using iew for writing in lower elementary

[Guest mama03]

I have a 7 yr old son whose reading level is mid kindergarten and writing levels are not so great. We are starting 2nd grade this year and I plan to use All About Reading Level 1 to focus on his reading skills. Have not been using any formal writing or handwriting curriculum. 
Does anyone have any reviews of using iew this early? Basically for reading I am repeating 1st grade. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

[SebastianCat]

I don't think I would use IEW until somewhere between 3rd-5th grade. For a child who needs to focus on reading, I would focus on reading and basic handwriting until later.

[Porridge]

agreed - i would focus on reading and handwriting. He could do copywork along the vein of Writing with Ease.

[desertflower]

I agree with the pp. Many people start handwriting with a handwriting curriculum, such as, pentime or handwriting without tears. There are others out there. Many people start a writing curriculum with something like WWE or ELTL. Basically, copywork and dictation.

 

I hope you find something.

[eternallytired]

I used Getty-Dubay handwriting books until my kids had pretty solid handwriting before moving on. ODS is passionate about writing, so we added writing early.  He was already reading solidly, so we picked up IEW's Bible Heroes; otherwise they recommend their Primary Arts of Language (PAL) program, which has both a reading and writing component you can purchase.  The PAL writing component starts with handwriting and ends with some short compositions.  That may be a good option for you to look into.  Some people condense it into one year, while others spread it over two or even three years.  I've heard quite a few positive reviews and would have used it myself if the folks over there hadn't suggested trying BH since we had the reading and handwriting already.

[Thinking Mom]

I recommend Logic of English - Foundations! We're going to get it this year for my Kindergartener and my 7 yr old son starting 2nd grade. :) I've been looking into it for over a year and just heard Denise Eide speak at the Great Homeschooling Convention. My husband and I even think we might learn something new after going through the program.  ;) We'll probably wait until next year to start IEW. Although I did have someone recommend IEWs PAL Writing for my 2nd grader.

[OneStepAtATime]

Agree with the others. Focus on reading and basic handwriting for now. Wait on something like IEW until those other skills are solid. If reading is a struggle, do lots of read alouds and books on cd or audio books on kindle so your child is still being exposed to more advanced concepts/vocabulary/grammar while their reading skills catch up.

[athomeontheprairie]

Echoing others. Wait until later for iew.

[LynnG in Arizona]

I agree with the others.  I like IEW very much, but would suggest waiting until 3rd (at the earliest), and probably 4th to begin.

 

Writing With Ease 1 would be the perfect program to use.  Very gentle but effective, and will build many important pre-writing skills.

 

And I'm also a huge fan of AAR; it's a fantastic program.  We're wrapping up AAR 4 with my rising 3rd and 4th graders this year, and have used it all the way through.  Just an excellent curriculum!  Feel free to modify it according to what works for you and your son.  We haven't used the letter tiles past maybe Level 1.  We read every word on the fluency sheets, but don't use the word cards at all.  Your mileage may vary.  Find what fits you, and keep the bones of the program.  Good luck!

[cintinative]

They do have a 2nd grade product--Bible Heroes, but if you are still working on reading, I would recommend continuing to do that, and do copywork of some kind to work on the handwriting.