Grammar and Spelling required in my state

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  • November 1, 2012 at 11:28 pm
    momof3
    Participant

    I have an 8 year old and a 5 year old.  I am required to teach Grammar and Spelling and keep records of all subjects.  I’m a bit worried about this since I’m trying to follow CM and have not been doing anything formal that I could actually show.  Is there anything that you can recommend for my 8 year old?  I’m just not sure what to do.  Thank you.

    November 1, 2012 at 11:59 pm
    cedargirl
    Participant

    I recommend adding First Language Lessons from Peace Hill Press or Language Lessons for the Very Young Vol 1 from Queenhomeschool.com for your 8YO. They are simple daily lessons often using picture study, narration, copywork… that would take no more than 10-15 min to do each day. They are easy to use and will supply you with the “paperwork” samples that you need for your state to “see”.

    I don’t have any CM advice on spelling as I am sorting that out myself right now but I am sure someone else will chime in with a suggestion. I know Queen also has a Spelling Through Copywork program that is straightforward copywork sentences each day. We tried it, didn’t stick with it this year but can’t remember why.

    November 2, 2012 at 3:19 am
    ServingwithJoy
    Participant

    I was looking at English for the Thoughtful Child for my 8 year old. It seems to be CM oriented but has plenty of ‘hard copy’ work to show. Also, they seemed to cover all of the grammar concepts they would need to know. It is recommended in the SCM curriculum guide.

    Do you know what the specific requirements are for your Kindergartner? I wouldn’t imagine they could be requiring much grammar or spelling instruction while they are still learning phonics!

    Also, “instruction” does not have to be pencil and paper work. Do you have the option of logging your instruction time? Or recording narrations and then writing them down? Just a thought.

    If you are having your 8yo do copywork and dictation, I would suggest that just by making a list of spelling words from the dictation you could cover ‘spelling’.

    If you have to go the ‘workbook’ route, we like the Rod and Staff spelling books, and Explode the Code for further word work.

    November 2, 2012 at 5:51 am
    Mum In Zion
    Participant

    I have used the book “Delightful Dictation with Spelling” which covers copywork, dictation and spelling patterns.  The book is paired with “The ABCs and All Their Tricks” by Margaret M. Bishop which is helpful in choosing spelling words and learning the rules.  It is very gentle starting with 3 word sentences like “Haste makes waste”. So you copy the sentence, use it for dictation and then pick out 2 spelling patterns (-aste words and a_e words for example).  

    Have you looked at Grammarland by ML Nesbitt?  There are free worksheets to go with the book found here…

    http://dontneednoeducation.blogspot.co.il/2010/01/grammar-land-worksheets.html   I haven’t used them but they look good and would provide you with something to show.

    Blessings, Michelle

     

    November 2, 2012 at 5:56 am
    Corie
    Participant

    I was thinking English for the Thoughtful Child, as well.  I have it and have not started it with my almost 8yo.  I am not completely sure whether I will do “formal” grammar with him this year, but if I were required to have a grammar program of some sort, that is what I would use.  

    November 4, 2012 at 12:23 am
    momof3
    Participant

    Ok, I am going to look at the ones mentioned here. I am in KY and this is my 3rd year. For some reason, this year I got a letter at the beginning of the school year saying that I need to keep records and grades of all subjects and listed the subjects I needed to cover. I don’t know why I got a letter this year and so I’m a bit more concerned about having stuff to show. I won’t actually be doing anything with my 5 year old as far as spelling and grammar. I guess I shouldn’t have even mentioned him in my post above. If he were going to public school I would not enroll him until next year anyway since he just turned 5. I appreciate all of the suggestions. Now to make a decision!

    November 4, 2012 at 1:37 am
    greenebalts
    Participant

    We use Queen Language Lessons and All About Spelling.  I recommend both. 

     

    Blessings,

    Melissa

    http://reflectionsfromdrywoodcreek.blogspot.com/

    November 4, 2012 at 6:35 pm
    LDIMom
    Participant

    Are u a member of HSLDA? If so u might want to forward that letter to them. I once got a letter and turns out the school personnel who sent in was in the wrong re: our state’s laws. HSLDA sent them a letter and that was the end of the requests. Just a thought to check with HSLDA if you are a member, which I do recommend. They were so helpful and too care of it for us professionally and promptly.

    November 4, 2012 at 7:23 pm
    momof3
    Participant

    I am not a member of HSLDA but maybe I should be.  A friend of mine who is in the state but another county also got a letter for the first time this year.  Just makes me a bit nervous.

    November 4, 2012 at 8:18 pm
    suzukimom
    Participant

    From this article linked from HSLDA – if you are in KY, I would make sure you are sure of state laws, as there is an “official” trying to do things that aren’t legal in checking up on Homeschooling…  http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/ky/20090715.asp

    It looks like you can get a summary of the laws from HSLDA http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?State=KY

    November 4, 2012 at 8:20 pm
    Corie
    Participant

    I was thinking the same thing about calling HSLDA when I read this post the other day.  I am glad someone said it and would be interested to know what you find out!

    November 5, 2012 at 2:52 pm
    coralloyd
    Participant

    Another suggestion for grammar is Rod &Staff English. If you are going to have to do grammar each year is it a very solid program. The 2nd grade book is a very gentle intro ( takes about 5 min.). It easily builds upon itself. I did English for a Thoughtful Child with my oldest when she was about 8. It jumped around from subject to subject too much for me. I think R&S is very conversational and ver easy to implement also.

    November 5, 2012 at 5:56 pm
    LDIMom
    Participant

    I highly recommend Rod & Staff as well. Very economical too as it is non-consumable.

    Definitely check with HSLDA based on this official. I know when we were getting a letter it was outside their legal authority (and they knew it). The letter was very threatening as well. TN like KY is considered a hard state to homeschool in accd. to HSLDA.

    November 5, 2012 at 6:29 pm
    momof3
    Participant

    Thanks Suzukimom for that link. I see that it was dated 2009 so I’m hoping that is over with. I do worry, like I said, since this is the first year I received a letter. The letter actually made me think that I needed to keep records and grades for inspection but from what I just read on HSLDA they can only ask to see records if you fail to send a letter of intent within 2 weeks of school starting.

    LDIMom, I never thought KY was considered a hard state to homeschool. I wonder why?

    Thanks everyone!

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