We are currently using Intermediate Language Lessons-which was recommended when we bought our other curriculum-but I don't really care for it. I didn't get any kind of teacher's manual or lesson plan with it, just the student book with the assignments. Has anyone used it and liked it? Any tips for making it better? Any other suggestions for English curriculum that you like better? Thanks!
I'm using Rod & Staff. We LOVE it. The teacher's manual is exactly like the student book, but with teacher notes in the margins. (Actually, the student book is so good that I never use the T.E.) It comes with reproducible worksheets and tests, and the books are hard bound, so you can resell them later. It's written by Mennonites, so it's very, very Bible-based, which is a turn-off to a lot of people, but I like it.
If you should chose R&S, I have a complete set for fourth grade (Student book, Teacher's book, workbook pages, and test booklet) that I'd be willing to sell.
Jackie-I really appreciate the offer. I haven't had much time to look into it yet-we still don't get internet at our house for 2 more weeks-so if 2littleboys could use what you have, go ahead with her. I love that I can come here and always find people willing to help me out!
We love English(grade here) by BJU it has the work set up so well we wished we had found it earlier for the older two but the younger enjoyed two years of that. Now we are into Grammar and Vocab, so doing these with smaller books but still this dc knows his grammar! I know that he learned sentence structure to such a degree from BJU.
I usually made my own - combing spelling, penmanship, and grammar resources I preferred with a writing program or made my own. However, we have used Learning Language Arts through Literature, which if done correctly, can combine ALL those parts. I usually still did a separate spelling, but LLTL does include grammar, mechanics, and penmanship all in one text, and they are relatively inexpensive (especially if you get them used). http://www.commonsensepress.com/slessons/slesson.htm For just writing - We used Institute for Excellence in writing for one year (the thematic units) and while I liked the consistency and how it showed how to paraphrase (I use the technique with my college students!), it was REALLY formulaic, and it focused mostly on writing, less on the grammar, mechanics, and any other language arts. http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/catalog We are using Writing Strands this year, on and off, with good success. http://www.writing-strands.com/books.asp For my younger kids (grades 4 and 6) we are interchanging it with some neat, inexpensive workbooks called "Writing Styles" that includes grammar, proofreading, and writing. http://rainbowresource.com/search.php?sid=1294935162-785409 I hope all this helps!
ILL and others There is an ILL teacher's guide available for $12.11 at Amazon. If you don't like it only because there are no helps for you, then that may be all you need. I love Rod & Staff. Dc#1 & 2 used it after using A Beka for a few years. Dc#1 used level 7 successfully and didn't do grammar anymore after that. Dc#2 successfully used 5, 6 and part of 7. Then he hit puberty, forgot everything, and couldn't do the curriculum anymore. He's now, a few years later, using Analytical Grammar in his Potter's School English 3 course, and that's working out well for him. He tests in the high 90's every week. Dc#3 used some of Rod & Staff 3, but she just couldn't understand it. I started her in it and stopped it at least twice. She just doesn't get anything out of it. She did English for the Thoughtful Child and Primary Language Lessons with no problems, but she started having problems in ILL. I switched her to Winston Grammar this year (she's 11yo), and she's finally understanding things. Dc#4 is using English for the Thoughtful Child and will go on from there to Primary Language Lessons.
I put in another vote for Rod and Staff. It's incredible what the kids learn and it's actually quite affordable That's always a plus in my book.
We use Easy Grammar 5th grade and are really enjoying it. There are no bells & whistles, really cut and dry, but that's what we like....get it done and move on! My dd used to cry over grammar, literally. EG makes it easy. We are BOTH learning a ton!
I second easy Grammar! We used Rod and staff when we first started homeschooling but switched on advice from a friend. Although we may go back to it later. I liked the bible verses and it was VERY thorough. And EXTREMELY affordable..
