I really like IEW, but ds is having this issue. Anyone else had this problem?

[Hoggirl]

I really like IEW and the checklist format is great for my ds. However, he has recently been having a "can't see the forest for the trees problem." He does a great job of getting in all of his dress-ups, sentence openers, etc., but then, sometimes, what he writes is not that coherent in its total, kwim? We just recently started writing from pictures in SICC-B. He is loving the freedom of some creative writing, but he doesn't always explain what he is writing thoroughly enough. I know it is clear in "his" head, but it comes across somewhat convoluted and hard to follow on paper. All of the checklist items are in there, but overall, it isn't that great. Any wisdom? He is kind of super sensitive about criticism of his writing.
Thanks.
Cynthia

[angela in ohio]

I would have him write the paper without any dress-ups and then add them in after. This helps my dd who gets distracted by too many tasks on at once.

[WTMindy]

have him read it back outloud to you? I find that my kids correct a lot of their own mistakes when they can hear how it sounds.

[GVA]

Most kids will correct will correct it then, but if not, I'd let it pass frankly.

If you buy into the IEW philosophy, Andrew Pudwa advocates that you really don't worry too much about content at first. Getting the words down is hard enough, and in time that type of error will disappear.

[Leah]

I totally agree with the advice to have him write his information first and then go back and revise it with dress-ups and openers. It sounds like he might want to get it all done in one shot, but he is not actually able to do the writing of information and the style at the same time.

Reading aloud is also great. Is he any less sensitive if Dad reads it and asks a few questions about what is unclear?

[Hoggirl]

You know, initially he was doing the basic writing first and then adding in the dress-ups, etc. But you are right...he is trying to do it all at once now. Gee, for some reason 10-yr-old boys want to finish their school work as quickly as possible! :D I will encourage him to go back to this format on our next assignment. Thanks, all!
Cynthia

[Rhonda in TX]

It's included in the Bonus Disc 2007. I think it's only $10.00. Or, if you'd like, I can email you the mp3 file. They give permission for these to be distributed freely.

[Linda in NM]

he's the absolute epitome of the boy Andrew Pudewa describes in the teacher video--the guy who gets three dress ups in one sentence and completes the paragraph in three...it's a boy thing, and he will become more coherent as time passes (it cracks me up, as I sometimes teach communication courses at the university level)

Adding in the dress-ups after would help, I think, although that might affect the way the program is supposed to be taught...