Which writing program?

[sltress]

Here’s my dilemma. I will be starting Res to Ref with my ds who is 12 as soon as it is delivered. We are starting at week 15 b/c we already covered history up to that point with another program. He has done almost all of R&S 6 and had bits and pieces of other paragraph/outlining work from a workbook. He does OK writing written (one paragraph) narrations but hasn’t done a “formal writing program”. Looking ahead to Rev to Rev and MMM he will be doing Creative Writing and WWTB 2 in those programs and I want him to be prepared. So right now I don’t know if he should start WWTB 1 or Medieval History writing. It’s OK if it stretches into our Rev to Rev year as someone said he could try doing the Creative Writing book over the summer before MMM. So…if you had to pick one, would you do the Medieval or WWTB 1 and why? Does he need to do WWTB 1 before he does 2?
I know I asked this before but then I was just looking ahead to next year with Rev to Rev but since then I decided to do the last half of Res to Ref this year I wondered if I should go back and do WWTB 1 or Medieval that is scheduled with Res to Ref. Thx!

[Tidbits of Learning]

If I was just choosing between WWTB and IEW. I would choose IEW hands down.

[amysconfections]

IEW Medevial based. I love, love, love this program. I also bought the teaching writing, structure and style DVD set for myself. I am so impressed with their methods. I wish I had this when I was younger and learning to write. Much better in my opinion than WWTB.

[Maadrose]

We will always stick with IEW. It's the best available and makes the most sense.

[8arrows]

I vote for the IEW also!

[sahervey]

My 13 year old daughter hadn't had any formal writing curriculum either until IEW Medieval History. I was really concerned that it would be overwhelming for her. She has grown leaps and bounds with her writing skills! I say put him in IEW. And if you have to, take it slow. You will be really pleased that you chose IEW.

[sltress]

ok so i can just skip WWTB 1 and do IEW and then go on to Creative Writing and then WWTB 2?
do i need the TM with IEW or just the student book?
Thx so much for all of your input!

[sahervey]

My daughter skipped WWTB 1. She will finish up IEW and then she's doing creative writing next year. I have the IEW teacher's manual, but have only referenced it a few times. However, some moms rely on it heavily. I know it's an added expense, but it's nice to know you have it. Maybe check their website to learn more about it?

[toobigfrogs]

We love IEW!

[my3sons]

We enjoyed the variance between IEW and WWTB. They are both excellent writing programs based upon different merits. For your purposes, I think doing the Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons makes good sense. It is written in the RTR guide you are using, and it matches the history beautifully. As long as you're doing all the rest of the LA options and assignments HOD has (i.e. R & S English grammar, written narrations, DITHOR, etc.), as well as using the living books and CM follow-ups suggested, I think that your ds will be alright doing WWTB 2 later, thought obviously having done WWTB 1 would have helped. The CM based assignments and higher level reading/writing required in HOD works together to help prepare dc for the classics excerpts used in WWTB, as well as for the writing assignments. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie