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Grammar Observation and Question
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Grammar….I’ve looked at several threads here on the subject as I’m trying to decide what you use for my 7th grader in the fall. I’m not seeing a lot of you choosing Analytical Grammar (as the SCM guide suggests). Why is that?
I’ve also been wondering the same thing. There seem to be many negative reviews of it, but enough good ones that I’m still considering it for next year.
Missceegee, is there a way to cut back on the diagramming?
We had AG junior level – and no, I don’t think there is a way LOL, it is basically all diagramming – which is fine if that is what you like but I can see that some kids/families might hate it. You learn about the part of speech and then do diagramming exercises identifying that part and the others you learned up till then.
We did not go any further with the AG because I just did not think at this time that we needed any more of that kind of exercise – since then we have done an Editor in Chief from critical thinking co. and will probably do their Language Mechanic next year.
Hmm…well, now I don’t know what to do. My 5th grader will be using ILL, but I have no idea what I want to use for my 7th grader now.
I am looking into Rod and Staff and Growing with Grammar
http://www.growingwithgrammar.com/1gwgProduct_Page.html
I also thought about JAG but now I am not so sure!
I have the Rod and Staff 5th grade books….we don’t like it. It’s so……I don’t know what! LOL! Dry? But then grammar is not very exciting, is it?
PLUS…with my kids, we’ve done a good bit of grammar already and now they are like…”Mom, I know about nouns!” LOL
Here are some reviews for Growing w/ Grammar.
http://homeschoolreviews.com/reviews/curriculum/reviews.aspx?id=459
They have really good samples on their website for each level! HTH
LOL! No, grammar is not exciting!! 🙂
My DC actually loved R&S, but we only did levels 2 & 3. I thought it was a bit overkill to keep going over the same things each year so I really like the idea of JAG/AG. I’ve watched the videos on their website and read quite a few reviews, both good and bad. The reviews say it’s very challenging and my old tends to shy away from challenge. However, she does like assignments that are short and to the point, so maybe it wouldn’t be a total flop. There are a number of good reviews on it. Most of the bad ones say they disliked it and didn’t elaborate on why which is not very helpful. lol
I have also been looking into Our Mother Tongue and Winston as well as Easy Grammar Plus (by Wanda Philips). My head is spinning with all the options!
We are using Fix-It from IEW. It’s completely different from anything else that’s been named, but perhaps that is a good reason to check it out. 🙂
We have JAG and should’ve stuck with it. It’s simle and to the point. I’m having my 8th grader finish up after our detour to Easy Grammar Plus. I did not realize I had purchased the EGP with the teaher’s guide built in and the layout is horrible, for me. If they were separate then it would be OK, but it’s just not working. The only reason we switched was because it was shiny and I get bored, but instead of just taking a break, I move on to something else (not a good habit!).
I have R & S 5 for my up and coming 5/6th grader and although he likes those types of books (strong Christian reference) he may be intimidated by the size of the text, we’ll see. Growing with Grammar is favorite of several of my friends (I’ve seen it) but the lessons are soooo long. I know you can tweak them, take a week, or two, if you want, but my ds goes nuts when something that says Lesson 1 goes on forever. That makes him feel as if he hasn’t gotten anywhere. But, most of my friends just love it.
I’m reevaluating JAG for him as a viable option for my 5/6th grader). The lessons are short, automatically, and it’s meant to be spread out over a period of time. There are test scores, which appeal to him, very little writing, until you get to diagramming, and even that is not that much writing, which means we can use a Writing Program (or plenty of written narrations) so as not to kill his love of creative writing. I’m actually thinking of just taking the first part of our next school year and concentrating on oral/written narrations (editing them, etc.) and using Study Island for grammar before making our final decision.
If/When we do begin JAG, we will do it slowly, and with the experience I have now, it will be easier for me to use with my ds.
Oh, and for me, it’s important to not have built in picture/nature study. EFTTC had some, but not too much, but I hate to skip lessons or feel much was wasted. But that’s just me…I’m looking for just straight grammar and not a writing program, etc. I’d like to choose that one separately or just do narrations.
Just to confuse you even more: Michael Clay Thomas was another I looked at for way too long. His stuff is really cool. But, I’m trying to use what I have already purchased or that was freely given to me.
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