I've been looking into what we want to do for Language Arts next year. This year, I bought the first grade book for Learning Language Arts Through Literature, and I was not impressed. It was stuff my daughter had learned early on in K, and this was supposed to be for 1st grade. I saved it, to use for my youngest this coming year. However, I don't want to make the same mistake again. Does anyone use Explode the Code? And if so, are the 2nd grade books actually teaching what a 2nd grader needs to learn? Is this curriculum something that needs other things to be paired with it, or can it be used alone? Is it something we can start right in with 2nd grade, or is it best if used from the beginning?
It's not a complete language arts program. I'm not sure which ones would be used for 2nd grade. You can look at samples though on christianbook.com and see which would best fit your child.
ETC is strictly phonics, so unless you just want to focus on learning to read (and spelling in a somewhat kind of way), then you may want to look at other options. As far as grade levels for ETC, many say the letter levels are for pre-k but others say K. In my opinion either is fine depending on the sudent. I will say that the letter levels (which cover letters only, not putting words together) are K just for ease.. so then levels 1, 2, and 3 are 1st, 4, 5 and 6 are 2nd, 7 and 8 would be 3rd. (or bump them down if you considered the letter books preK). Also, many take out 4 and move it to the end. The half books are only extra if your child needs extra practice. Other options for Language arts... Grammar and Writing that is free: http://www.sfreading.com/resources/ghb.html Spelling that is free: http://www.zaner-bloser.com/media/zb/zaner-bloser/spellingconnections/practice-pages.html Other programs: Grammar: Easy Grammar, Growing with Grammar, Queen's Language Lessons (this is all inclusive I think), Caught'ya Grammar, also Evan Moor has a great grammar workbook Writing: Writing Strands (one of my favs), Winning with Writing, Writing Tales, Write Shop, and many more Spelling and Vocabulary: Wordly Wise 3000, Soaring with Spelling and Vocabulary
Hmmmm.... I don't know, I don't have them. But seeing you post here reminded me of McRuffy for language arts (and math and science).
Beyond the Code books are reading comprehension. I used explode the code. If your student needs to learn the letters and their names and sounds start with the A, B, C level books. If not use the 1,2,3,4,5 etc books. They are not very expensive so you might just start with 1 and move on with a second grader. They do not teach grammar, but do have lettering practice built in.
HaHa! I just ordered McRuffy Phonics 1st and worlbook for my K guy! I kept trying to walk away, but I couldn't!:roll:
This is my thoughts too... but in some states kids are required to do standardized testing every year or every so many years (here it is 3rd, 5th and 8th grades)... so we are kind of obligated to make sure our kids are learning "something" to show we are making progress.
