Teaching Writing Structure and Style

[Marsha]

I have a 6th, 3rd, and 2nd grader.
What do I need?

[angela in ohio]

I always just recommend the TWSS syllabus for mom to start with. After you have been through that, you are much more well-prepared to pick from among the other materials they offer (or to choose to just do it yourself, like I do.)

[Denise in NE]

I am personally sold on IEW.

My oldest daughter had the opportunity to take a live Student Writing Intensive A seminar when she was in 3rd grade. I also had previously viewed the Teaching Writing Structure and Style DVDs as well as taken the live seminar with A. Pudewa.

At the time, I was overwhelmed with the idea of pulling all the materials together to apply what we had learned.

Then Classical Writing was published and I bought both Aesop and Homer.
I really wanted to like this program - honest! I found it to be somewhat confusing and really didn't want to take the time to substitute Rod and Staff English, which I love, with the grammar program they recommended. I sold the books.

In between we tried Writeshop and Classical Composition.

My dd is now in 9th grade and has completed the Student Writing Intensive B. She is currently working through the Continuation Course. Overall I think it has benefited her greatly. I like the IEW / Rod and Staff combo. Granted, IEW is expensive, but it is doable if you share the expense with others (which is what we did). AND....there are ample materials to use now.

Denise in NE

[Aletheia Academy]

Have you looked into that program? It is very user-friendly for both parent and student. Rainbow Resource carries all the many variations, complete with explanations of how they differ. If all you want is the writing program, just avoid the Skills Books and daily language program.

Although recent editions have books for each grade level, they have excellent handbooks for middle school and high school years in one of the older series (maybe 1995?). The handbooks cover various purposes for writing with instruction and models, and you would really only need maybe the 7th grade book for all of middle school. Models of the various types of essays are included, too.

Check it out on the rainbow resource website: www.rainbowresource.com (http://www.rainbowresource.com). I'll admit that the many editions make it a bit confusing to find what you need, but it is worth looking it over. Like I said, just stay away from the extra grammar components if you don't need that.

Hope this helps!

Nancy

[Melissa in CA]

You don't absolutely need the TWSS program to use IEW with your children. I had both and sold my TWSS set. The Student Writing Intensives had everything I really needed. TWSS is for you, the teacher, if you want to teach your children writing yourself. It is videos of Mr. Pudewa teaching YOU writing, which you then teach to your children.

The Student Writing Intensives are Mr. Pudewa instructing your children for you. No previous IEW knowledge is assumed. He starts from the beginning, and actually makes writing fun, easy, and interesting. The sets also come with Lesson Plans to give your children work to complete between video presentations. It is laid out very well in my opinion.

With the ages of your children, I would probably go with the Elementary set SWI-A. It is geared for 3-5th grades. Mr. Pudewa states that if your using a program with various grades, to just pick the one in the middle. This set would be right on target I believe. Just expect better work from your 6th grader, and less from your 2nd grader.

If you are interested in taking on the teaching yourself, then you'll want to get the main program which is the Teaching Writing Style & Structure set. If you prefer to let Mr. Pudewa do the teaching, then just purchase a Student Writing Intensive. If you watch it with your children, you will know exactly what is expected of them.

Blessings,
Melissa

[Rhonda in TX]

I am currently just using TWSS. I am using the lesson plans included in the notebook. I find it very easy to use and I have really struggled with teaching writing. I just love IEW!

That said, I plan on getting SWI-A in a month or so (when we have the money) because my kids just love Andrew Pudewa (they've listened in on the TWSS tapes and some CDs I have of him speaking). I'll just pick up in SWI-A where we are in TWSS.

That's something you could do. Get TWSS and get started. If you find you need help, get SWI-A. You can even return TWSS if you want. They have a money-back guarantee.

[Melissa in CA]

That's something you could do. Get TWSS and get started. If you find you need help, get SWI-A.

I agree, this is actually what I did. BUT, if you know that you will not be diligent in teaching the writing yourself, that it will somehow not be a priority for you and get pushed to the back burner, then don't bother with the TWSS. This is what happened with me. I was teaching two high schoolers and one elementary. When my days got too full, writing would always get shoved to the next day, and then the next, and the next. IEW is easy to teach, but it is far easier with a busy schedule to let Mr. Pudewa teach it for you. Plus, he was a MUCH better teacher than I! ;)

History is my thing. I love teaching history and learning it with my boys. Writing, not so much. If you love writing, and know it will stay a priority in your home school, then definitely go with the TWSS. If you'd prefer to have someone take over the instruction for you so that you can concentrate on other subjects, then get an SWI.

My opinion of course. :D

Blessings,
Melissa

[Marsha]

TWSS and a Student set?
I will definitely need a student kit. What is covered in TWSS that isn't in the students?
I am getting ready to order it.
Thanks

[Rhonda in TX]

TWSS is meant for the teacher, not the student. I haven't seen SWI, but I'm betting it doesn't have the explanations of things (the "why we do it this way" type of thing) that TWSS. Obviously some people don't buy both, but when we switch to SWI, I plan to continue watching TWSS for my own benefit.

I don't think you'll know for sure unless you see both. Everybody has their own style and needs.