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

About This Curriculum

Bible-based writing curriculum that uses actual passages from Scripture as source texts while teaching IEW's Structure and Style writing method through all nine units.

What makes it unique: Combines biblical content with proven writing instruction, allowing students to increase their understanding of Scripture while developing writing skills using actual Bible passages as source material.

Bible-Based Writing Lessons: Scripture-Based IEW Structure and Style Method

Bible-Based Writing Lessons in Structure and Style is a Christian writing curriculum that applies IEW's systematic Structure and Style method using Scripture passages as source texts. The program teaches nine units of writing skills from key-word outlining through formal essays, designed for grades 1-12 with age-appropriate versions.

Best for

Christian homeschooling families seeking systematic writing instruction with biblical content, particularly those already familiar with or willing to learn IEW's Structure and Style method

Evaluation Criteria

4 strengths · 4 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Teacher TrainingStrength

The curriculum requires familiarity with IEW's Structure and Style method and provides detailed teacher guidance.

Reviews note parents 'need to be familiar with Structure and Style' and the teacher's manual 'tells you when you need to be familiar with a particular lesson in preparation'

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum requires direct teacher instruction and provides detailed guidance for explicit teaching of writing skills.

Reviews state 'the first part of each lesson needs to be taught rather than left for students to do independently' and teachers work together with students on key-word outlines

Vocabulary BuildingStrength

The curriculum includes vocabulary instruction integrated with biblical content and writing lessons.

Reviews mention 'vocabulary games' and that students 'work on vocabulary within the lessons, using the set of vocabulary cards included in the student book'

Writing InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides highly structured, systematic writing instruction through IEW's proven Structure and Style method.

Reviews describe 'very manageable and structured steps' that progress through nine units from key-word outlines to formal essays, with checklists and systematic skill building

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum builds knowledge of biblical content and character traits but appears limited to religious domain knowledge.

Each lesson features different Bible heroes and stories that 'stress positive character traits,' with biblical content integrated into vocabulary and activities

Text ComplexityNeutral

Text complexity appears appropriate as students work with original Bible passages, though complexity progression is unclear.

Students work with 'actual passages from Scripture' and biblical narratives, with different versions for elementary versus high school students

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes some review elements but limited evidence of systematic retrieval practice.

Reviews mention 'brief review' at the beginning of lessons and checklists for students to check their work, but no extensive retrieval practice described

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsNeutral

The curriculum uses Bible passages and stories rather than whole books as source texts for writing instruction.

Reviews mention students working with 'brief Bible stories' and specific passages like 'The Miracle at Cana' as content sources

Systematic PhonicsInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of phonics instruction as this is a writing-focused curriculum.

Reviews focus entirely on writing instruction methods with no mention of phonics or decoding instruction

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, honingahealthyhome.com