coffeefreak Posted June 4, 2013 Share Posted June 4, 2013 We have been using the Elegant Essay for two years. My oldest works well if we tackle one thing at a time and work on that alone rather than trying to learn everything at once. So, for example, we worked on Thesis statements at the end of 6th grade, and introductory paragraphs. Last year, we worked on the body of the essay and conclusions. So fast forward to next year. We will be studying the Middle Ages in our history cycle and I was thinking about picking up IEW's Theme based unit, but now I'm wondering if it's a step back. If you've used both, do you think it would be a good program to use, or would you recommend something else? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sew happily ever after Posted June 4, 2013 Share Posted June 4, 2013 Medieval starts at the very beginning of the units with unit 1. I think it assumes no prior knowledge of IEW, which I assume your dd has experience. You could skip or combine the beginning lessons. The lessons in the end would probably be close to what you have down with EE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffeefreak Posted June 6, 2013 Author Share Posted June 6, 2013 The only experience with IEW is The Elegant Essay. I know it says to buy the workshops, but I just don't have the money for that. It seems like it would be a good guide to go with though. Kind of a refresher without using EE AGAIN (say again in a teenaged exasperated voice :lol: ) Have you used the complete IEW program? Is it something you feel is worth the money? Thanks! Dorinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffeefreak Posted June 6, 2013 Author Share Posted June 6, 2013 Maadrose, What do you think about using Windows to the World instead of Middle Ages? :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G5052 Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 Yes, I'd say that Windows to the World would be better. The history-based books are really building up to essays and reports, and you're already pretty much there by using Elegant Essay. I'd used the history-based books with teenagers who had done no work with essays before, and they were good with it although I would say that the books can get a little childish for some upper middle school students. My youngest kid used the history-based books for 3rd-7th, and she told me repeatedly that she is ready TO MOVE ON this last year while using the Bible-based one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sew happily ever after Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 I'm not sure how much writing there is in WTW. It is literature analysis intro. I have not personally used it, but have previewed it. I have used the TWSS discs. I borrowed them from a friend. Can you get them used? From your library? Borrow them? Put out a plea to your local homeschool groups or friends? You never know. IEW has a great (AWESOME actually) return policy. Its really very fair if you are unsure about using the program. If you are not satisfied with a product you can return it for 100% refund. They pay for shipping too. Not to mention the TWSS has a good resale value. Just giving you some possibilities to work with. Or some ideas to look into. It is pricey, but worth it in the long run. I do wonder about getting and reading just the seminar notebook. It contains a wealth of information and is less expensive. I've never seen that suggested. Perhaps you could email IEW directly. I taught ancient history writing lesson 2 years ago, medieval and AFF this past school year. Next year I will be teaching 3 classes--Narnia, us history 1, and geography based writing lessons. Exciting times! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MBG Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 What are the names of the programs you are discussing? I got lost looking for the abbreviation guides. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffeefreak Posted June 7, 2013 Author Share Posted June 7, 2013 What are the names of the programs you are discussing? I got lost looking for the abbreviation guides. Thanks! No worries! We're talking about the Institute for Excellence in Writing and their various programs. http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/catalog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coffeefreak Posted June 7, 2013 Author Share Posted June 7, 2013 Whoops! Here are the programs we're talking about: WTW - Windows to the World AFF - All Things Fun and Fascinating TWSS - Teaching Writing Structure and Style Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momofeat Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Actually, since you've only used the Elegant Essay, I think you could backtrack to Middle Ages. It covers many types of writing in addition to essays, and it includes a Super Essay--which is not part of the Elegant Essay. It also covers stylistic techniques, and the Elegant Essay doesn't really deal with them. Windows to the World is a high school literature analysis program. Students learn to write a literary analysis paper, which is an extension of The Elegant Essay. Normally, it would be a great "next step." However, is your oldest just 8th grade? If so, you may want to look at the various short stories used to determine the appropriateness of the content for your children. Also, I still think it would be a good idea to go with the Middle Ages to catch some of the skills not covered in The Elegant Essay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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