IEW or Bravewriter?

[momofkhm]

I feel like I am failing at teaching my kids how to write. I tried to implement the writing portion of TOG this year and it really is my fault but it did not go well. Our co-op has classes just for older kids that are much more intense and of course they have a writing class. I may sign my oldest up for that or on-line.

 

BUT I still need to teach my younger 2 anyway. I have portions of both IEW and Writer's Jungle upstairs in the closet of bought but not used. I bought both used so I don't know if I have everything or not. And it's been a while since I looked at either one anyway. So which one have you used, pros and cons?

 

Oldest is 14 (9th next year), almost 12 (7th next year) and 8 (3rd next year).

 

Thanks!

[Ummto4]

Well,

 

They're different beast ....:001_smile:

 

Writer's Jungle is all about exposure to literature, playing with words, nurturing writer's voice and instilling the passion of writing. Julie approaches writing and other LA subjects in natural manner and some of the techniques she suggests is CM-ish. Also, there's no prescribed schedule and scope and sequence. This approach can be frustrating to students who is at lost with words.

 

IEW is more formulaic in its approach to writing and is very helpful for engineering type of students who are not into word playing (KWIM ?). It gives you specific instruction on style and structure. So it can be restraining for natural writers.

 

I guess you just have to see what your philosophy is when it comes to writing.

[calandalsmom]

Well,

 

They're different beast ....:001_smile:

 

Writer's Jungle is all about exposure to literature, playing with words, nurturing writer's voice and instilling the passion of writing. Julie approaches writing and other LA subjects in natural manner and some of the techniques she suggests is CM-ish. Also, there's no prescribed schedule and scope and sequence. This approach can be frustrating to students who is at lost with words.

 

IEW is more formulaic in its approach to writing and is very helpful for engineering type of students who are not into word playing (KWIM ?). It gives you specific instruction on style and structure. So it can be restraining for natural writers.

 

I guess you just have to see what your philosophy is when it comes to writing.

 

 

I think IEW is also all about exposure to literature. At least that is the impression I got from listening to Mr Pudewa's talk about Nurturing Competent Communicators.

 

I do not agree it is restraining nor do I think it is for people who aren't into word play.

 

I do think it is for those who need a framework before they have the confidence to engage in wordplay. I think the formula given is enough to provide a hesitant writer a place on which to hang his words and take away fear of the blank page. I do not think the structure of the IEW approach is such that it would stifle a creative mind. Rather, I think it would likely force the naturally creative writer to concentrate his or her efforts.