Grammar questions for ds12...

[stephanie]

My ds12 is doing R&S6 now for grammar. However, his writing (paragraph formation) definitely needs some work. Do ya think it would put him behind if we took some time off (maybe a month) to focus solely on writing? I have books focusing solely on that, but can't find the time b/c of our already busy schedule. Any suggestions are great!

[Sue G in PA]

My dd11 does R&S5 and also struggles in writing. She does R&S 3 days/wk and some sort of writing 5 days. On the days she does R&S she also does an exercise in Ancient History Based WRiting Lessons. They are rel. short. The other 2 days/wk we do letter writing to friends/relatives and some other fun writing act. We're trying to start up a family newsletter written almost entirely by the kids. In answer to your question, I don't think that taking some time off would hurt him, but perhaps just splitting your week up btwn writing and grammar? Maybe do 2 days grammar and 3 writing?

[stephanie]

That's a really good idea! We do journaling every AM, but that's not enough for him. I think I may do grammar M/W and writing T/TH/F. What do ya think? Thanks, Sue!

[Patricia in WA]

This is why we left R&S. DD was getting little writing. She also needed something more guided, less creative. We tried Writing Strands and that was a HUGE failure.

Since we switched to CW we have not looked back. I ended up dumping a formal grammar program all together. She now gets her grammar from CW and Latin Prep. The writing has come a long way with few tears. :eek: During our move, we stopped CW and just used Warriner's Composition book (I think 3rd course) and the two oldest did the assignments easily with few edits. I give CW all the credit. I no longer give writing a second thought. We are doing the Poetry book now and we are all enjoying it.

HTHs,

[Tammyla]

and focus on writing. You could take the month or a few days a week and work on those skills. The pay off once the skills are firmly cemented will carry over into all his assignments and last a life time.

I don't think the curriculum choice matters, just the writing process. :rolleyes:

[4pillars]

We also use Rod and Staff 5&6.. I just schedule a writing time each day in addition to Rod and Staff. I just picked up a copy of Jensens Format Writing and have started implementing it, which has been a huge success!! I am really thinking of checking out CW for next year though.

Jen

[mcconnellboys]

I think that's exactly what they do in schools. They never cover an entire grammar book in any year!

Regena