Can one successfully teach writing w/ only IEW's Theme-Based Lesson books...

[Virginia Heather]

and *not* the other, more expensive components? I realize the theme-based lessons are designed to be supplements to the main portion (w/ the DVDs and all), but from what I can gather, it seems both cover the same material/instruction. Am I missing something?

[Leah]

Nope, you are not missing anything! The themed based lessons are a great application of the full program and the program actually helps people work through the units very effectively. But completing the TB lessons will take you through the same skills and concepts as the TWSS.

[ABQmom]

Nope, you are not missing anything! The themed based lessons are a great application of the full program and the program actually helps people work through the units very effectively. But completing the TB lessons will take you through the same skills and concepts as the TWSS.

Do you mean that by doing the themed based lessons you would not need to go through the TWSS? Do the theme based lessons explain to the student and teacher what to do? I mean, I've never seen TWSS or any other component of IEW, but we could still do the theme based lessons without any difficulties? I would understand what to teach and dd would understand what to do?

I might be interested in this if this is the case!

[sandra in va]

I think that is true. I have not watched the TWSS :blushing: (it's on my continual "to do" list...hopefully this summer!), but we had used the SWI A course. I was able to follow the theme-based just fine (we used AmHIst vol. 1). It did help to have the SWI course as experience, but I think you would be able to use it without any previous exposure. It gives the teacher very clear instructions on how to teach.

hth,

[elegantlion]

What about purchasing the "Blended structure and style" book? Would this add reference information in written form? I was looking into buying that book and the theme based program. Would that be beneficial for someone who has more time to read than money to spend?

The TWSS is just a budget buster for us right now.

[sandra in va]

I haven't read the Webster book, so I can't comment on that. I do, however, think you would be able to use the Theme-based book alone. Are you a member of the IEWfamilies yahoo group? If you run into any difficulties, you could post your questions there. A few of the IEW reps post there daily - they are very helpful. ;)

[Carolyn in Ohio]

If you really are really interested in using IEW, keep in mind that resale on these are super high. They get snatched up on the IEW-for-sale loop at 85-90% of retail. You could purchase it along with one of the theme based lessons, watch it once or twice taking notes, and reading along is the theme based book. Then you could sell it for nearly what you paid for it.


hth
Carolyn

[Leah]

Responding to a few things here-

Do you mean that by doing the themed based lessons you would not need to go through the TWSS?

Yes, I think that you would both be able to understand and complete the program with a TB plan. I personally find the American History vol. 1 to be my favorite so far and I think it is the most detailed. That said, there is still enough detail to teach the others, I just like that one the best.

Now, I don't want to short change the TWSS because I still think it is great and it will give you more ideas. I think the TB lessons are offered because so many people like the detailed plan to take them through the units. The TWSS gives you all the tools to come up with your own themed based year with whatever you want to write about and study!

What about purchasing the "Blended structure and style" book?

I think Dr. Webster is brilliant and I love this book for its many tips and ideas, but I don't think many people new to the program find it very helpful. I think that the TWSS is Webster's book made immediately usable and understandable.:D The Webster book also tends to be more "school" based in its ideas and structure.

Hope that helps!

[Love2Learn]

Personally, I would not do a theme based lesson without first watching the TWSS. The TWSS teaches you the fundamentals for this writing program. They are fantastic, and, as one poster mentioned, have a great re-sale value. I'm keeping mine so that I can watch them again and again.

[Virginia Heather]

Super! I've been wondering about this for a while, but figured I must be missing something. I'm so glad to know that I'm not :o)

Thanks, ladies!