Needing some Lang Arts help for dd9, ds11 and dd12...

[OneRoomHomeSchool]

My dd9, ds11 and dd12 all need writing instruction (totally weak) and some serious grammar. I have no idea where to start or what to use.

I had thought I'd just use Abeka but I don't really care for the writing portion of it. The grammar jumps around too much...basically I do not like the setup/implemetation of it.

DD9 (grade 4) seems to be more on a beginning 3rd grade level in most things. ugh
** For her I am thinking FLL 3 and Writing Tales 1 IF FLL 3 does not have enough writing? Or does it? Opinions?

DS11 and DD12, I really need to combine if at all possible (I am also teaching a first/second grader and prek). But dd12 does seem further ahead in most areas than ds11, so it may not be possible to combine.

** I am thinking Rod and Staff Grammar for them, but what level should I use? 5 or 6?

** Is the writing instruction in Rod and Staff enough? Or should I also look at Classical Writing? And if so, which CW would I use? I feel like they almost need to 'start over' in both grammar and writing. Or would Writing Strands be easier to implement with a larger family (to keep MY sanity) than CW?

** Also, ds11 and dd12 seem to be good spellers, so should we just drop spelling and move to vocab? Can they both be put into Vocab from Classical Roots A?


Confused and overwhelmed! Thanks! :D

[OneRoomHomeSchool]

Ok...I just saw about Writing With Ease coming out...so maybe for dd9: FLL 3 and WWE (instead of writing tales) ??

also bumping.... :D

[training5]

For the olders, if you use R&S, start with grade 5. It is basic enough and the other books build on it. Just what I have gleaned from other posts. I will maybe start using it soon myself. Writing is our major weak point as well. I understand.

[4pillars]

Hi,

I agree that if you use Rod and Staff, start at grade 5. I think the writing instruction in Rod and Staff is great. We also use Writing Strands. We also have and use a bit of IEW History Based Writing Lessons.

My children have all been pretty weak writers too.. but, since I started making them perservere and write out their Rod and Staff lessons, they have gotten much, much better. I also make sure they always have a writing assignment they are working on. They are also required to write written summaries in history, as well as outlining the Kingfisher...

So, for us, lots and lots of writing from many different avenues.

On another note... I pray that your transition is going well... give yourself time to adjust!! Don't try to do soooo much with everyone at the beginning... just get used to being together! You have been in my prayers.

Blessings!!

[ArwenA]

I have no idea about the writing in R&S but if you did use CW I would recommend starting with Aesop. The following levels will use skills developed in Aesop so it is the best place for a beginning writer to start.

[Lenora in MD]

I think for the 9 yo, you could use Writing Tales 1, without fll3. Writing Tales has grammar in it. It seems to require less time than cw, so it might be better for you. For you to do both wt1 and fll3 with the 9 yo would probably take up too much of your time. fll3 has a different kind of writing in it. It mostly has narration and dictation for writing. You could also do r&s3 which would include writing and grammar. For the olders, if you go with r&s you should probably start with 5. I certainly would be sufficient for writing. Considering the number of children you have, r&s, might be a better choice, if you and the children like it, because it is non-consumable, inexpensive, comprehensive and highly recommended. cw takes a lot more time, so you need to think of your time and scheduling considerations. If you decided to use cw, you would probably use cw for older beginners. This is recommended for 7th grade. You would need a separate grammar program. You could use r&6, analytical grammar or harvey's to go with it.

[4pillars]

Hi,

I agree that if you use Rod and Staff, start at grade 5. I think the writing instruction in Rod and Staff is great. We also use Writing Strands. We also have and use a bit of IEW History Based Writing Lessons.

My children have all been pretty weak writers too.. but, since I started making them perservere and write out their Rod and Staff lessons, they have gotten much, much better. I also make sure they always have a writing assignment they are working on. They are also required to write written summaries in history, as well as outlining the Kingfisher...

So, for us, lots and lots of writing from many different avenues.

On another note... I pray that your transition is going well... give yourself time to adjust!! Don't try to do soooo much with everyone at the beginning... just get used to being together! You have been in my prayers.

Blessings!!