So I'm looking at IEW for my 4th grader. Is it as great as what I've heard/read? My dd loves to write. She's my creative/artsy kid. She even talks about having her stories published someday. So... I want something that will help her writing be strong, good, and interesting to the reader, (and she could expand her vocabulary a little.)

Is there another writing curriculum you ladies would suggest? I'm all open for suggestions!

P.S. I am not good at writing ( I like to keep it all in my head) so it is a little difficult for me to teach!!

We use R&S English and Intermediate Language Lessons. However, I wanted a writing curriculum, too. I chose "Reach for the Stars" for my 4th grader. She loves to write fiction, so she is super excited to start!

It looks good to me, but we haven't started it yet. Here is a review:
http://www.takerootandwrite.com/2010/05/reach-for-the-stars-fiction-writing-curriculum-review.html

I had been looking at the themed programs of IEW. We may do All Things Fun & Fascinating for 5th.

This post was edited on May 04, 2012 05:35 PM

Thanks lucsch! We too are doing R&S. It will be our first year and I pray it will be a good fit for us. I haven't heard of Reach for the Stars. Thanks for the link I will check it out!!

Jackie

Thanks for that link----That is just what I was looking to get for my dd! :)

We used IEW last year and really made some progress with it (especially since I did not know where to start to teach writing). I like IEW, but this fits the bill I think better for story/creative writing. Also, I think iEW is better for those who struggle with coming up with their own topics. My dd does not have trouble with that, but does need a little guidance in putting together her stories. So we will Reach for the Stars and do the writing from her BJU English this year.

I like IEW, but this fits the bill I think better for story/creative writing. Also, I think iEW is better for those who struggle with coming up with their own topics.
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This is more what I am looking for. She needs to explore other topics also, as her topics usually have the same main idea. She does well to just sit and make up a story orally, but it's not nearly as interesting if she writes the same story on paper. Any thoughts on that? I have no problem letting her do it orally, but SHE likes to write.

This post was edited on May 04, 2012 09:32 PM

I think you will find that IEW offers variety in subject matter from fiction type sources to nonfiction as well as in approach to those pieces (though common methods are there).

About your question:
Maturity is what will translate good oral storytelling to good writing of that story. Also, practice, practice, practice writing. And add in reading of good material. With a program like IEW can open a door to writing that you and your dc have not been able to open. I have seen that happen with my own. IEW helped us get going!!
IN addition, these ideas might help. When she does write something, offer as much help as she asks for (if she is writing within the parameters of the assignment). Be"positive" in improvements, but it is not necessary to "fix" everything, KWIm? These ideas are not really my own, but things I have derived from doing IEW. I loved level B IEW...it really got us started writing. But since I am not so confident in the area of teaching writing, I am always glad for another tool to add to my toolbox. :) IT has made me a better teacher.

I think it works at different levels for different dc, but all three of mine that did IEW SWI-B benefitted. HTH.

SIX Water Pots, Did you order directly from IEW or another resource? If you have questions how are they on customer service?

Definitely order from IEW! Great return policy and customer service is very good. There is a yahoo group that is quite helpful if you want to explore it. hth