Students will explore early United States history through literature and composition while learning to write using the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Structure and Style® method. Throughout the year, students will study explorers, battles, land expansion, famous ships, and American founding figures while developing strong writing, grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills. Primary writing curriculum: • U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons Students will work through IEW Units 1–9 as they learn to: • take notes and create keyword outlines, • retell narrative stories, • summarize references and multiple sources, • write from pictures, • compose essays, • and develop stylistic techniques for imaginative and enjoyable writing. Grammar instruction will be taught through: • Fix It! Grammar Book 1: The Nose Tree Literature selections will include: • Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims by Clyde Robert Bulla • A Lion to Guard Us by Clyde Robert Bulla • Give Me Liberty by L. M. Elliott • Guns for General Washington by Seymour Reit • By the Great Horn Spoon! by Sid Fleischman • Behind Rebel Lines by Seymour Reit • Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson • Journey to Topaz by Yoshiko Uchida • All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor Students will have weekly reading and homework assignments. Parent involvement is encouraged, particularly in editing, grammar review, and helping students practice strong writing habits at home. This course is designed to broaden students’ understanding of U.S. history while strengthening their ability to think clearly, organize ideas, edit grammar, and communicate effectively through writing. This will cover a full Language Arts class that would meet 5 days a week in a school setting. They will need to purchase or acquire all the books listed in the class description.