Hedgehog Posted December 10, 2010 Share Posted December 10, 2010 (edited) My apologies if there's an identical thread somewhere - I did do a search but couldn't find anything. I'm looking at both of these programs, trying to decide which would be best for us - please help me! From what I've seen, English From The Roots Up only has two books, but I'm not sure what grade levels/ages they are aimed at. Vocabulary from Classical Roots is a bigger series, for grades 4 through 6, and then books A, B, C, and D. That's pretty much all I know about either. We've been HSing Classically for around 18 months. I like programs that are thorough, but also ones that hold my hand quite a lot. I'm not wild about creating my own resources, and prefer to buy something that's ready for me to use. I would like to spend some time with my older DDs studying etymology, but I'm not sure whether I should wait until we're finished our remedial phonics work, and Spelling Workout (which will last us at least another year). So.. any advice? T so much IA!! EDITED TO ADD: Are there any other, similar programs which you would recommend? Edited December 14, 2010 by Hedgehog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tohru Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Vocabulary from Classical Roots is a workbook type program with a TM that helps you teach the program. Each lesson is centered around a specific root, but you learn all the words in the lesson by fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, etc. English from the Roots Up concentrates solely on the root itself, rather than all the derivatives. Each page has a root word, a lists of examples/derivatives and the definition. There are several ways to teach the program. You can introduce the root, tell it's meaning and give examples and then have your student make a vocabulary card for the word. There are other teaching suggestions in the book. We've used both and I personally liked Roots Up better because it wasn't a workbook. I got bogged down with the tedium of Vocabulary from Classic Roots and found the TM frustrating, however some people really like it and it's pretty easy to schedule. It really depends on if you want a workbook approach or if you want to create vocabulary cards. Both are good programs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 (edited) I'll add that you can purchase the cards for EFTRU. The TM has you intro a card/root per day, then you review the cards. It's easy as pie to finish in a few minutes. VFCR is a a good solid workbook program, and is very easy to teach. My youngest prefers Wordly Wise, and my oldest VFCR. They both enjoyed EFTRU when they were younger. Vocabulary from Classical Roots is a workbook type program with a TM that helps you teach the program. Each lesson is centered around a specific root, but you learn all the words in the lesson by fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, etc. English from the Roots Up concentrates solely on the root itself, rather than all the derivatives. Each page has a root word, a lists of examples/derivatives and the definition. There are several ways to teach the program. You can introduce the root, tell it's meaning and give examples and then have your student make a vocabulary card for the word. There are other teaching suggestions in the book. We've used both and I personally liked Roots Up better because it wasn't a workbook. I got bogged down with the tedium of Vocabulary from Classic Roots and found the TM frustrating, however some people really like it and it's pretty easy to schedule. It really depends on if you want a workbook approach or if you want to create vocabulary cards. Both are good programs. Edited December 11, 2010 by Tammyla Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruth in NC Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 Haven't used Roots Up but both kids exposed to Vocabulary from Classical Roots found it unbearably boring. Now we are not workbook users for the most part, so that may explain it. Ruth in Nc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 I'm not familiar with VFCR, but have used both EFTRU and Vocabulary Vine. My son and I both liked the style of EFTRU better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenda in FL Posted December 11, 2010 Share Posted December 11, 2010 My 7th grader just started VFCR A this year in 7th grade. He's also still finishing up SWO G and then H. We follow the outline in TWTM. Read the lesson, make flash cards, review the flashcards for the next few days and then do the exercises. I also add in the tests and stagger the additional review exercises so that he has to go back and refresh from previous lessons. I do not have the teacher's manual. We did not use any of the series for the younger grades. I don't know anything about the other program. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehog Posted December 12, 2010 Author Share Posted December 12, 2010 Thanks so much for the information and all your thoughts. I'm probably going to go with VFCR, simply because it's laid out easier for me to teach and doesn't require us to create our own notebooks. For some reason I missed the fact that it's mentioned in TWTM :confused: I'm obviously not paying enough attention to what I'm reading! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSMom2One Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 We are using VFCR for the first time this year at the recommendation of TWTM. My dd likes this program very much and it is doing a good job of helping to build vocabulary for her, but I have to admit that I do not like the TM at all. I have a really hard time going back and forth between both books so much that I actually wrote to the company to complain about it. (To no avail though since they don't plan to update VFCR evidently.) I brought this up on another thread here on the forum some time ago, and the consensus was that most parents don't use the TM all that much anyway. Although there are some clever activities that you might get some ideas from, it is actually better used with a classroom full of students. My main point in posting to this thread is that VFCR is indeed a great program, but I'd suggest that you use the TM mainly to help you grade your student's work. Blessings, Lucinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 I remember the thread, wasn't there a TM or just answer key option? QUOTE=HSMom2One;2250909]We are using VFCR for the first time this year at the recommendation of TWTM. My dd likes this program very much and it is doing a good job of helping to build vocabulary for her, but I have to admit that I do not like the TM at all. I have a really hard time going back and forth between both books so much that I actually wrote to the company to complain about it. (To no avail though since they don't plan to update VFCR evidently.) I brought this up on another thread here on the forum some time ago, and the consensus was that most parents don't use the TM all that much anyway. Although there are some clever activities that you might get some ideas from, it is actually better used with a classroom full of students. My main point in posting to this thread is that VFCR is indeed a great program, but I'd suggest that you use the TM mainly to help you grade your student's work. Blessings, Lucinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenda in FL Posted December 12, 2010 Share Posted December 12, 2010 I remember the thread, wasn't there a TM or just answer key option? I may have contributed to that thread. I was able to get the answer key without the TM at Rainbow Resource. I don't remember where I purchased the test booklets (which include the answer key for the tests). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna A. Posted December 13, 2010 Share Posted December 13, 2010 was able to get the answer key without the TM at Rainbow Resource. I don't remember where I purchased the test booklets (which include the answer key for the tests). CBD carries them. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehog Posted December 14, 2010 Author Share Posted December 14, 2010 Edited original post.. your further thoughts would be much appreciated.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary in GA Posted December 15, 2010 Share Posted December 15, 2010 One big difference between EFTRU and Vocab from classical roots is that VfCR always gives you the complete Latin or Greek word and for Latin verbs gives all the principal parts. We like that since we are studying Latin. VfCR can be very dry. Ds was bored silly with it. I never found a way to make it interesting for him! Dd actually enjoys word study so it works well for her. Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swimmermom3 Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 May I be utterly wicked and suggest a third alternative: MCT's Caesar's English I and II? These are hands-down the best vocabulary books I have used and my son loved them. Even posters who are on the fence about the MCT curriculum usually acknowledge that the vocabulary work is excellent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaT Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 May I be utterly wicked and suggest a third alternative: MCT's Caesar's English I and II? These are hands-down the best vocabulary books I have used and my son loved them. Even posters who are on the fence about the MCT curriculum usually acknowledge that the vocabulary work is excellent. :iagree: I have always used VfCR in the past, but am loving Caesar's English. My dc have even started using their vocabulary words in their writing. They also get very excited when we come across one in our read alouds. I will be utterly wicked with Lisa on this one. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swimmermom3 Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 :iagree: I have always used VfCR in the past, but am loving Caesar's English. My dc have even started using their vocabulary words in their writing. They also get very excited when we come across one in our read alouds. I will be utterly wicked with Lisa on this one. :001_smile: Tammy, I am delighted to hear that Caesar's English is a success at your house. Last year when we first started using CE II, I required Swimmer Dude to use a couple of his vocabulary words in his writing. When you are studying ancient history, "prostrate" and "prodigious" come in handy.:D Now he has a blast utilizing words like "pulchritude", "loquacious," and "saturnine" in his essays and stories. We have had the similar experience of numerous vocabulary words showing up in our reading of the classics. The kids are able to see a nearly-immediate pay-off with their vocabulary studies in their reading. I also appreciate how the various levels of MCT build on each other. The student will study some stems from a previous year, but will see them in totally new words, allowing for reinforcement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSMom2One Posted December 18, 2010 Share Posted December 18, 2010 I remember the thread, wasn't there a TM or just answer key option? As far as I know, there is only one Answer Key available, and it is what I referred to as the TM. In addition to the actual answers, the Answer Key also has the activity suggestions I mentioned. I love the program, but I do not like the layout and design of this book at all. Blessings, Lucinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenda in FL Posted December 18, 2010 Share Posted December 18, 2010 As far as I know, there is only one Answer Key available, and it is what I referred to as the TM. In addition to the actual answers, the Answer Key also has the activity suggestions I mentioned. I love the program, but I do not like the layout and design of this book at all. Blessings, Lucinda Here's a link for just the answer key: Answer Key Book A $3.50 at Rainbow Resource Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSMom2One Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 Here's a link for just the answer key: Answer Key Book A $3.50 at Rainbow Resource Wow! For some reason this option did not come up for me when I ordered our books from CBD. If I had only known, I would not have purchased the other version -- the Teacher Guide With Answer Key. So folks, the lesson here is to learn from my mistake. Just order the Answer Key that Brenda has pointed out because the Teacher Guide version will make your head swim. Please trust me on this one. VFCR is a great program, but you DO NOT need to buy the Teacher Guide With Answer Key, especially if you have one or just a few students using the curriculum. Blessings, Lucinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenda in FL Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 Wow! For some reason this option did not come up for me when I ordered our books from CBD. If I had only known, I would not have purchased the other version -- the Teacher Guide With Answer Key. So folks, the lesson here is to learn from my mistake. Just order the Answer Key that Brenda has pointed out because the Teacher Guide version will make your head swim. Please trust me on this one. VFCR is a great program, but you DO NOT need to buy the Teacher Guide With Answer Key, especially if you have one or just a few students using the curriculum. Blessings, Lucinda I always check the prices at Rainbow, Amazon, Overstock, and CBD. You are right - CBD does not sell the answer key only, although I think I purchased the books and/or the test booklets from CBD for a better price than Rainbow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted December 22, 2010 Share Posted December 22, 2010 I haven't used it with an actual student yet, but I bought a copy of Ida Erlich's "Instant Vocabulary" on the recommendation of Mike Brunner, who has used it successfully with some of his older remedial students. It looks great for the price ($6.99), easy to use, and looks like it should work well. I plan to use it in conjunction with MCT when my children are older, we're loving MCT so far! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.