S/O dealing with my own grammar deficiencies

[displace]

So the math post reminded me of yesterday, working on grammar island with DS. We were covering linking vs action verbs and DS correctly answered linking when I thought it was action.

 

My grammar instruction was mostly memorizing lists or patterns (adverbs end in -ly type of tricks) not the whys or hows of grammar. And the only sentence structure I recall working on was subject/predicate (maybe I'll recall more as we work through it?). Should I just go through MCT material ahead of time or is there a better method? :)

Edited February 27, 2016 by displace

[wintermom]

How's your dh's grammar knowledge? When I need support with math, I bring him in to explain things to the dc. I can read ahead and try to understand as best I can, then pass on the info to the dc, but I like to be more thorough when I've got an expert right in the house.

 

If this isn't possible, then use this as a learning opportunity for yourself and your dc. Read ahead in the book and do the exercises and read some more from other sources. I've learned so much through homeschooling my dc.

[OneStepAtATime]

Yeah, read ahead.  Try and teach yourself first.  Even if you just have 15-20 minutes every evening devoted to that, it can help.

[MinivanMom]

I had virtually no grammar instruction in school. I actually remember shying away from kids playing with Mad-Libs as a child, because I didn't know what a noun or an adjective was. I got one half semester of subject/predicate-type basics in 8th grade, and that was it. I have now taught the first 3 levels of MCT to 2 kids. Yes, you can do this, but you will need to study ahead.

 

What I did to be prepared was to order each new level of MCT at the start of the summer. Then I would read through every single book and work the problems where necessary.Then, when the school year began, I was ready to teach the material without feeling like I was struggling to keep up. With my first, I always kept the instructor's guide handy when correcting sentences so that I didn't make any mistakes. With my second, I haven't found that to be necessary.

 

I have learned so much about grammar by teaching it to my kids. I was a naturally strong reader and writer in school and intuitively picked up and applied correct grammar, but now I finally understand the underlying concepts. It has definitely been worth the effort to educate myself.

Edited February 27, 2016 by MinivanMom

[Kristie in Florida]

I bought Rod and Staff sixth grade for myself when my daughter was in second and I was in the beginning stages of convincing my husband to homeschool. At one point SWB or her mom recommended Abeka for self ed. You could go through what you already have ahead or pick another curriculum. I don't think it matters- the one you pick to use that gets used is the best one for you.

[fourisenough]

Work through Analytical grammar!

[displace]

I had virtually no grammar instruction in school. I actually remember shying away from kids playing with Mad-Libs as a child, because I didn't know what a noun or an adjective was. I got one half semester of subject/predicate-type basics in 8th grade, and that was it. I have now taught the first 3 levels of MCT to 2 kids. Yes, you can do this, but you will need to study ahead.

 

What I did to be prepared was to order each new level of MCT at the start of the summer. Then I would read through every single book and work the problems where necessary.Then, when the school year began, I was ready to teach the material without feeling like I was struggling to keep up. With my first, I always kept the instructor's guide handy when correcting sentences so that I didn't make any mistakes. With my second, I haven't found that to be necessary.

 

I have learned so much about grammar by teaching it to my kids. I was a naturally strong reader and writer in school and intuitively picked up and applied correct grammar, but now I finally understand the underlying concepts. It had definitely been worth the effort to educate myself.

 

This describes me also.  I did super well in school but just picked answers that sounded right, and probably a lot of good test taking skills.  I'm glad to hear I can probably get most of it with reading ahead in MCT prior to teaching.  I admit I like the idea of going through it all ahead of time.  Grammar and sentence island and the working examples I'll probably have to do this.  The other language components of the levels should be okay (poetry and language roots will just need a brush up).

[displace]

Work through Analytical grammar!

 

Since this was written with such emotion I will look into it carefully  :)

 

Edited February 27, 2016 by displace

[fourisenough]

Since this was written with such emotion I will look into it carefully :)

I used it first for self-education before teaching it to my girls. It was just perfect for my needs. I hope you find something that works for you.

[Arcadia]

My oldest is better at explaining grammar and diagramming sentences than I am. So between my oldest and schoolhouse rock, my youngest was able to do his K12 LA homework :) My oldest did aced the grammar section of standardized tests every year or I would have hired a tutor. He like K12 grammar more than MCT so YMMV. My hubby has worst grammar than me.