She asks: “For those of us who gave our students the foundational teachings through IEW, how would The Lost Tools of Writing benefit us differently than that foundation?”
“I would like to thank a local parent for asking this question. I think more people would be interested in this answer so I am posting it here.”
IEW Teaching Writing: Structure and Style does a great job of meeting many of the needs a writer faces. Andrew Pudewa wisely asserts that it is difficult to learn the form/structure & style of writing if one also has to come up with something to say. Particularly if the student is in the grammar or dialectic stages. IEW makes generous provisions for this in its curriculums. IEW is an excellent curriculum and fitting for the grammar and dialectic years. He also lays a great foundation in the habits of mind needed for a student to continue to think about form/structure & style. Upon leaving IEW the student will have a great idea of the standard before them in regards to quality of writing.The biggest difference between IEW and LTW is that IEW meets the needs of the Grammar and Dialectic student and
The Lost Tools of Writing meets the needs of the student of rhetoric. Once you are in about 7th grade, Challenge A if you are in Classical Conversations, the needs begin to change to meet the demands of the God-given desire welling up to communicate the truths apprehended inside the heart of the student. The study of rhetoric, and therefore the Lost Tools of Writing, gives the student the tools to carry out this task. The Lost Tools of writing does this through the study of the first 3 canons of rhetoric. In Invention the student learns the art of coming up with something to say. In Arrangement the student learns the art of arranging various components of research and parts of the essay to fit the reason for his writing. In Elocution the student learn the art of commanding the use of schemes, tropes, and advanced editing techniques to give his writing integrity and a new level of excellence.
For the classical educator and the classical student how one comes with information, how one arranges, and how one edits/dresses up their writing matters just as much, if not more, than turning in a finished essay.This is important for parents who have decided that education is more than just getting through a text-book. This is important for parents who have decided that cultivating in their students the ability to think and reason in accordance with reality is more important than the utilitarian means of modern educational thought. This is important for the parent who wants love to be the rule for the formation of their child’s soul.
Become familiar with The Lost Tools of Writing. This will allow you to engage in the study of rhetoric, which is a joyous occasion on the path of classical education. In addition, for those of you who are in Classical Conversations, the Lost Tools of Writing is the writing curriculum used in Challenge A, with a hopeful look towards the rest of the Challenge years. Attending to a LTW workshop will help you to be equipped to jump in with your students at the beginning of the year. You can find upcoming LTW events -online and in person –here.
Please let me know what other questions you have. It would be my pleasure to attempt an answer, if I can.
Expanding wisdom, extending grace,
Jen
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Thank you SO much for this! I have been on the fence about which to choose and this was very helpful!
My pleasure. Thank you for reading.
Thank you for your help and thoughtful explanation. Would this work for a student who did a bit on the mediocre side of IEW? My son understands the principles taught and the foundation given in IEW but executed a bit on the sloppy side. I’m worried that the LTW might be too much of a challenge. Are you still able to adjust the way you can with IEW? Any advice? Thank you again. We plan to start Challenge A in the Fall ; )
I think so. LTW is heavy on the thinking side and Challenge A has a good flow set up for incoming LTW students. I would say the biggest tip I can give you is to work with your student on time management. The hardest struggles I see in my classes happen when a student does not plan their time and tries to do it all at the last minute, does not read instructions thoroughly enough, or has a hard time receiving instruction. In addition, there are a slew of support resources available over at http://www.circeinstitute.org/lost-tools-writing/support-and-bonus-materials
This is a fun program to teach and learn because you get to discuss big ideas. I have learned so much about what is important to my son as I see what he puts on his ANI chart. It gives me insight on how to pray for him and maybe what virtues to be aware of he especially needs some examples in.
Thank you so much for your input. I was wondering the same thing, as my son had a modified IEW class (unofficial) taught at a co-op. The instructor didn’t finish all the topics usually covered in the book, so although he got the basics, there were some things like sentence openers that he didn’t learn. He is a reluctant writer and it takes him a very long time to get his thoughts on paper and when he does, it’s just enough to meet the IEW requirements, very no frills. It’s good to know that he should be fine doing LTW going into Challenge A.
When you say that one of the hardest thing you see in your class is when students have a hard time receiving instruction, what do you mean?
My son is going to 7th grade and hates writing. Should I do iew first?
That is a great question. I find that narration is the best place to begin. Have you read To Know and Tell by Karen Glass?
What about writing and rhetoric compared to LTOW?
I have not written a comparison of the two but they do differ in many ways! I will need to do that. Many have asked this same question!
What about writing and rhetoric?
I have not written a comparison of the two but they do differ in many ways! I will need to do that. Many have asked this same question!
I have had my children do IEW’s levels A and B (years 1 & 2 for both levels). I recently heard of Lost tools of writing and it’s emphasis on teaching kids “How to form an opinion about literature and write about it” rather than just focus on the structure of writing. Would you say that’s true, and if so, do you think IEW’s new Level C accomplishes the same thing? I love IEW’s program, but I don’t want my child to miss out on an essential skill. Thank you!