Need advice!

Ladies,
I am hoping some of you can help me. I have been looking for about a year and a half for a good writing program. I love Winston Grammar for the grammar portion of English, but I have never found a good fit for writing. Wordsmith hasn't worked and neither has Writing Strands. Can any of you recommend a good program for Jr. High-Sr. High? Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks,
Clarynda

 

I haven't used it myself but I know lots of folks who use IEW....Institute of Excellence in Writing. It's more of a seminar for the teacher (DVDs or in person) and then there are different things you can use for the kids. I'll be honest, I looked into it...joined a yahoo group...and then decided to hold off because my oldest is only 9 and probably doesn't need it quite yet....although they do have it for her level....I bought writing strands instead, haven't used it yet....lol. She did so much writing for her first unit of Abeka Lang A....I decided to hold off for a bit.....probably why she hates Lang A...lol.

Anyway, I do hear great things about IEW and I know the DVDs are supposed to be for the parents but many kids watch them too. The developer is a regular on homeschool convention lists of speakers....probably going to butcher the spelling of his name...Andrew Pudewa...or something....can't seem to find my bookmark for it. But google IEW and it should pop right up.....good luck...going to keep an eye on this thread for everyone's ideas.

Rhonda C.

 

I'm not a huge A Beka fan, but their language is good, and includes lots of writing.

 

Have you looked into writing strands? We are trying out book 3 after christmas and it is looking like a challenging program even for hte ages I am doing it for and it goes up from there. It certinly teaches them the writing process for many types very very well

 

Love IEW - it is pricey but...hey I don't have to teach it. ha!

Boys really like it because it is a guy that teaches it that tends to be WAAAY more animated than most female teachers.

HTH

 

Thank you all for your advice. Yes, I have looked into IEW, but I'm afraid it is too expensive. I may look at it again. I think I will look at Abeka, also.
Thanks everyone!
Clarynda