History-Based Writing Lessons In Structure and Style

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History-Based Writing Lessons: Structured Writing Through Historical Content

History-Based Writing Lessons in Structure and Style is a supplementary writing curriculum that applies IEW's Structure and Style methodology to historical content across different eras. The program combines systematic writing instruction with historical source texts, requiring prior familiarity with IEW's foundational Structure and Style approach.

Best for

Homeschool families and teachers already familiar with IEW Structure and Style methodology seeking to integrate systematic writing instruction with history curriculum for grades 3-12

Evaluation Criteria

5 strengths · 3 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Knowledge RichStrength

The curriculum systematically builds historical knowledge across different eras while teaching writing skills.

Courses cover Ancient History, Medieval History, U.S. History, and Modern World History with 'topical lessons within each course address particular events or people' and students 'learn history as well'

Text ComplexityStrength

The curriculum appears to use age-appropriate texts across different grade levels with scaffolded complexity.

Different courses target specific grade ranges (3-8, 6-8, 9-12) and the Advanced course includes challenging literature like 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' and 'To Kill a Mockingbird'

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum requires direct teacher interaction and provides explicit instruction through structured lessons.

Review states 'parent or teacher interaction is required' and lessons 'break the writing process down into very manageable and structured steps'

Vocabulary BuildingStrength

The curriculum includes systematic vocabulary instruction with cards, practice, and assessment components.

Each course includes 'vocabulary cards' that students study and 'incorporate them into their writing assignments' with 'vocabulary quizzes' provided

Writing InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides highly structured, systematic writing instruction following the IEW Structure and Style methodology.

Lessons progress through 'Key Word Outlines, Writing from Key Word Outlines, Retelling Narrative Stories, Summarizing a Reference' and other skills, with 'structured steps that make it easy for children to learn to write well'

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum requires prior knowledge of IEW Structure and Style methodology and provides detailed teacher manuals with guidance.

Review notes 'Parents and teachers need to be familiar with the Structure and Style methodology before using these courses' and teacher manuals include 'suggested answers overprinted' and detailed instructions

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum incorporates review activities and vocabulary quizzes but limited evidence of systematic retrieval practice.

Each lesson 'begins with a brief review activity' and includes 'vocabulary quizzes,' with 'many of the review activities presented as games'

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsNeutral

The curriculum primarily uses one-page source texts and excerpts, though the Advanced U.S. History course includes four complete books.

Review notes that 'students will work with a different source text (each about one page in length)' and that Advanced U.S. History requires reading 'Uncle Tom's Cabin, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Gardener, and The Boy on the Wooden Box'

Systematic PhonicsInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of phonics instruction as this appears to be a writing-focused curriculum for intermediate and advanced students.

Grade levels range from 3rd grade through high school with focus on writing instruction rather than foundational reading skills

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com