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Hello...
I'm trying to find a simple reference book on the english language. Something with the rules for spelling and writing would be nice. I don't want to 'read' the book, I would just like to use it as a reference when I'm not sure where to put the coma or when to use I and me...bad example...I can't think of a good one at the moment I am weak in the grammer department and I want my children to do better. I want them to learn to speak and write correctly but I don't feel confidant in some areas.
There are tons of books available but I just wondered if any of you have a favorite.
Thanks in advance
I don't have a book in mind for this, but I'm sure someone else will. I just wanted to reassure you that R & S English really does lay out the rules for grammar in such a way that it is easier to understand. The teacher's manual is very helpful too, and the way it builds each year makes it easier to remember. I've honestly pulled that out as a resource if I am not sure about something grammatically, and check the table of contents to flip to the page for help. One of the upper levels of R & S would have it ALL! However, I realize this may not exactly be what you are looking for, so someone else may have another idea that would fit better.
In Christ,
Julie
Enjoyed LHTH to USII
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie
I agree that Rod and Staff English does an excellent job of laying out the rules and the reasons for using them. It gives wonderful examples and slowly, steadily builds kiddos application of those rules/skills.
Rod and Staff also has a grammar handbook that is very well done. Otherwise any handbook by Strunk and White is good too.
I didn't realize R&S had a handbook. I use CLE and I saw their handbook and thought I'd try to find one on Paperbackswap, but they didn't have one so that's why I decided to ask around about others. Someone recommended Harbrace's Handbook and I was able to find it on paperback swap. I assume one is as good as another (same rules) I just wanted to be sure I didn't have to 'read' the book, I just want a quick reference guide. I'll see if I like it when I get it, if not I'll check out R&S. Thanks for all the input
Here's link to it at Amazon - you can look inside at the table of contents and some of the chapters. It covers all the parts of speech and gives lots of examples. It also has a punctuation appendix at the end
I am weak in the grammer department and I want my children to do better. I want them to learn to speak and write correctly but I don't feel confidant in some areas. 
Otherwise any handbook by Strunk and White is good too.