IEW users...what do I NEED to get started?

[Sue G in PA]

I've been using the Anc. Hist. Based lessons w/ dd. She's doing well and so I'm thinking about purchasing the whole program. It's expensive as you know. What components do I NEED to get started? Can I purchase the SWI Student Kit (DVD's/workbooks) and go from there OR do I NEED the TWSS set as well? Could I just listen to the SWI DVD w/ my dd and be okay? Is there a teacher manual in book form that would cover the basics for me w/out having to spend close to $200 on TWSS DVD's? The entire TWSS/SWI set from IEW costs $239. So, what say you experienced IEW users? What's the absolute cheapest, yet effective way to get started? Thanks!

Oh, do you find the system works? Better than another cheaper program? I am going to purchase SWB's writing program for my youngers, but for my olders dc (middle grades), until SWB's second part comes out...what do you think of IEW?

[one l michele]

I would just buy the TWSS and DVD's, I bought the SWI and TWSS/DVD's and ended up returning the SWI's without even watching them after seeing the first four TWSS dvd's it gave me plenty of excitement and confidence to run with it.

My guys are early elementary so we are only doing Unit 1 & 2, but instantly their writing improved drastically, they ask to do it and use the IEW techniques on their own in their free time. I didn't want to start my middle in it (he just turned 6, but he begged me and listened to me work with his brother (7.5) then tried to imitate it, so I felt it was important to start him and show him the right way).

[Linda...inOwasso]

I agree with Michele. I have the TWSS notebook and the conference VHS tapes (my copy is old)! And I'm comfortable with it as a good, solid foundation. My oldest dd is 7yr./2nd and we're only doing the 1st & 2nd units as well.

The hardest part for me was pulling together source text (paragraphs) for dd to practice outlining and writing from, but the IEW yahoo group has several of them (including many from Magic School Bus) posted under files.

Also, the IEW website has a sample of SWI-A on their website with several examples of source texts. So, that has solved my problem! Hope you enjoy it. I think the program is WELL worth every penny!!

[Georgia in NC]

and boy are they awesome.
I think we will use one of the theme based packages next but I do not see the need for TWSS at this time (I do want to get it at a later date just to get the full effect, lol;)

hth!
Georgia

[Karen in CO]

I bought the SWI-C for my oldest. It is great. If I were just starting with a younger, I think I would buy just the TWSS then if I needed specifics, I would use the theme based lessons. I got the SWI since I needed a quick and easy to implement writing program.

So, my recommendation depends on the age of the child and the reason for going to IEW. If you just want a writing program to fill in for a lack of writing instruction (that was me), then get the proper level of SWI and be happy. If you want to implement a good writing program for the long term, then go with the TWSS.

For me, I will probably sell my SWI after we finish it and get the TWSS to learn how to implement the full program for the younger two so that in the future we can incorporate IEW units into our content writing.