Hi Daniel. I am an amateur at all this. i have a schola for last two and a half years for kids aged 6 to nine. I got words with wings but found it too advanced to use, though I can understand what they were trying to do. However I found it did not explain things enough to me to teach, so how could I pass it on to the kids? I turned to Ward music method, and even from the bit I could learn from the free books on musica sacra, which are older editions, I was able to get going. The kids went from no music education to being able to read chant in one year, one lesson per week. I have since bought the Ward method material from CUA, a more updated version, which is a bit clearer, and done a weeks training with them this summer. this gave me a whole new level, and I strongly reccommend it, scholarships are available, so just the cost of getting there and accommodation at cheap enough student rates.
I am also using Ward methods successfully with adults. i acknowledge my experience is limited, but Mrs Ward developed the method with teachers like me in mind, who do not have huge musical training (though i working hard to develop it.
I have developed an award system which i am putting up called Jubilate Deo Awards, you can get my beginner materials there.
I like the very practical way Ward breaks down music ito parts and teaches a bit at a time Wilker Brouwers uses Ward method I know, so I think it is sort off the presumed background to using Words with wings.
Hope it goes well for you, and let me know if I can help in any way. We will be praying for you!

I don't think WWW requires any prior knowledge of solfege. You can listen to the practice audios on our site at http://musicasacra.com/wings/

We also have several books at the website about chironomy... it is easier if you see it done, though...

Arlene here. If we had the book to do over, I would omit the chirinomy markings that begin in lesson 6, believe. It is not as if children are being asked to direct scholas. I think this small thing has been a bug stumbling block for a lot of people. Not that it is difficult, but it does presume a Ward background. My advice? Ignore the markings. Don't get hung up on them or even the notion that maybe you are now doing so ething incompletely. The whole point is to get the kids to feel the music. Feel the sway and the lift. If it helps them to use there arms as Birdie wings, go for it. If it helps them to hold on to flapping and fliwin Kleenex tissues, go for it. Again, forget the markings, relax, and just get physical.

lol @salieri. me neither. her online chant tutorial was a joy.

At this early level, I disagree. We're talking about little kids here. Twelve lessons. These are simple foundations. If someone is going to have to teach a priest sonething or lead a Schola, let's hope that person bones up on a few things. The point of wings is to read a little and feel the music. Nothing more. Education for education's sake, as it were.

Have no idea how harsh came out of parish.

My guess is auto corrugate fixed it.

You can download the ward books for free at the musicasacra.com website. See this page: http://musicasacra.com/literature/ If you want to order them printed, you can order them from lulu.com

Arlene,
Thank you for your advice. I sang the excerpts to the kids "like a straight line" (without attention given to the dynamics and rise and fall of the chant), then I sang them with attention to these details. I had the kids note the difference, then explained how chant is really "words with wings", and, as such, it rises and falls like a swallow, it does not go in straight lines like an airplane. Finally, I just moved my hands with the music, and had the kids do the same. It worked great, and I would recommend the same process to anyone who is clueless about chironomy.

Daniel, I'm glad you had a good experience!