Choosing not to do diagramming and

We’re trying Fix It Grammar this year for 2 of my 4 daughters. The background: my 7th grader had traditional grammar instruction (CLE Language Arts) from 3rd to 5th grades, with diagramming, etc. I tried Easy Grammar with her last year. This year, she did a Progeny Press study guide that tied in with our history and is using Fix It #2 (Robin Hood) right now. I did plan to have her use another Study Guide (not Progeny) for 3rd term, but I might change my mind, and have her continue with Fix It until the end of the year.

She likes it. It’s not her favorite, but she does it without complaint. I do notice that this dd will skip things, do sloppy work, so I do need to keep on top of that with her than with my other dd.  I do actually sit next to her and guide her thru each lesson, otherwise, she skips things and just does shoddy work.

My 3rd grade dd is using Fix It #1. Her LA background: none, really.  I pretty much ignored grammmar with this dd until this year. I jave noticed that it’s working out well. I notice that  she’s definitely learning.

She likes it, but instead of doing one lesson per day, she lets it pile up snd then it is too much writing for her. And it is a fair amount of writing for a 3rd grader. I let her use the shortest applicable definition, sometimes I let her copy from the teacher book instead of always digging out the dictionary. I try to always sit with her and guide her thru the lessons, too, but this daughter I can trust to do a good job, even if I can’t be right there.

I do want her to learn diagramming (because I like it?), but I think I’ll just tuck that in next year, and teach all 4 girls at the same time. (well, the oldest has had diagrammibg experience, so it will just be a refresher for her.)

My verdict is that we will use Fix It more. I also intend to use IEW’s writing program next year with all 4 dd (next year they’ll be 8th, 6th, 4th, and 3rd grades). My secodn daughter (5th grade this year) is dyslexic, and the Barton Reading and Spelling Program doesn’t advise using anything until she completes Level 4 of the Barton program (which she JUST finished yesterday, yay!)

I plan to wait on diagramming sentences until near the end of high school for one term, using a short light unit from CLE, just so they will be familiar with it if they see it in college.  It is certainly not something that guarantees you will have a great writer.  We use CM copywork, dictation, and oral and written narrations.  We discuss grammar and punctuation elements within the context of the dictation passage.  Hearing and Telling, Reading and Writing book here at SCM is a great Language Arts guide for CM methods.

Here is an excellent topic about the success of CM methods without needing a writing program.  We did use and enjoy Writing Tales one year though.

https://simplycharlottemason.com/scmforum/topic/writing-advice/