IEW: SWI or a theme based book?

[Mamabyrd]

I know I want to use IEW for writing next year. Just using TWSS makes me a bit nervous because of having to make up my own lessons. I'm trying to decide between using one of the theme based programs ( either the Bible one or the Ancient History one; my kids will be in 3rd and 5th grades next year) or SWI A. So, wise women - which of these two options do you prefer and why? Thanks!!

[Pongo]

I know I want to use IEW for writing next year. Just using TWSS makes me a bit nervous because of having to make up my own lessons. I'm trying to decide between using one of the theme based programs ( either the Bible one or the Ancient History one; my kids will be in 3rd and 5th grades next year) or SWI A. So, wise women - which of these two options do you prefer and why? Thanks!!

I have all three of these. I think if you are nervous about the TWSS and you are looking for more guidance, I guess I would describe each one like this:

SWI-A : Depending on the writing ability of your 3rd it might go a little fast, but the samples will be spot on for a 5th grader. You might have to come up with easier models for your third grader. It will do the teaching for you, and you will have the TWSS to fall back on is you need to answer any questions. I suggest you look in the TWSS syllabus to see what is "expected " for a 3rd grader (if you need the page number , let me know)

Ancient History: Lesson plans, models and it's targeted for both grade levels. You will have to watch the TWSS corresponding DVD when you move through the units but that will be easy enough to do.

Bible Based: I love them but the move very fast and the samples and models are for 5th and up. I think you will run out of what to give your third grader and you will have to , as with the SWI-A come up with different models.

So with all that said I vote for the Ancient History Lessons in tandem with the TWSS for you:D

[Cami in UT]

Fay, thanks so much for the comparison. I could have easily written the post because I have the same question. I'm looking at those same options for my 5th grade next year. I think you cemented in the one that I was leaning toward. For us it will be Ancient History based lessons.:)

[sabrina]

I have a 3rd and 5th grader this year. I used SWI A with both of them. They had no problem. My 5th grader was a bit more creative with the writing but I feel that they both learned a great deal and that they were each challenged at their level. I did not want to push my 3rd grader to try SWI B and knew that I could just expect more from my 5th grader. I have a math and sci background. My favorite line is "I ain't no english teacher". But the DVD's make this very easy to teach. I highly recommend it to people who wake up to discover that "...I is an english teacher!" I feel that with time and will branch out into the history based books w/o DVD's but am not confident enough yet!

[Heather in VA]

Personally I'd do SWI first (you might want to ask on the IEW yahoo group because Jill may recommend B for you) and then move into the Theme-based books. I am judging from your post that you want some hand-holding with this. I know I did. SWI made it clear to me what we were supposed to be doing and why. With that knowledge, I know feel better about using the Theme-based books, TWSS alone or even developing my own lessons down the road. It's really helped me understand the program.

JMHO

[TraceyS/FL]

Personally I'd do SWI first (you might want to ask on the IEW yahoo group because Jill may recommend B for you) and then move into the Theme-based books. I am judging from your post that you want some hand-holding with this. I know I did. SWI made it clear to me what we were supposed to be doing and why. With that knowledge, I know feel better about using the Theme-based books, TWSS alone or even developing my own lessons down the road. It's really helped me understand the program.

JMHO

This is how i'm doing it.

SWI-B this summer/fall, then move into a theme set. i'm way not comfy starting with just TWSS myself along with a theme set - i'm not sure DD would respond to me either.

SOOO, this will boost all of our confidence, and by the time DD's 2 & 3 are ready i'll be ready! LOL!!

[Bells]

This was our first year w/ IEW. After my initial shock at what appeared to be an entangled mess of checklists, student samples, and models, I put the program to work and was delighted w/ the result. My 8 and 10 yo dc both enjoyed SWI-B (we watered it way down for the 8 yo - I didn't want to buy A and B) and I was pleased with what they accomplished. The lesson plans that Jill Pike has produced are very helpful - I highly recommend them.

Bells

[kRenee]

The theme based lessons cover all 9 units of IEW, whereas SWI A covers only units 1,2,3,4 and 6. But, since this is your first time with IEW and your kids are young, I would say the SWI is perfect.