I thought I had our next step all figured out until I got the books in. Now I don't want to use what I was going to use because I don't like the spelling part of it and it would be to hard to take it out. So, what do you like for 2nd grade LA, grammar, and spelling? Pros and cons? I have know idea what to use now.:roll:
Well.... since you are asking lol I thought I had it all figured out, but a stumbled upon http://www.mhschool.com/reading/treasure_workbooks/national.html. It seems you would not need the Treasures Reading books except for 1 page for each unit in the On Level Practice. Vocabulary, spelling, reading comp and grammar are covered. I also found online activities for each one... the kind of things right up my kids alley: http://activities.macmillanmh.com/reading/treasures/ (the books may be available online as well) My plan was the free Scott Foresman grammar and writing handbook and Sylvan Reading Success which has their spelling, vocab and reading comp all in one book.
We used Sonlight's LA for 2nd grade. I would say you really do not need to worry too much about grammar at this age. Most grammar programs do not really start until 3rd or 4th grade. I like Wordly Wise 3000 at this age for vocabulary.
I tried Wordly Wise 3000 for Rylee this year, we both hated it. I couldn't believe how many say they like it..lol
I tend to be very eclectic in my approach, so take this with that vain. I do not do a boxed L/A because I usually don't like one approach or another and most Boxed L/A's tend to cover everything under the umbrella. I split everything out. I use a K12 List for spelling and use Spelling City for worksheets, games, practice and even the testing. For handwriting, I use A Reason for Handwriting, short easy lessons. For Reading Comprehension, I usually use a either a Science Reader or a Historical Fiction that fits with what period of History we're learning, and then we discuss, not write down, her answers. For Grammar/Writing, I kind of rotate what we do. This year we started out with the Starfall Level II Writing Journal, she had a lot of fun with that. Then we moved to a Vocabulary in Focus workbook that she just finished. I'm thinking of using the Free Scott Foresman Grammar/Writing stuff to finish out the year, maybe. I'm giving her a break this week, though. This seems to work for us.
Oh no! If you don't like what I think you don't like.....then that's a big bummer!! If it's what I think......the spelling is a doozie, isn't it (that's why my 3rd grader is doing the 1st grade!)? If you want some light grammar at this age, I would recommend The Sentence Family (it's a pretty inexpensive download). I also really like The Humpties grammar books. Another suggestion is Growing with Grammar. For spelling.....maybe Spelling Plus?
Yes, it's what you are thinking.. I had to look at the TG to figure out the light switches on the first page.:roll: I like the looks of The Humpties but I can't find anywhere to buy it, or any examples. Do you have any idea where I can buy it or see it?
At 2nd grade kids should be reading and doing writing. The key is to get them comfortable with writing and not too concerned about all the mechanics. Basic capitalization and punctuation is really all that is needed for mechanics. As for writing, expanding the amount of detail and trying different styles (poetry, journaling, story telling...) would be the normal focus for second grade.
I like Rod and Staff Grammar and Spelling. I used them with my second child and plan to use them with my youngest.
Shoot! I'm sorry that didn't work out for you (or that you think it won't work for you). Hopefully you can resell and recoup what you paid. Don't feel bad about the light switches....I wouldn't know what that was either w/o the TG. You had to "switch" the letters....my dd had no problem getting it....but I would think a 6 year old might have trouble switching them. I don't think there are any samples online of The Humpties. Hmm...if you PM me your e-mail address then maybe I can figure out how to scan some pages and e-mail them to you (I'm a little computer-challenged...but maybe my oldest dd can show me how to do that). Of course...I gotta see if I can find where I put those books....
I don't think it would be much trouble. If you change your mind...just pm me. You can buy them here...and here (I'm a little confused with the book cover shown here though). Sometimes they come up here (but none now). I don't know if eBay ever has them. You could try e-mailing this gal and see if she still has hers....she listed a few months ago.
I really liked the Sonlight LA. You can get just the LA for up through 3rd grade Here is a link to a sample of their LA program http://www.sonlight.com/attachments/2LG/2LG-sample.pdf I personally think it is just enough at this age. The assignments go along with the readers but you can get most of them out of the library if you did not want to buy them.
I've used the Flash Kids Language Arts books from Barnes and Noble. I've been pleased with them and they are only $6.95. Right now the 2nd grade one is only $1.73. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/language-arts-flash-kids-editors/1023127478?ean=9781411404106
