HFClassicalAcademy Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 We were planning on using Shirley English at the beginning of 1st grade with ds. I decided to drop it since I felt that I needed to focus on phonics and fluency before introducing grammar to him. Now that we are at the end of the year, I feel like we are ready to start grammar. I have gone through the first lessons of Shirley (before we dropped it) and realize how teacher intensive it is. I don't mind it's intensiveness if it is an excellent program. I just want to know...is it an excellent program?? And which level do I start with if I go with it? Is there a better program out there for grammar? Since we are starting out closer to 2nd grade, do we do a 2nd grade book? I feel completely lost as to what program would work best and which level we should start with. I appreciate any advice and suggestions. I am not limited by curriculum, so I'm willing to try something outside of Shirley. FWIW, we also just started level 1 of WWE. Thanks!! Liz in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diaperjoys Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 I taught 2nd grade Shurley in a classical school, and I do like it for a classroom setting. But now that I am home teaching my own kiddos, meh, not such a good fit! I don't like a TM that scripts every single word I'm supposed to say, and the organization of the materials seems like it could be better. We're using BJU for English, and I know there are other great programs too; I'm eager to hear what others recommend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara in WA Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 I hear great things about Shurley. That being said, we are big fans of FLL. It is scripted, but it is just a guide. I have dd 1st grade in FLL 1 and dd 3rd grade in FLL 3. About once a year I get ready to jump the FLL ship and do something workbooky. My dh kindly suggests I stay the course and I'm so glad. My kids are learning a lot! FLL 1 lessons are short yet kids will learn a lot. We find the FLL CD to be a great purchase with all the stories, poems and grammar chants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 :iagree: R&S is much easier for me to use, and my dc retain it, unlike the year I tried Shurley. I will say that if you decide to use SG, go ahead and start w/ what you have. Most of the people I know who use it, have their dc doing one year behind. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
74Heaven Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 I am on my fourth child, using the above sequence. IT has proven perfect for us. A Beka is simple, straightforward, and Shurley is more fun and cements the deeper grammar concepts. Lisaj, mom to 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sumiller Posted April 17, 2009 Share Posted April 17, 2009 When I began with Shurley about 7 years ago, what I loved most about it was that it was scripted! I didn't know how to teach grammar. After using it for a couple years, I found that I could read ahead in the TM and teach the lesson without the script. It gave me confidence. I also love the question/answer flow to classifying a sentence. It makes sense and it has made learning grammar fun! Both my boys have retained what they've learned. Now my oldest is doing Analytical Grammar and still using the Q/A flow to help him. :001_smile: 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.