What Makes a Good Writing Curriculum? IEW, Common Core, State Standards, and The Writing Village

What should kids actually be learning when they learn to write?

This week, I was asked my opinion about some popular writing curricula, Common Core, and even New York State Standards. While I don’t consider myself an expert on every curriculum or set of standards, I do have years of experience teaching writing. That experience has shaped my own philosophy and the development of The Writing Village.

So, how does The Writing Village compare with IEW, Common Core, and state standards?

IEW: A Strong Focus on Structure and Style

One of the most popular homeschool writing programs is the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). Its curriculum breaks writing instruction into nine key concepts focused on Structure and Style. It also includes video instruction and workbooks, and the program has received many positive reviews.

One thing that stood out to me is how much IEW integrates writing with Social Studies topics, such as Ancient Cultures.

I found this particularly interesting because I developed a similar approach independently. As a teacher, I had become increasingly concerned that subjects like history and geography were receiving less attention in schools. I wanted students to learn writing while also learning about something.

Common Core: Standards, Not a Curriculum

One important distinction is that Common Core is not a curriculum. It is a set of standards—a framework for what students should know and be able to do.

Many people believe Common Core sets unrealistic expectations or is harmful to children’s learning. I may be the odd one out here, but I don't think the framework itself is necessarily the problem.

I believe having high educational standards is a good thing.

The bigger issue is execution.

Children can reach high standards, but they need the right tools to get there. They also need to be active participants in their education. Standards should help guide curriculum development rather than become a system for judging teachers or students.

The question should be: Is the curriculum giving children the tools and support they need to meet these expectations?

What About State Standards?

State standards have one significant advantage: they can account for local needs.

I learned the importance of this while working at a struggling chain bookstore in Cambridge in the early 2000s. We were located next to the Science Museum, and there were obvious opportunities to connect our store to what was happening locally. For example, a Harry Potter exhibition was happening next door, yet corporate policies often prevented us from adapting quickly to local events and interests. That company went out of business.

State standards have more flexibility to incorporate local history, geography, and science.

Of course, there are challenges. Not every state has the same educational resources or traditions. And when states begin incorporating social studies and science standards, we have to be careful that education remains grounded in evidence and truth.

Why I Created The Writing Village

The Writing Village draws from Common Core and state standards and incorporates some principles similar to IEW—but it is also its own approach.

Working with children has taught me one very important lesson:

Kids will write when you give them something interesting to write about.

While working with AmeriCorps, I had a second-grade student who simply refused to write. He carried around a toy catalog and spent his time telling teachers about the things he hoped to get for Christmas.

After a day of struggling to get him to write, I tried something different.

I asked him to make a list of the toys he wanted.

It worked.

The next day, we used some of those words to practice writing. Then he wrote about why he wanted those toys.

That experience has stayed with me.

Writing Should Be Hard—and Fun

At The Writing Village, students learn different forms of writing, including stories, persuasive essays, science writing, and news articles. We emphasize the entire writing process, from brainstorming to drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.

And by publishing, I don't necessarily mean becoming a published author. I mean taking pride in a finished piece of writing that is organized, polished, and ready to share.

But I also believe writing should be fun.

Students work with a certified teacher in a relaxed environment. Classes might begin with a short prompt such as, “What is your favorite animal and why?” or a quick reflection on something they have been learning.

Some classes even end with a game or virtual field trip.

In between those activities, students work hard. They learn, write, revise, and receive guidance from their teacher.

There Is No One Right Way to Teach Writing

There are many approaches to teaching writing. Some work better for certain children than others.

IEW may be the perfect fit for one student. Another student may thrive with a completely different approach.

That's okay.

The most important thing isn't finding the one perfect curriculum. It's finding an approach that helps your child become a confident, capable writer.

That's what I'm trying to build with The Writing Village.

If you are interested in learning more about The Writing Village, check us out on Outschool

https://outschool.com/teachers/TheWritingVillage?usid=gVBWudQT&signup=true&authTrigger=follow_teacher&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=educator_share_leader_link