One of the hallmarks of IEW’s Structure and Style® methodology is to assign students composition checklists that follow EZ+1. What does this mean? Simply this: adjust the checklist so that the student is only working on one challenging stylistic technique at a time. In other words, the student is able to fairly easily and appropriately insert all of the stylistic techniques except for the one he or she is currently working on. All of the others have become easy (“EZ”) except for that one. That is EZ+1.
In a homeschool setting, this is easily accomplished. Parents, evaluate your student’s writing using the checklist. If your student is struggling with the newest style element on the checklist, do not add another one until your student has mastered what is already required. Proceed apace as you move through the units in order.
Classroom and co-op teachers, EZ+1 works for you too! You can harness the EZ+1 philosophy by placing your students in one of two or three customized checklist levels. Students who are tackling all of the current assignment’s stylistic techniques well would be grouped into one level whereas students who need more time to master previously taught content would be placed into a second level and their checklist adjusted accordingly. If there are a few students who are ready for a greater challenge, a third checklist level could be created that allows students to practice some advanced stylistic techniques.
By having two or three checklists going, all students are able to work on the same assignment and progress in their writing skills. When students believe that they can be successful, they are more likely to put forth their best effort. They are actively engaged in their own learning. Equally important, however, is the ease of grading. Having students work at their EZ+1 pace means you will spend less time marking corrections, resulting in quicker grading. Quicker grading means more time to dedicate to other priorities. Everyone wins!
While applying the EZ+1 philosophy may be accomplished by striking out any stylistic techniques on the checklist that the student isn’t quite ready to tackle, a more elegant solution is to utilize the online IEW Checklist Generator™, a component of IEW’s Premium Membership. The Checklist Generator makes adjusting student checklists quick and easy. To learn more about this valuable tool, listen to Podcast Episode 518: The IEW Checklist Generator. One year of Premium Membership is included with the purchase of Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, or if desired, it can be purchased as a standalone product. Renewal is just $39 per year.
IEW’s checklist is a powerful tool for everyone: teacher, parent, and student. It empowers students and supports teachers. If only all of life could be EZ+1!
by Jennifer Mauser
