Grammar question in Beyond ...

[homeschoolmom]

Hi,
I am starting the Beyond for my upcoming second grader in the Fall. During first grade, he completed Abeka Grade 1. How is the grammar in Beyond?? Is it enough for a second grader or should I supplement?? Thanks!!

[mamayi]

We are just finishing up Beyond with my 2nd grade son and there is a weekly (Day 5) grammar lesson that is very appropriate for 2nd graders. We also just took the CAT/5 standardized test for 2nd grade (our state requires it) and my son did just fine on all of the language arts portions of the test. I feel that he is more than ready to start the next level of grammar using Rod and Staff English 2 that is in the Bigger guide.
HTH!
Andrea

[homeschoolmom]

Thanks so much for responding!! The info you provided helps a lot!!

[my3sons]

I agree with Andrea. We thought the Day 5 grammar in Beyond was a good introduction to the basic parts of speech, and it made grammar enjoyable and doable. I would definitely do the Day 5 plans if I were you, but since you did Abeka Grade 1 grammar, if you get going and think you'd like a tad more grammar, you could start R & S English 2 half-speed, maybe just a few days a week. Just a thought to keep in your back pocket in case you end up wanting more.

In Christ,
Julie

[pamh]

We just finished Abeka 1 as well and this is the same question I had that Julie helped me with. I already had the Beyond guide so I put a lot of time into researching the grammar (and spelling...Abeka is more advanced in spelling but that's our low point) and found that if we stuck with Beyond we'd really need the R & S book to supplement. Also, we'd go more at a faster pace with copywork (it's suggested to use the week to copy a poem, where my son would do it all in one sitting, especially since he's very comfortable with his cursive).

Just a thought but if you have access to view someones Beyond and Bigger Guide that would give you a much better sense of what you should do. I also viewed many samples of the R & S workbook on their own website which was very helpful!! For me personally, the placement guide isn't helpful here because I need to see the actual work (yep, I order, order, order and some times have to return things but it helps me more that way).

Julie is a wonderful, wonderful HUGE help!!!!

Blessings,
Pam

[Carrie]

In the subject area of grammar, much will depend on your personal philosophy of grammar instruction as to what is "enough" for grammar in the younger years. We take a more CM-style approach to grammar in Beyond focusing on speaking, listening, retelling, copying, spelling, reading with fluency, and a gentle approach to the basics of grammar. This would be a much different approach from the one ABeka takes in the area of grammar and spelling. However, we find that the way the lessons are designed and scheduled within our guides the kiddos retain and carry over their grammar, writing, and spelling instruction better in their daily life.

If you desire a more rigorous grammar path, it would be easy to add Rod and Staff 2 to Beyond. If you desire to follow the path that we schedule in our guides, then you would do the gentle grammar lessons as scheduled in Beyond. Either way will work.

Blessings,
Carrie

[homeschoolmom]

Thanks everyone for all the information and suggestions! Beyond sounds like it is exactly what is needed for my son and I am looking forward to second grade this fall using HOD curriculum!!!