Christian Light Language Arts?

[LNC]

We (grades 1,3) currently use A Reason for Handwriting, Rod and Staff English, Christian Liberty Press Spelling and Worldy Wise for language arts. As I move my 1rst grader into R&S next year, I'm dreading how long lang arts will take! I love how effective and streamlined our Christian Light math has been.

I'm so tempted to drop ALL of our language arts and switch to CLE. Should I? And supplement with Susan's new writing curriculum. Do you think CLE Language Arts would be as challenging as R&S English for the long haul?

[happykids]

It teaches grammar, penmanship, spelling, and a little writing.
It is very easy to use. The lightunit workbook pages are very pleasing to the eye, with just the right amount of diagramming and daily review to keep concepts learned fresh.
The grammar lessons are excellent and taught right in the workbooks directly to the students.
We use IEW for writing. I strongly recommend it because instead of making writing a separate subject, it teaches students how to write within all subject areas.
After 14 years of homeschooling, we have finally settled into using the following for a complete, easy to use, and enjoyable English program:

1. CLE Language Arts for grammar, penmanship, and spelling
2. IEW for writing
3. CLE Reading for excellent, thought-provoking literary elements and vocabulary instruction
4. Lots of real books for reading enjoyment.
We also sometimes go through a book with Teaching the Classics for some fun, thought-provoking literary discussions.

Blessings,
Sabrina in NY

[neesek]

I am using CLE Language Arts for the first time this year with a 2nd grader and I really like it for the most part. The spelling is not as challenging as CLP's, but is more enjoyable I think. We used CLP in 1st grade and I didn't care much for it. My ds has enjoyed the spelling in CLE much more. I also really like the grammar instruction. I like the way it introduces one new concept a day, then goes back and practices previous concepts. My ds seems to really be retaining the information.

I have to say that I have not used the penmanship portion this year since I really do not care for their style of cursive. Ds has been learning HWT cursive instead, so he just skips the penmanship portion. I am not sure how the penmanship works in future grades, but if it is just copywork, I will probably use it, but just have him use his own style.

There is some writing instruction at the 2nd grade level, but not a lot. I think after 2nd grade, it is not included, so I am also looking at SWB's book for next year.

I have never used R&S so I am not sure how it compares over the long haul. I am sure somebody else can answer that much better than me.:) For now, I am very pleased with CLE and am planning on sticking with it. For me, it has been what I have considered one of my "best finds" of the year.

[ldee]

I have found CLE quite challenging. We are using the math and the reading. I will probably use the English and reading for 5th next year.
I might even put my 3rd grader in it.

[BizyPenguin]

We're using and loving CLE lang arts and CLE math. I reviewed both of these on my blog in case you want to know more. I feel that CLE is also very rigorous, but not as dry as R&S. Good luck choosing.

[sagira]

Where do you buy the CLE Language Arts and Literature programs?

:blush: Oops.. did I just resurrect a thread? :blush:

[Lizzie in Ma]

Couldn't be happier. Rigorous, thorough, mostly self teaching, especially in the upper grades and it combines all those other pesky LA curricula with one.

[Mama2Three]

Where do you buy the CLE Language Arts and Literature programs?

:blush: Oops.. did I just resurrect a thread? :blush:


clp.org

[Elm in NJ]

We use CLE LA 2 and 4 but gave up on CLE LA 7. My 7th grader had done Rod and Staff 6 and I thought a change would do him good. But he preferred Rod and Staff, so that is what he is doing now.

[neveryoumindthere]

so I could use CLE and skip all that other language arts stuff? My dd is 6 but is reading at a grade 5/6 level so my phonics pathways book was a waste and so was handwriting without tears, if I could totally simplify with CLE that would be awesome!

my only concern is the religious content. If it's not too much then it's ok but if i have to modify or tweak too much it'll make me a little nutty. opinions?

[cam112198]

I am thinking of switching to CLE LA 2 myself, because I LOVE CLE Math!! I don't have any advice for you b/c I haven't tried it yet but have heard wonderful things!

Just wanted to bump this up!

[lovinmykids]

We LOVE CLE LA 2. I used Abeka K-2 but at the end of 2nd, we used CLE LA 108-110 and I just liked it so much better.
Were having a great year, and she is learning so much. I don't really think you need to add a seperated writing program for the one going into 2nd but you would for 3rd and on.
The only thing I feel is lacking, is there spelling. So, I supplement with BJU 3 and I match it up with what special sounds they are working on in there CLE lessons for the week. I give her 25 words each week.
I really like BJU cuz it has journal writing built in for every Thursday.
As for R&S, I can only say what I've heard. I have heard that the diagraming gets pretty intence. CLE still has it but I don't think it's as thick as R&S.
I really like CLE, it's gentle but the kids start learning things really quickly so that is why my 3rd grader is only in book 204 now. It's good tho!
Either way, both are good programs.
We did NOT like CLE math, so we switched. Gave her daily tears and frustration.
HTH

[skaterbabs]

Dot is working through CLE LA 100 now, and it's VERY rigorous. Her brothers are having to work very hard (500 & 600 levels) on their lessons as well. The 100-level lessons are actually quite short (especially compared to the math) but cover a lot of material. I've been VERY pleased.

We don't use their reading/literature materials. Dot is 6 years old and reads on a fairly high level, so right now we're simply reading through whatever looks interesting (The Little House in the Big Woods, The Little Princess, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, etc.) The boys are using Lightening Literature (gr 7) which is lit and a surprising amount of creative writing.

[LNC]

We (grades 1,3) currently use A Reason for Handwriting, Rod and Staff English, Christian Liberty Press Spelling and Worldy Wise for language arts. As I move my 1rst grader into R&S next year, I'm dreading how long lang arts will take! I love how effective and streamlined our Christian Light math has been.

I'm so tempted to drop ALL of our language arts and switch to CLE. Should I? And supplement with Susan's new writing curriculum. Do you think CLE Language Arts would be as challenging as R&S English for the long haul?

I asked this question 1 1/2 years ago! :001_smile:The thread got bumped. We have been happily using CLE Lang. Arts since. I supplement the spelling, but we'll stay with it through 8th grade.