IEW, or Institute for Excellence in Writing has a top of the line writing course called Teaching Writing, Structure and Style. It is a DVD based writing program by Andrew Pudewa that teaches you how to teach writing to a child of every age. I’ve used IEW since 2004 and I’ve taught co-op classes and small groups in my home, giving me a lot of experience with this writing program. (I’m an official Pudewa nut fan.)
The first thing I will tell you about IEW is it is like NO other writing curriculum out there. It teaches you how to teach writing. It’s the equivalent to a DVD college course in the correct way to teach writing. So many other curricula miss the mark by far and do not prepare the child to be able to write about any topic, in any way, whenever asked.
With the right supplements, you can have a 12 year writing program for all your children. The investment is more then purchasing writing workbooks each year, but the payoff is a competent writer.
Here are the nuts and bolts:
- After watching 9 DVD’s you’ll be able to teach writing in your sleep.
- It’s a step-by-step system that’s fairly easy with a little practice.
- You can use your existing history, science, art, current events etc. as resources to teach the different units once you get the hang of it.
- The IEW supplements are wonderful if you are pressed for time and unable to create your own lesson plans.
- You will ask yourself why no one has taught you this stuff before.
If you are not sure you can put the time into learning the techniques, then learn along with your child and get Teaching Writing and Student Writing Combo Set.
Resources I’ve used for all 9 units and would recommend :
Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons, L. Verstegen
Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons, L. Verstegen
U.S. Hist- Based Vol. 1, L. Verstegen
Character Based Writing Lessons, Daniel Weber
Watch these 2 videos below to see Mr. Pudewa explain in more detail how this program works.
Written by Brenda, classically eclectic mother of 5
Hey Brenda –
I love this one, too. You know it’s good when the designer pauses working to comment. 😉
-D
I was introduced to IEW during my teacher training program. Unfortunately, we only had time to watch a few of the videos. I do still have my notebook though, and I remember my writing assignments with pleasure. I haven’t implemented it as much as I would like into our homeschool lessons yet, but writing is a big focus this coming year so I’m pulling it out again.
We have used IEW for the last two years with our middle and high school age boys. It has given their writing some polish and some great ways to dress-up their essays.
We even wrote a Super-Essay this year! Six pages long!
I highly recommend the Student Writing Intensive-Level C for your more experienced writers.
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
I’ve heard so many good things about this program. Thanks for including the videos. I may have to check this our further. 🙂
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OK, I want to try this curriculum for my DS 8, but am throughly confused about what I have to buy? $239!!! That is a lot of money — is this package for the rest of his schooling career?!?! Can you email me with more guidance on this one?
We’ve just placed an order for this program. I can hardley wait to get started!