Hi, New here to this forum, but definitely not new to SWB and TWTM. I've been using her suggestions and books since my oldest (now almost 20) was in first grade. We've been avid users of SOW, but I haven't used her writing/composition curriculum with my kids....yet. I'm trying to figure out the best way to go for: 1) my 8th grader, 13yo ds. He is a good reader and a decent writer, picks up on things quickly, but needs to be kept interested in something or at least see the progress he is making to stay consistent in a curriculum. I am trying to decide between IEW-Level B or Writing w/ Skill-Level 1. My concerns with IEW is it's very structured and formulaic. I really want him to be prepared for high school writing assignments (we will still be hs'ing for high school.) 2) my 4th grade, almost 10yo dd. I was also thinking of having her do IEW with my son, of course on her own level. The formulaic nature of it might be just what she needs. But again I am not thinking of just this year, I am trying to lay the foundation for good writing for the middle school years. She is not the world's best speller and is constantly asking how to spell words. We have done dictation and narration before but kept it very simple for her in 3rd grade. 3) So in addition to the writing, I am trying to figure out the best way to help her improve her spelling. I am hoping that she is not going to hit the 4th grade slump. She loves to read, but hasn't tackled too many books above grade level, unlike my other children who were reading above grade level early on. Any suggestions as to how to see where she's at in her reading level? I am wondering if I should have a phonics review with her before the #%&* hits the fan later on. How would I know really where she's at with her reading skills? And if they are stuck at grade level, but we desire to increase that, how would we go about doing that? Trying not to worry about this. Thanks for any help! Deborah Mom of 5 - 19, 18, 16, 13 & 10 All hs'ed at one time or another :001_rolleyes: Some more, some less!