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This year all of my children have been using LLATL (Learning Language Arts Through Literature). Ds9 used the Yellow book and is almost done. I had planned to just go into the next level (orange) with him next year but wondered if it would be too much with all the other writing in Bigger? Honestly, I've used R&S and do not care for it so I do not wish to revisit that. Programs I've also used and/or looked at: FLL (both 1/2 and 3), WWE, Writing Tales (used it a bit this year but ds doesn't like it too much), Growing With Grammar (I did like that). As I write this, I think I might just continue using Writing Tales 1 w/ my ds9 (perhaps he just needed to "mature" a bit) and an Exercises in English workbook I have left over from our cyber academy days. That would leave spelling...hmmm...I do have All About Spelling level 1 and 2 but that would be review for him really.

As for ds8, I'm at a loss. He is not a workbook type kid. Not.at.all. He will not do well with any sort of workbook style program. Growing With Grammar might be an exception, not sure. I'm wondering if the LA activities in Bigger alone would work for him?

My biggest concern is "overkill". I tend toward that side of the spectrum unfortunately. I keep telling myself "less is more". I just don't want to "miss anything". So, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Sue,

How did FLL work out for you? Jessie Wise has FLL 4 so you might be able to continue with that. Another option is Intermediate Language Lesson by Emma Serl. It is not workbook(y) and now has a TM. I did find myself when I used it this pass year skipping the dictation excercises and memorization since that was already being covered in Preparing, plus I thought it jumped around to much. I though R&S wasn't for me after trying R&S 3 with dd in 3rd grade, I have since learned that I should have started her in R&S 2 at that grade and done a lot orally. I am now doing R&S 4 (after switching from ILL) for my 5th grader and it is working very well. I love the structure of it and how it builds. Just some thoughts and ideas.

Well, I do have ILL as well as PLL. Tried it with my ds10 and he just didn't get into it. I liked it, except so many of the writing activities were about topics that were not really pertinent to today, KWIM? I'll look at it again. I did not care for FLL 1/2 but FLL3 was okay. My dd12 did R&S last year and she like it just fine. My ds9 is much like her so he might do well in it? I just hate to buy another book since I already have so much, KWIM? I'm going to pray about this some more and take a look at what I already have. Thanks for the advice!

We enjoy R & S English here, but if you didn't like that - I'd only replace the grammar portion with something else. The spelling and dictation methods in BHFHG are too good to pass up, and adding a lot more would be overkill since there are enough writing requirements and LA skills throughout BHFHG already.

In Christ,
Julie

That is very good to know. Thanks, Julie! I can very easily gravitate toward the "overkill" side, so I'm trying extra hard NOT to! Perhaps I'll just have him do the Exercises in English workbook then, instead of Writing Tales since that is a lot more writing.

He may be a little young, but we've had great success here with Winston Grammar. Sonlight used it with grade 4 in the past (and still may) as I did with our eldest ds. We are finishing it up with our 11yo now.

Samples here: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/ ... iew=covers

In Him,