Before MCTLA

[Embassy]

I plan to use MCTLA with my son when he is in third grade. I used BJU English 3 with my oldest son before moving on to MCTLA. I'm not sure I want to use BJU English 3 with my second son though. Any suggestions? What did you use before you started the Island level?

[plain jane]

I used Shurley and I *really* like how it led into SI. The way they break down the sentences is very similar and the terminology was familiar so it made for a very easy transition.

 

We're using R&S now and I don't find it as compatible with SI as Shurley was. I'll be using Shurley again with my younger ones because of how great the transition into MCT worked this time around.

[StephanieZ]

My youngest is doing Island right now. She did no formal grammar or writing prior to it, and is doing beautifully with MCT. (We had done maybe 2 or 3 lessons from English for the Thoughtful Child. . . It would have been fine to do all of it, and we liked it well enough. . . but it just wasn't a priority for me.)

 

I'd say the most important preparation for Island is lots of reading. Reading good books aloud, including poetry.

 

Independent reading & also writing of a few sentences a week would also be important preparation. Reading at 3rd grade level for sure. Spelling isn't included in MCT & so that would be important to get started with something else.

 

Mad Libs would be a fun way to prepare for parts of speech if you want to do that, but I really don't think it is necessary.

 

HTH

[CarrieF]

My son did FLL 1 & 2 before moving into MCT Island and is doing great. Another curriculum from which to choose! :001_smile: (I always like having choices. ;) )

[Embassy]

Thanks. I look into Shurley. I'm doing Mad Libs this year to introduce the parts of speech and informal instruction in writing and punctuation. I do think he needs some sort of formal approach to grammar and writing prior to MCT Island level though. It would be too big of a jump otherwise especially considering all the writing assignments in the Island level.