IEW or Classical Writing

[Ginger]

I had already resolved myself to doing IEW next year with my upcoming 5thgrade dd. Now, my interest has been swayed by Classical Writing. I couldn't figure out much from their website though(if I was even at the correct website) about what the program is really about...what it covers, how long it takes to complete a book etc. On their chart it said I'd start my dd on the first book, Aesop A---but other places I saw that she'd be in Homer.
Could someone tell me a little bit more about the program? Or could someone recommend IEW or CW? Thanks

[dangermom]

I'm a CW person, but I'm no expert, we're in Aesop A. You could try looking through the previews on Lulu--you can look at several pages in each book. Also, you can ask questions on the message board.

It took me a while to wrap my brain around what they're trying to do, but once I grasped it, I got very excited about it.

[Kathie in VA]

Well, personally, I like CW. I looked at both IEW and CW. I even viewed some of the IEW videos, but CW is more for me.

Their message board site is: http://lene.proboards15.com/index.cgi
Across the top are links for more information.

A site people "publish" their child's writing is: http://classicalwriting.wordpress.com/

There are two starting points in the CW series: Aesop (which can be started around 3rd grade+) and 'CW for Older Beginners' (which can be used by ~8th grade and up). I'd say your 5th grader would start in Aesop. Take a look at it or ask on their message board. You may be able to start him in Aesop B (if your going for the workbooks). Length per book will depend on how long you choose to take for each paper (either 1 or 2 weeks).

Check out their FAQs page. It's great for getting a big picture.

hth

[Kimber]

I like them both. I teach IEW at co-op, SWI-C. My dd(almost 10) is doing Homer, and my ds8 is using Writing Tales. I like them all. In fact, I 'll probably buy SWB's new writing book, too.

I like IEW's method of teaching paragraph structure better than what CW provides. However, I like the CW Homer because of how they cover words, sentences, and grammar. IEW covers sentences, not vocabulary the way that CW does. Also, the sentence changes in IEW are done in the context of the writing assignment, not as a separate grammar assignment.

For my dd, I've made my own workbook for her from the CW Homer A core book. I will be adding the IEW Story sequence outline for her to use in outlining her future stories. I think that is more clear and succinct.

Hope there was something useful in this post,

Kimberly

[siloam]

Here is the "schedule (http://home.att.net/~mikejaqua/whichbookstobuy.html)" of books by grade.

Heather

[Ginger]

CW, I mean? That way I could get a good look at it. I'll try Lulu, though. Thanks.