Greta Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 (edited) Grammar only -- I don't need spelling, vocabulary, or writing integrated. Just grammar. Relatively painless and fun -- dd is a science- and math-oriented kid who isn't as strong in language arts. I don't want it to be too "heavy" - just to get the job done in as fun a way as possible, and in a relatively short time. Effective and practical -- by that I mean, grammar as a means to an end (fluent writing). That is my goal for her. She's not a future grammarian. :) Affordable would also be nice! Any ideas? ETA: Forgot to mention that the one thing about grammar that she really enjoys, believe it or not, is diagramming! Edited July 10, 2011 by GretaLynne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna T. Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Sounds like Winston Grammar. It doesn't teach diagramming but has the child parsing sentences. It looks like alot of fun. I picked up a used set of materials a few weeks ago just to take a good look at it. I decided to stick with R&S but if I wanted just grammar, I'd go with WG. http://www.christianbook.com/basic-winston-grammar/pd/24681?item_code=WW&netp_id=166187&event=ESRCG&view=details Another one to check out is Grammar Ace. Sonlight sells it with a student book, a teacher's manual and the Schoolhouse Rock DVD. We use it as a supplement when we need a break from R&S. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Embassy Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 There are free workbooks that you can print off here: http://www.glencoe.com/sites/alabama/teacher/languageart/assets/workbooks.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firestar Academy Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 we use shurley. if you spread it out over 2 years, which many do, I think it is affordable. there is a writing assignment every 5th lesson, but we just skipped it. my kids can wow anyone with their ability to identifiy parts of speach. just my opinion. robin in NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted July 10, 2011 Author Share Posted July 10, 2011 Thank you, Donna. Winston does look fun. I think she would like the colored cards. :) But your mention that it doesn't teach diagramming reminded me that that's the thing she likes MOST about grammar! Funny kid, huh? :D. Not to say that's a deal breaker. I have a whole book devoted to diagramming, so we could supplement with that. Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted July 10, 2011 Author Share Posted July 10, 2011 Thank you Robin and Wehomeschool. I will look into these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjgrubbs Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 There are free workbooks that you can print off here: http://www.glencoe.com/sites/alabama/teacher/languageart/assets/workbooks.html Wow!!!! I am very excited - thank you for sharing this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wapiti Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Would AG be too heavy? One of the points that stuck in my mind about AG was the video that discusses teaching grammar like math. (at this link, http://www.analyticalgrammar.com/virtual-convention-videos, the one about why AG is different) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiddenJewel Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 AG was great for my non-grammar girl. However, Hake Grammar and Writing would work too. We did it without the writing portion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamee Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Would AG be too heavy? One of the points that stuck in my mind about AG was the video that discusses teaching grammar like math. (at this link, http://www.analyticalgrammar.com/virtual-convention-videos, the one about why AG is different) We were very happy with JAG this year and I plan on moving DS to main course this year. DS, who doesn't like grammar at all, actually enjoyed it and did well. We were doing Winston while waiting for it to arrive and it was fun. I'll be using it as filler or on weeks when we can't do a full AG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted July 10, 2011 Author Share Posted July 10, 2011 Would AG be too heavy? One of the points that stuck in my mind about AG was the video that discusses teaching grammar like math. (at this link, http://www.analyticalgrammar.com/virtual-convention-videos, the one about why AG is different) Emphasis mine. This is an interesting idea! I'm off to watch the video you linked. Thanks! AG was great for my non-grammar girl. However, Hake Grammar and Writing would work too. We did it without the writing portion. We were very happy with JAG this year and I plan on moving DS to main course this year. DS, who doesn't like grammar at all, actually enjoyed it and did well. We were doing Winston while waiting for it to arrive and it was fun. I'll be using it as filler or on weeks when we can't do a full AG. Cool, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atozmom Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 We love AG. My dd is using it now and I plan to start ds in JAG in 4th. For those that haven't heard, this is exciting news as well. This came from an email I received from the ladies at AG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted July 10, 2011 Author Share Posted July 10, 2011 Would AG be too heavy? One of the points that stuck in my mind about AG was the video that discusses teaching grammar like math. (at this link, http://www.analyticalgrammar.com/virtual-convention-videos, the one about why AG is different) Well, after watching those videos, I must say, AG looks fantastic!!! I normally wouldn't spend that much $$ on a curriculum, but I'm telling myself that it's three years' worth of grammar in one package. ;) Now I just have to convince hubby to stretch the homeschooling budget a bit. Wish me luck! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiddenJewel Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Well, after watching those videos, I must say, AG looks fantastic!!! I normally wouldn't spend that much $$ on a curriculum, but I'm telling myself that it's three years' worth of grammar in one package. ;) Now I just have to convince hubby to stretch the homeschooling budget a bit. Wish me luck! :D The cost of AG kept me from using for at least 2 years. I wasted money those two years on programs that didn't work for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted July 10, 2011 Author Share Posted July 10, 2011 The cost of AG kept me from using for at least 2 years. I wasted money those two years on programs that didn't work for us. Wow, that's good to know. Even the cheapest program is a waste of money if it doesn't work. And I've already told my dh that since this may very well end up being my last year of homeschooling :crying: I'm going all out, and enjoying every minute of it! For ONCE I should be allowed to splurge on curriculum! :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atozmom Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 The cost of AG kept me from using for at least 2 years. I wasted money those two years on programs that didn't work for us. Us too! I wish I would have bought it when I first checked into it and liked it so much. Not only do I feel like we wasted money on other programs that just didn't work, but time as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollyandab Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 I don't know anything about AG (and I'm NOT going to look at it!! :tongue_smilie: Blinders are on!), but Easy Grammar is very reasonably priced and does the job. We've had very good success with it, and I know of many others that love it. Very straight-forward and just grammar. Thought I'd throw another one in there for ya! :001_smile: Blessings, Holly in KY Mama to 11 yr twin boys TOG'ers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted July 10, 2011 Author Share Posted July 10, 2011 I don't know anything about AG (and I'm NOT going to look at it!! :tongue_smilie: Blinders are on!), but Easy Grammar is very reasonably priced and does the job. We've had very good success with it, and I know of many others that love it. Very straight-forward and just grammar. Thanks, I will check it out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cuckoomamma Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 What about Michael Clay Thompson's series? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homeschooling6 Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 We love AG. My dd is using it now and I plan to start ds in JAG in 4th. For those that haven't heard, this is exciting news as well. This came from an email I received from the ladies at AG. TEACHING DVDs In July we'll shoot all the video for our newest product. We are making a set of DVDs that teach all the lessons for AG, Jr. AG, and Jr. AG: Mechanics! The DVDs will be sold separately from the books and will be PERFECT for those of you with limited teaching time or who feel you need a little more support and hand-holding from us. The videos will feature both Robin and Erin and will be used for introducing each unit. We'll also take your students through the first few sentences of exercise #1. The set of DVD for AG will retail for around $40. The DVDs that go with Jr. AG and Jr. AG: Mechanics (sold separately) will each retail for around $20. Stay tuned because we will be offering a pre-order sale when we get closer. The DVD should be ready to get to you in August. The website says they will be available late August. I'm looking forward to the DVDs. AG sat on my shelf this past year because I needed something more independent. I was really happy when I found out DVD will be available. Linda<>< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NittanyJen Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Growing With Grammar works. Just a few no-nonsense minutes 3x per week, diagramming, you end up with a handy reference book (the text is well-organized) and not larded own with extra stuff. But it does the job, and well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiddenJewel Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 I'm looking forward to the DVDs. AG sat on my shelf this past year because I needed something more independent. I was really happy when I found out DVD will be available.Linda<>< My girls did AG independently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jujudalu Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 Another vote for Winston Grammar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine State Sue Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 We used Analytical Grammar for 6th-7th-8th grade. I liked it because it was clear and concise. You may read my review here. I don't know of a "fun" grammar program. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted July 11, 2011 Author Share Posted July 11, 2011 What about Michael Clay Thompson's series? The last time I looked at it (a couple of years ago?) it just seemed way out of my price range. But I can check again. Thanks. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted July 11, 2011 Author Share Posted July 11, 2011 Thank you, Sue, I found your review very helpful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyful_Journey Posted July 11, 2011 Share Posted July 11, 2011 Another vote for Growing with Grammar! If you do not want a grammar/writing/vocab program such as MCT, then GWG would be my next choice. It is easy to implement and includes diagramming. You can check out sample pages here: http://www.growingwithgrammar.com/ Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted July 11, 2011 Author Share Posted July 11, 2011 (edited) Editing: I decided this would be best addressed in a separate thread. Edited July 11, 2011 by GretaLynne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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