Well my kiddo is a speed reader it seems if the stuff interests him. He read Indian in the Cupboard in 1 hour car ride. (I kept an eye on him, he actually did read it) But when it comes to spelling, grammar and writing skills YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Total frustration for mom. In 3 weeks is the state homeschool convention and I actually got hubby talked into going to take care of younger kiddo's so I can actually look. But I have no idea what to look for that will work. Son hates drill work but I don't know any other way to teach grammar. We Use Mystery of History 1 and Concidering God's creation and he loves both of them. For math we are working on the basics with him (another subject he hates) We still haven't found a math curriculum that would work with him. He is ADD and non medicated so his attention span isn't too great unless it really interests him. We've thought of some sort of literature type studies. Using books to help teach grammar and such. Anybody have any suggestions? Thanks!
There are MANY great programs. Finding one that fits your child is hard sometimes! My son is just like yours, it sounds like. He's 13 now, and if in school would be labeled ADHD. He has a hard time, still, sitting still, so had a rough time practicing for his piano lessons! However, if he's reading books that he enjoys---he's through them in no time at all! I've actually asked him, "How could you be done already? There's no way you can read that fast!" Then I'd ask him questions about what he read, and he'd answer every one of them correctly! I guess some have that speed-reading talent! I sure don't! Anyway, he was horrible in English, and though I tried many (Shirley Grammar, A Beka, Bob Jones and Easy Grammar), nothing clicked! THEN, I found Rod & Staff English. I had to start at a low level, but it clicked! A few weeks after starting it, he said, "Mom, English is my favorite class!" This from my English hater! He was in 8th grade this year, and did the Level 5 R&S Eng. book. We call them levels, not grades, and appreciate being able to work at the level we need---whether it's "ahead" or "behind"---those words are relative anyway! Plus, the Teacher's book is great, and easy to use, and the lessons are very good, but not too long! I sit down with him and do them---sometimes we do everything orally, because he catches on to it. Otherwise I have him do some of the work that he most needs. I recommend you look at their site. Your son sounds so much like mine, he may like this too! I can answer more questions if you like, just ask! Here's a site to look at them: http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com/Building_Christian_English_Series/
Spelling Power. It's pricey, but the only one you will have to buy. The gal who runs the www.HeadsUpNow.com website recomended it to me. I've used it with Faythe this year. I think Faythe may be undiagnosed ADHD. Both my brother and DH's brother were ADHD, so it kind of runs in our families. Anyway, Spelling Power only takes 15 minutes a day. It is multi-sensory. They do an activity to practice their words. Faythe has been known to go outside and jumprope while practicing her words, or doing them on Dad's exercise trampoline in the basement.
What about Learning Language Arts through literature? Has anyone used this? How does it work? I've looked at the website but would like some opinions on it before I make up my mind exactly what program I'll get. Thanks
I used it a while back. It's very gentle, and doesn't seem to really go into anything in depth. It's more touch and go.
I tried that for a little while with my younger two, and it bombed. So we just moved on. I got them for very cheap, and took them back to the same store I got them, and got a little commission out of them, so I wasn't out much at all. It was worth a try, just in case!
