I have looked at several English programs and have come across Primary Language Lessons and it seems like it may be just what my DD needs. This is our first year of homeschooling. When we started out, she absolutely HATED writing. Actually, she couldn't write (physically) very well - I discovered that she had not been taught to correctly hold the pencil. We have spent a fair amount of time on handwriting practice using the D'Nealian method. She really wanted to learn cursive, so I told her if she worked hard to master her print, we would start cursive after Christmas. We did and her handwriting and cursive are great. I've had her do copywork, and she has written several dozen letters and thank-you notes over the course of the year. Her English Grammar book for 2nd grade now has her write a couple of sentences here and there and she easily handles these. (A year ago, she would have taken forever to try to come up with a sentence). So, with handwriting well in hand and this small amount of writing behind her, I think that Primary Language Lessons might be a good fit to move her gently along with her writing. Anyone have experience with this? Does it seem like it would be a good fit for her?
I have not used this...but I have used "First Language Lessons of a Well Trained Mind" by Jesse Bauer (daughter of Susan Wise Bauer? Or Mother??? Never sure what their relationship is...gotta read the book again! LOL ) We don't really do the WTM other than this book b/c it works with my son very well. Actually, my son LOVES his language arts program (FLL) because we sit and it's just us and such. I would assume just from looking at the book you mention that it's similar in process and concept - building on memorization, narration and dictation....maybe for a little bit older child than FLL (first & 2nd grade level). I know FLL has a 3rd book - but after looking at the one you're looking at....I might actually use Primary Language Lessons instead! HEEE HEEE!!!!
We are using PLL this year. My dd loves it! It's one of the few books that she wants to continue to use next year - though next year will be ILL (same format-just higher level) I love that it is very gentle with real-life applications. It also works great for us as my daughter has vision difficulties that make oodles of writing painful. I can do many of the lessons orally and still get the learning across. We found about it through My Father's World curriculum.
more language stuff here. http://del.icio.us/cornopean/language and here is Long's language. they will send you a sample if you ask. the other grammar books here are about worthless IMO. http://www.dollarhomeschool.com/view/dollarhomeschool/s163p1806.htm
