PeacefulChaos Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 (edited) I'm trying to decide what to do for grammar with the boys next year, and I need some help! Link has done FLL 1, 2, and 3 (well, he's currently in 3). I don't care for FLL 3 and want to switch programs, so I'm thinking that for him, we'll switch to Rod & Staff. Astro has done FLL 1 and 2 (currently in 2) and I don't even want to try FLL 3 with him. He'll be in 2nd grade next year. I had originally planned on doing FLL 3 with him over the course of a year and a half, but I really don't think he'll like it at all - I just feel like the big workbook and everything in it will just be drudgery for him. He's just not that type of kid, kwim? I think he could hate it to the extent that he would space out on it or be so overwhelmed by it that he'd be in tears - so FLL 3 is just not an option for him (not to mention I think it's really boring and don't care to ever use it again anyway ;) ). 1. So what are good grammar programs? 2. I've heard of Grammar Island on here - how does that work? Do I just need Grammar Island or should I buy their other stuff too (Sentence Island and stuff)? And the description of it on the website doesn't tell me much about the program itself - I looked at the 'view online' part of the books and I just don't get it. So yeah, how does that work? 3. I saw a friend's Draw Write Now book yesterday and thought it looked like something Astro might like. What are your thoughts on it? Thanks so much! :) Edited October 28, 2012 by PeacefulChaos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeacefulChaos Posted October 28, 2012 Author Share Posted October 28, 2012 I just thought of another question: 4. Tell me about AAS. Is it worth it? What is so great about it? I've considered it off and on for Astro, but it's a really big investment - what all is needed for it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurelia Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 1. KISS, MCT (if you use the whole program, not just grammar), Hake, Shurley. Not specifically grammar curricula, but good for English - Galore Park Junior English and Serl's Primary Language Lessons. 2. The Grammar Island book is just an overview. I really think, having looked over it, that it would be too weak to use as a stand alone program, and at minimum, should also do the practice and Sentence Island books, but preferably the poetry and vocabulary, too. 3. We didn't like DWN, but others rave about it. It depends on the kid. Ariel loves Mark Kistler's online drawing lessons. She doesn't do so well learning out of a book for art. 4. I've used AAS a couple of times, (from level 1 to halfway through level 3) and I question whether it's worth the money. I love the idea of it, but DD hasn't seemed to retain much; she does better, at this point, with Apples & Pears. To begin with, you need the level 1 materials for teacher and student, and the letter tiles. I also highly recommend the magnets for the tiles. The rest is entirely optional, though I do like having the box and dividers. You also need a 2x3 whiteboard, preferably magnetic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverMoon Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 (edited) . Edited June 2 by SilverMoon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted October 28, 2012 Share Posted October 28, 2012 I just thought of another question:4. Tell me about AAS. Is it worth it? What is so great about it? I've considered it off and on for Astro, but it's a really big investment - what all is needed for it? Or you could do Spalding, which is more comprehensive than AAS, there's only one level, and it's much less expensive. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeacefulChaos Posted October 28, 2012 Author Share Posted October 28, 2012 Thanks all! I need to look at the grammar programs mentioned. How does R&S work? Is it workbook-y? I wouldn't use DWN as an art thing. More for something interesting for him to do with writing. We use Artistic Pursuits for art. :) It sounds like it takes a LOT of stuff for AAS... I was kind of hoping that I could do it without all the extras. :/ Oh, well. We use Spelling Workout and he's getting better with it (compared to where he was a month or two ago). I really think it has a lot to do with where he is in reading and phonics stuff at this age. But I'd rather just stick to $10/book for SW than shell out tons of money for AAS - even if Pink used AAS when she started, it wouldn't equal out in cost. Keep 'em coming! :) :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeacefulChaos Posted October 28, 2012 Author Share Posted October 28, 2012 Ellie - can you tell me more about Spalding? What I see on the website piques my interest, but I can't see any samples or anything (at least not that I've found). I'm also curious as to how it works. :) Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeacefulChaos Posted October 29, 2012 Author Share Posted October 29, 2012 bumping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FairProspects Posted October 29, 2012 Share Posted October 29, 2012 Hm, well my opinion is different. We LOVE Grammar Island, and I just see it as a different approach, but not incomplete at all. FLL is parts to whole grammar, and MCT is whole to parts. We use both in different ways. We use MCT as the primary intro to the grammar concept, and we do all the exercises including the writing assignments. Then we use only the diagramming part of FLL 3 concurrently. For example, we've just gone through direct and indirect objects in GI, and we are also diagramming these concepts with FLL workbook pages. The language in GI is far more sophisticated, which works for identifying parts of speech and sentence function, but is harder to use to teach diagramming. The sentences in FLL are much more gentle for teaching the concept of diagramming and reinforce the main ideas learned in GI. I hope that makes sense! 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.