BJ English does not have poetry memorization or dictation. It focuses on grammar and writing. Another LA approach is Queen homeschool. She focuses on a Charlotte Mason approach to LA that uses dictation, narration and poetry, however I think its kind of weak in grammar in the older grades, which is why I went with Bob Jones. BJ is strong in grammar plus it has nice colored pictures through 6th grade. Past 7th grade its less pictures, but BJ still does a good job at teaching grammar and writing skills.