Are we missing anything by using IEW theme based vs the regular program

[trisharog]

Someone gave me the IEW Student Workshop Seminar DVDs and workbook. This seemed a bit cumbersome and I was thrilled to learn about the theme based programs which have easy to follow instructions. I am teaching twin A from The Middle Ages program this year. Twin B is in school and has been coming home with work (not from an IEW program) that is incorporating topic sentences and conclusion sentences. I glanced through IEW's program and there is a little on this later on. I watched all 16 hours of the student videos and feel like I understand the program. However, did I miss out on a lot by not getting the teacher training videos? Are the original SWI (I think that is what they are called) programs better than the theme based as far as teaching writing. My son loves the theme based program since it coincides with our history. However, I want to make sure I am using the program the best way.

Thanks
Trisha

[laughing lioness]

As long as you understand the program you should be fine. The TWSS has more info on it but you'll get all you need with SWSS. There is also a "Tips and Tricks" DVD that Andrew Pudewa does that is very informative. The theme based lessons are great. We've used them for a couple of years- my 18yo is doing the Progymnasta:)