Can someone describe the similarities/differences between CLE and R&S?

[dorothy]

I am interested in math and grammar.

 

I would like to know how they compare, including how the pages "look." I like the clean pages R&S has but want workbooks instead of hardcover.

 

For math, I want clear, thorough instructions.

 

For grammar, I want it to stick.

 

Thanks.

[mamaof2andtwins]

Well, CLE is spiral in both their math and language arts curriculum. R&S is mastery with review.

 

CLE~ Instruction for new material is right in the Light Unit. The lesson is short. Then the student has some practice with the new material. After the new material there is a "We Remember" section in both math and language arts. This section reviews many concepts from previous lessons.

 

CLE language arts contains a penmanship section and a spelling section. R&S has separate books for these.

 

CLE is intended to be used independently with very little need for teacher intervention. Obviously, if a student does not understand the lesson then a teacher would need to go through and offer additional explanation.

 

CLE has a quiz in lesson 5 and 10 and then a light unit test after lesson 15 or 16.

 

CLE math has speed drills through 6th grade that are done every day.

 

R&S has oral reviews each day in English. Occasionally these reviews are quizzes.

 

R&S does offer good explanation of new material.

 

Obviously all the work needs to be written out on paper. Some people do it orally and others allow their children to write it in the book.

 

R&S has no quizzes. The only have a chapter test.

 

R&S math has speed drills every other lesson.

 

I am sure I have missed something and others can add. You can view sample of the pages at the yahoo group in the photo sections.

 

We switched from R&S math and English to CLE math and English. My children have done very well with CLE.

 

Jennie

[MIch elle]

CLE math is more advanced than R&S math. We switched to CLE math after finding that R&S did not cover adequately algebra & other concepts that most dc are expected to know for std. tests.

[TracyR]

The one poster did a great job with comparing both curriculums.

I have used Rod and Staff and now am using CLE for grammar with my oldest and she likes it quite a bit more then she did with the Rod and Staff. She is getting more out of the CLE then she did the Rod and Staff as well. Just because her writing is a work in progress so writing out the exercises was just drudgery for her and doing the exercises orally just didn't work for her. She would just forget everything when we used that method. My daughters are the type that they have to write things to remember them.

 

CLE LA Pros:

1. Its in workbook form. Great for children who have difficulty with writing outside of a text and just can't remember things after reviewing them orally.

2.Its spiral so the concepts are constantly being reviewed. Things just aren't brought up and never talked abou again. They continue to practice those concepts throughout the Light Units.

3. They can work on it independently. Of course you are there for help. Each Light Unit has short but thorough intstructions.

4. Spelling and penmenship is included in the LIght Units yet if it doesn't work well for your child you can chose to use something else for both of those subjects and continue on with their language arts regardless.

5. The page lay out is very user friendly , not cluttered and is thre toned in black, orange and blue ( at least is is for third grade :>) There are some pictures used sporadically throughout the light unit and they are sweet and quaint.

6. They also have a short extra activity for the child to break up the monotony of work and I know my daughter likes that :>)

7. There are up to date words that children can relate to. Would you believe today that I saw in the section for proper nouns the word Wal Mart in the Light Unit? LOL.

 

CLE LA cons:

1. Some find that the spiral method just doesn't work for their child.

2. Some feel that its too mixed up for their taste.

3. Some would rather have texts they can reuse with other children down the line

4. Some would rather be more involved with the learning process with their child.

5. Some children just need color

 

Rod and Staff

1. Is in textbook form so you can use this with more then one child.

2. Student can write in the text or outside of the textbook.

3. Is a mastery program

4.Is another excellent grammar program.

5.If memory serves me right the pages are black and white.

 

Cons:

1. Is a textbook , some children are not comfortable writing outside of a textbook.

2.Some children need more practice then what R&S offers

3. Some families may want a more independent approach.

 

 

CLE math pros:

1. Is in workbook form for all grade levels. Great for children who have difficulty with handwriting.

2. Is spiral and great for children who need continous practice.

3. I loved that they are themed for example LU 406 is about Antartica so they use information about the contient, animals ,etc in word problems , pictographs etc.

4. Has the drill incorporated into the LU so its not seperate for the program. You have everything you need.

5. Lessons are short and to the point.

6. Layout for the math is uncluttered. Its math and you get math.

7. More advanced then R&S and most math programs out there. Envision Saxon math on steriods!LOL.

 

 

Cons:

1. Is spiral , some children do better with focusing on one topic at a time ( mastery)

2. Is a math that is accelerated so some children don't like knowing that they are a grade or two level below where they want to be.

3. Some children need color

4. Some families would rather spend their money on a textbook rather then consumable workbooks

 

R&S math pros

1. In a textbook

2. Is mastery based. Best for kids who need to focus on one topic at a time.

3.is a gentle math program

 

R&S cons

1. Starts in a textbook at grade 2 or 3. Not so good for children who have difficulty with handwriting

2. Is mastery based , some children need review of concepts

3. If you live in a state where standardized testing is done , this program doesn't neccessarily line up with these tests

 

 

 

Other than those things CLE is an excellent program. It just all depends on what you want, what works best for your child(ren) and what your goals are.

Either way you really can't go wrong. The best part about CLE is you can purchase a few Light Units and give them a try and see if they work. You aren't dedicated to a whole program should it not.

Edited February 6, 2009 by TracyR