IEW

Lindsey, I would personally not use IEW to replace written narrations. I do think that for some families it can be a small component of a larger program — my reluctant writers (I have two who have a difficult time) just LOVE the dvds and are very motivated by them, and my prolific writer has learned some very helpful things that have improved his (already very good) writing. But the way the program is set up, it would be very easy to spend all your time on IEW, leaving no good time for written narration. The process that Andrew has the kids go through is a bit mechanical and not what you really want from a well thought out written narration given by a student who has formed some good connections with the author/book and is telling you about it on paper.

That said, the point of all the mechanics in the beginning of IEW is that eventually those pieces will naturally work their way into the student’s writing and become less mechanical, and their writing will have been improved.

The bottom line is, I would not use it to replace the written narrations. But I do think it has some valuable insights into what makes a piece of writing “work” and what would be better avoided, at least for some kids.

Just my .02 🙂

~Jenn

I purchased TWSS 4-5 years ago. I started to use it off and on, but it just didn’t make sense to make such a complicated mess of writing vs. narration at the time. beginning in the fall, our two youngest children have participated in CC. One of them has been in the Essentials program which uses IEW for writing instruction. Because the history cycle for the year has focussed on US history, IEW’s US history theme based student/teacher kit has been used. It hasade all the difference in our family utilizing the TWSS methods for writing. I have also been using them with two of their older siblings who are in highschool. It beefed up their abilities quickly.

The TEs for the theme based lessons are basically a way to keep the parent/teacher on track, but the student workbook has the meat if the weekly lesson laid out. A student resource notebook is built along the way which comes as a download with purchase. You’d use this same notebook with any of the theme based lessons, or on your own. It works as a reference tool while writing. I’d purchase at least the first theme based lesson kit new from IEW if you choose to use it. You will need the SRN that comes as a download with purchase. It is used almost daily. After that, you might find other themes used if you are on a tight budget. But, after the first theme, you and your children may feel comfortable enough to write on any topic and just refer as needed to the SRN or portable walls (an additional resource that can actually be made at home instead of being purchased).

After such a long time not using it, I’m pleased that we have finally taken the plunge. I think there is enough incedental grammar in it for a nice introduction. We’ve been using the Essentials of the English Language guide for intense grammar studies as part of the CC program. Our Mother Tongue is a less expensive way to cover grammar more formally. But, for a CM type resource, I’ve enjoyed Serl’s Primary and Intermediate Language Lessons books.

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I found this page by searching for “IEW TWSS hate”, because I hate it. I didn’t know til now that I can return it if it doesn’t work for my family, but we’re in CC, and I don’t know if I should leave the class early when they finish Essentials of the English Language (which is very hard for me and my 10 yr old, but not as nerve-wracking as IEW). I don’t even know what to call it: TWSS or IEW or both… I don’t like the acronyns (w/w, etc.) or anything else about the program, except the idea of it initially sounded great. However, implementing it has led me to yell, cry & sob, throw down my pencil (almost the book too), panic and feel anxiety welling up at the thought of it… and normally I’m a strong woman.  But this curriculum drives me batty! My son probably has some degree of “Aspergers” and writes very slowly.  Once I tried writing for him as he dictated but could hardly stand him repeating words that I told him he’s already said and it doesn’t add anything to the story. In an hour, we weren’t close to finishing and had deviated from the outline, scarcely using any “Key Words.” I lose my patience too quickly and embarrass myself. This curriculum makes it harder for him to write, not easier, IMO. 

I guess that because I’m a natural writer, the forced method seems fake, but I’m willing to go with it if it produces great writing in the end. I watched a couple DVDs in the beginning which sounded so promising, but I haven’t been able to actually teach it to my son. It goes against every fiber of my being and I’m constantly saying “Whaaaat??” as I read the instructions. It’s completely NON-intuitive to me. I truly wish I’d never done this IEW but since it’s part of CC and I like EEL and Foundations, what can be done about it?   I’d love to see it “work” but have no idea how to do that by myself. I  wish I could observe someone else teaching a couple lessons to my son for several hours to see how they’d handle it. Even though I have extremely negative thoughts about this writing program, I find it so intriguing that people LOVE it… and/or love the results. I really wish I could experience that! Is there hope?

My previous method was simply intensive reading of excellent books/classics would produce good writing, along with “genetics” from parents (?)  and my son’s writing was very good – – I think; at this stage anyway.  Please, any advice appreciated. I don’t ever like to give up, but sometimes it’s best… how to know?