Fix It grammar vs Grammar for the Well-Trained Mind

[annegables]

This is mostly just a curiously question (remind me to never listen to podcasts for products/programs I dont use!). We have done the first half of Grammar for the Well Trained Mind purple book and will be doing the first half of the red book for this year. I like SWB's thoughts on diagramming and writing in general. We also use WWS. 

My question is this: is Fix It Grammar the opposite in practice and philosophy to Grammar for the WTM? Applied vs analytical? How does that play out in real life? The majority of my grammar knowledge is applied, and until I started teaching grammar with G for WTM and Killgallon, I did not understand why I did what I did in writing. I knew where commas went, but not why, I knew when to use "whom" vs "who" but didn't have the language to say why, etc.

I am also curious as to the strengths and weaknesses in each approach (not necessarily in each program). Does one approach lead to better writing, retention, or understanding?

[annegables]

I was hoping you would respond, bc I know you use IEW or have in the past. I agree with WTM Grammar being overkill:). In her talk, SWB said that many students will only get about halfway through the book. Then you do the next book and try to get a little further. Then, go back to the first book and try to do some of the harder lessons. I realized that if my kids can just know the first half of WTM Grammar, then they will know more than the vast majority of English speakers. 

I have been listening to the Art of Language podcast which is for IEW, and it is hazardous to my curriculum confidence! I really, really like TWTM materials (they fit my kids well), and what I would love is to have double the time, or more kids on whom to test writing curricula🤣.

[BlsdMama]

3 hours ago, Æthelthryth the Texan said:

My current philosophy is now to run them through more than one program. I am glad I did most of what I did with oldest.

Yes! I’m a big fan of Fix It, however I feel there is value in a grammar program. Fix-It takes almost no time so an additional program is fine! We do Fix It together. My kids use Rod and Staff below their level so they work independently. 
As a side note, my oldest daughter took Latin and Russian in college and found a solid foundation in grammar helped her understanding. 

[ByGrace3]

My kids all do Fix It. It is quick and painless. My older dd also did a few other things, including Analytical Grammar. Ds will finish AG this year and then continue with Fix It. FLL 1-2, followed by Fix It, with a run through something more in middle school is where we have landed.