Supplement LLATL or ditch it?

[Ruthie in MS]

Last year I used LLATL Yellow with my eldest (see my signature) and it was a great experience.  This year we are using LLATL Orange. Now I have a problem.  DD can't seem to remember much of anything from last year.  Even when it reviews (I use that in a loose term with this curriculum) she can't remember much from earlier in the book.  I'm a little stumped.  I love the method and using literature to enhance lessons but there seems to be little retention.  I also love how it introduces the new concepts in a gentle way and using real literature.  My question is: Is it time to put LLATL aside and try some other curriculum or should I supplement it with something that reviews language skills like a daily review workbook?

 

I'm open to suggestions but here are some things to bear in mind:

My DD does NOT do well with creative writing.  She is very apprehensive about coming up with anything on her own.

DD also gets lost in lots of english jargon (verbs, adjectives, pronouns, compound sentences, etc)

 

 

[sweetpea3829]

:bigear:

 

We used LLATL Red this year and I've well documented my displeasure with it on a number of threads.  And yet, I remain drawn to it because, I suppose, if we follow it through high school, my kids will eventually hit everything they need to hit.  

 

I have supplemented it all along, though.  This year, I used AAS for spelling (and probably would, even if the spelling in LLATL wasn't so poor).  I use Spectrum Reading workbooks for Reading Comprehension practice, mostly because my kids will have to take standardized testing and I want them to have some exposure to the kind of questions they'll encounter on those tests.

 

We also use Spectrum Language Arts for grammar practice, and I assigned my own creative writing assignments, after teaching them the writing process.  

 

Next year, when we use Yellow, I am thinking of scrapping Yellow's literature selections (the four books they have interspersed through the other units) in favor of literature study guides from TLP, Progeny Press and perhaps Blackbird & Company.  But I haven't solidified that yet, and may change my mind as we start working in Yellow.  I'll probably still supplement with Spectrum Language Arts for grammar practice.  

 

Honestly, I think I will eventually scrap LLATL altogether...I just haven't gotten brave enough to do it yet, lol.  

[Flowergirl159]

I could have asked this same question myself! We loved Yellow last year too. But Orange this year, well, she is bored with it and it just doesn't seem to be moving. If you know what I mean. She really didn't like the book study taking weeks to get through either. I am wondering if we should struggle through it and hope it gets better, or cut it out completely. I'm wondering if I decide to put it away, that I will regret my decision in a few months.

Before we started LLATL, we were already doing, and are continuing with as supplements:
McGuffey - she reads to me about twice a week
Spelling - AAS3
A Reason for Handwriting - Book D (Orange doesn't include handwriting, so its not a double up)
WWE3 - I only have the Instructors guide so for Science and History, we either do copywork, narration, dictation, or narrate then dictate.

Since beginning LLATL, we have added:
Easy Grammar grade 3

DD is really ready to do creative writing now and often chooses to write out her own narrations rather than wait for me to dictate her narration back to her. So I have printed off CAP Fable 3 week sample to try with her.

[Nemom]

What about keeping LLATL and adding in Wordsmith Apprentice?

http://www.commonsensepress.com/wordsmith/wsapp_scope_and_sequence.htm

http://www.commonsensepress.com/lessons/modif.htm

[LindaOz]

I used LLATL for a few years and I liked to do it 3x a week (MWF) and use something different on the other two days - usually it was grammar (either Rod & Staff or Abeka) and free writing. I always liked the combination of a straight grammar curriculum and one that applies grammar to a literary context. I think that coming at the same thing from different angles can be valuable and enhances skill development, understanding and retention. 

[Flowergirl159]

I always liked the combination of a straight grammar curriculum and one that applies grammar to a literary context. I think that coming at the same thing from different angles can be valuable and enhances skill development, understanding and retention.

Yes! I think I agree with you here :)

Think I will try the 3day approach, and use EG and Fable on the other 2 days.
Thank you

[LindaOz]

Sounds like a good plan. I hope it works well for you.