IEW Fix It! Grammar Level 1: The Nose Tree
The short version first:
Grammar is taught through a story, one sentence at a time, so it feels natural instead of abstract.
Students edit just one sentence per day — low pressure, high payoff.
Builds real editing habits while reinforcing grammar, mechanics, and sentence structure.
Very parent-friendly with clear, scripted teaching notes.
Great for reluctant writers or kids overwhelmed by traditional grammar workbooks.
A gentle Level 1 that sets students up beautifully for future Fix It! levels.
Grammar has a bit of a reputation problem. For a lot of kids, it feels random, boring, or completely disconnected from actual writing. They memorize rules, fill in blanks, and then… never use any of it when they sit down to write.
IEW Fix It! Grammar takes a totally different approach - and honestly, it’s kind of refreshing.
Instead of worksheets and drills, grammar is taught inside a story. One sentence per day. Edit it. Fix it. Rewrite it. Move on with your life.
Level 1, The Nose Tree, is the starting point in the Fix It! series, and it’s designed to ease kids into grammar without overwhelm. It’s short, predictable, and surprisingly effective.
What Is Fix It! Grammar?
Fix It! Grammar teaches grammar through daily editing practice. Each day, students work with a single sentence pulled from an ongoing story. That sentence becomes the vehicle for learning punctuation, capitalization, parts of speech, and basic grammar concepts - all in context.
The big idea is simple: grammar makes more sense when it lives inside real writing.
The program is built around:
Grammar in context (no random sentences)
Short daily practice (usually 10–15 minutes)
Gradual, cumulative learning
A full story students “fix” and rewrite over the year
By the end of Level 1, students aren’t just naming grammar rules - they’re noticing them.
What Level 1 Looks Like in Real Life
Level 1 is a great fit for grades 3–5, or for older kids who need a gentle reset with grammar.
Everything you need is included: a student book, teacher’s guide with scripted notes, grammar cards, vocabulary words, and rewrite pages. There’s no guesswork for parents and no overload for kids.
Grammar concepts stay very manageable: capitalization, punctuation, nouns and verbs, adjectives, prepositions, dialogue, homophones, and simple sentence structure. Nothing flashy - just solid foundations.
How a Typical Lesson Works
The daily routine is simple and predictable (which kids really appreciate):
Students read the sentence for the day, mark corrections and grammar elements, review with a parent using the teacher guide, and then rewrite the corrected sentence neatly.
That’s it.
Because it’s only one sentence, kids don’t feel overwhelmed. But because it’s every day, the learning really sticks.
Why This Approach Works So Well
The magic of Fix It! Grammar is that it’s quiet. There’s no busywork, no pressure, no marathon lessons. Just consistent exposure to grammar inside a story kids actually want to keep reading.
It’s especially helpful for reluctant writers or kids who shut down when faced with long grammar pages. Editing feels doable. Achievable. Almost sneaky.
A Unique Take on Grammar Lessons
IEW Fix It! Grammar Level 1: The Nose Tree is a gentle, effective way to introduce grammar without making it a daily battle. It builds confidence, sharpens editing skills, and lays a strong foundation for future writing — all in about 15 minutes a day.
If traditional grammar hasn’t clicked for your child, this approach is well worth a look.
FAQs from This Blog Post
Q: How long does each lesson take?
A: About 10–15 minutes per day.
Q: Does this replace a full grammar curriculum?
A” Yes. Fix It! Grammar is a complete, year-long grammar program.
Q: Do students need prior grammar knowledge?
A: No. Level 1 assumes no background and introduces concepts gently.
Q: Can older students start at Level 1?
A: Yes. Many families use it as a confidence-building reset.
Q: How much parent involvement is required?
A: Minimal. Parents guide corrections using the Teacher’s Guide, then students work independently.
