Language Smarts opinion? 1st grade

[UnlikelyHomeschoolingMama]

Good morning!!  I am starting to really look at next year and am not sure about one thing I have planned for my DS.  He will be in first grade.  I have done FLL 1 and 2 with my DD and it was fine (although we have burned out toward the end of 2 and will be switching to CLE LA 3 next year).  

 

However, my DS is a typical boy...not as willing to do things that tend to be dry.  And as much as FLL worked with my daughter, it is dry.  Looking at other things I have ready for him, I do not think FLL will go over well.  However, I do believe that INTRODUCING grammar, in a gentle way, has been great for DD.  

 

SO....all that to say...I came across Language Smarts from Critical Thinking Co. last night and I like the looks of it.  Short, edible bites of work, VERY colorful and engaging and even some reasoning puzzles and stuff.  Has anybody ever used it and what are your thoughts?  Again, not trying to make him a grammar wiz, but just an introduction to concepts.  

 

Thanks!!

[Sherry in OH]

I like this series.  Most exercises are a page or less, so not too much writing.  The exercises are varied enough that the child doesn't complain about doing the same thing day after day.  The puzzles in book B are fun.  My strongly independent younger son can complete the exercises on his own.  The recent publication of a fourth volume means that I don't have to scamble to find him something else for next year.

 

The grammar is light.  If grammar in first grade is important to you, you'll probably want to supplement those pages with additional resources. 

 

[mamakelly]

I don't like it at all. I bought it for my 2nd grader. It feels too jumpy to me. It hops all around topic wise.

[Carrousel]

Not a fan. Very little teaching and not in context or logical order. Ds could follow the examples to easily complete the work, but we used as a supplement and dropped part way through the year. Retention may be an issue if using as main program.

[jens2sons]

I hate it.  We bought the book for 2nd grade and only made it through the first few weeks before I tossed it.  It's okay for a supplement but that's it.  

[Mrs Twain]

I have used it as a supplement, and it was useful for that purpose. I would not choose this for my main program, but it could work for first grade if you would like something for your child to do before starting another program when he is older.