I'm trying to think about grammar for 2nd grade- FLL, PLL, or just Latin?

[gandpsmommy]

Dd6.5 will finish the second grade work for FLL this spring, so I'm trying to decide what we should use for grammar in second grade in the fall. I have liked FLL, but dd doesn't enjoy it so much. I'm wondering if it has to do with the format of FLL, or if she just isn't disposed to like grammar as well as other subjects. It comes very easily to her, and she understands it well. She just doesn't count it among the subjects she likes to do. This is okay with me, as I know that not everything in life worth doing is going to be enjoyable to us, although, I wonder if a different approach might change her perspective? I need to decide if we should use FLL3, Primary Langauge Lessons or just Latin? My inclination is that we should use a formal grammar program in combination with Latin, but several people have mentioned that Lively Latin incorporates English grammar review. I don't know anything about Primary Language Lessons beyond what I could see on Amazon, but it sounds interesting. Any recommendations?

[one l michele]

One thought, maybe she'd do better with a workbook based. For my middle FLL is do "drawn out", he's a get to the point type kid and didn't care for the interactive/scripted style. He is very independent and would prefer to be handed a worksheet and figure it out himself. I struggle with not feeling like I'm teaching him because he's so dag gone independent and does well. Where my oldest wants to sit with me all day and needs VERY detailed step by step directions and continual praise. My only advice when looking at workbook based programs for grammar, is to do it daily, I really think grammar needs regular practice, even if just 5 minutes per day.

[Trivium Academy]

We're not doing Latin so I can't really answer this question but Primary Language Lessons is a wonderful approach for covering LA. We're using the one from www.hillsideeducation.com (Lingua Mater) which includes color artwork and it has been updated from Emma Serl's edition. It is a Catholic product although there are only two motivational quotes from saints and one poem about Immaculate Mary which can be skipped.

It is formatted to be non-consumable and I prefer it to any other version of Emma Serl's original Primary Language Lessons. I do not recommend the Queen Homeschool Language Lessons products although we'll use the Language Lessons for the Very Young for ds when he's in first grade. I do not like the formatting of the book although the concept is great.

We're waiting to do latin when dd and ds can do it together- dd will be in 6th or 7th grade and ds will be in 2nd or 3rd grade. That way, I won't be doing Latin all through homeschooling, chuckle. But that's just how I'm going to handle Latin which doesn't apply to your situation at all.

I think doing PLL with a latin product would be very beneficial b/c PLL is more than grammar. It is picture study, copywork, dictation, beginning composition, oral & written narrations and the lessons are short and sweet.

Just my 2¢

[Sue G in PA]

I've not used it below the grade 4 book, but my 4th grader now says grammar is his favorite subject (and THAT is saying something!). As thorough as R&S or FLL (without the copywork/dictation component) but workbook format.

[stephanie]

We're not doing Latin so I can't really answer this question but Primary Language Lessons is a wonderful approach for covering LA. We're using the one from www.hillsideeducation.com (Lingua Mater) which includes color artwork and it has been updated from Emma Serl's edition. It is a Catholic product although there are only two motivational quotes from saints and one poem about Immaculate Mary which can be skipped.

It is formatted to be non-consumable and I prefer it to any other version of Emma Serl's original Primary Language Lessons. I do not recommend the Queen Homeschool Language Lessons products although we'll use the Language Lessons for the Very Young for ds when he's in first grade. I do not like the formatting of the book although the concept is great.

We're waiting to do latin when dd and ds can do it together- dd will be in 6th or 7th grade and ds will be in 2nd or 3rd grade. That way, I won't be doing Latin all through homeschooling, chuckle. But that's just how I'm going to handle Latin which doesn't apply to your situation at all.

I think doing PLL with a latin product would be very beneficial b/c PLL is more than grammar. It is picture study, copywork, dictation, beginning composition, oral & written narrations and the lessons are short and sweet.

Just my 2¢

Hello Jessica! Is PLL for 2nd grade only? I was just wondering if it could be used as a 3rd grade book? I looked at the website, but didn't notice any other curriculum that was similar and went to higher grades. I love the approach of PLL. It reminds me of English for the Thoughtful Child. I do this as a supplement with dd7 who does R&S 2. Yes, I know it's probably overkill, but I just love all the narrations and picture studies. We only do it as a break from R&S, but we really enjoy it when we do. I was just hoping to maybe do PLL with dd7 next year if it was thorough enough for that level. Thanks so much! BTW, I've been enjoying your posts on your new journey to a CM approach. It's been on my heart for a while now- changing our approach to schooling, stopping to notice everything around us and learning about it- not just checking off our subjects daily! I'm reading up on it, but it's a bit difficult for me. For some reason I feel like I'm losing structure which I desperately need to feel like we've accomplished something daily. So keep up the posts b/c I'm learning from them! Thanks so much!

[hsm]

if you are not liking FLL(or if child doesn't and you don't feel strongly about it) I would not get the the third LL books. If you LOVE it, feel stronglly about it, and child does it without major problem and just isn't her favorite thing...maybe....but there are a lot of other options.

Particularily at that young age, your Latin and PLL would be plenty. A nice combo. However if you want to teach formal grammar, you can do so---just make certain it's short and sweet. You could also do something like Writing Tales.


YOu could take the old stand-by Abeka or R&S and do them orally and only a few times a week. And no need to do all the problems, by any means. You could get something like CLE and do the workbook thing, or maybe R&S pages only. YOu really don't need a teacher guide for this youg age, imo, You could do a program less formal like, easy grammar or a workbook from a store. you could look at the free online ones--some link below. Just keep igrammar instruction in itls place and in perspective
You don't need to cover every topic in a grammar book, either. Remember your goals need not be the same as the publishers', kwim?

http://www.annesschoolplace.com/teachinggrammar.htm
http://www.sfreading.com/teachers.html
http://www.oldfashionededucation.com/spellingandgrammar.htm
no personal experience, but a lot of people like this one,not free
http://www.rfwp.com/

[hsm]

Some people use Pll for 2 years (3&4) some go faster. The book Intermediate Lang Lessons is listed for 4-6, although some go through it faster. I much prefer these to EFTTC, although I believe the approach is somewhat related. Isn't EFTTC the one reccomended in the first ed. of WTM? HTH

[hsm]

I meant 2 and 3