We use the Institute for Excellence in Writing for our composition in grammar school.  IEW uses the Suzuki Method of instruction, where students first learn by imitation.  Students make keyword outlines from source paragraphs, write their own paragraphs from the keyword outline, and then learn various methods to “dress up” the paragraph in a pleasing style.  Students write, on average, one composition per week.

In addition to IEW, students also engage in weekly exercises called “De Copia.”  Originally designed by Erasmus of Rotterdam for his Latin students, De Copia exercises train children to brainstorm ways to write or say the same thing using different means–synonyms, word order, metaphor, idiom, simile, hyperbole, etc.

We attempt, as much as possible, to integrate composition into other studies.  The Institute for Excellence in Writing has several history theme-based composition guides that we will also use in the coming year.  Students will fill out their knowledge of history and the Bible as they refine their writing skills.