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Hey, I'm strongly considering using Beyond's grammar and spelling next year with my 6 year old dd and was just wondering what kind of work the kids do at that level. It's hard to tell from the samples I've seen.

Just want to know how indepth the lessons get. Any help would be great!!

Oh, I am also considering switching her from her current phonics program the RME next year as I think that she'll still need further phoincs instruction in order to become a more fluent reader. And I really like the idea behind RME's "lets read" type instruction verses the flash card, drill stuff we've been doing this year. Don't get me wrong, it works but it's just boring!!! And it really has made me see that you really CAN seperate phonics instruction and reading!! I want them to be more connected.

Would it be hard to start her somewhere in the middle of RME or would it be best to start from the beginning? I don't really want to do the latter as I don't want to take up the whole year with only phonics. I'd like to have her in the emergent readers at the beginning of the 2nd semester if that is doable and if she has made it that far.

Would she need to be reading very well in order to begin those readers?

Just curious!!

Thanks

I'm going to try to answer your questions the best I can. I am a strong advocate for RME as well as for Carrie's spelling methods. Both have done wonders for my daughter! Below is a link that shows some of the spelling work that is done. Look at my post, the third one down, pictures 4, 5, 6, and 7.

http://www.heartofdakota.com/board/view ... highlight=

Day 1 (not shown here) just consists of writing (parent) each word on an index card, having the child look at it, turn it over, try to write it from memory, then check and correct it. Picture number 4 is day 2 spelling practice; I called out the word and she tried to write it from memory. Number 5 is a picture of what was scheduled to be done with the missed words; using 3 different colored pencils to trace each word. DD LOVES that, by the way! Number 6 is day 3 spelling practice; she dictated sentences using the missed spelling words, then copied what I wrote. And number 7 is day 4 spelling practice; she made an 'A'. We grade them for reporting purposes, but Beyond does not require that.

The copy work scheduled in Beyond...is wonderful, too. My daughter's handwriting improved greatly in just one month using the copy work. I now use it with my older son too. In fact, next year all three children will be using HOD because we've been so impressed, and the kids love it.

As for RME, we truly enjoyed using the program. I went faster than recommended, and my daughter finished it in about 6 months. However, if used as suggested, I think it should take about a year, and dc should be able to go right into the emerging readers. We began with Unit 9 because dd already new her letters; you would need to look at the manual to determine where you would need to start. By the end of the program, dc would be reading several paragraphs at a time. We are currently using RME with our 4 (almost 5) yo son.

Hopefully, this has been at least a bit helpful. M daughter really does enjoy everything in the Beyond...manual; I would recommend using the lesson plans as written, and choosing whichever phonics program you feel is a good fit. I know you'll make a great decision. Others will chime in soon, I'm sure!

Moving up for others to answer, too.

Your pics are gone!

Thanks, I'm working on it. Photobucket is having a problem with windows? I just deleted those pics from photobucket too, so will have to reload and try to re-post them!

I re-posted the link to the photos...as far as I can tell things are fine now. Let me know, please, if there are more problems!

Thank you for posting those pics. It really did help to actually be able to SEE what kind of work is done!!! I appreciate the help!!!

InHisTiming gave a great answer here, and I agree with it totally. The spelling is wonderful. The methods used do more to make the words "stick" than any other thing I've ever tried. There are 2 lists in Beyond... - List 1 is easier than List 2. They both follow the spelling rule for the unit. The copywork is a great tool to teach spelling as well. Eventually (in Bigger...), dictation is taught, and that has been wonderful for my ds's spelling too. The grammar is a wonderful introduction and a great preparation for R & S English 2 in Bigger... Beyond... did a super job of giving my son a great grammar foundation that has made transitioning into R &S this year in Bigger... very smooth and easy. HTH
In Christ,
Julie

Thank you InHisTiming and Julie!!! You encouragement and enthusiasm for the spelling and grammar have been a blessing!!! It has encouraged me and given me a more sure feeling that I am on the best track for the upcoming school year!!