If your child began IEW (TWSS) in 2nd grade, please advise on how to prepare in K-1st

[mhg]

My son is finishing K this May. Starting 1st grade in fall.

 

We're going to begin IEW (TWSS) in 2nd.

 

I'd like to hear about which writing program/books/materials/etc. that you used in K and 1st that did or did not prepare your child for IEW in 2nd.

 

I know IEW now has the PAL Writing program and I'm considering it, but I want to hear some other options/advice on creating a good "prep course" to make the IEW in 2nd a bit easier.

 

:bigear:

[freesia]

Is there a particular reason you want to start in second grade? With IEW, the structures are repeated year after year and you add stylistic techniques as the child is ready for them. We started in fifth grade and my ds is doing well.

 

You can start the first unit in first grade, if you want. You make the key word outline and your child tells back the story/paragraph. When a child is writing easily they can start rewriting their own key word outlines. I have been slow about adding stylistic techniques with my second child bc I wanted her to write easily before she had to add/change anything.

 

So, I would say, you don't need to do anything to prepare for IEW but how far you can go in the units will depend on how easily your child can write.

[mhg]

The catalog that I got recently recommends you start with TWSS and Articles and Stories in 2nd grade. It shows also how to successfully use/incorporate their program if you begin at any age/grade.

 

 

You(Freesia) wrote, "You can start the first unit in first grade, if you want. You make the key word outline and your child tells back the story/paragraph. When a child is writing easily they can start rewriting their own key word outlines. I have been slow about adding stylistic techniques with my second child bc I wanted her to write easily before she had to add/change anything."

 

 

Are there other books/resources that teach you this "key word outline" for K and 1 as I'm unfamiliar with this, or do you mean to go ahead and buy the program earlier than K and utilize that portion of it?

Edited March 12, 2012 by mhg

[Guest]

We are using IEW's PAL Writing program for primary grades. Once we finish that, we will "officially" begin IEW. It is just great. I feel that it really bridges the gap for the non-writer and one using the program. The very beginning begins with simply forming your letters, but by the end, the kids are making charts of -ly words, dress-ups, key word outlines, etc. My son started midway (he already was forming letters) and we just finished the who/which project. It is flexible enough that you could go through it quickly with an older student or do it for 3 years with younger students.

 

ETA: We don't use All About Spelling, which is recommended with the program, as well.

Edited March 12, 2012 by Guest

[freesia]

The catalog that I got recently recommends you start with TWSS and Articles and Stories in 2nd grade. It shows also how to successfully use/incorporate their program if you begin at any age/grade.

Oh, I see. That helps me understand your question better.

 

For first grade work on letter formation, spelling and copywork. I would also have my child do short narrations from sources like Aesops fables and any science/history you do.

 

Most of all, though, don't stress too much about it. IEW is very individualized and grows with the child/writer.