Our Honest Review of IEW’s Live Online Writing Classes (SSS-2B)

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Inside: As I was putting together this IEW Live Online Writing Classes review, one thing became clear: this program stands out because it combines solid writing instruction with real accountability. The live format adds structure, expert feedback, and consistent interaction, which are often missing when parents teach writing on their own at home. If you’re looking for an online writing curriculum that truly builds skills and confidence, IEW’s Live Online Writing Classes are absolutely worth considering.

If you’ve ever sat next to your child while they stared at a blank page, frozen, you’ll understand why I love IEW. It’s the only homeschool writing curriculum that has actually worked for us, and in this IEW Live Online Writing Classes review I want to show you exactly why.

Still, after three years of using Structure and Style for Students on our own, I realized Marc needed something more… more structure, more accountability, and maybe a teacher who wasn’t me. So in 8th grade, we took the leap and joined an IEW Live Online Writing Class.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would he keep up with the deadlines? Would the online format work for him? Would I still need to sit next to him for every assignment?

Now that we’ve finished a full year of SSS-2B Live Online Classes, I can honestly say it changed the way we do writing at home. Homeschooling through the middle school years has a way of revealing your limits, and I am so happy I actually listened to my intuition and got him the live classes when he needed them.

(Disclaimer: I paid for this class in full and wasn’t compensated for this IEW Live Online Writing Classes review. Everything below is our honest experience.)

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What Are IEW Live Online Writing Classes?

If you’ve used Structure and Style for Students, you already know how brilliantly Andrew Pudewa breaks down writing. But what if your child could take that same method and learn it directly from a teacher with classmates, weekly feedback, and someone else keeping track of the deadlines?

That’s exactly what IEW’s Live Online Classes offer, and this review will focus on how that looks in real life for a middle school student.

These classes follow the same SSS writing process, but they add what many homeschool families eventually realize they need: accountability, community, and professional feedback. Each class is led by an IEW Accredited Instructor, trained in the method, who meets with students once a week for one hour in a small online classroom through IEW Toolbox.

The teacher explains tough concepts, re-teaches the self-paced videos of Mr. Pudewa in a fresh way at the class’ level, and models writing techniques while interacting with students in real time. Kids can ask questions, get clarification, and hear confusing ideas explained again until they make sense.

Classes are small — usually around eight to fifteen students — which keeps things personal and focused. Cameras stay off, which helps anxious or perfectionist students relax and just learn. Only the teacher has their camera on.

Interaction happens through the chat box, where kids type answers, share ideas, and stay engaged without the pressure of being on screen. The teachers do a great job creating a calm, encouraging atmosphere where every student feels comfortable participating.

Each week follows a consistent rhythm. Students watch the assigned Structure and Style for Students video lessons from the writing pack, then join the live class to reinforce what they’ve learned and go over that week’s writing assignment. They also review Fix It! Grammar together, which ties grammar directly to writing instead of treating it as a separate subject.

After class, students complete their assignments and submit them in Microsoft Word format through IEW Toolbox. Everything stays organized in one place, from grades to rubrics to comments. Papers are returned within about a week, and the feedback is thoughtful, specific, and kind.

And for parents, they still get to stay involved. They are encouraged to help kids as much as needed, including listening in during class, checking progress, or helping manage time, but the teaching and grading are handled by the instructor.

What to Know Before You Enroll

If you’re considering IEW’s Live Online Classes, here are a few important points to keep in mind, especially for second-year levels.

Enrollment:
Registration usually opens in early spring (around March) for the next school year, and spots fill fast, particularly for middle and high school levels. Joining IEW’s email list helps you get in early. On their main page, just look for “Sign up on our Online Class Interest Email List to be notified when future classes are posted.” (under Mr. Pudewa’s video)

Placement:
Year 2 classes require prior IEW experience. Students must submit a writing sample showing they understand the Structure and Style method (outlining, dress-ups, and sentence openers). You will be notified of this when you want to register. If you’re new to IEW, start with Year 1 first (level A for elementary aged students, level B for middle school, and level C for high school).

Platform & Materials:
Classes run through IEW Toolbox, so you’ll need a computer (not a tablet), a stable internet connection, and Microsoft Word for submissions.
You’ll also need the Structure and Style for Students packet (with the pre-recorded video lessons of Andrew Pudewa, the student packet and binder, and teacher’s manual) and the matching Fix It! Grammar student book (you can do without the teacher’s manual here but I highly recommend you get the full pack to be able to reinforce concepts and check work yourself), since teachers use both every week.

Structure:
Each course runs for about 30 weeks (two semesters) with one live class per week and 2–4 hours of work at home. The class recordings stay available if you need to review or miss a session.

Why We Chose the Live Classes

Even though the Structure and Style for Students program worked wonders for us, it was becoming harder and harder for me to keep up.

Being a single, working homeschool mom meant my time was stretched thinner every year. But the biggest struggle wasn’t scheduling, it was knowing how much feedback was too much. I constantly questioned whether I was correcting too much or not enough, whether his writing level was where it should be for his age, and whether I was doing him justice by being both his mom and his evaluator.

Writing is so subjective, and even though IEW provides examples for each level, I often found myself second-guessing. I wanted someone qualified to look at his work and tell me, “Yes, this is where he needs to be.” I wanted that reassurance before heading into the high school years, when writing becomes so much more important.

And honestly, I was just tired.
Tired of managing everything.
Tired of trying to be objective about something that felt so personal.

That’s when I realized we needed help, not with the method, but with the structure and the feedback.

There was also another piece to this. When we worked through SSS on our own, there were no hard deadlines. If I got busy, we’d postpone. If Marc wasn’t in the mood, we’d postpone again. We always caught up eventually, but it meant no weekends, shorter breaks, and too many unfinished lessons hanging over our heads. The lack of external accountability was adding unnecessary stress to both of us.

By 8th grade, it was clear that Marc also needed more practice with executive functioning: planning, pacing, staying aware of time. Since he’s twice-exceptional, that’s something we’re actively working on. But time really does feel different for him; he often doesn’t realize how fast it passes or how close a deadline is until it’s right in front of him. Having a teacher, a class, and real due dates felt like the structure he needed to prepare for high school and beyond.

That’s when I decided to enroll him in SSS-2B live online classes (we already finished 1A, 2A, and 1B so this was our next level). To be accepted, he had to submit a short piece of writing to show his understanding of the Structure and Style method. Every Year 2 class at IEW requires completion of a Year 1 course first, since students are expected to already know how to work with source texts, write key word outlines, summarize, and apply stylistic techniques. This is what Marc submitted to get accepted into SSS 2B:

If you’re new to IEW, I’d recommend starting with Structure and Style for Students Year 1 (regardless of the level) and pairing it with Fix It! Grammar. I’ve reviewed both in detail before, so you can read my IEW reviews before deciding where to begin.

So, choosing the IEW Live Online Class wasn’t just about outsourcing writing. It was about giving both of us the structure, feedback, and accountability we genuinely needed and making sure Marc was ready to take the next big step in his writing journey.

How the IEW Live Online Classes Work in Practice: Our Experience

Once Marc was accepted into SSS-2B live classes, we got access to the online classroom, and the IEW Toolbox platform. Everything was clear from day one and very well organized. We were expected to have the necessary materials ready by the time class started so I made sure we had our copies beforehand.

Here’s how it worked for us:

1. Watch the Lesson Video
Before each live class, students watched the assigned Structure and Style for Students 2B video taught by Andrew Pudewa. These lessons introduced that week’s concepts, source texts, and models.

We’ve always loved Mr. Pudewa’s teaching style because it’s so clear, logical, and full of humor. But at this level, some lessons started to feel dense, and Marc occasionally got stuck. That’s where the live class really came in: it they those tricky concepts a second, gentler explanation from someone who understood exactly where middle-school writers tend to stumble.

2. Attend the Live Class
Once a week, Marc logged in for a 1-hour live session with his teacher, Mrs. Olander, and a small group of classmates. If you want to see who teaches IEW’s online classes, you can read more about everyone here.

During the class, she:

• Reviewed the key concepts from the self-paced video lessons.
• Re-explained anything confusing and especially the parts where she noticed the small group of kids was struggling with.
• Modeled examples of good writing and gave them even more samples and tips than they would find in the self-paced classes
• Walked the class through the week’s grammar and new assignment.

Because the cameras stayed off, the atmosphere was calm and low-pressure, which was perfect for a kid like Marc who hates being on camera. All participation happened in the chat, where Mrs. Olander called students by name, asked short questions, and gave everyone time to respond.

That chat interaction built a subtle sense of accountability and community. Marc liked seeing how other kids answered and even enjoyed the mild competition of being called on to type his responses quickly. It pushed him to stay focused without feeling anxious.

And honestly, I can’t praise Mrs. Olander enough. She was patient, adaptable, and completely attuned to her students. If she noticed several kids struggling with something, she would slow down and explain it again until it clicked. It never felt rushed or scripted.

3. Review Grammar Together
Each week also included a Fix It! Grammar Level 4 lesson. Students worked through a short passage, identifying parts of speech, punctuation, and spelling, along with 4 vocabulary words per week.

We’ve always adored Fix It! Grammar, and this class only deepened that appreciation. This grammar curriculum “sneaks in” grammar through context. There’s a full story that kids edit and rewrite piece by piece over the course of a year. It’s low pressure but very effective, one of those rare programs where the results quietly build over time.

4. Work on the Weekly Assignment
After class, Marc worked independently on that week’s composition. Depending on the assignment, this took us around 3–5 hours a week. That included watching the video, doing the grammar lessons, writing revisions, and submitting a final copy.

This is also where I saw the biggest shift in him. Having a real teacher and due dates gave him purpose. He started pacing himself, managing his time, and taking feedback seriously. The class rhythm built those executive-functioning skills we had struggled to reinforce on our own.

5. Submit the Paper for Grading
All writing work was submitted in Microsoft Word format through the IEW Toolbox. Grammar work didn’t have to be turned in, but it was expected to be completed before class so they could discuss it together.

Before uploading, Marc and I reviewed each checklist and rubric together since parents must sign off to confirm the work was reviewed. Within about a week, the assignment came back with a graded rubric and detailed comments.

That feedback was gold. It was thoughtful, actionable, and motivating. It gave Marc something concrete to work toward the next time. I could finally stop being both teacher and editor and just be the supportive parent.

6. Recorded Classes and Flexibility
All classes were recorded, which is a wonderful backup option if a student misses a session or wants to rewatch part of the lesson. We didn’t need to use the recordings much since Marc attended every week, but it’s nice to know they’re there.

At the end of the year, the class wrapped up with a Jeopardy-style review game, played in teams. It was such a fun way to end. Marc was thrilled when he answered some of the toughest questions and earned points for his team. That sense of belonging says everything about how well this program is run.

Video Review:

If you prefer a closer look at how IEW’s Live Online Classes actually work in a real homeschool, I recorded a full review walking through our entire 8th-grade experience. In the video, I explain why we switched from the self-paced Structure and Style lessons to the live classes, how the weekly format works, what kind of parent involvement it needs, and the changes I saw in Marc’s writing by the end of the year.

I also show the materials we used (SSS 2B and Fix It! Grammar Level 4) and talk about how the live format paired with them. If you’re trying to figure out if the live classes are right for your middle schooler, this will give you a clear picture of what to expect.

You can watch the full review here:

Quick Overview: SSS-2B and Fix It! Grammar Level 4 (Mowgli and Shere Khan)

Marc took Structure and Style for Students Year 2 Level B (SSS-2B) together with Fix It! Grammar Level 4 – Mowgli and Shere Khan, which made a great pairing for his 8th-grade year.

SSS-2B (Structure and Style for Students Year 2 Level B)

SSS-2B is the natural continuation after Structure and Style for Students Year 1 B. It’s meant for students who already know the IEW method: those who can create key word outlines, summarize, and apply stylistic techniques confidently.

This level revisits the nine IEW writing units but moves them to a higher level of maturity and independence. Students go beyond summarizing to write reports, multi-source essays, and literary responses. The focus shifts toward combining structure and creativity while polishing voice, flow, and sentence variety.

Each week builds logically on the last, gradually increasing in complexity. What I loved most about this level is how it starts introducing elements of literary analysis and formal writing, which are such an important bridge into high school composition. The lessons keep the same clear, visual format we’ve come to expect from IEW, but the expectations rise in the best possible way.

Fix It! Grammar 4 – Mowgli and Shere Khan

Alongside SSS-2B, students complete Fix It! Grammar 4, which follows the story of Mowgli and Shere Khan. Each day, they edit a short passage from the story, mark grammatical elements, and rewrite the corrected version.

This level builds on earlier Fix It! Grammar books by introducing more advanced concepts: detailed comma rules, clause identification, verb types, and stylistic punctuation. What makes Fix It! Grammar so effective is that it doesn’t treat grammar as isolated drills. It teaches students to spot and fix errors in the context of real writing, which directly supports what they’re learning in the SSS writing lessons.

Marc enjoyed this particular story because it felt cohesive and a little adventurous, and it became a daily warm-up before working on his writing assignments.

I’ll try my best to come back with separate, in-depth reviews for both — one focused entirely on Structure and Style for Students Level B and another on Fix It! Grammar 4 (Mowgli and Shere Khan), because each deserves its own spotlight.

Pros and Cons of IEW’s Live Online Writing Classes

Even though I could easily fill a page with everything we loved about this program, here’s a more practical breakdown for parents trying to decide if these classes are the right fit.

If your child already knows the IEW method and you’re looking for structure, consistency, and professional feedback, or if you, like me, just need to take grading off your plate, these live classes are worth every penny. They bring the IEW system to life in a way that supports both the student and the parent, while building confidence, independence, and real writing skills.

Who Is IEW’s Live Online Class Best For?

From my experience, IEW’s Live Online Classes are ideal for families who already love the Structure and Style for Students method but are ready for more structure and accountability.

✅ Middle and high school students who need independence.
If your student is ready to take responsibility for their own writing and meet real deadlines, this format works beautifully. Marc was in 8th grade, and it helped him build executive functioning skills, manage his time, and handle teacher expectations, skills he’ll need for college and beyond.

✅ Reluctant writers who need external motivation.
Some kids just do better when the teacher isn’t Mom. The weekly class gave Marc a sense of purpose and healthy competition, and he responded so much better to outside feedback.

✅ Parents who want to stay involved but stop grading.
You still review your child’s work before submission, but the teacher handles the teaching, feedback, and assessment. It’s a relief to hand that responsibility to someone trained in writing instruction while still staying connected.

✅ Families who value clear structure and accountability.
If you’ve struggled with consistency in your homeschool routine, the built-in schedule, grading, and communication make it much easier to stay on track.

✅ Students who thrive in small, structured groups.
The classes are small, organized, and low-pressure. There are no cameras, just chat interaction, which keeps things comfortable even for shy or perfectionist learners.

✅ Parents who want reassurance about writing quality.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s writing is “good enough for their grade level,” having a professional teacher review and guide their work provides peace of mind — especially as you approach high school.

Final Thoughts

After four full years with IEW, I can honestly say it’s the best homeschool writing program and I’ll always recommend it within a heartbeat. It’s structured, it’s smart, and most importantly, it actually works. If you’ve been searching for a real, parent-tested IEW Live Online Writing Classes review before enrolling, I hope this helps you see what the experience actually looks like day to day.

The live class turned something we already loved into something even better. It gave Marc accountability, independence, and confidence and it gave me the reassurance that he was growing in all the right ways. Watching him go from hesitant to capable, from tears over blank pages to pride in a finished essay, has been one of the most rewarding parts of our homeschool journey.

This year, in 9th grade with Aim Academy, his writing continues to shine. His teacher often praises his essays for being clear, organized, and mature, and I know that foundation was built through IEW. Every year we used it, I saw tangible growth, but the live class experience is what helped it all click. I honestly can’t wait to go back to IEW next year for 10th grade!

If you’re at that point in your homeschool where you need more structure, where you want someone else to guide your child (and take grading off your shoulders), IEW’s Live Online Classes might be exactly what you need. It’s still the same Structure and Style approach, just taught in a way that supports both the student and the parent.

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