Abeka language or Rod and Staff?

[momofone]

Out of curiosity, I was wondering if anyone here uses the Abeka Language with Bigger?
We have been using Abeka lang. for 1st and 2nd and it has gone well. Although, I'm not opposed to switching if the R&S works better for the Bigger guide.
I would just like a comparison of the two and try to decide if I need to switch for next year with Bigger???
Does the English affect the whole guide in any way?
Thanks in advance!

Tina

[Carly]

You can use your own english and disregard the schedule that's in place in the guides.
It won't affect a thing!
Carly

[8arrows]

I have used both and prefer the explanations in Rod and Staff. However, if you really like the Abeka language, you can stick with it and still easily use HOD. The third grade book does throw a lot out there at the end of the year, so if you choose Abeka, and then struggle at the end of the book, don't worry. It will get covered in the fourth grade book more thoroughly.

[mskogen]

8arrows,
Thanks for your response. I have used Abeka language (my son will be finished with Language 3 this Friday) but am considering switching to R & S next year. He has been happy with the Abeka (has happy as grammar can be). I know for my younger son I am switching. He would be in Abeka 2, which I didn't love. My older son is the one I am not sure about. I hate to switch him and it be a struggle ( not liking it). I have really been encouraged by the feedback from everyone here about R & S though. My other issue is which level to start older son in. He understands the concepts he learned this year but my understanding is I would need to go down a level. He should be starting level 4 Abeka so he would need level 3 R & S. Thanks for the feedback, it is PRICELESS!

Michelle

[momofone]

Thanks everyone I appreciate your input. I will have several decisions to make before next year and currently as well.
I'm going to take it slow and keep praying for His guidance!
It's great to know that everything is so flexible!

Tina

[Mom2Monkeys]

You can see samples and TOC at www.rodandstaffbooks.com to help with placement! You'll love R&S ! It's been awesome!

[8arrows]

Michelle, With an Abeka background, your oldest would not necessarily need to go down a level. It has been several years since I used the Abeka (It was with my older two.). I remember that at that time Abeka did not do diagramming in 3rd. However, Rod and Staff will review that in fourth. I would check the placement sheet another mom posted. You will get a great overview of where to place your oldest. I have used those samples a lot in placement for my crew!

[Kathleen]

I used Abeka's 2nd grade language with my son. We switched to using R&S 2 this year, and we both really like it much better!! The expanations are simple and straight forward, and he's retaining what he's learning. I felt like Abeka's book was much more scattered...and I don't think Grant remembered much of anything from it. It was really feeling like busywork to me by the end of the year.

If Abeka's working for you though, and you like it, it won't mess up the plans at all. You're free to use whatever you want.

Michelle, just so you know, HOD reccommends that your child finish R&S 6 by the time they're finished with 8th grade. (Because of the more advanced scope and sequence of R&S, your child will be ready for high school level grammar at that point.) So, if your child hasn't done diagramming and you thought R&S 3 is where you should start, you really wouldn't have to feel behind. My 4th grader will be doing R&S 3 next year, and I feel like we're right on track.

Kathleen