TracyR Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 Just wondering if anyone out there is using the Primary Arts of Language program? What do you think of it? Was looking at this and have decided to try and use IEW for as long as I can. Through out our homeschooling journey writing has been the weakest area because I just haven't found what I was looking for. So I want to nip it in the bud so to speak so my younger ones aren't having problems with writing. We already have All About Spelling. Just wondering what we need, don't need. Also with the Themed based writing. Does one need the teacher book to use the student book? Need to find something for my oldest to guide and direct her a little and figured that the themed based writing she may enjoy because she can write about something she enjoys. Finances are tough so I need to know what I REALLY need and what I don't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TracyR Posted March 7, 2012 Author Share Posted March 7, 2012 No one is using either one of these programs??? Bump Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 I can only speak to the Writing program. Ds is doing American History 1 through CC this year. Even though the CC instructor goes over the assignments I find the TM useful as it explains what is expected. But, I'd be wary of using a theme-based book if I did not have prior experience with the method, either through TWSS (parent disk set) or at least a SWA product. With one, or ideally both of those behind you, the theme-based product is a constant review with new material. Between the two, I and I think ds enjoyed the SWA program best. I don't think you can go wrong having AndrewP teaching directly using the dvd. As always, if you try one of their products and don't like it they have a 100% refund policy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taffnus Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 I'm using PAL Writing with my girls. My dd5 started at Level 1 in the fall, which is basically learning to write the alphabet. We did that for about a month and then I switched her to HWT. I don't care for the way it's presented in PAL. It assumes that the child doesn't know the names of the letters and gives cutesy little names to remember each. My dd didn't need that. As soon as she finishes HWT K, I will begin PAL Level 2 with her. My dd8 is also working through it. I started her on Level 2 in the fall and moved her through it quickly, doing only the parts that I thought were useful/applicable to her. I'd say it's on a 1G level. It introduces copywork (short sentences), narration and beginning writing. I loved it and look forward to doing it with my younger. DD8 is now in Level 3 which is basically an introduction to the full IEW program. I love it. It seems to me to be on a 2G level so is quite easy for her but that's good at this point. It goes through several of their writing steps (key word outlining, narratives, and creative writing). I love it. It's giving me a great introduction to see how my dd likes IEW and now I can decide if I want to continue on to IEW. It's giving my very creative daughter the tools to capture her thoughts and begin to form coherent sentences. Another part that I love is that students give oral presentations on their key word outlines in one of the sections. I think that's fantastic! I wish I'd had this 2 years ago when my older was in 1G. I feel like we wasted two years on another curriculum. I highly recommend it for a starting writing program. I see that your dc is 5. I'd say you would have at least a full year in this program, if not 1-2 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKKJ04 Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Just to offer a different view, we use IEW PAL and are about 10 lessons in, my DD has done the Get Set for School HWT and she much prefers this. (She was already writing capital letters going into this) She knew all her letters and sounds but I have found the writing reinforces the letters sounds more where HWT reinforced the letter names. We only use the cutesy title if she needs a reminder on where to start her letters, for example "bouncing letter b" she knows to start it at the top and "doggie letter d" she knows to draw the face first. We haven't got to the actual "writing program" but I can see how already starting the story summary at such a young age will flow into IEW's other curriculum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommy5 Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 (edited) We use this and LOVE it...I can't say it enough how much we love this program. It has maybe been my best homeschooling purchase. We do yr round schooling and my 1st grader/starting 2nd grade was really struggling with handwriting and with reversals ... also struggling with reading. I purchased PAL-W & PAL-R for him and use with my dd who is just starting K. Their handwriting has improved dramatically since starting this program. Both of them already knew the letter names but this has just reinforced it with the good handwriting skills. They also are reading a lot -- through the games and homemade flash cards. This has been especially helpful for my 7 yr old ... something just clicks with him and this program. He never ever ever complains about doing any of the "work" for this (worksheets, handwriting, games, stories, poetry, etc.) He used to fight me with any phonics or handwriting practice (wasn't his favorite) ... I just love how everything is presented. The kids love the silly stories about the letters and all of the games... Edited March 8, 2012 by mommy5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OK Family Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Between the two, I and I think ds enjoyed the SWA program best. I don't think you can go wrong having AndrewP teaching directly using the dvd. As always, if you try one of their products and don't like it they have a 100% refund policy. My son is doing SWIA and loves it, so do I. I just wrote my likes about it on another thread. It is well worth it and yes 100% guarantee return policy. Can't go wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TracyR Posted March 8, 2012 Author Share Posted March 8, 2012 We did try SWIB at one point and my girls didn't like it at all. But then I really don't think we gave it a really good try either. I also think , looking back at it we had the wrong level for them at the time. I regret selling it off. I'll have to give it a try one more time. I'll also maybe give the writing portion of PAL a try. My youngest is a lefty and always is mixing b and d . I can't use any of the fun things like make a b and d with her hands because she is missing her left thumb. So that doesn't help. Maybe cutesie sayings might help her better. Thanks for the advice everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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