"Key Word Outlining" is the foundational writing skill that students first learn in the IEW method and Writing to Learn classes. All writing throughout all three of my levels begins with a key word outline (kwo). The way students choose the information for the kwos changes as we progress through the different types of writing. … Continue reading The Foundation of IEW Writing: Key Word Outlining
PREP-1 Is Off to a Great Start!
I'm really enjoying the PREP-1 class! The purpose of PREP-1 is to build the foundation of language in preparation for future writing. I am passionate about the value of language, and the most enjoyable way to access high quality language is through great literature and poetry. I think this will prove to be one of … Continue reading PREP-1 Is Off to a Great Start!
Free Download: Key Word Outlining Paragraphs about the U.S. Constitution!
Washington as Statesman at the Constitutional Convention, by Junius Brutus Stearn, 1856 Wednesday, September 17th, is the 234th birthday of the United States Constitution! Did you know that the U.S. Constitution is the oldest written constitution in continuous use? It's true! Writing about a subject is the BEST way to really learn about it! In … Continue reading Free Download: Key Word Outlining Paragraphs about the U.S. Constitution!
Twenty Years of IEW: A Tale of Very Fortunate Events
"It was a dark and stormy night..." Actually, it probably wasn't stormy, but it was dark and night, or, more accurately, it was about 2 AM one day in early May, 2001. My eyes had popped open and I had lain in bed for a while. Realizing I wasn't going back to sleep, I had … Continue reading Twenty Years of IEW: A Tale of Very Fortunate Events
Writing Class Skills in Real Life: Writing Style and Following Directions
Today I interviewed Sarah, one of my Veteran Writing Moms, about skills needed in the Real World! Sarah shares some experiences about the effect of writing style and following directions on her work.Sarah's experience is all too common in the work world, even among professionals who ought to know how to do things correctly. It … Continue reading Writing Class Skills in Real Life: Writing Style and Following Directions
Student Tip: Overcome Writing Paralysis
I have some amazing students who are learning and growing in their life skills, as well as in their writing. Just this week I had a conversation with one of my Veteran Writing Moms, and she told me about a "breakthrough" that one of her students experienced recently. I was so excited to hear about … Continue reading Student Tip: Overcome Writing Paralysis
A Method of Learning to Write Well
Andrew Pudewa, in the first edition of the Structure and Style teaching videos, relates an occasion when his daughter burst in on him, exclaiming, "Dad! Dad! IEW is here in Benjamin Franklin's autobiography!" Then she showed him the following passage: When my Father happened to find my papers, he took occasion to talk to me … Continue reading A Method of Learning to Write Well