Bible-Based Writing Lessons in Structure and Style

Name: Bible-Based Writing Lessons in Structure and Style
Brand: Institute for Excellence in Writinghttps://iew.com/

by Institute for Excellence in Writinghttps://iew.com/

ElaGrades 1–12

Bible-Based Writing Lessons: Structured Classical Writing Method

Bible-Based Writing Lessons in Structure and Style is a classical writing curriculum from Institute for Excellence in Writing that teaches structured composition skills using biblical narratives as content. The program breaks writing into manageable steps through key-word outlining, drafting, and revision while gradually introducing stylistic elements.

Best for

Homeschool families seeking structured writing instruction with biblical content, particularly those already familiar with IEW's Structure and Style method and classical education approaches

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 2 concerns · 4 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum facilitates explicit, teacher-led instruction with clear modeling and guided practice built into each lesson.

Teachers work 'together with the student to come up with the key-word outline which the teacher writes on a board,' parents provide direct assistance as 'children dictate their paragraphs,' and lessons include structured teaching components

Writing InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides highly structured, systematic writing instruction through the Structure and Style method with clear steps and processes.

Program teaches 'sequence of skills for both structuring written paragraphs and lengthier written work' through key-word outlining, drafting, revision, and adding 'dress-ups' and stylistic elements

Text ComplexityConcern

Uses brief Bible stories rather than complex grade-level texts, which may limit exposure to sophisticated language and ideas.

Source material consists of 'brief Bible stories' rather than complex literary or informational texts appropriate for grade-level complexity

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsConcern

The curriculum uses brief Bible stories and excerpts rather than whole books as source material for writing assignments.

Each lesson features 'brief Bible stories' and students work with individual biblical narratives like 'The Miracle at Cana' rather than complete books

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum builds biblical and character knowledge systematically through Bible heroes and narratives, though domain knowledge is limited to religious content.

Lessons feature 'different Bible hero such as Moses, Noah, or David' and 'brief Bible stories that stress positive character traits' with biblical content integrated into vocabulary and activities

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum requires teachers to be familiar with the Structure and Style method but provides detailed teacher manuals with instructions and guidance.

Parents 'need to be familiar with Structure and Style or be working through Teaching Writing: Structure and Style' and receive 'complete instructions for teaching the course' in detailed teacher manuals

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes some review elements and checklists but limited evidence of systematic retrieval practice or spaced review.

Each lesson begins with 'a very brief review' and includes 'checklists' for students to check their work, but no mention of systematic retrieval or spaced practice

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

The curriculum includes vocabulary instruction integrated into lessons, though the scope appears limited.

Students 'work on vocabulary within the lessons, using the set of vocabulary cards included in the student book' and 'biblical content shows up in vocabulary games'

Systematic PhonicsInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of phonics instruction, as this is a writing-focused curriculum for grades 1-12.

The review focuses entirely on writing instruction methods and makes no mention of phonics or decoding instruction

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com