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litabitm Forum Newbie
Joined: Feb 25 2008
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Posted: Feb 25 2008 at 9:05pm | IP Logged
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I've read some of the older threads on the different grammar programs. I was leaning towards Easy Grammar, but then I read an article on the IEW website about Analytical Grammar. The program looks great. They have a great website with video samples of the program and the authors explain how the program works. Has anyone used this before? It is expensive, but is meant to be used over 2-3 years so I guess the price averages out. I'd just like to hear some "real life" experiences. My children will be 6th grade, 3rd grade, and 1st grade. We will be doing Sonlight, "Charlotte Mason" style.
thanks,
Liz
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Nina Forum Pro
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Posted: Feb 29 2008 at 4:36pm | IP Logged
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Liz,I have not used Analytical Grammar.We use Easy Grammar,and are pretty happy with it.I especially like the way the author explains each concept.It is very easy for the children to understand without talking down to them.
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hylabrook1 Forum Moderator
Joined: July 09 2006
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Posted: Feb 29 2008 at 8:31pm | IP Logged
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I agree that Analytical Grammar looks great. I've talked with the author at a hs curriculum fair, and liked what she had to say. The reason I didn't buy it is that it's too expensive for my pocketbook. I don't remember how much it costs, but it's not cheap. I've used Winston Grammar with younger children (4th or 5th grade) to introduce the idea of parts of speech and word functions, then followed up with traditional grammar textbooks (ones I have from when we used Calvert with my older dc).
If I didn't already have grammar materials and knew I was going to be teaching grammar to several children, I would go with the Analytical Grammar.
Hope that helps.
Peace,
Nancy
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Lauri B Forum Pro
Joined: March 11 2008 Location: Pennsylvania
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Posted: March 13 2008 at 9:01pm | IP Logged
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I'm using Analytical Grammar with my 12th & 8th graders this year. We're on "Season 3" as we're working straight through. It takes us 30 minutes to do, Monday through Thursday. Monday through Wednesday we do a lesson and Thursday they take the test and check each other's answers. It is a truly excellent program! I have learned so much about grammar and my kids genuinely enjoy the challenge of grammar. The author makes it more like mathematics than grammar (in a good way!) in that there is a finite amount to learn and a very succinct way to learn it. She includes all sorts of helpful hints such as charts, buzzwords, and others. As you complete the lessons, they are ripped out of the book leaving only the "notes". An instant Grammar Reference book in which the student knows just where to find everything for referring to at any time in the future. The lessons and test are "open book" as the author's goal is to have the children not only know how to do it, but where to find out. The diagramming is actually like a puzzle and my 13 yo son, in particular, gets a huge kick out of it. He's taken to diagramming Shakespearean quotes just to see if he can.
We chose to do it in one year so that our eldest would be finished in time for graduating! :) I will be doing the suggested three-year plan with my youngest. (Probably 6th, 7th & 8th.) Because it *really* is all the formal grammar we need in the Jr High-High School ages, the price is much more reasonable than one might think. We've never done formal grammar before this (just Mad Libs, copywork and SImply Grammar) and my 8th grader was able to jump right into it.
For most of our homeschooling (formally since 1993) I have written (or put together) the majority of our curriculum. ('Coz I'm picky!) Along with Teaching Textbooks math, Analytical Grammar is a MUST have for me. No affiliation! I'm just so glad we found it. Naturally, not every program will work for everyone, though!
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teachingmyown Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 20 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: July 10 2008 at 2:30pm | IP Logged
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litabitm wrote:
I've read some of the older threads on the different grammar programs. I was leaning towards Easy Grammar, but then I read an article on the IEW website about Analytical Grammar.
thanks,
Liz |
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Does Andrew Pudewa recommend Analytical Grammar? I got the impression a few years ago when I asked him about it that he thought it was overkill. But, it was very new at the time.
I ask because I am searching for LA for my reluctant ds10, who needs a "just the facts" approach.
Thanks!
__________________ In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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amyzkids8 Forum Newbie
Joined: June 12 2008 Location: Maryland
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Posted: July 15 2008 at 2:32pm | IP Logged
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Liz,
i am using AG for my dd. We started last year and we will use it for the 3 years of middle school (she is in 7th this yr.)She does not "love" it but she is learning alot. I think the diagramming is the best part - it really helps the kids learn to think logically and if you want to teach Latin it will really come in handy to know your grammar! I also used it with my son who started HS last year. He has said repeatedly that it was an excellent program and has helped him in HS.
The last part (usage and common errors) especially is excellent preparation for HS entrance exams or any standardized tests your child may have to take.
If you will be using it with multiple children it is a good investment because you only have to buy a new student book every yr.
I give it a thumbs up
_________________
Amy, Mom to 8
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nissag Forum All-Star
Joined: Nov 23 2006 Location: Massachusetts
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Posted: Sept 03 2008 at 2:35pm | IP Logged
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I've decided to use the AG Reinforcement books for my two high-schoolers. Bought all three available books. I'm looking forward to using them!
Blessings,
__________________ Nissa
Deacon's wife, mother of eleven, farmer, teacher, creator, cook.
At Home With the Gadbois Family
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Lauri B Forum Pro
Joined: March 11 2008 Location: Pennsylvania
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Posted: Sept 03 2008 at 4:21pm | IP Logged
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nissag wrote:
I've decided to use the AG Reinforcement books for my two high-schoolers. Bought all three available books. I'm looking forward to using them!
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My eldest is using the AG American Literature Reinforcement book this semester, to keep everything she learned last year (in Analytical Grammar) fresh. She did find that she forgot a few things over the summer, but was able to refresh her memory by referring back to the Grammar Manual that AG Student Manual turns into after they finish all the exercises. Cleverly, the authors included reference page #s right in the Reinforcement book, so you can look up anything you get wrong, or are just unsure about. Love it!
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