IEW | How We Use it in Our Homeschool

[@chrissyt6959]

This is probably the best video on IEW I have ever seen that explains. Thank youuuuuu

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Wow, thanks! That is such a compliment! I am so glad you found it to be helpful! :)

[@alis1015]

Thank you !

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You're welcome!

[@skycao1862]

Thank you so much!!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You’re welcome!

[@shelly8387]

This was a very well done video. Thank you.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@myshaharmon6808]

This was SO helpful!!!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Awesome! I'm glad to hear it!

[@afruitfullife9857]

This was SO helpful! Thank you!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

I'm glad you found it helpful! We love IEW in our house!

[@SummerMeyers]

Thank you for breaking this down. I remember struggling with writing the beginning of papers. It seems so obvious now to do the middle bit first! Feels good to homeschool and meet our kids where they are! 💕

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You're so welcome! I hope you found it helpful. And I couldn't agree more! I love the idea of working at the pace of the child and meeting them where they are!

[@silmarawilliams8404]

My daughter hates reading and writing, Language Arts is the subject she hates so much. She has a very strong resistance, her eyes change from peace to anger, for her to read some chapters of a book aloud and as if she was being offended, I don't know why this behavior. she is excellent at math and science if it is up to her and just wants to learn it. We've already talked and I'm thinking about taking her to a psychologist. I am looking for a curriculum that will help her to change this resistance. I have two questions: How much class time per day? Are the videos long? I will check more about IEW curriculum and thank you for explaining and showing how the IEW CURRICULUM works! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

I can totally relate. I have a particular kiddo who has very similar reactions! The videos usually range to about an hour-ish. But the video portion is broken up between day 1 and day 2. They also have time during those videos where they are doing some of their writing work/assignment. It's as if they, too, are sitting in the class with Mr. Pudewa and jotting down the notes or assignment that he is writing on the board and the kids in his class are writing on their papers.

[@laurakase7416]

My soon to be 5th grader will be starting IEW later this summer and this was SO helpful for me. Thank you so much for walking through how it's laid out.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You're so welcome! I'm so glad you found it to be helpful. We love IEW and I hope you do too!

[@kathrynhanson7667]

That was awesome. Thank you you put me at ease about this curriculum. You did a great job on explaining the process.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Thank you! I'm glad you found it to be helpful!

[@kmariestiles]

Thank you for this video. I feel so much more confident in teaching IEW to my kids next year ♥️

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You're welcome! Hope you have a great year next year!

[@Gina_._._]

Your explanation was spectacular! If I had heard this kind of thorough walk-through years ago I would've started the program sooner.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You are so sweet! I hope you are enjoying the program as much as we are!

[@rmechelle4230]

Great review! Thanks for going through each step, so that we have a good idea of what to expect.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

I'm so glad you found it to be helpful!

[@MariaSantana-hx4bb]

Nicely explained! Just purchased IEW SSS Level 1A and am hopeful this will help my son be able to get his thoughts on the dang paper...Lol! These poor babies. The struggle is real!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You are so right! The struggle is real! Haha! Good luck! I hope you find it as helpful as we did!

[@kassandrafenstermaker3810]

I will have a 2nd, 4th, and 5th grader next year. 2nd grader is struggling due to spelling, 4th grader is a creative writer, 5th grader struggles. Can you recommend a place to start? Or am I not understanding? Is IEW a process that we impliment into our homeschool lessons? Does IEW not have an open and go lesson per se?

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

IEW does have an open and go curriculum. However, regardless of the level you buy, they each follow the same process. The older and more experienced students are just going to go through the process at a quicker speed and more in depth. If you are wanting to use the same curriculum for your 4th and 5th graders, I would recommend Level A, Year 1. You could have them work through the same curriculum together. I cannot suggest any IEW program for your 2nd grader, as I do not implement it until 4th grade. I would highly suggest hopping onto the IEW website and checking out their free trial. I believe you get the first 3 or so lessons for free. You could see if it would be something that would work well for your kiddos before making the big purchase! Hope you find that helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@lizaw.7313]

so much info, awesome! Do you think it's necessary to have all of the package to teach this and do it? or do you think the student manuals will work alone? do you do the videos?

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

We use the weekly student instructional videos and my kids watch those so that it takes some things off my plate. But I do not own the teacher videos. I have watched them once in a co-op several years ago, however. I do not use the teacher guides much, if at all. I'd say it would be much easier to "wing it" if you have prior experience with IEW. If you are not familiar with the process then it might be more difficult to help your kiddos muddle through the process without any of the instructional videos or teacher guides.

[@CrystalsThoughts]

That's a great idea to have the final drafts typed out as well as some in handwriting. I'm looking forward to starting IEW S&S this year!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Thank you! I hope you guys enjoy it this year! Have a great year!

[@ashleyjbran3620]

You broke this down so nice. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to trying this out. I'm gonna learn so much with my kids.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Awesome! I'm glad you found it helpful! And yes, I have found that I have reclaimed my own education while educating my kids!

[@alyssamurchie483]

I have never heard IEW explained this way and I am very intrigued!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You can always sign up for a free preview of the first few lessons of their IEW course online! I found that to be helpful when making some decisions on the curriculum!

[@asuslp]

Can you tell me a little bit about your daily/weekly IEW schedule? Do you "do" IEW work every day (4/5 days per week?) and how much time you/your son spend on it each day? Also, do you use Fix it Grammar? We really love The Good and The Beautiful, and would like to continue using it, but I feel that we need some of the more structured elements of IEW, so we're looking at purchasing the streaming program. (My daughter is 10 1/2, going in to 6th grade.)

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

So for IEW we schedule "assignments" for 4 days. We take into account our co-op and I do not have additional work assigned for those days. Here is a rough schedule we used this past year: On the first day we usually make our key word outlines, on the second day we made our rough drafts, on the third day we "dressed up" our papers (edit it and make it more interesting), and then on the fourth day we would write and/or type our final drafts. If we found that we needed more time I would always just add in another day and stretch the paper over a little longer or cut out typing the paper (or I would type it!) We also use Fix It! Grammar - I actually have a video of that coming out today! It is set up as a 4 day a week program as well and we cover one sentence a day. We are planning on using the videos from IEW next year as well! I am looking forward to seeing how this change works in our homeschool!

[@colletteian]

Did you purchase the IEW package with the teacher training videos? I'm sure they're helpful, but wondering about the significant extra cost.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

No, I did not buy the teacher training videos. I watched them a few years ago and I'm just hoping that was a good enough introduction into the courses. I think I'd be tempted, regardless of whether I'd seen them before, to purchase the kit without the teacher training videos. Then if I found myself lost or unable to help, then I might look into purchasing them.

[@colletteian]

@@livingthegandeelife5565 I feel the same. I love to listen to his podcasts. I feel like I'd really just ENJOY them! Thanks!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Yes, I enjoy the podcast as well. He has such a dry sense of humor that is fun and he is easy to listen to, as well! I'm hoping my boys enjoy him as much as I do.

[@SheResellsSeashells]

Great video. Which Structure and Style did these sources texts come from? Also, any tips on teaching my grandson to write smaller letters on notebook paper? He's 11 and still writing twice the size as your son's handwriting! Thanks!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Thank you! These source texts actually came from one of two places - either our co-op or we chose our own. Last year we did our IEW through a co-op but occasionally he wanted to write about something different so we just chose our own! I've found that they're more apt to write when the subject interests them. As far as writing goes, I'd just say practice. Also, sometimes asking them to write less (and I pick up the difference) and then ask them to do their very best by slowing down and focusing. My second son can write very well. However if there's a lot to write, his writing will deteriorate and get quite sloppy. So reminding him to take his time and then offering to write what he doesn't finish can help!

[@SheResellsSeashells]

@@livingthegandeelife5565 thank you!

[@susan825]

We will be trying IEW next year with my son (who hates writing) for 4th grade. About how long do you work on it a day?

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

I'd say it's not my son's favorite subject, either! As far as how long we work on it each day - it varies. It varies with experience as well as what we are doing that day. For example, once they have a grasp on how to make a key word outline, the "key word outline" day probably takes about 15-20 minutes. Overall though, I'd say we are finishing IEW around 30 minutes each day.

[@brittanymaxey7539]

The co-op you are referring to is Classical Conversations, correct? Will you be returning to it? And if not, why not? We have been in a community with Foundations for the last 2 years, but I am debating on whether to do it again or do it from home. This is mostly due to cost with having 3rd child joining next year. Did you feel you needed the co-op to start with IEW? That's kinda the way I'm feeling, but you did break it down well to seem doable at home. Thanks!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You are correct in your assumption. We were in Classical Conversations group. However, we have decided to no longer be involved. Mostly because we have been doing it for 7 years and I was feeling a little burnt out. But the cost of CC is also a factor when you have several kids (4 in Foundations and 2 also in Essentials this coming year) on one income! I honestly feel like doing it at home, at our speed and in our own schedule will be so freeing. If using IEW's curriculum, I think it's doable at home. We also used Fix It! Grammar this year, which my son much preferred to what was done in Essentials' grammar time.

[@valerierodriguez9489]

Thanks for a great detailed review!.... Are the topics of the examples your son worked (inventive writings) defined by the program or chosen by you?... Again, thanks!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Sometimes they gave us prompts and other times we were able to choose. I always made the executive decision as to whether we would stick with it or go our own route. In my opinion, if a child is willing to write on a particular topic - go with it! I'd rather have a willing child write about what they want than force them (kicking and screaming) to write on the topic that's been assigned!

[@mytreasuredlife4993]

For a child that has never used this where would they start in IEW? I have a 4th and 6th grader.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

So there are a couple of things to consider when choosing IEW. First is if you want to video based lessons or theme based lessons. Video based lessons are where they watch a video by Andrew Pudewa and he is teaching their IEW lessons and assigning appropriate assignments and work. However, with the theme based lessons you can choose your lessons to go along with a theme - Ancient history, US history, fables/myths/fairy tales, Narnia, etc. This would allow you to use the same topics and teach the lesson to multiple kids (just at varying levels). But note, that you are teaching these lessons - there are no videos going along with these themed lessons. While I would enjoy having my boys doing similar topics for my benefit, my second son is a struggling writer and I felt like the last thing he needed was to be compared to his older brother who does not struggle but also has had 2 years of experience. Therefore, we have chosen to do the video lessons for both of them and at their appropriate level. So next year will be the first year of IEW for my 4th grader and he will be starting with the Video Based lessons at level 1A. My 6th grader will be doing the video lessons at level 1B. (Level A ranges for grades 3-5. And Level B ranges for grades 6-8.) Therefore, if you were doing the video lessons and didn't have any other issues to take into consideration, I would say you would be using the same as my kiddos. I will say that if you were to start into IEW in 7th or 8th grade, for example, you would still start with level 1B. If it is your first exposure to IEW they suggest starting at Level 1B rather than 2B, if that makes sense. If you check out my curriculum videos for my 4th grade video and 6th grade video I chat a little bit about their IEW and that might be helpful! Hopefully that helps!

[@MichelleL83]

I've been considering IEW and have viewed many videos. This video was excellent; so helpful and thorough! Thank you for making it. I'm considering this for my 6th & 8th grade daughters, and maybe next year, my son who is in 4th grade now, but has been a late bloomer and is only now growing in reading confidence. We started the online trial videos, but my oldest feels like Mr. Pudewa is dry or long winded. I disagree. I think I need to push her a bit, so any prayers or words of wisdom would be much appreciated. I don't know that I could teach them right now, as I spend so much time with my son on his school work. 🤷🏼‍♀️🙏

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Thank you for your kind words. I'm so glad that you found the video helpful. I am currently editing a video of mid-year update on IEW so you can see what my boys think half way through. (It's my 4th grader's first year and he's a struggling reader/writer, as well.) That's funny your oldest things he's dry. My boys seem to think he's super funny and are always sharing his jokes with me. Although, they would probably agree that there are times when his videos are too long. As far as advice goes - try to be patient and trust the process. This is my oldest's 3rd year with IEW. And it's amazing how much he improves from year to year. Give grace and remember the EZ+1. If your daughter only masters strong verbs, who-which clauses, and a because clause this year, great! Next year she will do more and improve. It's learning the process that I think will greatly improve their writing abilities over time. It can be daunting that they aren't mastering all the dress-ups and decorations, but I often fail at remembering I can't expect my 11 and 9 year olds to write as well as a 35 year old adult! Hopefully, that helps! If you have any other questions I'm happy to help. Praying for you tonight that you and your family can find a happy balance in curriculum!! :)

[@peachy_reina]

I'm also considering IEW for my future 6th grade daughter and 5th grade son next year. I would love to know if you so it and how your daughters like it down the road!

[@MichelleL83]

@@livingthegandeelife5565 I didn't see your reply until today - ugh. Anyway, thank you so much for your encouragement, guidance, and especially your prayers! I appreciate your time and energy in your videos and reply. I'll look for an update video too. We are going to use IEW next year, but I haven't decided if I'll try to teach it or use the videos. Trusting the Lord will direct that soon. May the Lord bless you and keep you (& your family)!

[@MichelleL83]

@@peachy_reina I'll try to remember to update you here. The advice given above about sticking with IEW through a learning curve is good advice, I believe. I've now learned that the protests from my kids are loudest and hardest when things are hard or unfamiliar, but just because things are hard or unfamiliar doesn't mean we throw in the towel. It's another training opportunity for us. Hard and tiring as it may be, lol. 🙏

[@TomSmith-mz8lr]

What level did the brain pictures (fiction) exercise and fused outline come from?

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Those come as part of the IEW curriculum when you purchase! I just made a copy of them and we used them for that activity!

[@SimplyAlethia]

How does this work with First Language Lessons for the Well Trained Mind? Are you familiar with Writing with Ease? Is this better?

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

I have never done First Language Lessons (FLL) with my kiddos at the same time as IEW before. But with that said, I have always used FLL more as a grammar curriculum than a writing curriculum. And in my opinion, IEW is more of a writing curriculum. (Sure we have to pick out strong verbs, quality adjectives, and -ly adverbs, but it is for the sake of making our paper better and more interesting.) For my oldest, I will be using Fix-It Grammar for his grammar and then IEW for his writing program. Unfortunately, I do not have any experience with Writing with Ease to compare to IEW.

[@SimplyAlethia]

@@livingthegandeelife5565 Noted. Thanks for responding.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You're welcome! Sorry I couldn't more help!

[@darcyb6666]

I love how you explain different curriculums. You take ones that seem overwhelming and make them seem doable and interesting! I will definitely consider IEW in the future. What age did you start IEW?

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

That's so sweet of you! Thank you! I have started or plan to start each of my kids in 4th grade. But also note that I definitely tailor it to their individual level. Next year I will have both my 6th grader and 4th grader in IEW. However, what I expect of each will be different and I will likely be more involved with my 4th grader. (Always adhering to the EZ+1 mentality!)

[@darcyb6666]

@@livingthegandeelife5565 thank you! I'm always looking for solid curriculum and tend to plan ahead. My son is going into 2nd and is a reluctant writer. Do you feel IEW engages them? I would wait until 4th to start something like this. We are going to do Writing with Ease for now.

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

Yes, I do feel like IEW is engaging. There have been times when we have even decided to skip the "assigned topic" and I have let my son choose a topic that was interesting to him. So letting him choose the topic, take ownership, but still do the same assignment has been helpful. I have found that when I can match my child's interests to the assignment he will be much more engaged, excited and willing to do the work! Sometimes it can be hard to remember that as the parent we have the final say in what our kids do especially if it deviates from the assignment in our curriculum. (Trust me, I am a "Type A" personality and I'm just figuring this out 7 years in! Haha!)

[@darcyb6666]

@@livingthegandeelife5565 thank you for writing back so quickly! I appreciate your insight. You are so helpful!

[@livingthegandeelife5565]

You are very welcome! ❤️