This post is all about our favorite writing curriculum in homeschooling.
I just realized something crazy. If our writing curriculum was our child, it would be 7 years old. I am shocked just counting the years! Having had faithfulness with our writing curriculum, and seeing recent updates made to some of the materials, I am even more excited to continue using the Institute for Excellence again this coming school year!
Core Reasons This Writing Curriculum Works
Ease of Use
I would not say this on your first month of using IEW, but after you get a grasp on how this curriculum works, it becomes much easier on the teacher. I never purchased the teacher program, but instead, worked with my first child early on, and learned the technique right alongside her.
When I first tried Bible Heroes from IEW for my oldest daughter, it took me about a month to feel at ease with the program. The main reason being I do not remember how I learned how to write, and the method was so different than what I remember. However, after understanding the process, the repetitive tasks started to become familiar and easy to follow.
Writing Curriculum for PreK and Beyond
One of their curriculum designed for the younger years, I used for two of my youngest children. We chose the Primary Arts of Language for both reading and writing. At the time I’m writing this, there is a LOT of parent prep for these courses. Mostly cutting out the game pieces or flashcards for the games. If you’re considering using these, I would suggest giving yourself time in the summer to prep these.
Okay, now that I’ve made that disclaimer, once you start the program, it is worth every sore hand and paper cut. I’m just kidding, but it was a really worthwhile curriculum to use. If you have more than one child that will go through it like I did, I only had to prep once and the games were all ready to go for the next child!
Most of the lessons are short, simple, and really fun. I actually really miss these lessons now that I’m thinking back on them. There are typically games for phonics, some copy work, and some pronunciation work with teacher and student. We still reference some of the phonics rules to this day. IEW does a great job setting the kids up for success in their future writing assignments.
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Structure and Style in Writing
Their trademark Structure and Style courses are fantastic. They teach just that! Two of the most important concepts in writing. When initially beginning to compose a paragraph, my kids really benefited from having structure.
Some people may think it is too rigid, which yes, it can seem formulaic. Surprisingly, (ly adverb alert, IEW friends!) it really helped my kids to have boundaries and understand their options. Staring at a blank page can be intimidating, so the structure was key. As the curriculum progresses, they teach more elements of style that dress up their writing. This allows for more originality and creativity.
Growing in Grammar
Their Fix It Grammar studies are available for purchase separately from the writing curriculum. It can operate as a stand alone curriculum, or it pairs nicely with the main writing curriculum. They recently updated these books, which have made them even easier to use.
Fix it Grammar teaches one new grammar concept per week, and spends the rest of the week practicing that concept. Using a popular work of literature, the student plays the role of teacher and actively corrects punctuation, selects homophones, and labels parts of speech based on that week’s grammar lesson. My oldest daughter has been using Fix It Grammar for years, and both of us have seen so much growth in her mastery.
This is one of my favorite options from IEW. Again, short lessons 4-days a week, with repetition to nail down those grammar concepts.
Writing Curriculum for Nervous Parents
If you’re uncomfortable or feeling ill-equipped to teach a writing course, IEW offers so much hand-holding. There are two pathways you can choose from – a video path or a theme-based path.
video based writing curriculum
If you’re more on the nervous side, I highly recommend the video instruction path from Mr. Andrew Pudewa, who is not only a great instructor, but humorous and entertaining. My kids actually enjoy listening to a lecture from him. They have forever streaming options too, which is very convenient.
After they finish their video lesson, they should be prepared to complete their assignment. We can rewind or replay if needed. It helps to watch the video lessons next to your child to be aware of what to do should questions arise, especially when you’re not familiar with the program.
My son is using SSS-2A this year. The videos have helped tremendously as writing concepts take time to sink in. We can replay sections as needed!
theme based writing curriculum
The other option is the theme based path. Here, there is no video instruction, but your assignments are based off of themes. For example, People and Places touches on topics like police officers, teachers, or other significant people in our community. My oldest daughter is working through a theme based study on the Narnia series, which has been really fun!
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Things to Note
How it Started
I love to write, but I do not love teaching it. Due to the subjective nature of correcting someone’s paper, I found that it became a point of conflict between my kids and myself. Once I started IEW, it really helped to use the rules and parameters set by the curriculum, and take the pressure off of me. Priceless!
Now that my oldest has been using IEW for so long, there is a benefit to the repetitive nature of the lessons. Dressing up a paper is second nature, and her writing is surprising and enjoyable to read. Another perk is that she can help her younger siblings because they all know the same terms and teachings.
Writing Curriculum for 2023-2024
In this next school year, I will have one using SSS-1A, one using SSS-2B, and I’m considering having my oldest use their soon to be released Public Speaking curriculum. Let me know if you have any questions about the Institute for Excellence in Writing!
This post is all about the homeschool curriculum we have used and loved from IEW.
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Thank you for the review! Super helpful!
I’m so glad!
Such a great post for someone searching for writing curriculum. My only prob is how to do this with 7 kids. I cannot manage 7 different levels. I’m wondering if I could start at beginning with everyone and just work as a family. I need ease and direction as I’m having decision fatigue. I’ve always used the CM approach that if we are reading living books and narrating, kids will write well. It’s not working!!!! I need to make this priority and consistent. The Hank you for any encouragement.
Blessings
Hi Sharon! I agree – using this with 7 kids at different levels would be overwhelming! I would consider grouping the children by form or level if possible. If you have a budget to have your oldest or older two use an online class supplement (IEW has a number of courses with great instructors), that could be another option. So hopefully you’re down to 3 levels? I use 3 levels at this time, with one in an online course.