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Total Language Plus or Learning Language Arts Through Literature
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I have 2 boys, 2nd & 4th grades. We currently use Easy Grammar because I didn’t know what else to use. We tried First Language Lessons but they hated the repetition (and so did I). They are doing okay with EG, and don’t seem to mind it much. We also use Sequential Spelling and Essentials in Writing (EIW) (4th grader), but nothing really for comprehension other than them retelling me the chapter books they are reading on their own. My 2nd grade knows basic parts of speech and doesn’t do much more writing other than free writing in his journal and copywork. My 4th grader is in his 1st year of writing instruction, with lessons from EIW….structure of paragraphs and such. Lastly, my 2nd grader reads a grade level or two above while my 4th grader reads about a grade level behind.
I feel like our Lang. Arts is so lacking and as my 4th grader moves up in grades (and has to deal with state testing), I’m worried that I’m failing him in this area. I know it needs to be fixed, but I don’t know how. I have seen online samples of Total Lang. Plus (TLP) and Learning Lang. Arts through Lit (LLATL) and am debating between the two. I like that they are inclusive and based on literature….But maybe even those are bad choices? I also will have a Kinder in the Fall plus a 1 year old to handle.
Can anyone offer some help or direction?
Other ones I considered were Language Lessons by Sandi Queen, Language Lessons for Today (updated from Primary Lang Lessons), but then I’d need to choose a spelling program (Spelling Power? Spellwell? Building Spelling Skills?) and a writing program (WWE? EIW? Winning with Writing?)
I’m obviously at a loss 🙁
Thank you!
I have not found many language arts curriculum that I am crazy about, especially for younger grades.
In our state we are not required to do testing. If we were, I would concentrate on test prep books.
I haven’t been using CM methods long enough to say they are enough for all, but I will say that narrations in general produce good writers who aren’t burnt out by too much LAs too early.
Brave Writer sounds interesting, and I have used some of their daily writing tips.
For spelling you should be able to continue with Sequential Spelling, correct?
For mechanics we are trying Editor in Chief next year.
Grammar will be Cozy Grammar or Winston Grammar.
What one mom sees as a bad choice for her family, may be the best for another. A loving, attentive teacher is most important. Curricula are only tools.
Praying for God’s insight for your family,
Retrofam
We use/used LLTL this year. Level 3 for my DD (3rd grade) and Level 1 for my ODS (1st grade). I like but not 100% on it either.
Level 3, the grammar taught, is really good but it was not clicking for my DD. She likes to diagram, which I think helps her “see” what she is doing, but she needed a lot if “hand holding”. Maybe I should have done level 2. I am using Spelling Wisdom for copy work and dictation so really I was using LLTL for just grammar and reading suggestions. I am sure I was not using to full potential, and as I said, maybe level 3 was too big a jump (she did R&S grade 2 English in 2nd grade).
I really like the book selections in level 3, but what we ended up doing is using the reading schedule but I switched to PLL (using the PDF printable work book available). Some of the lessons like dictation or memorization we skip, but it is inexpensive so I do not mind. We have to do Stand. Test this year so I wanted to make sure she gets the basics of grammar, so I tried out KISS grammar. It is free, I just printed the work book. I liked that I could just print some sections like punctuation (which she did not really get any of in LLTL) or noun/verb work. I am not overly worried about testing, but do not want her totaly “lost” either 🙂
Next year I think I am going to have her do ILL and KISS Grammar, add in starting written narrations for writing (which ILL does too) and I think it will work for LA umbrella. KISS is a bit funky to figure out at first, not all grade levels are available in free workbooks but I think I figured it out, LOL).
As for level 1 LLTL it is very nice and gentle. It has been just right for my ODS in 1st grade.
We are using LLATL this year, levels 2, 4, and 6. I placed DD a year behind since we’d just read one of the 7th grade books. They are all doing well. I felt like I wasn’t being consistent enough with language arts and this has certainly helped. It’s very open and go, but still has a Charlotte Mason feel to it (although it’s not 100% CM). I think the reading practice for 2nd grade is a bit lacking, so I’ll probably use something else for 1st grade to ensure my next child is off to a good start…I usually use McGuffey Readers to teach phonics. I’ve added a writing program for my oldest (Wordsmith Apprentice which is by the same publisher as LLATL).
I’m not sure if it would be enough to prepare them for testing (which isn’t required in our state), but I’ve found they are doing very well with the levels they are at. They probably weren’t as bad off as I’d feared. 😉 We will be continuing with this next year, but not because I find CM language arts lacking…rather I find my organization and planning lacking.
Saw a typo of mine
LLTL was to be LLATL there are so many that sound the sameI agree with retrofam, LA can be difficult to select because what works for one family does not for another and there are different parts/pieces to it. I hope you can find just the right fit for your family.
I also agree with HollyS about reading practice. I do not feel LLATL is for reading instruction. My ODS does reading practice apart from it, because LLATL level 1 has me reading to him.
I have to appologize and disregard my previous post.
I confused myself. I use English Lessons Through Literature (http://barefootmeandering.com/site/lessons-through-literature/eltl/) I messed up because it used to be Language Lessons through Literature, but she changed the name because of the similar name of Learning Language Arts Through Literature. My Level 3 book is under the old title.
So sorry for confusing
We are very happy with English Lessons through Literature this year. I’m using it with my 3rd grader. Next year I’ll be using Level One with a 1st grader and a 2nd grader, and my 4th grader will be in Level Three.
I don’t have time to read each of their selections to them, so I have them listen on audio. They love listening to audio books, particularly my 9YO.
Now I am intrigued by ELTL! I have never heard of that before. So, I went online to the link posted and saw some samples. It looks interesting. I like the idea that it is literature based….but I am not seeing how the reading is scheduled in to go with the lessons. Is the reading scheduled by pages/chapters to go with particular lessons or is it more read at your own pace kind of thing?
Also, I see the oral narrations on the reading pieces included….is there any assignments that are directly related to the books that go with each level?Doing level 3, the books are scheduled at the start of each lesson/day. Usually one chapter/day. If you look at the full sample, the first week, it shows exactly what to do on each day, incluiding the reading. The books read do not relate to the written narration practice. But the grammar practice is taken from the selected reading. My DD is able to read the books, and reads them to me.
Level 1 is all me reading to my ODS, it is not intended for the student to read
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