IEW Structure & Style Level A
The short version first:
Step-by-step writing. Clear, incremental instruction that builds confidence instead of frustration.
Repeatable tools. Students learn methods they can use across subjects and grade levels.
No blank-page panic. Modeling and structure mean kids always know how to start.
Video-based teaching. Reduces parent prep while keeping students engaged.
Strong focus on structure and style. Ideal for growing elementary writers.
Especially helpful for reluctant writers. Writing is broken into manageable, doable steps.
Writing can be one of the trickiest subjects to teach in the elementary years. Some kids have big ideas but freeze when it’s time to put them on paper. Others feel overwhelmed by vague prompts like “write a paragraph.”
That’s where IEW Structure & Style Level A really shines.
Instead of asking kids to magically know how to write, IEW teaches them how writing works — one step at a time. It’s structured, predictable, and surprisingly empowering for students who struggle with writing confidence.
What Is IEW’s Structure & Style Method?
IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) is built around explicit instruction and modeling. Rather than focusing on creativity first, students learn the mechanics of writing through examples they can follow and adapt.
The method has two main pillars:
Structure — how writing is organized: outlines, topic sentences, transitions, and paragraph flow.
Style — how writing becomes engaging: strong verbs, descriptive words, sentence variety, and stylistic techniques.
Students study a source text, create a simple key word outline, and then rewrite the content in their own words. Over time, they add style elements in a very intentional, low-pressure way.
The result? Writing feels doable — even for kids who previously shut down.
What Level A Covers
Level A is typically used for grades 3–5, though it also works well for older reluctant writers who need a reset.
It’s a full-year program and includes:
24 video-based lessons taught by Andrew Pudewa or a certified instructor
Parent lesson plans and teaching notes
Source texts for student writing
Editing checklists
Vocabulary words tied to writing
Incremental style techniques
Multiple composition types, including summaries, narratives, reports, and creative writing
Students learn how to identify key details, outline information, rewrite passages, vary sentences, and edit their work independently.
How Lessons Work
Lessons follow a predictable rhythm, which helps students feel grounded.
Typically, students watch a teaching video, read a short source text, and create a key word outline. They practice retelling the passage orally before writing, which reinforces comprehension and organization.
When it’s time to write, students use their outline as a roadmap — no guessing, no staring at a blank page. Each week introduces a new stylistic technique, and students use a checklist to edit their work.
Most families spend about 45–60 minutes per lesson, often spread across several days.
Why This Approach Works
The biggest strength of IEW is confidence-building. Writing stops feeling mysterious. Kids know what’s expected, how to meet those expectations, and how to improve their work.
Because the skills are transferable, students can apply IEW techniques to history narrations, science summaries, and other subjects — not just writing class.
For many families, this is the program that finally makes writing click.
Who Level A Is Best For
IEW Structure & Style Level A is a great fit for:
Reluctant or anxious writers
Kids who need clear steps and expectations
Students who benefit from modeling
Parents who want expert-led instruction
Families looking for writing tools that grow with the student
It works well for both hesitant writers and strong writers who want more structure.
FAQs from This Blog Post
Q: What grade level is IEW Level A for?
A: Typically grades 3–5, but it works well for older reluctant writers too.
Q: Do I need the video lessons?
A: They’re highly recommended. The teaching videos are a major strength of the program.
Q: How much parent involvement is required?
A: Moderate. Parents guide outlining and editing, especially early on.
Q: Is this a complete writing curriculum?
A: Yes. It covers structure, style, vocabulary, and composition over a full year.
Q: Is this suitable for struggling or neurodiverse learners?
A: Yes. The structure and incremental steps make it a popular choice for many learning styles.
