Abeka Grammar and Christian Liberty Press Applications of Grammar - questions

[LNC]

My 4th grade daughter has used:
FLL 1-2
R&S 3
and now Christian Light 4th

My 2nd grade son is using:
Christian Light 2

I didn't like R&S bc there was too much writing, and the mastery approach was overkill on one topic at a time. I'm not the best at shortening curriculum - but even if I assigned even and odd #'s it just took too long.

I like Christian Light bc it is spiral and a workbook. However, there just isn't enough actual grammar and we already have a separate spelling and vocabulary workbooks that we really like.

SO!!

1. I'm considering Abeka for next year bc of some board member's recommendations. I see Language A,B,C. What levels would my children move into next year? What grade would C be? Does it include as much diagramming as R&S? I want diagramming.

2. I really like Christian Liberty Press for spelling and phonics. I love their rigorous, uncluttered matter of fact approach to workbooks. This grammar curriculum starts in 7th -12th. I'm wondering why I don't see it on the boards more? It looks great! Any users?

[Donna A.]

My 7th grader used Abeka last year for 6th and liked it quite well. She loves how Abeka explains things, no matter what subject she's tried. She loves the format. My 4th grader (then 3rd) also did Abeka grammar last year and liked it.

Language A is the 4th grade book, B is 5th, and C is 6th.

That said, we have Applications of Grammar to try this year. We like the *looks* of it and how uncluttered it is, and the fact that it includes writing exercises and diagramming, but she hasn't actually started it yet. (We've had a lot going on this summer and fall and just got back home from a long trip.)

All that means is that I can't help you because we like both so far. ;) I think you could successfully use Abeka until 7th grade, and then switch to Appl of Grammar.

[Ellie]

Instead of ABeka, what about Growing With Grammar? It does diagramming, it's a workbook, and it includes writing, but it doesn't look as if it has the grammar overkill that ABeka does.

Or, if you want only grammar, then what about Easy Grammar?

[LNC]

Growing w/ Grammar and Easy Grammar look like nice programs, just not for me :). GwG 6th grade samples were too easy after what we've done. Easy Grammar has an emphasis on prepositions that just confuses me. Thanks for the suggestions though!