I have not spent a lot of time, lately…showing you inside of our school room. We’ve been busy running, playing, swimming, reading, but…for two weeks, we have been…..
WRITING
OH, the terror that brought into our home last year, as my middle child was ‘learning to write’ paragraphs and stories…and me…I could not fully understand her dilemma…I love to write. She loves to write….when it’s on her own terms. I fully ‘get that’.
A few months ago, I was introduced to the theInstitute for Excellence in Writing through their PAL Reading and Writing programs. We are having so much fun with that. My 5yo spends his learning time laughing and giggling….YEAH!
Back to writing.
I had heard great things about IEW…and wanted to check it out…..and this is what I discovered.
It is a great program to teach children to write (and speak publicly) by learning through imitation.
“Imitation is the Sincerest form of flattery.” Charles Caleb Colton
My new journey into teaching my children to write with IEW began with a series of videos for the teacher/parent. This is available alone or in their combo pack for Teaching Writing/Student Writing Intensive Combo Pack (We have Level A) This video series actually teaches YOU…the parent…how to teach. Andrew Pudewa, the speaker is witty and shares his own stories about teaching violin and writing (with his children) and draws you in. The videos are not meant to be watched all at one time, but over time, as you implement more of the techniques you learn from this series.
Now, I’m sure you’re like me…you don’t have time to sit and watch videos (Unless your children are watching a movie with you, etc)…. So, I pulled my binder together and read the schedule they identify very well for you. The binder is part of the package and it provides you with good documentation based off of the videos….great tools for later when you are with your children and can’t pull up the video to see what Mr. Pudewa states…..and I began IRONING! Yes, I iron…(no, I don’t like to….honestly, but it’s a necessity) and I ironed…without even caring because I enjoyed the videos so much! (Who enjoys a seminar about teaching writing, while ironing…I’m sure some do…and to those…wow, I want to be like you…and I guess, now that I have IEW…I can be!)
I then, pulled together my children’s binder and we all sat in front of our computer and watched their video series, based on the recommendations in their binder. They sat, laughed and smile while we learned from Mr. Pudewa, as he taught in a class room in front of other children. It was so interesting to watch him pull in math, science and other topics while teaching writing. It was like stepping into a beautiful unit lesson where all topics were discussed…and my children walked away from one video understanding 1/4….or .25 in a way they never had before.
The children begin learning to write through a Key Word Outline. This means, they take a sample writing of something good…like an Aesop Fable (yet something at or below their reading/comp level) and break down each sentence into three words. Then, they go back and re-write the story using only those three words using their own words and showing off their own reading comprehension!!!
Here are two samples from my son's 'stories'. Please note, the one on the left was his first. I explained he had to write at least neat enough for me to read the words...hence, the paper on the left
My two children have been doing that….and it is really teaching them so much. They are even dissecting sentences as they read, thus increasing their reading comprehension.
My son’s favorite, though…..is that Mr. Pudewa tells the children to write with PENS AND to be SLOPPY and mark OUT words. OH, I really had to adjust my thought process here. Yet, I was prepared because in the Teacher’s video, he explained that our children don’t need to overload on various items when writing and that the neatness will come…..
So, when my son stood up and shouted for joy at this, I smiled….and was so thrilled when he turned to me and said…..”MOM, HE is telling me to be sloppy!”
As a homeschool Mother, who has a degree in Project Management, I have never taken classes….teaching me how to teach. I thoroughly appreciate how well Mr. Pudewa presents the material and the way IEW has pulled everything together into a neat package. Each writing lesson provides examples of answers, as well as a check list to grade each writing assignment. This is so helpful, as it helps guide you, the parent in building your children’s skills, as the requirements begin with gentle lists…and gradually increase, as your child or children grow through the program!
This shows a sample of writing with the check list for grading. Note, my son missed his 'which' clause...back to the drawing board!
Our journey with IEW has just begun. However, I can not begin to tell you the difference it has made in our homeschool. The desire to ‘notebook’ is becoming a reality, as my children are learning how to write well…..and are learning to write without copying directly from a book. I also love the way I have the teacher DVDs to teach me and the DVDs to watch Mr. Pudewa teach my children. That allows me more freedom as a mother to enjoy the experience with them…and learn new techniques for writing, as well!
Last year was SUCH a challenge, with writing being at the core of the challenge….and now, I see a beautiful rainbow set before me with endless possibilities!!!
So, what comes in this great package of material?
- Teaching Writing: Structure and Style (TWSS),
- Tips and Tricks DVD
- Student Writing Intensive (SWI).
- Comes with 2 sets of DVDs (one for the teacher, one for the student),
- TWSS Seminar Workbook, and Student Notebook with handouts and
- Daily lesson suggestions.
Check it out for yourself. I know you will be impressed….and come back often, I’m sure I’ll start showing some of my children’s work soon!
I am sharing this post at the Hip Homeschool Hop….perhaps another Mom is looking for a writing program…..
Disclaimer: I received the Teaching Writing/Student Writing Intensive Combo Level A pack in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.
I hear so many great things about IEW but it is out of our budget for now:( Maybe one day we can afford to get it:) Writing is a struggle in our house so I look forward to seeing your children’s progress the further you go into the program.
Anna-Marie, I understand the budget issue, believe me! I would really recommend it to anyone and everyone. We have tried various writing programs…and this one, at this time, really fits our family the best. I love the way IEW has put together the program for a parent and a child.
You may consider just the portion for your children. You would not have the videos for yourself (for the teacher), but I think you might be able to just use the ones for the children…and later build up to include the teacher’s videos..they are helpful. But, if you only use the ones for your children, you would just need to sit with them through the assignenments. I was able to walk a way a little or sit and work with my little guy while listening in on their assignments….it is definitely worth it!
I will have to keep this in mind. I just purchase Writing Strands for this year. Glad you found something the children like.
Robin, I have heard good things about WS…and was considering them until I worked through the PAL with Joseph and then researched the IEW and attended one of their seminars at our homeschool convention. I love that we, as Moms, can identify what’s best for each of our children….. WS may be just what you need….and I say…don’t change it unless you need to in the future….just keep IEW in mind, if it interests you and pray about it. I think you’re doing a FABULOUS job with your sweet girl!!!
Loved this comment: ” a beautiful rainbow set before me with endless possibilities!!!”?? Wow, that’s amazing! Loved your son’s sloppy enthusiasm. He is truly all boy! Can’t wait to read your children’s stories. (Uh, what’s an ironing board??)
Julie,
Yes, Mr Pudewa is helping me increase my writing, as well….and trying to take out some of those boring words…hahaha…yes, definitely a rainbow…a promise for the future….that is what IEW has restored in our home and I can NOT tell you how truly thankful we are for that rainbow!
Um, ironing board…it’s my nemesis…yet, my refuge when I need time to think and pray. I don’t enjoy ironing, but I enjoy doing things for my husband and helping with our budget…and i do a LOT of thinking and praying while I iron….but, now, I watch Mr. Pudewa and he makes me laugh!
Loved you review! I purchased IEW in May after my 14year old daughter was fortunate enough to attend a one day workshop with Mr. Pudewa. She loved it and asked if we could purchase it. I have just started going through the teaching discs and am just in awe! I wish I had learned these techniques years ago. I am very excited to start all three of my children with IEW in August.
Yes, it’s a fun program, isn’t it! I wish I had known about it when we began homeschooling…and well, like you said: YEARS AGO!! Drop by and let us know how it goes in August!
We are struggling with writing big time right now. I am going to have to check this out!! Thanks!
Mindy! Hi there! Do check it out! It has truly turned things around here…..for the better! Hope you are doing well!
How old were your kids when you started IEW? I did Writing Strands with my older son, and I didn’t really like it. I am now doing it with my younger ones, and I still don’t like it. Language Arts is a weakness for me, and it carries over to my children. I think IEW may be the answer, but I want to be sure my kids are ready for it. I am trying to figure out, what they are expected to know before starting the program.
Christina, 3rd and 4th grade. We took a few months off…I would not really recommend it below 4th….and if you have a child struggling with reading…definitely not until 4th. We will be starting again this months with it… email me if you have any additional questions and I will answer what I am able to…
This review was so helpful and encouraging to me. I’ve been searching for a writing program that will actually work for us, particularly for my oldest son. I’ll be looking further at IEW. (Thanks to Kerry for sharing your review!)
Judy, we enjoy the IEW products….they have truly been a blessing in our home! (Thanks, Kerry!)