As we prepare for another intentional and purpose-driven homeschool year, I’m excited to share our continued journey with Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) a curriculum that has not only worked but transformed our homeschool experience. For the upcoming 2025–2026 school year, we’ve chosen to move into Structure and Style for Students Level 2B while finishing up and solidifying Fix It! Grammar Level 4: Mowgli and Shere Khan this summer. We’ll then transition into Level 5: The Frog Prince in the fall.
But before I dive into our curriculum plans, let me share a proud mama moment:
My son placed 3rd in IEW’s 2025 National Writing Contest (Level B) this past spring!
This was not just a win it was redemption. Just a couple of years ago, my son had no interest in writing. He dreaded putting pen to paper and often asked to skip writing altogether. But through consistency, faith, and the right tools like IEW and the guidance of our wonderful writing support teacher, Write With Mrs. Brown his confidence grew. Now, he’s writing for fun, rewriting the storyboard for one of his favorite video games this summer on his own time. That’s the power of the right curriculum, and IEW has truly been a blessing to our family.
Why We Chose Structure and Style Level 2B
After successfully completing Structure and Style Level 1B this past year, my son was ready for the next challenge. Level 2B is designed for students who have a strong grasp on the foundational IEW units but are ready to write longer compositions with more complexity, creativity, and independence.
What We Love:
- Clear, structured lessons that guide students step-by-step from brainstorming to polished composition.
- Continued stylistic practice, such as strong verbs, quality adjectives, sentence openers, and dress-ups.
- A variety of writing assignments, including narrative, informational, and persuasive essays.
How We Take Notes
One effective strategy that’s worked for us is using Cornell Notes while watching Mr. Pudewa’s videos. It helps my son stay engaged and reflect on what he’s learning. This method encourages independent learning and active listening two things middle schoolers really benefit from.
Bonus:
We’re also adding the new IEW resource, Strengthening Structure: Models for IEW Structural Units to our lineup. This newly released supplement takes a deeper dive into the nine structural models that form the foundation of the IEW writing approach. It offers reinforcement and extension for students ready to elevate their writing, perfect for upper middle schoolers like my son.
Who Should Use Structure and Style Level 2B?
- 6th–8th graders who have completed 1B or equivalent
- Students ready to increase writing stamina and creativity
- Kids who still benefit from a structured approach but want room to stretch
- Families looking for a full-year program that balances academic rigor and confidence-building
Fix It! Grammar Level 4: Why We’re Repeating It
Fix It! Grammar has been a quiet workhorse in our homeschool. Unlike traditional grammar workbooks, this program builds editing and grammar skills through a daily sentence from a continuing story in this case, Mowgli and Shere Khan. Each sentence builds on the previous one, helping students internalize grammar in context.
Even though we already completed Level 4 during 2023-2024 school year, we’re intentionally repeating it this summer. Why? Because I want to solidify his mastery before we move on to the more advanced and demanding Level 5: The Frog Prince in the fall.
Why We Love It:
- Just 15 minutes a day simple and sustainable
- Built-in vocabulary, copy-work, and editing practice
- Great retention from daily repetition and cumulative learning
- Story format that keeps kids engaged
Repeating Level 4 has already helped reinforce proper punctuation, complex sentence structures, and the use of clauses. It’s been such a helpful decision not remedial, but enriching!
Who Would Benefit from Fix It! Grammar Level 4?
- Students who are ready to apply grammar knowledge in context
- Kids who’ve completed Levels 1–3 or are transitioning from a traditional program
- Learners who enjoy stories and consistent structure
- Families who want grammar practice without frustration or busywork
A Long-Term Love for IEW
We’ve been long-time IEW users, and I can truly say it’s one of the most worthwhile investments we’ve made in our homeschool. From Structure and Style for Students to Fix It! Grammar, and now integrating new resources like Strengthening Structure, the IEW suite of materials has helped my son:
- Go from zero writing confidence to contest-winning compositions
- Develop a love for writing yes, LOVE!
- Gain skills that will serve him well in high school and beyond
- Write, edit, and revise with purpose, direction, and joy
IEW gave us the structure we needed, the consistency I craved, and the results we hoped for. While there are other programs on the market for writing, we felt that IEW style is a better fit for college preparation for writing.
Don’t Miss the IEW Podcast + Extras!
Another gem of being an IEW family? Their podcast! It’s packed with practical, encouraging, and insightful content for homeschool parents and writing teachers. I’ve learned so much about how to better support my writer and build a more enriching homeschool experience through those episodes.
The IEW Community: Sales, Freebies & Support for Parents
IEW doesn’t just hand you a curriculum and disappear they walk with you throughout your homeschool journey:
Highlights Include:
- Live webinars and workshops throughout the year
- The annual “12 Days of Christmas Giving”, full of generous freebies and digital goodies
- Ongoing homeschool encouragement and tips from the team
- Access to free shipping offers and seasonal discounts
Pro Tip: Don’t miss their July Free Shipping Event it’s the perfect time to stock up on wish list items, upgrade your writing program, or grab extras like Student Resource Notebooks, style posters, and themed writing lessons.
IEW Also Offers Live Online Classes
In addition to streaming options, IEW also offers live, online Structure and Style classes! If your student thrives in a structured, live environment with real-time feedback, this is a great option to consider. These courses follow the same methods and reinforce everything we love about IEW but with the added benefit of accountability and instructor interaction.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a homeschool parent looking for a writing and grammar curriculum that builds skills year after year,Structure and Style for Students Level 2B and Fix It! Grammar Level 4: Mowgli and Shere Khan are excellent choices. They work. They grow with your child. And best of all, they encourage a love of words and a sense of accomplishment.
As a mom who once feared her child would never enjoy writing, I can’t recommend this curriculum enough. Here’s to another incredible year of writing, learning, and growing with IEW!
Little Learner and Mom 