I want to begin by stating that I don't put a lot of faith in standardized test results, but my state requires we turn them in and so we need to show some growth next year. I'm a former teacher and know that the test isn't the tell all, but I do know that the child in question is behind. Probably 3rd grade level across the board except maybe for math.
Background on AG - She's 9 1/2. She completed K and 1st in the public school and left 1st grade barely reading CVC words. She spent 2nd grade in a Classical Christian school and STRUGGLED, but made gains. She HATES formal assessments and had a HORRIBLE attitude the entire time we were testing. I know that caused her scores to be lower than is accurate. This year, we homeschooled and focused on reading and math. She most likely has ADHD, struggles to "stay serious" always wanting to be the clown, shuts down when things are even slightly difficult and feels inferior to her next oldest sister, S, who is 12. S is advanced across the board and compliant 98% of the time. AG "prefers" to read things on her own and "get it done," but is also careless. She gets annoyed with scripted curriculum. I know much of our situation is behavior related and that we can deal with, but I also want to choose a curriculum that gives all of us the greatest chance for success and keeps us from losing our minds. I have to add that I am the main teacher, but my husband is at home full time. I work outside the home 3 days per week. Also, we have 3 1/2 year old with major language and other delays with possible SPD.
What we did this year and results/reviews
Math - We started with Saxon 3 and this was a HUGE fail and not a good fit. She switched to Teaching Textbooks 3 and did great with this and The Moffatt Girls multiplication packets. She tested overall 3.5 in math and I think she's at least on this level for math.
Reading - She read through the HOD Emerging Reader books and the Sonlight 3rd grade readers. This worked well for her and she did a lot (probably too much) of the reading on her own. She tested overal 2.5 in reading. I'd say she's legit on a 3rd grade reading level overall, so 1 year "behind"
Spelling - We used Spelling You See. She did it and that's about all I can say. Spelling she tanked
Language - We didn't do a formal grammar and as expected she scored WAY behind. We tried BJU distance learning and gave up bc of struggles and issues in other areas.
Science and Social Studies were not a focus at all. I already knew we'd start that as a formal subject this coming year. We started with HOD Bigger Hearts and it was a HUGE flop. Not bc of the curriculum though.
Overall, she made huge gains this year, but I need some advice. Is anyone still reading?
Here are my thoughts for this year (we are not going to call it a grade):
Math - Teaching Textbooks 4 with continued fact practice. I know this is considered "behind" but I also know it will get done. Getting done is the most important thing.
Reading - Independent reading of books that I've put together from the Sonlight Core D and other lists. I'll start the year discussing these with her and possibly transition to a reading journal at some point. Also, Memoria Press Little House in the Big Woods and Charlotte's Web guides for us to do together. OR should we switch to something more formal like BJU or Christian Light for Reading. If we did BJU, I'd likely go with DLO. I also considered Sonlight B+C with 4th grade readers and call it done. Other good options for the reluctant learner.
Spelling - Possibly continue with Spelling You See but create word lists from it for additional word study. More traditional spelling....BJU, A Reason for Spelling....Remember she LOATHES scripted stuff, so I'd be reluctant to try All About Spelling.
Language - BJU DLO 3rd grade, Master Books LLFLE Level 2 and 3, Sonlight 4th grade LA, other ideas welcome????
Science - BJU DLO, Master Books Elementary Zoology, ACE Science 3
History - Sonlight B+C, America's Story 1, BJU DLO ..... other things I haven't thought of?
I've also considered Memoria Press 3rd Grade minus latin, HOD Bigger (try again), BJU DLO, Sonlight D, Beautiful Feet Early American History.
I'm open to all thoughts and advice.