meet me in paris Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Why oh why is it that when the school year gets going, I have to go through this Weeding Out Process every year??? I start with such high hopes! I put so much thought and research into our materials! But 2 to 3 weeks in there are just always some BUMMERS. Sonlight Language Arts works fine for my younger (so far). She's more of a "natural" LA learner. dd12, not so much. She needs explicit instruction, and SL LA just doesn't give it. I'm tired of giving her writing assignments where she just looks at me like I'm crazy (and I think I am) because there really are *no* instructions. Straight to the 5-paragraph essay, without even calling it that - just giving a 5 paragraph essay as an example. We're going back to IEW. Fix-It, plus theme based writing. I can't take it anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom22ns Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 We're trying SL LA for the first time this year. Its too early to be sure, but I'm excited about it and so far all is well. I have one natural writer and one, well not. There seems to be enough instruction for both of them though - so far (where is the nervous smiley?). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommamia Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 I know....I go through the same "weeding" process. I just shelved a curriculum(and I have not even started it yet!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meet me in paris Posted August 19, 2010 Author Share Posted August 19, 2010 I know....I go through the same "weeding" process. I just shelved a curriculum(and I have not even started it yet!). LOL! Well then I definitely do not feel so bad! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiffijo1 Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Sounds like a good plan to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Another Lynn Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Why oh why is it that when the school year gets going, I have to go through this Weeding Out Process every year??? I start with such high hopes! I put so much thought and research into our materials! But 2 to 3 weeks in there are just always some BUMMERS. Sonlight Language Arts works fine for my younger (so far). She's more of a "natural" LA learner. dd12, not so much. She needs explicit instruction, and SL LA just doesn't give it. I'm tired of giving her writing assignments where she just looks at me like I'm crazy (and I think I am) because there really are *no* instructions. Straight to the 5-paragraph essay, without even calling it that - just giving a 5 paragraph essay as an example. We're going back to IEW. Fix-It, plus theme based writing. I can't take it anymore. If it makes you feel any better I think I have chucked everything except for one child's math, oh and FLL3, and spelling for two children..... for now.... :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siloam Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 I still use the lower levels of SL LA, because I like the reading instruction and dictation (my copies are so old they predate the last re-write, my LA K is dated 2002 ;) ). That said I never have done their writing. It is too creative based and abstract for me. I much prefer WWE till summarizing clicks, then I have them summarize orally for a while, written later and go into CW after that. Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mesa Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 UGH join the club! I've tossed so much out the window the last week it itsnt even funny. Ok, it kinda is! I'm not liking BJU dvd's at all.... we're stuck though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 I understand not liking Sonlight LA. I've used it twice with my daughter. Half the time *I* don't get it and it's really not helpful to my daughter. So, don't feel bad about your decision! (If I hadn't had to put the kids in the 'brick and mortar' school this year, I would have switched her to IEW that's taught at a local co-op.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tennismomkelly Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 If it makes you feel any better I think I have chucked everything except for one child's math, oh and FLL3, and spelling for two children..... for now.... :D Haha! That make ME feel better!! :lol: I thought that I was the only one who chucked my original plans (w/ the exception of math & handwriting). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmichigan Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 I am busy doing the same thing. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meet me in paris Posted August 19, 2010 Author Share Posted August 19, 2010 Well, I'm so glad we could all commiserate together! :D Ditchers, unite! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiffani Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 LOL!!! I decided yesterday to do the exact.same.thing!!! Small world! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest storybookmum Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 I gave away LA - Easy Readers and LA4 two days ago. Not sure why I haven't given away LA - Chapter books, too. I may as well. I do not like it AT ALL, and won't use it. I'm considering IEW, but the budget's gone till spring, so we'll be doing A Beka, which we have on hand, and I guess I'm dusting off The Writer's Jungle to try to figure out again what I'm supposed to do with it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momee Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 To the OP, I just wanted to say I agree, there is not much instruction. I did, however, want to say have you peeked at TOG's Writing Aids? It is basically a how to write handbook with rubrics and very clear steps to take to write certain papers. I am using it as a resource guide for my guys. At least you could continue with SL's writing while adding in topic specific instruction. It is very helpful for mom as well as child. I think you could find WA for $30/35 used. Just a thought if you wanted to try sticking with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mum Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 Not specific enough for me either. I have used the Institute for Excellence in Writing a bit and been happy. I didn't get the whole program, just one book at grade level. It's very specific and step-by-step. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TheBugsMom Posted August 21, 2010 Share Posted August 21, 2010 Well, I'm embarrassed to say I have tried SL La 4 times now. Each time I think I will get it, but by week 4 I am either shelving it (to resell with the books) or sending it back. Giving an example does not tell the student HOW to write. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted August 21, 2010 Share Posted August 21, 2010 What is WWE? Dawn I still use the lower levels of SL LA, because I like the reading instruction and dictation (my copies are so old they predate the last re-write, my LA K is dated 2002 ;) ). That said I never have done their writing. It is too creative based and abstract for me. I much prefer WWE till summarizing clicks, then I have them summarize orally for a while, written later and go into CW after that. Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momee Posted August 21, 2010 Share Posted August 21, 2010 http://www.susanwisebauer.com/books/writing-with-ease-strong-fundamentals/ HTH :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swirl Posted August 21, 2010 Share Posted August 21, 2010 I really don't do a lot of curriculum changing, but after 5 years of SL LA I am ditching it this year too. I thought the older version was OK, but I really dislike the new overhaul they've done with Ruth Beechick. I still have the older version that I could use with my second child, but I'm going to chuck it for everyone. I am going to try FLL and WWE for my 2nd grader and my 6th grader will use the online Write-at-Home program. (At over $400 a year I hope we like it!) :001_huh: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meet me in paris Posted August 21, 2010 Author Share Posted August 21, 2010 Well, I'm embarrassed to say I have tried SL La 4 times now. Each time I think I will get it, but by week 4 I am either shelving it (to resell with the books) or sending it back. ROTFL. I am trying to figure out if I can send it back *again* (I've already returned 2int and 6) and not be banned for life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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