heartofdakota.com

We did fine in R & S 2 without the TM. However, my grammar is not the best and I am wondering if I can get by without purchasing the TM for 3.

Thanks for any input!

Terri

R&S texts are very reasonable in price, and I always purchase the TM for grammar and here's why. 1st: there is daily oral review found only in the TM, 2nd: in addition to the review are occasional oral quizzes, 3rd: the TM includes all the answers to the worksheets and tests, both of which I use with my kids, and 4th: if you feel that you are not strong in grammar, there are lesson plans to help you explain each topic to your children--beyond what is available in the student text. They are worth every penny, and more, imo.

I am buying a TM for the first time this year for level 6. I wish I had it for level 5 but 3 is no big deal. I know there is a bit more in the TM, but there is a very complete explanation in the student book. I am a grammar geek, but you don't want to over do it at this age. If money is tight you can skip the TM this year. I would get one starting in level 4 or 5. By then I have run into a few diagrams that it would be nice to have solutions for.

ETA - that except for one year of my schooling, teaching my kids Rod and Staff has been my entire grammar education.

It is very helpful to me, especially in the answers department! I also like the oral review--I don't think dd would retain the information without it. But of course, you could always come up with your own.

Jen in VA pretty much wrote my answer.
The oral review questions are fantastic and the answers to the tests and worksheets are in there, making corrections SO easy!

I am very glad I have mine! It makes it go so much smoother and quicker to have it. I don't have to stop and think if their answer is correct. It is true that it isn't hard at this point so if you are strong in grammar you could skip it. I just find it easier to have it right there. However, the oral review has been fantastic. It is short and sweet but it changes up the way it is worded and which questions are asked each time so they really retain the information. In order to keep time spent on grammar to a minimum, I do oral review then go straight to the lesson. I don't read the lesson plan.
Leah

Another vote for getting the TM. It is not necessary but I do like it. I love the oral review. I agree it helps my ds retain what we are learning. I also love the answers provided for me (just makes my life easier). Another reason I like having the TM is I have copy while my son reads from his. We take turns reading from it. If you have more than one child you will use it with it becomes evening more econinmical...
HTH

Thanks all.

Carrie and/or Julie,

Could you please tell me if HOD recommends the TM for level 3 of R & S?

Thanks!

Terri,

If you look at the HOD store for the R&S 3 TM, it says this

"This is the Teacher's Manual for English 3. It is recommended unless you have a strong background in grammar. It is valuable as an answer key as well."

Thanks, Kay for posting that answer to Terri's question from our website. I missed this thread, but the wise ladies have given you great counsel! I love the manual for grades 3 on up for all of the reasons mentioned. We don't find the manual necessary for grade 2.

Blessings,
Carrie