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Language Arts questions~
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I have a soon to be 4th grader and 2nd grader that I am questioning what I should be doing for LA. When I read Charlotte Mason’s teachings, it make so much sense to take a gentle approach, etc. Then I get worried that I am not doing enough. This past year my daughter (3rd grade) did a journal each day that we did various writing assignments. We also did SpellWell, which she enjoyed, however her spelling is still not that great. We have used Queen’s Language in the past. For my 1st grader this past year, we used Explode the Code mostly. We also did sporadic copywork throughout the year. I had bought First Language Lessons for my 2nd grader and LLATL Orange book for my 4th grader. I am feeling unsure if these were good choices. I want them to have a good foundation of spelling, grammar, etc. I just feel like I am going back and forth between methods and should really settle on one. PLease help!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Karen,
Oh, you are right – CM’s methods can really seem like a leap of faith after having been brought up in the school “system”. We’ve followed her approach to laying a firm foundation with living books, narration and copywork and can personally say that it works.
If grammar is the ability to express oneself then there seems to be little reason to use a formal study for young children when they may gain proper grammar through the means stated above. This is my thought and experience though I really can’t say what is right for anyone’s family.
I hope the best for you as you make your decisions.
Richele
Thank you…I am so confused but you are right, it is a leap of faith. So just through read alouds, narration and dictation, we should be OK? And don’t need the First Lang. Lessons and LLATL? Could you give me an idea how you go about language arts with your own? I seem to be floundering each year and just want to solidify and stick with something, ya know?
Thank you!!!!!!I love Queens LL, for 2 main reasons : 1- it is very gental and I have all boys at this point and it makes them feel like they got a lot accomplished and that they get it done “quickly” in there mind. 2. Because it covers everything I need for them and I like the simple but yet there way they do “reviews”. That said I have a going into 6th and this summer we’ve done Jr. AG it’s going very slow but I don’t care. We’ll probably have to pick it up again next summer. But as I said he’s a boy and I’m ok with that. Just my thoughts Misty
Hey Karen,
Yes, in the early years that is laying a very strong foundation. I have a third grader and first grader so the narration, copywork and living books is the point that we are at. I don’t have any experience with those you’ve mentioned but I’m pretty sure there are lots of great threads on the forum. I believe Sonya referenced English for the Thoughtful Child, Jr. Grammar and Analytical Grammar (in order by age starting around 10 yrs. old) at the seminar.
My sister uses Karen Andreola’s “Simply Grammar” and SCM’s “Spelling Wisdom” with her 11-year-old and 14-year-old. They do Simply Grammar while sitting on the sofa together. Nothing is set in stone but that is the way I am leaning as she has five children and has always schooled CM so they are my test family
I also picked up “Recipes for Writing” by Karen Skidmore Rackliffe from Penny Gardner’s site. I planned on using those later but my oldest found them and now we use them sometimes for game night!No tears, Karen. There’s tons of help here and our children are pretty resilient!
Peace and joy!
Richele
In the early years, I’ve used living books, narration, and copywork (and reading instruction as necessary) and that’s it.
Once the child was a fluent and accomplished reader, I introduced spelling more formally. After a few years of solid oral narration, I introduced written narration, which led to grammar lessons and prepared dictation (this is where my oldest child is now). This order of Language Arts instruction isn’t the usual order you’ll find in the schools, but it has worked well for my kids.
My kids’ narrations, whether oral or written, show me they have an ear for language and an interest in storytelling that I wouldn’t trade for early knowledge of parts of speech. Once you know how to tell a story and are able write a thought on paper, it’s much easier to understand what a noun is and how (and why or why not) to use an adverb.
If you’re concerned about them not having enough background, there is nothing wrong with introducing formal grammar studies at their ages. But, they will not be “left behind” for long if you wait until later. So, no worries….go with what feels right to you as you work with them.
Hi…
I know this discussion is two years old… but I have been trying to locate another set of ”Recipes for Writing”… I couldn’t find it on Penny Gardner’s site.. any suggestions? I want to gift them to a friend… I would like to have even another set for loaning.
Hilda
I also picked up “Recipes for Writing” by Karen Skidmore Rackliffe from Penny Gardner’s site. I planned on using those later but my oldest found them and now we use them sometimes for game night!
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