TWSS

[Shanna]

I know that the TWSS is a very important part of IEW. But, if I cannot afford it right now can I still use the themed based writings effectively? Or, would I just be wasting my money on the theme based without getting TWSS?

[Linda...inOwasso]

Actually, IEW has a super deal on their website. You can purchase their brand new "Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales" (which provides awesome writing assignments), but you also get a FREE student e-book download that is incredible!!

Obviously, it doesn't provide as in-depth of teaching instruction as TWSS, but I own both and it's really helpful. I think you could definitely use this to guide you through the assignments for a year.

HTH!!

[Shanna]

THat is the one I have been looking at. It says appropriate for 3rd - 5th grade. What about a 7th grader without any former writing instruction?

[Linda...inOwasso]

Absolutely! The Fables, Myths & Fairy Tales contains 27 lessons which teach IEW's structural models I - VII. Your ds will learn all the basics (how to write a key-word outline, etc...) as well as more difficult stylistic techniques.

I bought it to use with my 3rd grader next year but I don't think she'll be ready for it even though I would not require anywhere near the stylistic techniques I would of a 7th grader. And, that e-book really is fabulous!!

I think this could be a good solid foundation program for you at a very reasonable price. You could use it with your 13, 9 & possibly 8 year old ds's but require different levels of difficulty for each.

[Shanna]

Thank you Linda. I am looking for my 13 and 9 yr old. My 8 yr old is no where near ready.

[Shanna]

What about one of the SWI's? Can they be done effectively without TWSS?

[H0MEFree]

What about one of the SWI's? Can they be done effectively without TWSS?

ABSOLUTELY!!!

And actually, I recommend you go with that- instead of one of the other book type things... at least for your first IEW thing if you are not doing the TWSS. After that you could skip the "continuation course" if you wanted and get one of the history based writing lessons or something like the fairy tale one you mentioned. But I would say do the SWI B for your 7th grader first.

HTH!

[Shanna]

Homefree,

Thank you!!! I think this is what I am going to do.