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Essentials in Writing
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Have any of you used Essentials in Writing? What are your thoughts on it? Lots of needless work? Easy to understand? What age would you recommend starting? Someone was just telling me about it and that their girls (9 and 12) really enjoy it. This is their first year using it. I just thought I’d see if anyone else has any experience with the program. Thanks
Here are some past threads that talk about it:
http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/iew
http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/essentials-in-writing
http://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/high-school-writing-course-suggestions
I know that Tailormade and Mysterious Lady in Pink both have experience with this program. You might try to PM them.
Thank you, Sheraz. I tried doing a search, but apparently didn’t search the right thing ’cause I didn’t come up with anything.
The first link didn’t have anything for EiW, it was about IEW. (I know, it can be confusing. 😉 )
I did post a comment on the 2nd link, though.
I have mixed feelings but haven’t used it extensively. I’ve started w/ it for my older boys in HS so I can only comment on those. (I have gr 9, 10, + 11, but I’ve only used parts of one level for both boys.) It didn’t take long for me to adapt how I use it, though. Maybe it was those first lessons but they were tedious and I didn’t see the point, other than recognizing those types of sentences. My ds was frustrated. I have used the forms w/ some success and the videos did help w/ how to use those.
Like anything, it can be a great tool at a very reasonable price. And, if it helps, then it’s worth it!
K
Thanks, Kerby. I appreciate your perspective. Did y’all have any writing experience/instruction before? I guess I’ve wondered if there really is a need to start younger (mine will be 5th and 3rd grade) or just jump into it later.
Sheraz, I’ve been thinking about IEW, also, so the link was still great info for me! Thanks.
@ pangit: That’s good, because the ladies I referred you to are using/have used IEW.
I totally read that wrong yesterday after I started looking for/reading old threads.
We’ve used various things, trying to find the right fit. Part of that search was for a ds w/ dysgraphia, so there’s been a lot of looking and trying.
The ds that used more of Essentials has used Level B of IEW and some writing instruction in his English. He started at a private school that used ABeka for K and 1rst, ps in 2nd (joke), home for 3-6th using various English texts for grammar and writing, ps in 7th (long story, still a joke), IEW in 8th plus some. We started MFW AHL but he really needs a LOT more help. That’s where having the forms to follow has been a HUGE boost!
I found that level B of IEW was just doing Key Word Outlines and then rewriting the paragraphs. So, really not much writing instruction from the beginning. Don’t get me wrong, knowing how to take notes and write a paragraph w/ those notes is a plus, and will help him w/ the research paper later on, but to spend a whole yr doing that over and over again w/out much other writing instruction wasn’t what I was looking for. Goodness, that sounded bad. There WAS instruction on how to improve the paragraphs and make better sentences w/in them. So, that part was good, but not quite what I was looking for. “Dress ups” are great but easy to add to any writing fairly quickly, not to spend a whole yr. Anyway. It was good for what it did.
Personally, I don’t like to do much formal writing instruction at the younger ages/grades. (I’ve learned w/ my older boys.) I also think it tends to be overkill, like doing grammar over and over and over. Besides, most of what they are asked to write is creative writing, w/ one or two exceptions. AND, they need something to write about. I like the CM approach MUCH more. I like letting them talk and write what they want. My younger 2 have been on that path more than the older boys. My dd loves to do copywork. My youngest ds just doesn’t want to have to write. LOL
I do have one or two other ideas up my sleeve, but we’ll see.
ps – there is a discussion on another board about IEW. I must admit, I’m rethinking it. I need to look at some things a bit more, I guess, to really get a feel for it. I want to check out the essay instruction part. (That isn’t covered in B.) That might make the difference. gee, doesn’t that help?? ugh!
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