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My son is using English 5 and is not retaining. He has used 3 and 4 also. We do most of it orally, do the review at the beginning, and some written. I have bought the workbooks that go along with them in the past. He is in 7th grade this year and I am getting concerned. I'm not sure what to do next... Do I change programs? I'm keep hoping one day it is going to click. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

If it were me, I would probably just clipping away with R&S. I know it must be frustrating when you are holding his hand through some of this work when you feel like he should soaring just fine on his own. One reason that I would stay to stick it out is because R&S 7 & 8 are a lot more writing and not as much "grammar." Since those programs were chosen to compliment the high school guides, you may find that writing portion usful. If you switch programs, you will miss out on the writing. Also, how is his grammar in writing? If he is doing well there, then again, I wouldn't stress over it. But that is just me. I think grammar comes easily to some and is hard for others. As a child, I personally struggled with grammar. As an adult, I find it comes more naturally. As long as you are helping in through it, then I wouldn't stress over it.

Rod & Staff 5 if tough. I remember all too well that year. I can only tell you what we did. We drudged through and eventually it got easier. Every R&S book gets easier towards the end. I almost re-did book 5 until I realized that book 6 was pretty much a review year of 5 plus a little bit more. Don't worry! Keep going!

Thanks you guys so much for your encouragement! I was considering stopping where we are and restarting but if 6 is a repeat maybe I will reconsider and not torture him

I would do the workbooks with him and still keep the book exercises oral. quickly review the previous lesson before moving to the next.

R & S 5 has been the toughest for us. 6, 7, and 8 have gone more smoothly. We are doing most of 5 orally and clipping along with our middle ds now. Our oldest is doing half-speed 8 quite easily and 99% independently. I think it's work working through 5. Both of our sons are strong writers. It is due, in part, to R & S English. I agree with Carrie about not adding workbooks. It's already enough without them. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie