Grammar woes...can't decide!

[Sue G in PA]

I have next year practically planned. LHFHG (which I just got and cannot wait to start!) for dd5 and ds7 and Preparing for ds9, ds10 and ds12 (with some independent study in American History for ds12). I have most every other subject figured out for each child...except grammar. Here is our background: Ds9 has had little formal grammar. He does not like filling in blanks or writing out sentences. I want something we can do mostly orally. I'd like to save the writing for his History, narrations and handwriting practice so we have minimal fights. Ds10 has had formal grammar and has used Rod and Staff (not his cup of tea), LLATL with some PLL thrown in. He tolerated PLL and did well with LLATL (but I don't want to use that again!). I'm at a loss for him...except that I might use Phonics Road with him and speed through the first level to get to Level 2 where there IS grammar instruction. Ds12 is my challenge. He has had formal grammar as well (some). We tried Rod and Staff the first year we homeschooled 4 years ago (he did not like the format). Then we tried GWG and he liked that much better. Next, he used LLATL (I needed to combine to make my life easier...not to mention the cost factor!). He tolerated that. I also added in ILL for him. Again, he tolerated that. Can somebody please suggest a program for these children? My brain is so tired right now, I can't even think. I have looked into JAG, AG, Applications of Grammar (looks to vague for him), using GWG again or speeding him through Phonics Road like ds10 to get to the upper Levels by next year (where there is grammar). Oh help and bother says this tired bear!

[deltagal]

Hi Sue,

I think you should revisit Rod and Staff with "new eyes." I can link you to quite a few posts, if you need them, on how to simplify Rod and Staff. But in a nutshell at the early levels, do most of it oral and use a white board. Then as you advance, still do a quite a bit oral, but build in the writing assignments. The lessosn are short and sweet. My boys all LOVE Rod and Staff, because it takes so little time and they feel they are learning so much!

Something to think about....

[Mom2Monkeys]

I agree about revisiting R&S. I left it for the same reasons and find myself coming back and doing more of it orally and on the white board...and LOVING it! DD does't love it, but she does it b/c even she says she learns more from it than any other program we've tried and doesn't take much time to do. It's the best I've found...and I've dug into way more than I'm willing to admit.

[Sue G in PA]

How did I know you all would say that? I, too, have thought about revisiting R&S. "I" liked R&S when we used it...it was the tears over it that I didn't like. Perhaps if I do most of it orally, we can get through it relatively painlessly. My dd13 did learn a ton from R&S. She was the only one who used it continuously. So, what level would I get for each child?
ds9 (4th gr.): Hardly any formal grammar, no diagramming yet
ds10 (5th): Some formal grammar, no diagramming yet
ds12 (7th): More formal grammar, has had some diagramming in 5th

Thanks!

[Mom2Monkeys]

I would do the 9 and 10 yo's together in 3 or 4. Simple diagrams start in 3, but you could probably do just fine starting in 4. Or you could do a quick trip through 3 before starting 4...there are options, but I say keeping them together is a good way to do it.

I would start the 7th grader in 5, but if he isn't comfy with grammar, I might start in 4 and work quickly through to get to 5 with plans to finish 6 in 8th grade.

Just my two cents...lol...may not be worth much since my oldest is only in book 3 right now.

[Sue G in PA]

From what I can remember about R&S, Level 4 reviews a lot from Level 3. I think I'll go with 4 for both the 9 and 10yo. If 4 is too easy for ds10 then I can always move to 5. I think you are right to start ds12 in 5, though. I also remember it getting increasingly more difficult as the levels progressed. Thank you.

[deltagal]

Hi Sue,

It never hurts to err on the side of an easier level and move through it rapidly as review than to start off with something that's too advanced, with that in mind I definitely would take the trip though level 3 before putting your 4th grader in level 4. Your fiith grader could probably mange without it, but it sure wouldn't hurt! And if your 7th grader is solid on his parts of speech and basic diagramming, I think level 5 is a perfect place for your 7th grader.

On a personal note, when I began Rod and Staff last year I had a 4th grader and I put him in Level 2. He was still a little rough on reading and writing skills and it was a GREAT fit for him. So there are quite a few factors to consider.

With Joy!
Florence