You see that look in her eyes...you know the one. The look that says she isn't going to do this without a fight. I see that look daily. Bear hates Language Arts. I haven't found books she enjoys reading yet. I haven't found a grammar program that doesn't make her cry. And I most certainly haven't had an amazing year trying to get this done.
Actually...I lied...I did find one curriculum that didn't make her want to kill me. That was Wordsmith Apprentice. It was fun for her. The writing was approached in a way that made it less like work and more like a fun activity. She began with filling out a job application and moved on to reading newspaper articles. This curriculum moves the child along with writing and gaining confidence without the child noticing. By the end of the semester Bear was able to bust out a great five paragraph sentence! We also used A Beka, but I wasn't loving it, and neither was she! Every day was a new fight this year. I really should I have switched gears early on, but I had hoped she would rally.
I used Wordsmith Grades 7-9 for Boo. She loves to write, so this wasn't a concern of mine at all with her. I did it in conjunction with Saxon Grammar and Writing Grade 7 and Wordly Wise 3000 Student Book 7. Boo will be using grade 8 for both of these next year at her own request. We have found a curriculum that works really well for her and plan to stick with it! She also used a literature curriculum by BJU: Explorations of Literature. I'm lucky because she loves to read and write, so none of this is wasted on her!
What made the cut for this year:
Moving Beyond the Page L/A 11-13 - This is new to us, but looks promising. Bear hates reading, writing, and grammar, but I am hopeful. She did use a couple MBTP books this year for fun and just loved them! They take a more classical approach than I am used to, but I welcome the change.
BJU Excursions in Literature - This went so well, Boo asked for it again!
Saxon Grammar - This is year three for Boo with this and she loves it...easy to understand.
Wordly Wise 3000 6th Grade - We moved back to Wordly Wise for vocabulary with Bear.
Wordly Wise 3000 8th Grade - Third year in a row and going strong...I will do a whole review post on this later.
BJU Reading Grade 6 - BJU went so well with Boo last year, I am jumping in and seeing if it will work with Bear the same way. It is not easy, and can be a lot of work for the child, but a schedule is included for completion in either one or two semesters.
Reading Comprehension Skill Sheets 6 - These are by A Beka and they are all that made it to this year's planning! Bear did love the skills this helped her to build.
Teaching Writing Structure and Style with SWI Package (B) - I am blindly jumping into this one. I have heard rave reviews about IEW and figure it can help lay a solid foundation for the kids. Plus, it is good for years to come!
And here it is...
The CUT LIST:
A Beka - I just didn't love it. It was boring and repetitive. So. Unreasonably. Repetitive. Oh, and even though I love bible readings, I don't think it builds confidence in a child to have to edit them. They are hard to read and understand as it...by all means, let's make it harder! No. Sorry. Plus, Bear hated it...so much.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a portion of the profits if you make a purchase using these links.
And here it is...
The CUT LIST:
A Beka - I just didn't love it. It was boring and repetitive. So. Unreasonably. Repetitive. Oh, and even though I love bible readings, I don't think it builds confidence in a child to have to edit them. They are hard to read and understand as it...by all means, let's make it harder! No. Sorry. Plus, Bear hated it...so much.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a portion of the profits if you make a purchase using these links.
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