IEW: teaching writing or student writing, which do you prefer?

[KristineIN]

Do you prefer the Teaching Writing style & Structure or the Student writing Intensive. What grades are you using IEW for and why did you choose one over the other.

Thanks,
kristine

[Linda...inOwasso]

I know others have done it, but I wouldn't feel comfortable teaching SWI without having viewed the TWSS dvd's and notebook first. My oldest dd is only 7 so I have just started having her make key word outlines from 1 paragraph source texts this year.

I have SWI-A but have not used it yet. TWSS really helped me understand WHAT to teach and what to look for in dd's writing but it does not provide a detailed lesson plan. SWI-A provides step-by-step lesson plans, which is very useful for me! However, I will say that my plan is to have dd7 use Imitations in Writing Aesop's Fables & Fairy Tales next year (3rd grade) and then move on to SWI-A in 4th. I just think fables & fairy tales will provide a fun, interesting introduction to writing!

[happy2homeschool]

I purchased TWSS and the U.S. History based writing lessons. I didn't buy the SWI because my kids refused to watch the dvd's. I thought they would enjoy Andrew Pudewa's humor, but they watched the sample from the IEW website and they did not find him funny at all. So, I chose the theme based lessons because I felt that I needed some kind of lesson plan to follow. We are very happy with our selection. In my opinion the SWI looked like a great option, but it just didn't work out for my kids. The fables book looks great as well. I think the TWSS is essential because it teaches me how to teach my kids the style, structure, etc. and without it I would not be able to answer so many of their questions.

Good luck with your decision! :)