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So I'm sure some variation of this thread exists on here, but I couldn't find it. So I'll ask- what books do you consider "not to be missed" for 4th/5th grades? I'm thinking of putting together a structured lit program for next year, and I'd love to hear what books you all think are the best of the best for that age group. Thanks!

Thanks so much for all the responses! Thanks especially Crimson Wife, for the links. I knew there had to be threads on this exact topic, but was having a hard time finding them. I do understand some of the limitations of the program: 1. Not 100% complete. 2. Heavy on teacher involvement. 3. Very unstructured. But as a former English teacher, I really like the depth of the instruction of how language works, and works together. I already have FLL 3 & 4, and Exercises in English, but I am sorely tempted by MCT... Flo

I've been reading some MCT reviews here, and other places, and I haven't found too many people saying they didn't like it. I'm considering Level 1, and I'm just wondering if there's anyone out there who didn't like it, and why (just trying to do my due diligence, rather than rushing into buying it, like i usually do with curricula...). Thanks in advance, Flo Mama to ds 9 and dd 8.

for all the suggestions! That one list for boys who like to make forts is awesome! I want to make a master book list to keep in the library bag-whenever I get there, I always feel like I'm wandering around trying to remember what it was I wanted to take out for the kids.

we are secular homeschoolers, and prefer to use secular materials. Thanks!

I know this is a popular topic on these boards, and I did try a few searches before posting-I know I saw a thread on this a loooong time ago (like, last year), but I was hoping some of you could point me in the right direction on this. DS is going into 2nd grade, with a 3rd/4th grade reading level (in my estimation). Up until this point we've used "all in one" language arts programs-LLATL and McRuffy-but I'm trying to move away from that because I felt like they weren't really "complete" enough-always weak in some area. Because ds is a strong reader, but is on grade level for writing, it's also hard to find a complete program that challenges the reading without being way too hard in terms of writing/grammar. So the plan is to do FLL/WWE, spelling workout, maybe wordly wise, and then pull together a lit list of "worthwhile" (i.e. not the Captain Underpants he's currently enjoying reading) books for him to read and do some activities from. I'd like to give him some sort of choice, because I'd like him to enjoy this reading, rather than just feeling like he has to do it. I'd also like to try to choose books that he's going to be interested in-which is why the emphasis on books for boys. Ds is also fairly visual-he loves graphic novels and comics-so anything with lots of pictures is a big plus. So what is your 2nd grade boy reading this year? What are some "good" books that are popular with 2nd grade boys? Where do you look for your lit lists? Thanks so much,

I'm thinking of trying out Wordly Wise 3000 2nd edition, and I just wanted to know, from those who have used it-do you really need the teacher materials, or could you just use the student workbook? I'm thinking of trying out Book1/Grade 1 (which looks more involved, and more like you DO need the teacher materials, which are expensive for gr 1) and Book 2/Grade 2. TIA for any help,

I've read some reviews where the kids and parents loved it-but is it rigorous enough? I'm looking at McRuffy 2nd Grade Language Arts, for my son 6 (7 in November)-to start in the fall. We're currently doing LLATL Red (2nd grade but feels more like 1st to me). Specifically, for those who've used McRuffy LA, I'd like to know if you think there's enough grammar/writing/spelling for a 2nd grader to get a firm grounding. They don't show any real writing/grammar in the samples (it's all compound word work)-I may email them and see if they're willing to send me more samples. If I did use this next year, I would probably add my own lit list, and possibly a supplemental writing program. What are some other good writing programs for 2nd grade level (non-copywork-we tried WWE and it didn't work for us)? I've heard a lot of people like Writing Strands, I'd love to hear about that one, and others people have liked. Just doing my research, exploring for next year... Thanks in advance, Flo

for the info so far-very useful! I like the way the writing is broken down into steps, and doesn't look too intimidating (although I suppose we'll see if we try it). We tried WWE and it wasn't for us, so maybe this approach will work better for us-the only way to tell is to try it. Thanks, Flo

I'm thinking of using the 2nd grade level for my son next year. Anyone use it? Pros? Cons? Do you think it's a good program for grammar and developing early writing skills? I know it's Jesuit-published, but how much religious content is there? I didn't see any in the samples, and would prefer secular content, but can navigate around a little religious content. Also, what would you add to this-I'm thinking spelling and literature, but anything else? TIA, Flo

Is is possible to use only the secular parts of it (no missionary stories or Bible) and still have a full social studies experience? Is it worth using if you're dropping out all the religious material? Is there anything out there, similar to GTG that IS secular? Just curious,

I'm looking for a true literature-based language arts for my son who's in K/1 but reading on a 1/2 level. I'd love to find something that's completely based around real books-where the student reads the books and then completes LA activities related to those books he's read. Really, I'd mostly like him to have opportunities to practice and build on his reading skills, with some other LA stuff thrown in here and there. Even a reading list with suggestions would work-I don't mind coming up with some of the activities myself. We tried LLATL 2nd grade and found that it jumped around too much, and any literature seemed added in, rather than being integral to the program. We also really didn't jibe with WWE/FLL, so anything like that (PLL and etc.) will probably be a no-go. We've also done Sonlight, but found the books in SL K to be too advanced (and we'd really prefer secular). Currently he's doing Oak Meadow 1, and we like it, so I'm really just looking for something to add to this. I've considered some of the VP lit and guides, and I know there were some threads on here about 1st grade reading lists, but I can't seem to find them. So anyway, if anyone knows of a program like this, or can point me in the direction of a good 1st grade reading list (I will also go look on the 1000 books site-can't remember the exact name just now, but that's what google's for!), it would be much appreciated!

I do know that there is a curriculum used by the Unitarian Universalists that deals with world religions-but I was unable to find too much evidence of it. Maybe looking around on http://www.uua.org ? Sorry I'm not more help. We are also secular homeschoolers, but I would like my children to know something about the different world religions-so I'm curious to follow this thread and see what else is out there....

And I've also realized that I rejected Saxon out of hand as "not for us" just based on things I've heard about it. But Katherine, I think I need to take another look at it (really, a first look, because I never even considered it before), because it kind of sounds like what I might be looking for-less hands-on than MUS or RS but more hands-on than Horizons.... Thanks!