I am wondering if it's better to go with all-in-one LA curriculum (such as Christian Light Education) or to get separate pieces, such as a spelling curr, a vocab, a writing, a grammar, etc. I guess I'm concerned that one program may not be strong in all of these areas... that I may end up needing to supplement with one or more areas anyway. If that's the case I think I'd rather just keep them separate from the beginning and not worry about supplementing on top of it. Is this making sense??
I know what you are saying. I tried a program that was supposed to include it all, but felt it was lacking in good grammar instruction. I ended up getting seperate programs so that I was sure that all areas were well covered. There may be a wonderful program out there that does it all well, I just haven't found it yet.
we are using cle for k, 1st and 5th and I feel it does a very well in language arts instruction - actually between the reading and the LA for the fifth grader I feel the work load is a little heavy but very good. hth p.s we also loved GUM and wordly wise
Personally, I love CLE. I think it has enough of each with the spelling/vocab together, grammar and composition, and handwriting. I know, however, that not everybody feels the spelling is strong enough, or the composition is enough, or likes the style of penmanship... but for us, it's about as perfect as it gets. However, that said, it's not perfect for everybody. When it isn't, I prefer Rod & Staff for English and composition, Pentime for penmanship, and CLASS for spelling/vocab.
I'm a bits & piecer. I haven't found an LA program that has all what I like. We use (for the most part) Writing Strands for Writing Sequential Spelling for Spelling Easy Grammar for Grammar (LOVE this) AND...we read historical fiction that goes with the history we study...each day they fill out a "DRS" or Daily Response Form. They have to summarize the chapter, look up words they don't know in the dictionary, and copy a passage from the chapter in their best handwriting.
G.U.M. (grammar, usage and mechanics) by Zaner-Bloser. I love that program. It is simple and right to the point.
I personally prefer to split them up. We use Writing Strands for Writing. Next year, we're going to try Daily Grams & Easy Grammar. I've heard great reviews & so far I haven't found anything else I like for Grammar. I haven't found anything I really like for Spelling/Vocab, so I'm working on creating my own. Reading - once my kids can read, I just let them read pretty much whatever they want. They do projects for some of the books to show comprehension (I don't force book reports).
So if I decide to go with CLE Reading, All About Spelling, and Words are Wonderful, what Grammar and handwriting would you suggest? I'd like something thorough, but not a lot of busywork. I will look at the GUM now. Thanks!
Those are exactly the books I am doing with my 5th grader next year. We have been using BJU for spelling, reading and english, but are changing it up next year. For spelling I was going to try to find a good website with grade appropriate word lists. Then make up a worksheet pack for each week. Pg 1 word list, pg. 2 write words 3x each, pg. 3 write definitions, pg.4 write word in a sentence.
