Sonlight LA-do I need a writing program?

[coffeefreak]

I'm going to purchase Core 3 for my daughter next year and am considering using the LA program to go with it. If I use the LA program from core 3 (american history), will I need a separate writing program? Could anyone tell me what they thought of the LA program?
Thanks!
Dorinda

[RoughCollie]

I did not like SL's LA program. We gave it a valiant effort, but it just was not for us.

[coffeefreak]

Did you buy the books and just not use the LA teacher's guide?
Thanks!
-D

[RoughCollie]

I bought everything and didn't use the LA materials after the first month. We used G.U.M. instead, and a couple of years later switched to Rod & Staff, which I think is wonderful.

We started using SL3 when the kids were at the end of 3rd grade after we finished FIAR. I only used it for a year because I went back to following the suggestions in TWTM. I liked SL fine, overall -- but I was a curriculum junkie back then.

Did you buy the books and just not use the LA teacher's guide?
Thanks!
-D

[Pata]

We have just used LA for gr.1, so I can't speak to LA3 specifically, but I believe that they are similar in style. We are still debating whether to stay with Sonlight's LA, my dd has made progress, but I am not completely comfortable with the natural approach since LA is not my strong subject. There is writing in the program and I don't think that you would need a separate writing program unless you want something to help you teach more of the mechanics of writing, a common complaint on their boards. It's my understanding there is no spelling in LA3, so you would need that. Also, Sonlight's grammar is alittle disjointed and my dd has not retained any of it. If we use Sonlight's LA next year we will add grammar. I hope that helps!

[coffeefreak]

Paige,
That does help. I had intended to add grammar, but writing is what I'm debating. It sounds like maybe I should purchase the LA and try it out. They do have the 6 month return policy:D
Thanks!
Dorinda

[Jenny in Atl]

I liked the older more grammar focused SL LA. That said, I have been using it as a supplement to Classical Writing, doing a few of the creative exercises as time off from the more rigorous CW.

[Jules in MI]

We are doing Core C with my 2nd grader but the 2nd grade readers and LA2 were too easy for him. Writing IS included in their LA program, but there was to much creative writing and not enough grammar in my opinion, in LA2. I heard LA3 is much more "meatier" and you can add Grammar Ace with LA3, a recommended supplement from Sonlight. I would say you wouldn't need a separate writing program.

[siloam]

I'm going to purchase Core 3 for my daughter next year and am considering using the LA program to go with it. If I use the LA program from core 3 (american history), will I need a separate writing program? Could anyone tell me what they thought of the LA program?
Thanks!
Dorinda

Nope you don't need an additional writing program. SL is based on Ruth Beechick ideas and she recommends covering grammar once in Jr. High and once in High School. The rest she believes is covered in dictation (quotes, capitals, end punctuation), so it doesn't need to be beat to death. In other words, it is light on grammar on purpose. Feel free to add if your philosophy doesn't line up with theirs.

The only frustration I had was that they spiral concepts, which was fine when they were concepts I new well, like quotes, but wasn't the way I wanted to approach things as we moved ahead. Thus I still re-use my LA K, 1 and 2 but then I move to CW. :D

Enjoy!

Heather

[Mom2OregonBoys]

If I use the LA program from core 3 (american history), will I need a separate writing program?

Dorinda:

No, you certainly won't need another writing program if you choose to purchase LA 3 for Core 3. You should be aware, however, that there is virtually no grammar instruction in LA 3--just abundant writing. The writing assignments are quite challenging even for many older kids (the age range is 8-11 years, I think). I see frequently on the forums that parents are modifying the writing assignments to make them less challenging for kids who aren't ready for them. The assignments include: writing a research paper with a bibliography, a biographical essay of Ben Franklin, poetry, a character sketch of so and so (from reader), etc. As was mentioned by another poster, a common complaint on the SL forums is that there simply isn't enough detailed instruction on writing nuts and bolts in the IG to perform the assignments given. I tend to agree. My DS has nearly completed Writing Strands 3 as well as R & S 3, so he has good writing skills. Without the benefit of this background, he'd really be struggling with the intense writing in LA 3. Though I wish the IG was more explicit, I really love that it promotes a dialog between the reading and writing in Core 3 (and all Cores above level 3), as the materials are fully integrated with each other. The student writes about what he reads and the readers are based on the history covered in the Core.

The lack of grammar instruction is due to Ruth Beechick's philosophy, on which SL's LA is based, rather than lack of academic rigor. Beechick believes that children need to write (and write, write, write . . .) but don't need formal grammar until they approach their middle school years. If you disagree with this approach to grammar, as I do, you will need to add it. SL recommends Grammar Ace for 4th through 7th graders. From what I hear, though, Grammar Ace won't satisfy most classical homeschoolers. It doesn't go deep enough, as Beechick believes that a little practical grammar will do. I love Sonlight, but I just can't get excited about Ruth's theories. I will continue R & S next year alongside Core and LA 4.

As for spelling, it is not included in LA 3, as another poster mentioned. You'll need to purchase this separately.

Blessings,