This past summer, we made the switch from IEW to WWE. Why? Several reasons: 1) while I always meant to teach IEW, I found we did not do it consistently- I didn't feel confident to teach it (even though I watched the DVDs several times), 2) I found IEW a challenge to teach to many littles, 3) I began to be concerned that IEW way of writing was all the same (always have the same things in every paragraph), 4) I wanted a guide that was more classical in its writing approach- taught how to narrate, dictate, thesis paper for rhetoric.
I plan on using the supplements for IEW (theme based products) and I still own the "Teaching Writing: Structure & Style." I'm glad I do- I learned & still use what Andrew taught (LOVE the banned word list!). I esp think IEW is great for creative writing, which one of my children loves to do but the other doesn't. Andrew is so encouraging & funny!
I hope this helps or makes sense- I'm still wrapping my mind around it all. We've been consitent with WWE (YAHOO!) but one of my children misses IEW (the creative writer), so I'm going to devote some time to it. Sometimes WWE seems too basic & easy for my children, so I think adding in IEW will help to mix it up & allow creative juices to flow.
- Heather