Language arts have never been my children’s strong point. I think it has a bit to do with the fact that their teacher (aka myself) dislikes LA. I can write, but not as good as the blogger around the corner. That is ok, I don’t believe God called me to blog because of my language arts skill or lack there of.
I also believe that language arts are typically taught wrong. They are taught in such an isolated way, that we tend to struggle to connect the dots to put it all together to creatively write something of quality as far as the rules and ways of language arts goes. (I know, bad sentence there)
Though, we are using a language arts curriculum or three, we also are doing things a bit differently. Oh, and I know that there is more to language arts than grammar and writing structure.
I use the grammar and writing curriculum below as a guide for our family. We pull parts of them together to help in areas I find their skills are lacking. They will work on some pages in the books when I see issues in their notebooking pages. I find that with the grammar and writing curriculum below, my older children actually enjoy doing the worksheets. They are quick and not overwhelming, so as we move through, I may go ahead and have them complete them daily. Right now we are still tweaking our schedules.
However, for spelling and phonics/reading, we are following the curriculum as written.
For myself, we do need a full phonics curriculum. I just can’t keep up with four non-readers without it. So, we are using All About Reading, and some Explode the Code.
Phonics Curriculum
These two programs don’t exactly work together, but I like to have a couple of workbook style phonics pages for those not getting one on one help to work on while I work one on one with someone else. Explode the Code gives me this.
I love All About Reading because it gives us hands on, and a little more one on one practice. It has short, to the point and easy to follow instructions and lessons to follow. The activities are easy, but offer the student some practice.
Grammar Curriculum
Growing with Grammar is something new we are using. So far, I really like it. It is a lot more textbooky than most thing I like, but with grammar I needed a bit more, do this, do it this way because, and so forth. Each lesson tends to build on from the previous and a reasonable order, rather than the bouncing around seen in some grammar curricula.
I also use Analytical Grammar. We love the DVDs that come with this, it really helps to have someone walking you through the concepts. The short workbook pages are great to get a good grasp of the concepts so when I have them use the new concept in their writing they are more likely to use it correctly.
Writing Curriculum
Winning with Writing is from the same company as Growing with Grammar. Again, Winning with Writing has short to the point assignments that don’t overwhelm the struggling student, but challenge the more advanced student. This means I only need to get used to the format of one curriculum vs. several to meet the multiple needs of my family.
Spelling Curriculum
All About Spelling is a program we have bounced in and out of for a few years, and we are going to stick with it this year. Why? I am finding it really does work, it is teacher intensive, but is worth it. Yes, I am going to struggle to find the time to work with everyone on this, but it is worth it, and once we get going, I am hoping I can let the olders work with a younger and maybe that will free up more time to help someone who needs more one on one in some area. All About Spelling is hands on, this is why it works so well. Really, if I actually take the time to think about it, it will probably save me time in the long run, as I can mostly grade and guide at the same time, vs., guide, assign, and then grade.
I am also having my older two use Sequential Spelling on days we run out of time. That way, they do get some spelling in. It has helped build some connections helping them figure out spelling based on words they do know. I find it worth their time, and it helps me not panic on those super busy days.
Handwriting Curriculum
For handwriting, we are using McRuffy and Startwrite software. I love McRuffy. Their handwriting books break away from tracing pencil over a black or gray dotted line. They use a colored ink (red, yellow, blue or green) then the students trace over that, so they can REALLY see the difference. AWESOME huh? I have been looking for something like this, and finally found it at the Midwest Parent Educators convention in KC last April.
Language arts has been one of the more challenging subject groups to find something that will work for all. In order to help me, keep on top of these subjects it has taken awhile to find things that work for our family and to modify them so that we are not overwhelmed.
You probably noticed that I use more than one curriculum in different areas, to help meet the needs of different learning styles and needs in our family.
How do you handle the subject or groups of subjects that aren’t your favorite to teach?
mother, christian, wife, woman, child of God. It is about my life as a farmer’s wife, as a cook, a baker, a nurse, a teacher, a woodworker, a housekeeper, a farmer (yep, I drive tractors, pick up hay bales, and other farm duties), a gardener. So, what you read here, is me, as a transparent sometimes hot headed, passionate, and opinionated person.
