IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing)

I haven’t used IEW, but one reason I didn’t get it is because of exactly what you mentioned, based on reviews I’ve read.  But I’ve heard it can be good to get a struggling writer going…I have friends who love it. We use Classical Writing…but believe me it’s been a struggle to decide whether to do this or the CM way. We just take it slow and don’t do everything, and it’s CMish in regards to the quality of lit. used.  I need the handholding to make sure my bases are covered, but if you’re confident in teaching writing and supplement with some essay writing, developing style, etc. in the upper years I think the CM way would be just fine:)  Blessings, Gina