As usual our first stop is the World of Words. What are we doing this year in the area of spelling, writing, handwriting, reading, grammar and literature?
On the Grammar fron,t in the past couple of year,s I have used Michael Clay Thompson Materials, and have loved it. However, for this year, I decided that I did no want to spend the money on it and wait for next year, when I am looking forward to start my then 6th grader, with Analytical Grammar. I can't say much about it since I have not used it, but have been very much convinced that this is what I want to use moving forward with him.
So, for this year, we are not doing much Grammar. I was blessed last year to receive a yearly membership of IXL through the TOS Crew and I have been using the Grammar portion with both boys. It covers a wide range of grammar - part of speech, part of sentences, vocabulary, punctuation - so I think it is fitting the need for this year. (You can check my review of this Math and Language program here.)
For Joho, (grade 3) in addition to using IXL, I have purchased Simply Grammar, which I have been pleased with. This is not for everyone. It is old-fashioned and used language that can be a bit difficult to understand. We work on it together, mainly orally, and often time I have to rephrase things for him. That said, what it covers is thorough and pure grammar. We talk about subject, verb, transitive and intransitive, nominative and objective case, and topics like these. This is a good reference book as well. Each lesson contain exercices to practice the concept covered.
Something else my 5th grader is doing this year, is finally going through our Latina Christina. The reason why I mention it here is because while studying Latin a lot of Grammar is covered at the same time. Got to love this program!
On the writing front, we still are not doing much. That said, I am so happy that Zach finally has no
resistance to writing. I was able to get him two pen-pals, and he is very happy to be writing and receiving letter.
I am hoping to start Zach on a writing program this Winter/Spring called Writing & Rhetoric, put out by Classical Academic Press. It looks really appealing to me. Its main appeal is its emphasis on narration, dictation and comprehension which are essential skills to master before engaging in the writing enterprise. It also covers vocabulary, as that is an integral part of comprehension and writing.
On the spelling front, we are still finishing up The Logic of English. I still love this program. I reviewed it last year, so you can see what I have to say about it there. One benefit of it is that it also contains grammar and writing.
On the handwriting front, both the boys are using Handwriting Without Tears and this is working very well for them and for me. I also love how it integrates a tad of grammar and vocabulary into it.
When it comes to literature, we are still at the level of reading. We have not done much literature analysis and study. I am planning to get cracking on this aspect next school year. The boys have been enjoying books from the selection of Tapestry of Grace Literature component as well as other books and audio I get from the library pulled from a variety of classical book lists. I was happy that last year we started back our nightly dad-led read-aloud, which had fallen off the wagon the year before that. They just finished Around the World in 80 days and are getting ready for Pilgrim's Progress. Zach is reading the Lord of the Rings Trilogy these days
A new addition this school year has been the reading of a poem weekly or daily.
That is it for the rundown of the Language Arts side of our homeschooling.
Now grab your cup of coffee and enjoy reading what other moms are doing.not doing or have to say on the topic in general.
3 Reasons to Read to Your Teens by Susan @ Homeschooling Hearts & Minds
Language Arts {Virtual Curriculum Fair} by Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses
A Classical Take on 6th Grade Language Arts by Christy @ Unexpected Homeschool
The Power in a Word by Michele@ Family, Faith and Fridays
The Latin Road to English Grammar Volume 1 by Kristi K. @ The Potter's Hand Academy
Starting a Foreign Language in Elementary School by Amy @ Eclectic Homeschooling
These are the words we say by Christa @ Fairfield Corner Academy
A Peek into our Homeschool: Language Arts by Brittney @ Mom's Heart
Our Curriculum Choices 2014 ~ English by Renata~Sunnyside Farm Fun
It Starts with the Alphabet by Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset
Playing w/ Words-Charlotte Mason Style by Lynn P @ Ladybug Chronicles
2014 Virtual Curriculum Fair ~ Playing with Words: the Language Arts by Jennifer @ a glimpse of our life
Our PreK-1st Grade Language Arts Mix by Tauna @ Proverbial Homemaker
Fun (or Not) With Spelling by Nicole @ Schooling in the Sun
Word Nerd Love by Lisa N@Golden Grasses
Our Favourite Resources For Teaching Elementary Language Arts by Kim @ Homestead Acres
Unconventional Reading Lessons While Homeschooling by Lori@My Journeys Through Life
My Favorite Writing Curriculum for our Boys by Monique @Living Life and Learning
Virtual Curriculum Fair: Playing With Words - Language Arts by Stacie @Super Mommy To The Rescue
Fun With the Language Arts by Mary @ Winecup Christian Homeschool
Our Grammar Path by Laura @ Four Little Penguins
Virtual Curriculum Fair !!! by Jessica @ Modest Mama
Creating a High School English Course (or two) by Debra @Footprints in the Butter
Language Arts in Our Homeschool This Year by Laura @ Day by Day in Our World
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Comments
Thank you for sharing! :)