2026-2027 School Year
4th Grade IEW GVL
Course Description
This class will introduce some of the core writing concepts that are taught in the upper level IEW classes at co-op. A primary concept covered is key word outlines. We will go over many examples in class, and the children also will have 2-3 days of homework most weeks. For more information about the IEW curriculum, watch a video here: Learn to Think and Write with IEW.
Fourth graders are required to type the final copy of their written compositions.
Discover a wide variety of fascinating subjects in Discoveries in Writing! In this theme-based writing curriculum, students write about exciting topics such as the Bayeux Tapestry, tsunamis, Jerusalem and the Crusades, and other interesting subjects while they learn to write with the Structure and Style® writing method. Offering a full year of instruction for students in 4th grade, these lessons cover seven of the nine IEW Units. Literature suggestions and access to vocabulary cards and other helpful PDF downloads are included.
Additionally, we will work on editing and grammar skills using the IEW Fix-It program, Fix It!™ Grammar: Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse [Student Book]. Teachers will introduce new concepts each week, and parents will complete the grammar and editing assignments with their students at home each week. Parents may need guidance working through the Fix It curriculum at home, and if so will need to purchase the teacher’s manual. To learn more about this unique grammar and editing program please watch “How IEW’s Fix It! Grammar Program Works.”
Optional Resource parents may purchase: Fix It Grammar Cards
Homework will vary depending on if your child is signed up for the one day or two day model. See table below for more information.
One Day Model:
Students will come on either Monday or Wednesday and attend IEW writing/grammar as one of their packages of 4 classes. Core IEW and grammar concepts will be taught on class day. During the class hour, the teacher will use a variety of methods such as a powerpoint presentation, in class interactive activities, and guided practice opportunities to teach new concepts. Students will have 3 days of homework to complete at home each week. All compositions will need to be typed.
Homework will be due the following week.
Two Day Model:
Students will come both Monday and Wednesday and attend IEW writing/grammar as one of their package of 4 classes. Monday will be when most of the core concepts are taught and delivered. During the class hour, the teacher will use a variety of methods such as a powerpoint presentation, in interactive class activities, and guided practice opportunities to teach new concepts. On Wednesday, students will be able to receive more guided practice on IEW and grammar concepts and engage in additional interactive activities to review and reinforce the concepts for the week. They will also complete all grammar Fix-It sentences in class. Students will have 2 days of homework to complete at home each week. All compositions will need to be typed.
Homework will be due the following Monday.
To be successful in this class:
Listen and participate in class, complete assigned work on time, and follow instructions.
Grades: 4th Grade
Course Tuition and Enrollment Fees can be found HERE. If applicable, see below for additional course fees (supply, lab, textbook, etc.)
Additional Course Fees: $3 - Fix It! Grammar Glossary Fee
Prerequisites:
Must be 9 by September 1st.
Parent must attend the summer UHC Parent/Teacher Training for IEW. IEW parent training is a mandatory requirement if you have a student enrolled in an IEW class. If you have already taken the IEW parent training, you do not have to take it again unless you feel it would be beneficial to you as you assist your student.
Sections Offered: 4th- Green Cedar (Mondays- One Day Model) 4th- Red Oak (Wednesdays- One Day Model) 4th- Yellow Birch (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model) 4th- Blue Spruce (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model)
Required Materials
Parent Text:
- The Institute for Excellence in Writing: Teaching Writing: Structure and Style Seminar and Practicum Workbook, 3rd Edition. Parents do not need to buy the DVDs. Note: Second Edition used copies are also acceptable.
Student Text:
- Fix It!™ Grammar: Level 2 Town Mouse and Country Mouse [Student Book].
- Discoveries in Writing- Student Book
- Optional – Discoveries in Writing Teacher Manual: This complete Teacher’s Manual contains answer keys, embedded images of student pages, teaching tips, vocabulary quizzes, and game suggestions for review.
IEW’s Copyright Policy states: Home use: The purchaser may copy this Student Book for use by multiple children within his or her immediate family. Each family must purchase its own Student Book. If you would like to re-use this student text for subsequent students, please make sure to make copies of the consumable pages your student will need to write on.
Other Materials:
Each class has a supply list of required materials parents must purchase and send to class with their student. Supply lists will be available in early summer.
Homework Table Examples:
The following tables are just examples meant to help you compare in class and homework assignments per model. The assignments listed below are a general representation and not from a specific teacher.
One Day Model:
| Concepts | Day at UHC | Day 1 HW | Day 2 HW | Day 3 HW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IEW Unit II
Fables and Fairy Tales Lesson 4 Dress Up: Quality Adjective Fix it Week 9: Verb, Subject, Who/Which Clause |
Story from Fables and Fairy Tales- work on KWO as a class
Interactive lesson on Quality Adjectives Brainstorm dress ups Review Week 9 checklist |
Vocab cards
Fix it Week 9 Day 1 and 2 Finish KWO that was started in class or begin typing paper if KWO is complete |
Fix it Week 9 Day 3 and 4
Write your essay using the KWO. Be careful to use the checklist as you write it! Remember to underline the 3 dressups you add to your story! |
Watch the correction video for Fixit and draw the mystery item.
Finish writing/ typing your paragraph. Using the checklist, make sure you use 2-3 key words from the final sentence to create a title, underline the 3 dressups on the checklist (that do not begin the sentence), and write the vocab word used in the checklist. |
Two Day Model:
| Concepts | Monday at UHC | Day 1 HW | Wednesday at UHC | Day 2 HW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IEW Unit II
Fables and Fairy Tales Lesson 4 Dress Up: Quality Adjective Fix it Week 9: Verb, Subject, Who/Which Clause |
Story from Fables and Fairy Tales- complete KWO as a class
Interactive lesson on Adjectives Brainstorm dress ups Review Week 9 checklist Fix it Week 9 Day 1 and 2 in class Discuss who/which clause |
Begin typing paper using checklist and guidelines for heading- rough draft only. | Fix it Week 9 Day 3 and 4 in class
Introduce 2nd dress up: quality adjective Model turning a KWO into a paragraph including dress ups- strong verb and quality adjective
|
Finish typing paragraph according to checklist guidelines. Submit the following Monday.
Rough draft must be included with final draft. |
4th- Green Cedar (Mondays- One Day Model)
Meet Lucy Wright
Education: Bachelor’s of Art Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina and MSEd. K-6 Reading & Math from Walden University
Teaching Experience: Began teaching 2nd- 4th Grade in 2016 and is currently a curriculum developer.
Homeschooling Experience: Started homeschooling in 2025.
UHC Courses Taught: 4th and 5th Grade IEW
Began teaching at UHC in 2025.
4th- Red Oak (Wednesdays- One Day Model)
Meet Lucy Wright
Education: Bachelor’s of Art Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina and MSEd. K-6 Reading & Math from Walden University
Teaching Experience: Began teaching 2nd- 4th Grade in 2016 and is currently a curriculum developer.
Homeschooling Experience: Started homeschooling in 2025.
UHC Courses Taught: 4th and 5th Grade IEW
Began teaching at UHC in 2025.
4th- Yellow Birch (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model)
Meet Lucy Wright
Education: Bachelor’s of Art Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina and MSEd. K-6 Reading & Math from Walden University
Teaching Experience: Began teaching 2nd- 4th Grade in 2016 and is currently a curriculum developer.
Homeschooling Experience: Started homeschooling in 2025.
UHC Courses Taught: 4th and 5th Grade IEW
Began teaching at UHC in 2025.
4th- Blue Spruce (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model)
Meet Lucy Wright
Education: Bachelor’s of Art Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina and MSEd. K-6 Reading & Math from Walden University
Teaching Experience: Began teaching 2nd- 4th Grade in 2016 and is currently a curriculum developer.
Homeschooling Experience: Started homeschooling in 2025.
UHC Courses Taught: 4th and 5th Grade IEW
Began teaching at UHC in 2025.
