heartofdakota.com

Hi,

I have a 7th grader, great reader, good in math, we do TT, but...we have not had any formal grammar/composition/writing. Where would we start and do we have to use Rod and Staff? I really don't want to use that curriculum. I am really wanting something she can do mostly independently, I am SO TIRED of trying to pull in this and that, for history, science etc..

Thanks!

Kim

Have you looked at the placement charts on the main page? How much writing is your child accustomed to?

I second checking the placement chart (http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php) from top to bottom. Depending on age, I would look at CtC through MtMM for a "standard" 7th grader.
Although Rod and Staff is not required, doing something else might mean more work for you in the long run. That is because Rod and Staff includes more than just grammar. It is also a complete English curriculum with some writing in it. But, the good news is that it doesn't take much of your time - 30 minutes or less a day. The "teacher" time in the guides from CtC on up is 2 hours or less, and it can be done in chunks throughout the day.