Queens+AAS or CLE for Language Arts - and why?

[againstthegrain]

When we pulled DS out of 1st grade, I was reeling trying to grasp everything. So we basically wiped the board clean and started finding what material and method we liked for each subject and building up from there. Well, we have figured out Math, Science, History, Music... yippee! Now we need to figure out English/Language Arts. And DS is hitting 9 years in the fall so we are ready to add in spelling. We have been doing Queen's Language Lessons. Both kids like them.

 

DS will start spelling next year. We were considering two options:

 

Option A:
Queen's Homeschool for Elementary (finish Vol 1, go to Vol 2) plus All About Spelling 1, 2, 3 

 

Option B:
CLE Language Arts (all inclusive spelling/language is the idea) - he places into Grade 4 LA on the Diagnotic Test.

 

 

I was hoping for an opinion on which you would choose and why. He's been moving to complete independence on his work in the last couple months.

 

 

 

IF you choose CLE, would you suggest moving DD from Queens to CLE as well? She's at a solid 1st grade level right now and places to the CLE Gr. 2.... but her reading level is not Gr. 2 so I would be dictating, does that seem ok?

 

 

IF you choose Queens+AAS, would you supplement at all? It's VERY light language arts...am I missing anything big that should be supplemented with Queens LL?

[sbgrace]

I like CLE for grammar and general usage of language for my weak LA kid, but I would recommend a different spelling program to someone using it. The spelling definitely isn't the strong part. So I'd say pick AAS or whatever anyway.

 

Given Queen's is working well, I'd keep it for both I think. Don't fix what isn't broke!

 

But if you feel Queen's needs supplementing (I haven't used it), what is light? If he tested into CLE LA 4, it sounds like he's doing just fine with what you have. 

 

I use CLE LA with my weak one (well parts of it--not the spelling or handwriting) in addition to the other LA I use with both kids. So CLE is my supplement essentially. It doesn't take him very long. I use CLE reading with both my kids, but I am assuming you're talking about the LA instead.

Edited February 19, 2016 by sbgrace

[ExcitedMama]

Have you checked out English Language Through Literature (ELTL)? I accidentally bought Queens First Language Lessons from Rainbow when I meant to buy FLL so I don't know much about their upper levels but we did the one I bought and when I looked into it further found Queens was considered pretty light and expensive for what it is. ELTL is definitely priced better and I think more well done, again only looking at the lower levels of Queens. Plus with your DD coming up you can reuse the ELTL books which is a plus since you don't write in them.

 

I'm very impressed with AAS. It teaches the spelling rules (like when to use c vs. k and when to double letters, etc.) and do a short written practice with them. For DS this has been great for his stamina with writing and copywork. He's a natural speller but hasn't had to write much before so we usually break up the lessons over a couple of days starting with writing words, the next day writing phrases, and then the next finish with him wtiting out the sentences. Since you are looking for a LA component this might fit the bill more than you might have thought it would. I had no idea AAS had so much writing and have been impressed so far. It's also priced well and again the teachers book is reusable so down the road you would just need to buy your DD her own workbook. Be prepared to go quickly through AAS1. If your DD is doing 1st grade work she could get started too and just go at a slower pace than your DS.

Edited February 19, 2016 by ExcitedMama

[Peaceful Isle]

I have never used CLE, but I have heard great things about it.

 

I have used queens language about 4 years ago. My dd actually did two language levels in one year. Honestly, I'm sure it works for some, but I really felt it was not enough, even though we used two levels!! There was a ton of copy work. The books are not very thick, and it is a lot of money for what you get.

 

If you love a relaxed language arts program, it will be great for you. I'm not trying to bash queens, I'm just saying my experience. :)

[...................]

I tried queen's twice and both times felt we lost months of productivity that set my kids far back and we had to work harder to catch up later.  I did this twice actually with two very different kids who learn differently, so I really feel like it's not the best thing.

 

I personally feel that in grades 2-5 it is extrememly important to build a very strong foundation with plenty of handwriting, writing, grammar, sentences and a strong spelling program. My own kids were unable to thrive with whole-to-parts learning in those areas, and the things that worked for us tended to be traditional school-type workbook programs with plenty of built in practice and clear teaching and review.  

 

So of the choices you mentioned I like CLE better.  We also really liked Abeka and BJU.  My kids hated the recitation of FLL and the aspect of copying other literature from WWE but both of those are very strong programs and have some unique elements that may spark your child's interest such as excerpts from whole literature and plenty of poetry.  But all in all I felt that Abeka and BJU (and CLE is similar) provided the teaching, practice pages, repetition, review that helped my children learn with little to no frustration.  

 

AAS is the best spelling program I know of. I have recommended it to many younger moms and all have reported great success with it, even years later.  Even if you do choose CLE you could use AAS instead, if you can afford it.  

 

 

 

[againstthegrain]

I'll look into ELTL samples tonight, thanks for the recommendation. 

I'm not a fan of Abeka readers and it looks like the LA is tied in heavily to their LA program? I've never even looked at BJU :/

 

 

[...................]

For second grade your child should still be learning/'reviewing intensive phonics to prepare for a strong spelling and decoding foundation. So in second grade both Abek and Bju tie together all their LA and that does include the readers. In third grade it's separate so your child can read other books instead.

 

If the reading selection is so easy that your child doesn't even blink an eye reading it then you can even skip it in 2nd grade of course. And as always you can add or supplement wherever you want.

 

But if you prefer the CLE I'm sure it'll work out, it's been around a looooooong time. :)