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I am considering switching my ds from ABeka grammar to Rod & Staff english. He just finished Abeka 3. I was wondering where I should start him in Rod & Staff. Thanks for the recommendations

You could probably go straight across. R&S English 3 begins the most basic of diagramming but reviews it well in 4th grade. I'm assuming Abeka has taught basic parts of speech like noun (proper/common, singular/plural), pronouns, verbs (action & state of being), adjective, and maybe touched upon adverbs a bit?? It wouldn't have to be taught to mastery, just an intro (enough for the child to be able to do a Mad Libs). I think R&S English 4 is a great place to start. It has great review, basic diagramming, and wonderful writing instruction. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks Daisy. Abeka hasn't introduced adverbs yet but if R&S reviews it maybe he would be ok...

Daisy, do you know if Carrie recommends an additional writing program for students using R&S 4? Or, does she consider the writing instruction in R&S 4 to be enough? I'm specifically wondering about a fifth grader using R&S 4. My son is almost done with First Language Lessons 3 and he has covered alot of diagramming. I will probably put him in First Language Lessons 4 but if the writing instruction in R&S 4 is pretty strong, I may go that route instead. Otherwise, I will have to decide what to use for writing with him for fifth grade as FLL doesn't include writing instruction. I like the idea of using one text for awhile and then maybe adding something else for writing later on.

Here's what Carrie says about R&S English 4

Older students who have had some grammar instruction can begin with English 4. If you use Building With Diligence: English 4, you will not need to add another program to teach writing.We are pleased that English 4 provides a steady progression through the skills necessary for writing, using the Bible as a theme throughout all the lessons. This book goes well with Level 4/5 of Drawn into the Heart of Reading.

http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into ... php#wisely

I've never met anyone who thought the writing in R&S English 4 WAS NOT sufficient for fourth grade. The folks I know who use another writing suppliment with R&S English 4, eliminate the writing assignments in R&S. However, R&S is complete for 4th grade.

So the only question will be is it sufficient for 5th grade. I can't really answer that. I personally probably just make sure my 5th grader was doing additional content writing in history/science.

Thank you, Daisy.

DHT1999 wrote:Daisy, do you know if Carrie recommends an additional writing program for students using R&S 4? Or, does she consider the writing instruction in R&S 4 to be enough? I'm specifically wondering about a fifth grader using R&S 4. My son is almost done with First Language Lessons 3 and he has covered alot of diagramming. I will probably put him in First Language Lessons 4 but if the writing instruction in R&S 4 is pretty strong, I may go that route instead. Otherwise, I will have to decide what to use for writing with him for fifth grade as FLL doesn't include writing instruction. I like the idea of using one text for awhile and then maybe adding something else for writing later on.

I thought I'd chime in on this topic since my dd is a 5th grader using R&S 4 this year with Preparing. We used BJU English 4 last year for her (4th grade in Bigger) and we made the switch this year to R&S 4 (mainly for the review and retention reasons). For my dd we currently do not add any additional writing curriculum to her day. With doing all the writing required in the grammar book and combined with the writing in Preparing (written narrations and poetry) I feel this is more than sufficient for my 5th grader. Next year (dd's 6th grade year), we'll be using HFHTT that is coming out this summer and Carrie has added an additional writing instruction into that manual, so it is coming.

Blessings,