in Writing." Erin and I have decided that we will celebrate at the end of the IEW/Essentials block. We will make a quick class change, eliminate math games, and party at the end of class (approximately 2:40-3:00).
STRUCTURE - Unit III - Summarizing Narrative Stories - The Story Sequence Chart
Yesterday we reviewed Unit III Structure - The Story Sequence Chart. All of the students are working hard and enthusiastically to understand the grammar of the unit (characters, setting, conflict, plot, climax, resolution, moral or theme). This week challenge your child to memorize the elements of The Story Sequence Chart. In their lesson pack I included a memory song to help them memorize this information. The song is to the tune of Thomas the Tank Engine's theme song. If your child prefers to learn from a list instead of a song, I also included a memory help in the form of a list - The 4 C's and the 5 Keys. Memorizing this information will help greatly as we move forward in IEW. Also, if your homeschool schedule allows continue to practice the Banned Words Song from last week, the IEW Grammar Memory Work, and IEW Vocabulary. We will be spending time next week playing a review game covering all that we have learned this semester, so REVIEW, REVIEW,REVIEW - and let the games begin!!!
STYLE - NEW DECORATION - "CONVERSATION"
We discussed adding a new decoration to our writing, "conversation" between characters. We highlighted the list of Grammar Rules in the back section of their notebooks, Rule 4: Using Quotation Marks in Dialogue. Because the list is extensive, I have recommended two exercises that you and your child can complete this week in an effort to master these rules. As always, these recommendations are optional and subject to our own homeschool schedule. The first exercise is located in the Grammar Rules section of your student's binder p. 68, the second exercise was distributed in class. Please refer to your Weekly Guide for pacing these exercises over the week. Next week I plan to provide a practice sheet again. Hopefully, this will aid everyone in gaining a strong command of using conversation in their writing and properly punctuating it.
Attention Class #2 - Some of you got away on Tuesday without a copy of the "History Note: Babylon" sheet. I know I didn't catch everyone before you left. I will give you a copy next week for your child to illustrate:)
Lesson 10 - 2 Week Assignment!!! "The Fall of Babylon"
In class we completed Key Word Outlining the first section of the story your child will write over the next two weeks. Please use your Weekly Guide and Final Checklist to help you at home as you work to complete the KWO, brainstorming, and rough drafts for sections I and II (Section I - Characters and Setting, Section II - Conflict and Plot). Your child will not be required to turn in a rough draft next week, but please bring your lesson packet to class. We will be reviewing the third section of the story next Tuesday.
"True education is a transformational process in growing in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom."
Unit III is a wonderful opportunity for your child to learn critical thinking skills. Asking questions is the next step beyond the "grammar" stage of learning. Use Unit III to help your child grow to this new level of "understanding" by analyzing the story and having them formulate the questions to complete the KWO. In class we used the microphone as a fun prop to emphasize the importance of the question and answer process. At home continue to practice asking questions. Use the questions directly from the Story Sequence Chart as a script. You can have them ask you the questions and/or you ask them the questions. Model the process for them.
I hope you have an enjoyable week of writing. I am looking forward to next week's celebration!
Blessings,
Tina
For some reason the extensive post I composed this morning disappeared and only a small portion of the information I shared has appeared in your inbox. I will try to remember most of my original post:) Here we go again...
Greetings Essentials families,
At long last we have reached the goal of a "Writing Rewards Celebration." All of the students have looked forward to this event and it should be a fun time to celebrate their hard work and learning this semester! The theme and menu will be a surprise. Additionally, each individual student will be recognized at the celebration with a certificate for "Excellence in Writing." Erin and I have decided that we will celebrate at the end of the IEW/Essentials block. We will make a quick class change, eliminate math games, and party at the end of class (approximately 2:40-3:00).
STRUCTURE - Unit III - Summarizing Narrative Stories - The Story Sequence Chart
Yesterday we reviewed Unit III Structure - The Story Sequence Chart. All of the students are working hard and enthusiastically to understand the grammar of the unit (characters, setting, conflict, plot, climax, resolution, moral or theme). This week challenge your child to memorize the elements of The Story Sequence Chart. In their lesson pack I included a memory song to help them memorize this information. The song is to the tune of Thomas the Tank Engine's theme song. If your child prefers to learn from a list instead of a song, I also included a memory help in the form of a list - The 4 C's and the 5 Keys. Memorizing this information will help greatly as we move forward in IEW. Also, if your homeschool schedule allows continue to practice the Banned Words Song from last week, the IEW Grammar Memory Work, and IEW Vocabulary. We will be spending time next week playing a review game covering all that we have learned this semester, so REVIEW, REVIEW,REVIEW - and let the games begin!!!
STYLE - NEW DECORATION - "CONVERSATION"
We discussed adding a new decoration to our writing, "conversation" between characters. We highlighted the list of Grammar Rules in the back section of their notebooks, Rule 4: Using Quotation Marks in Dialogue. Because the list is extensive, I have recommended two exercises that you and your child can complete this week in an effort to master these rules. As always, these recommendations are optional and subject to our own homeschool schedule. The first exercise is located in the Grammar Rules section of your student's binder p. 68, the second exercise was distributed in class. Please refer to your Weekly Guide for pacing these exercises over the week. Next week I plan to provide a practice sheet again. Hopefully, this will aid everyone in gaining a strong command of using conversation in their writing and properly punctuating it.
Attention Class #2 - Some of you got away on Tuesday without a copy of the "History Note: Babylon" sheet. I know I didn't catch everyone before you left. I will give you a copy next week for your child to illustrate:)
Lesson 10 - 2 Week Assignment!!! "The Fall of Babylon"
In class we completed Key Word Outlining the first section of the story your child will write over the next two weeks. Please use your Weekly Guide and Final Checklist to help you at home as you work to complete the KWO, brainstorming, and rough drafts for sections I and II (Section I - Characters and Setting, Section II - Conflict and Plot). Your child will not be required to turn in a rough draft next week, but please bring your lesson packet to class. We will be reviewing the third section of the story next Tuesday.
"True education is a transformational process in growing in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom."
Unit III is a wonderful opportunity for your child to learn critical thinking skills. Asking questions is the next step beyond the "grammar" stage of learning. Use Unit III to help your child grow to this new level of "understanding" by analyzing the story and having them formulate the questions to complete the KWO. In class we used the microphone as a fun prop to emphasize the importance of the question and answer process. At home continue to practice asking questions. Use the questions directly from the Story Sequence Chart as a script. You can have them ask you the questions and/or you ask them the questions. Model the process for them.
I hope you have an enjoyable week of writing. I am looking forward to next week's celebration!
Blessings,
Tina
Monday, October 15, 2012
What is a Who/Which Clause???
I apologize for not catching a final checklist error. We have not covered the dress-up Who/Which clause this year. I am planning to include it in Unit IV. Please do not feel any need to include one in your Final Draft, unless you already understand what they are and you want to include one as a bonus!!! Extra writing rewards for anyone including a Who/Which Clause:) If you do not know what a who/which clause is just look forward to learning about them in Unit IV.
Mrs. Gaines
Mrs. Gaines
Happy Monday!
Hello Essentials families,
I hope you enjoyed writing your stories this week. If time permits today, please practice reading your final drafts aloud. We will spend our time in Writer's Circle in intimate groups reading our stories to one another. It will be beneficial if you prepare to present! Use expression as you tell your well-written stories:) I loof forward to seeing you all tomorrow afternon.
Happy writing,
Love,
Mrs. Gaines
I hope you enjoyed writing your stories this week. If time permits today, please practice reading your final drafts aloud. We will spend our time in Writer's Circle in intimate groups reading our stories to one another. It will be beneficial if you prepare to present! Use expression as you tell your well-written stories:) I loof forward to seeing you all tomorrow afternon.
Happy writing,
Love,
Mrs. Gaines
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Week 6: Using the Story Sequence Chart - Options
I forgot to mention that there are some options for your child as they rewrite their story...
Remember this is fiction!
Here are some options:
a. Straight summary: no changes, just key elements. Be honest to the original.
b. Elaboration: Add or change the details. fables/myths/fairy tales okay to change
c. Variation: Change characters/setting - new basic problem
Don't be afraid of the Story Sequence Chart - Trust the system! Keep it simple!
Happy Writing!
Mrs. Gaines
Remember this is fiction!
Here are some options:
a. Straight summary: no changes, just key elements. Be honest to the original.
b. Elaboration: Add or change the details. fables/myths/fairy tales okay to change
c. Variation: Change characters/setting - new basic problem
Don't be afraid of the Story Sequence Chart - Trust the system! Keep it simple!
Happy Writing!
Mrs. Gaines
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