Thanks, Heather, that does help. Sounds like if we switched, we would need to start in Homer A. I decided to use IEW instead of CW in the first place because I wanted my kids to learn the 5-paragraph essay quickly. IEW has done that. Of course, we still need lots of practice, but with CW I would have had to wait until Diogenes. What about starting in Older Beginners? I was hoping that a year of IEW would at least be a stepping stone. I'm wondering if I was wrong. Also, how hard is it to really learn the method..... to get into a routine?

We've used IEW American History Themed Writing this year. This was our first "real" writing curriculum with my 5th and 6th graders. My kids have learned more "structure" than "style" with IEW, but it has been a good experience. (This might be a good example of, "If it ain't broke......") My kids have completed Winston Grammar and JAG (5th grader) and AG Season One (6th grader) along with some Abeka and Easy Grammar. It seems right to follow this with IEW Ancient History Themed Writing next year when we study ancients with My Father's World. However, I wanted to check with all of you to see if this might be a good time to try Classical Writing......(or another program that teaches the progym). Specifically, my kids have had a hard time using strong verbs in place of "was _______." (Example: The curious cat was stalking the mouse. instead of The curious cat crept silently up to the sleeping mouse.) They also use vocabulary words in awkward ways to fulfill the checklist requirements. I wonder if CW would refine what we've learned after one year of IEW~ helping my kids use words more accurately -or- if we should use IEW again to firm up IEW principles we've learned only this year. Any thoughts? Please share thoughts about IEW vs. CW for long term use.... college prep. Also are there any other programs that I should consider? Should we stick with one or switch at some point? Thanks!!!! P.S. I'm mostly concerned with the lack of continuity if we changed, yet I want them to have the best combination of structure/style.

Oh my! This is wonderful to know. Where can I see samples??? Thank you for this information! I must ask, though, can it be combined with Apples and Pears to teach both phonograms and morphemes? That was my original reason for using WRTR.

Ok... I'm narrowing it down still to a combo of WRTR and Apples and Pears. I feel better about it now after reading all that was offered here. I just looked at The ABC's and All Their Tricks and I have a question. Please forgive my ignorance. This book teaches the abc's and all their tricks, right? Could I use it instead of WRTR at least for the spelling componant? It explaines the phonograms, where each is used in a word, and etymology. I'm sure it's not a valid idea, but just thought I'd ask. Spelling Through Morphographs and Megawords is meant starting in 4th grade. I need something for a 2nd grader, but these look awesome. I don't want all the bells and whistles SWR provides, and if SRA Mastery is expensive, I'd pass on that. I really need to keep it simple and cost effective. How to Teach Spelling reminds me of the way we do Spelling Power. I couldn't see any samples, so I might be way off base here. WRTR could be applied to my older kids -or- I just happened to find Apples at CBD which looks like a simple review of phonics rules that could easily be added to Spelling Power which is what they are used to. Spelling Power is mostly working, so I'm not too excited about changing that for them especially if I could improve it with something simple. I asked my library to order WRTR for me. I'm kind of intimidated about the figuring-out of it. I've read how much it takes to learn the system. I would also be branching out to try Apples and Pears..... kind of exciting/kind of scary! :) Thanks again!

Ladies, you have given me a lot of encouragement. I really appreciate your insight and experience. :001_smile: Anyone else?

Forty-two is right. And, in addition, I read several times where there are not phonograms for absolutely every English sound. This can become confusing to a child if he can't apply a phonogram to a certain sound. Also, morphemes do lend themselves to vocabulary. I appreciate the comment about using phonograms for spelling and morphemes for vocabulary. Kuovonne, what do you use for these? It sounds like some of you prefer WRTR and others might apply WRTR to Apples and Pears per my example (apply phonograms to morphemes). I'll look up Spelling Through Morphographs and the phonics page/donpotter. Can anyone compare/contrast likes/dislikes of A&P and WRTR? WRTR is soooo popular. Has anyone chose between these two specifically? Keep the comments coming! This is helping so much!:001_smile:

I am at at crossroads trying to decide HOW to teach spelling, and I hope some of you who have made this same decision can share with me what you chose. I currently use Spelling Power with my older two. It does not truly teach morphemes (smallest word parts) or phonograms (blends, vowel combinations) very well or on the lines of WRTR. I want to improve on spelling with my youngest who will be in 2nd grade next year. My son has used Sing, Spell, Read, and Write successfully this year (1st grade), and is reading in Book 8 right now. I gave him a couple of short sentences last week in dictation, and he spelled every word correctly. ("The dog ran to the store."). I don't know if you would call him a "natural speller", but I don't think he has any spelling issues at this point. SSRW uses phonograms to teach reading and spelling, and I want to continue teaching him like this (with specific rules) in the future. I can't make up my mind if I should go the route of WRTR (phonograms) or Apples and Pears (morphemes). Each is valid; each has gaps if used alone, and actually they complement each other nicely. I own ETA Cuisenaire sentence building and alphabet magnets which are color coded to parts of speech, consonant, vowel, blend, dipthong, etc... I'm wondering if I could use A&P (morphemes) and reinforce using my letter magnets (phonograms). We currently do this with SSRW and it works beautifully! (Makes me think of AAS.) I think I would need a copy of spelling rules and phonogram cards a la WRTR for this. I've looked at different curricula (Megawords, Apples [not A&P], and Rod & Staff, etc.) and I always come back to using either WRTR or Apples and Pears. A&P is certainly more open and go which I love. WRTR could benefit my older kids (that would just be gravy!), but I really want to know which one you would choose..... OR is there something out there that does a good job combining these two spelling philosophies? So, I'm at a crossroads. Which way would you go?

Has anyone made your own spelling program? I'm wondering if one could use spelling rules and phonogram cards like in SWR and apply them for words a child would spell in dictation exercises. (This is an idea I read from another poster on this forum.) I'm currently using Spelling Power with my olders, but I have one who will be in 2nd grade next year who is using Sing,Spell, Read, and Write in 1st. (We are also using WWE vol.1 and FLL.) I love the way we've learned in SSRW and want to continue learning spelling this way long term. I just don't like the idea of spending so much money for any spelling program. Can anyone suggest a way to teach with rules/phonograms and keep cost low? (Can rules/phonogram cards work with Spelling Power?) Also, I wonder if Apples and Pears would basically do this. It seems like a popular curriculum. (Maybe Spelling Plus?) Thanks!

Thanks, Julie.... Actually, we've had a pretty good year, so far. I do realize that I can't keep up so many programs next year. I will certainly drop something. EftRU wasn't really my first choice; it's just what MFW schedules. EftRU was ok when we did it the first time..... my kids loved it. I'd like to make it different somehow so that they don't get tired of it.... you know, "Mom, we've already done this!!" Can anyone share ways you have used EftRU?..... especially using it multiple times?

Thanks, ladies. Just for clarification..... My hopes are that AG would be our "grammar," and when we are completely finished with the instruction part of AG, we would begin Jensen's Punctuation. Daily Grams would be a short blend of the two to carry us through the year. Does this still sound too redundant? I love the thought of using the few punctuation lessons from AG Season 3. I'll look at that for sure.

We've used JAG (5th grade) and AG Season One (6th grade) this year along with Easy Grammar and Daily Grams...... good, but a bit redundant. Next year, I'm wondering if we could use Jensen's Punctuation and maybe Daily Grams with the next Analytical Grammar progression: Season One for my 6th grader and Season Two for my 7th grader. Is Jensen's written for an older student, or could a 6th and 7th grader use it? My kids are pretty good with grammar.... we completed Winston Grammar before this year's JAG and AG.

Currently, we are using IEW Early American History themed writing which includes vocabulary words 4 words/week (most weeks). In addition, we use Wordly Wise and Word Roots with kids in grades 6 and 5. Next year, we'll continue with IEW using Ancient History themed writing with vocabulary and we'll add MFW Creation to Greeks which will include English From the Roots Up. We used EftRU 2 years ago, and my kids loved it, so it will be somewhat of a review...... I could add the next set of cards for new words. We have never studied Latin, so I really want to study roots to help with figuring out unknown words and for reading comprehension. I will also be adding one more child to the mix: a 2nd grader. So next year a 7th, 6th, and 2nd grader would be doing EftRU together within MFW. I have a couple of questions: How could I use EftRU the WTM way? (Is this even a good idea? I am just trying to stick to a plan.... TWTM) Also, since we'll be using IEW history with vocabulary AND MFW with EftRU, do I need any other vocabulary? Which would you keep/drop between Wordly Wise and Word Roots? Should I drop Word Roots and use Vocabulary from Classical Roots? (This seems to be more popular, but it seems more words would be learned with Word Roots.....not sure which is better.) IOW..... would you help me consolidate? :tongue_smilie:

Yes, Michelle, I looked at the samples, and I love the way it looks. In fact, I like SfC better than anything else I've seen. Hopefully the company made any corrections and there are no more mistakes. If you read reviews on this board from 2008, you'll read about the mistakes the group had trouble with. I'd love to be able to do both SfC and RS together as long as that wouldn't be too much. I think I could work around that. RS core lessons are what take the longest time. We could do them by themselves and then combine the short daily lessons from each on the other days. Thanks everyone!

Thanks to both of you for replying! I will look into those sources you have suggested. I'd love to hear from anyone else about recommendations.:)

Thanks, Laurie! I have been looking at Spanish for Children which looks good for me. My biggest concern is what I've read about errors in that curriculum. Posts about that, however, were written in 2008. Does anyone know if the errors have been corrected? Can anyone tell me if Spanish for Children could be used with Rosetta Stone or would it have to be done instead of Rosetta Stone?

I'm starting late trying to use WTM in our school, and would be grateful for advice about logic for a 7th grader who has never gone through any kind of logic curriculum. WTM suggests Wilson's Introductory Logic but I think Critical Thinking Books 1 and 2 look more appealing for my daughter. What would you all suggest in this situation..... one of these, or something else?

My older kids are using Rosetta Stone Spanish. They have learned a lot of vocabulary, and they have practiced speaking. The downfall of Rosetta Stone is the lack of teaching grammar, primarily verb conjugation. Is there a grammar curriculum we could work on along-side Rosetta Stone or maybe just drop RS for part of (or all year) while we work on grammar? What do you think? (My kids are in 6th and 5th grades this year.)

Thanks, everyone! Sounds like I'm on the right track. Maybe using WEM with WTM is all I need instead of trying to also use DITHOR. Actually, I just used info on the internet from all of these sources and tried to take the best from each source to make my own checklist. I failed to mention that I'll be using MFW CtG with kids in grades 7,6, and 2 next year. That's why I'm trying to make sure I am ready for logic ideas since we would only be using MFW year 2 with them which (I think) is geared more toward the younger ages. I haven't seen the teacher's guide, so I have no idea what books are in the bookbasket or how logic ideas are incorporated. Is there a Progeny Press for any book used in CtG? I really appreciate the comment about how MFW prepares for high school because I have hopes of using them in high school. Also, the cd by SWB about history and great books looks wonderful! I guess I just need the teacher's guide so I can feel more comfortable about next year.... :001_smile: I really appreciate your help. Anyone else?

I know MFW is a full curriculum, but I want to be sure I introduce lit analysis to pave the way for high school. I've come up with a loose plan that incorporates ideas from Drawn Into the Heart of Reading and WTM/WEM ideas. Will this work? We would choose a book to read together from MFW bookbasket (maybe also use selected BF Ancient history books w/the teacher's guide) and identify the book's genre. As we read, we would identify/discuss the parts of the story (characters, setting, plot, climax, resolution), and look for ways to discuss: prediction/inference, compare/contrast, cause/effect, main idea/theme, perspective/point-of-view all from DRTHOR. I would also ask the kids questions about how/if the book is from a Godly perspective or not.... we would identify major Godly characteristics (DRTHOR). I would follow this using questions from WTM/WEM for discussion. From WTM, we would use MFW and readers to make outlines and narrations.... the things that are most exciting/interesting. I don't want them to dred this. I would follow this with Figuratively Speaking concepts.... which ever lit terms that would fit the story we read. Following these things we could pick a favorite aspect of the story, make an outline, and write a sample narrative (SWB) and/or use Applying Bloom's Taxonomy for project/evaluation ideas. I've read many threads about lit analysis and it sounds like the most important thing is just to start. I need a slow start so we won't be overwhelmed, but I definitely want to make sure we have a plan to progress as we approach high school. Using a combination of MFW with DITHOR and WTM/WEM is what looks do-able. I know this is long....:001_huh: yet I would appreciate feedback.

Thanks for chatting! A friend of mine has this and is using it with her kids as a review along with 6th grade math. I saw it on the company's web site but have not heard of many people using it. Thanks for responding.

Has anyone used this? Would it work for pre-algebra?

That is so interesting!!! I didn't know there was a 3rd grade year written. I'm glad to hear that year 2 was a success. I feel like we'll end up doing this due to his liking SSR&W 1st grade and b/c it's a continuation of what's familiar to us. Anyone else?

My first grader will complete the 1st grade SSR&W this year. He has loved it, and has done very wel! Should I continue with SSRW 2nd grade or consider something like R&S, Abeka, or CLE?..... or anything else? Along with SSR&W this year, we are also using WWE vol.1 and FLL 1/2. We like these, and I think they are a great foundation, yet they are not "exciting" for us. I'm not eager to change, really, because I think they will pay off eventually. I mainly need help with the phonics,reading,spelling part of language arts for next year. Any ideas? What about TWTM approach? Anyone use this? And then... if we were to continue SSR&W for 2nd grade, what do you all suggest for language arts for 3rd grade? It seems like R&S and CLE are the two most popular choices on this board judging only by the threads I've read. .....Just not sure what to do. :glare:

Thanks, Audrey! Latin's Not so Tough looks do-able to me. When I saw it the first time, I finally had that feeling of, "I've found it! This is what I've been looking for!" Still looking for input on Getting Started with Latin....... Anyone?

I also have a 6yo loving Song School Latin! We may do Minimus 1--I have just the student book. Or I may do Latina Christiana 1 with her (that will be my 3rd time thru it). Or we may just go on to LFC 1. Not much help, am I? Of course you are!:) It's great to know that I'm not the only one with questions and challenges. I sincerely appreciate your input! Minimus is a popular curriculum. I think my youngest would enjoy the story/pictures since this is similar to what he is used to in SSL. The format of Latin's Not so Tough and Latin for Children is a step toward a more "school" format. I don't know about Getting Started with Latin. Lively Latin is also pleasing to the eye. Well, at least I'm not alone!!:lol: What about Getting Started with Latin? I have not found any samples at all, but I've read that it's great. Can anyone tell us more about it?